CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – Local leaders are extending the vehicle traffic ban for Nueces County beaches through August 17.
County Judge Barbara Canales made the news official a few moments ago at Thursday’s joint daily city-county briefing. The new order takes effect on Friday.
Vehicles have not been allowed on the beaches of Nueces County since before the July 4 weekend. The ban expired on Saturday morning. That means that for another two weeks, the only way to the beach is on foot.
“The cars down there, they park where they want, and this gives people more space,” said Rebecca McKinzie.
McKinzie and his family regularly vacation here from Fort Worth. She believes that keeping vehicles off the beach is a good thing.
This is not as crowded as it usually is when we come here, ”he said. “I know people are upset about that, but I think everyone should do their part to help solve cases and keep them at bay (COVID-19).”
Since the vehicle ban went into effect, new new cases of coronavirus in Nueces County have decreased.
“We are about 100 fewer cases per day,” said Corpus Christi City Manager Peter Zanoni. “On average 100 less, but we’re still in the 200-250 range.”
Zanoni said local leaders believe the beach vehicle ban has helped reduce those case numbers.
“Whatever it takes to get the numbers would be amazing,” said Caitlyn Chance.
However, not everyone agrees that keeping vehicles off the beach is effective, and they say the ban makes social distancing almost impossible.
“Today is not so bad; it’s during the week, “said Father Island resident Annie Hoefel.” But on weekends, I guarantee there will be three to four layers of people lined up here, squeezed into a small area. “
Another concern is the debris left behind by Hurricane Hanna, especially south of Bob Hall Pier. Coastal Parks Director Scott Cross said his teams have plenty of sand to return to the beach before it is safe for traffic.
