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'Looked like 4th of July,' photos show packed Port Aransas beach as state re-opens


(Photo courtesy of Neesy Tompkins){ }
(Photo courtesy of Neesy Tompkins)
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PORT ARANSAS, Texas - As Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced the first phase in the state re-opening, local government officials still warned residents to keep taking precautions, like maintaining social distancing practices to help reduce to spread of COVID-19. Neesy Tompkins said it's clear not everyone got the message.

Tompkins told us she went to Horace Caldwell Pier on the Port Aransas beach, where she saw several beach-goers Saturday afternoon frolicking without regard for their health and well-being.

"Beach looked like 4th of July," Tompkins said. "No one wearing a mask and few practicing social distancing."

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The long-time Port Aransas resident said she took the photos for her business page but also expressed her shock and disappointment to see so many people, despite the on-going pandemic.

"Many are angry with me saying it will hurt their business but what is so hard about keeping your distance, wearing a mask and covering your mouth when you cough?" Tompkins said. "People seem to believe that Port A is immune from COVID as judged by their actions this weekend."

Tompkins also said though there was law enforcement present, the number of beach-goers outmatched officers. She said she hopes the state will take more action after seeing her photos.

"Police officers were there but the beach is a long stretched area and how many officers for the entire Island?" Tompkins said. "I wish [the] Governor would take a look at this. It’s really scary."


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