PORT ARANSAS, Texas — Port Aransas beaches saw plenty of visitors for July 4th despite county-wide restrictions that were put in place to limit large crowds.
Nueces Co. leaders announced earlier in the week that all county beaches are off limits to cars, golf carts, and all-terrain vehicles for the holiday weekend. However, that didn’t stop hundreds of people from packing their bags and coolers and heading to the beach.
KRIS 6 caught up with a few beach-goers who parked nearby and walked.
“Of course we have to improvise with other things to carry our stuff,” said Jacob Zendejas, who’s visiting from San Antonio. “It is definitely is worth the walk. It’s very beautiful down here and very nice.”
Saturday was warm, so some people opted to catch a ride and got dropped off at the entrance to the beach.
“There were no parking lots,” said Cherish Curry, who’s visiting from Austin. “We had to rent a golf cart then got dropped off over here than walk down.”
People in cars with a handicap sticker or license plate were allowed access to the beach. Because of some of the restrictions, crowds weren’t as large as years past.
4th of July business at Jackfish Cart Rentals also took a hit. Mac Owens, the owner, said many people cancelled their rentals for the holiday weekend.
“For now, closing down the beaches, everybody didn’t come,” said Owens. “They’re scared of COVID-19, so they didn’t want to come.”
Owens did mention his shop and Port Aransas has been booming with business over the past couple weeks.
As for those vacationing during a pandemic, they’re doing what they can to stay safe.
“We’re staying in a group as our family, and trying to stay as far away as we possibly can from others,” said Curry. “And we’re definitely wearing masks if we go into restaurants.”
Nueces County beaches will reopen to cars and golf carts on Tuesday, July 7th at sunrise. Keep in mind, a beach curfew is also in place. The beaches will close to the public every day from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.
