CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — A heads up for beach goers ahead of the Fourth of July weekend on the coast: expect reduced vehicle access at certain points along the beach.
“We put these bollards out last Wednesday to cut down on vehicle access at the south end of Marker 217.”, explained Robert Dodd.
Dodd oversees the City’s Parks and Rec Department—including beaches.
He’s talking about those new posts that just popped up in front of the Wyndham Hotel, and yes—there’s a reason they’re there.
Turns out, state and local rules say there’s got to be at least 150 feet between the high tide line and the seawall.
And lately, Mother Nature’s been shrinking that buffer zone.
“Those 150 feet has been compromised,” Dodd said. “With the Fourth of July crowds rolling in, we want to keep everyone safe—both the folks walking and the ones behind the wheel.”
The city’s heard some concerns from beachgoers and residents—especially after they widened that area for through traffic not too long ago.
“We worked on that last summer,” he explained. “Since then, we’ve had two tropical storms, a few high tides—and guess what? We’re having more high tides today. It’s just good ol’ coastal erosion doing its thing. Bottom line, it’s a safety call.”
With all the rain we’ve been getting lately, 3News wanted to check in with our go-to beach brain, Jace Tunnell, for a quick shoreline status update.
“Honestly, the rain might actually help,” Tunnell said. “All those softer sand spots where people get stuck? The rain and foot traffic help pack ’em down—makes it easier to reach the water.”
According to Tunnell, the runoff from the rain is more of a bay problem than an ocean one.
“The ocean’s always moving tides in, tides out,” he said. “Storms roll in, then clear out. One day it’s sargassum, the next it’s smooth sailing. The beach is always changing, and there’s always something new to check out. Right now? Water looks good to get in.
If you are concerned about water conditions check out the flag system posted daily and visit TEXASBEACHWATCH.COM to see bacteria levels at area beaches.
As for the bollards, Dodd said they will monitor the area in front of the seawall and seek opportunities to restore and sustain the beach at a minimum 200 feet width –as outlined in the city’s Beach Access and Dune Action plan.