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Saturday, Sep. 12, 1998
Businesses near coast weather Frances
Most shops stay open, but see reduction in traffic
By GLASTON FORD
Staff WriterTropical Storm Frances had little effect on many area business, including those near coastal flood plains.
While high tides flooded portions of Corpus Christi Beach, nearby businesses remained open. Blackbeard's on the Beach was open throughout the storm, although fears of flooding in the area cut into its business, said owner Steve Bonillas.
People had the perception that all of North Beach closed down, which is not true at all, Bonillas said.
``It scares people away. They just assume that we are closed. It cut our business about in half over the past couple of days.''
The nearby restaurant and hotel at the Best Western Sandy Shores maintained normal operations throughout the storm, said General Manager Carol Jencks. The hotel had a few cancellations, she said.
Access to Snoopy's Pier, which is on the Intracoastal Waterway, was closed to anyone without a boat or a desire to go wading, said employee Pete Patterson. The good news for the restaurant is that water flooded only the parking lot and part of the deck, and never made it to the building, he said.
The American Bank branch on Padre Island remained open throughout the storm, said lending officer Dan Suckley. Some of the branch's employees -- the ones who don't live on the island -- reported to work at other branches in town Thursday and Friday morning, he said. Later Friday morning the other employees returned to the island branch, he said.
Prudential Real Estate Center on Padre Island remained open, although some employees had difficulty getting to work, said receptionist Diana Bustamante, She did not make it to work until about 10:30 a.m. Friday because of difficulties crossing the JFK Causeway, she said.
At the Port of Corpus Christi, commercial ship traffic through the Port Aransas jetties resumed about 1 p.m. Friday, said Capt. Louis Adams, presiding officer of the Aransas-Corpus Christi pilots. The currents crossing the outer ship channel have subsided, he said. However, the high tide is still a concern for some ships that may have trouble getting under the Harbor Bridge. The ships are being advised that they need an additional three feet of clearance and some are taking on extra ballast, he said.
As of Friday afternoon, 10 ships were anchored in the Gulf waiting to enter the port and 10 were in the port waiting to leave, he said. The pilots will work through the night and should be caught up this morning, he said.Post your comments about local news eventsFront Page || Main Index || News || Business || Texas || South Texas Outdoors || Birdwatching || Sports || Entertainment || Selena || Education || South Texas Attractions || World Wide Web