By Steven Alford
Corpus Christi Caller-Times
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Drunken drivers, fireworks in the city and distressed swimmers - police will be on the lookout for all of them this Fourth of July weekend.
Tourism officials say it’s the biggest weekend of the year for Corpus Christi, bringing thousands of visitors to area beaches, hotels and shops. That also means more people on roads and beaches, and more work for police.
Authorities are stepping up enforcement ahead of the crowds to ensure visitors and residents alike enjoy a safe, fun holiday, Police Chief Troy Riggs said.
“The biggest thing citizens can do to help is just listen to officers, pay attention to where they’re directing you,” he said. “It’s going to take us all working together.”
Anyone who sees someone in distress or a crime in progress should call police, he said.
Police also will be on the lookout for fireworks, which are illegal within the city limits.
With Tropical Storm Arlene churning up the Gulf of Mexico, another concern is strong rip currents and high tides on local beaches.
On North Padre Island, eight extra officers will be assigned to patrol the beach, looking for swimmers in distress and intoxicated drivers.
“The tides might be a little high, but it looks like everything will be open,” said Capt. Tim Wilson, who oversees island patrols. “We want people to come out and enjoy themselves but also have a safe time.”
Last year the threeday holiday weekend saw about 10 drunken driving arrests and nearly 190 arrests for a range of charges. This year authorities have instituted a no-refusal weekend, with medical technicians on hand to take blood samples of suspected drunken drivers who refuse a Breathalyzer test. The Department of Public Safety also is increasing enforcement, putting more troopers on highways looking for speed and seat belt violations. Last year, troopers made 617 drunken driving arrests, issued 8,882 speeding citations and ticketed more than 1,600 seat belt and child safety seat violators across the state during the Fourth of July.
On Corpus Christi Beach, officers will work Monday making sure traffic flows smoothly after the 9:30 p.m. fireworks display from the Lexington Museum on the Bay.
Lt. Russell Sherman said police also will keep an eye on motorists who stop along the Harbor Bridge for a closer view.
After the fireworks end, officers will direct traffic in one direction to get them onto the Harbor Bridge quickly.
“There’s going to be a lot of people and it will take some time, but if everyone is patient, we’ll get them out safely,” he said.
Convention and Visitors Bureau staff expect a 10 percent increase in visitors from last year, with hotels reporting a 95 percent occupancy rate.
“There’s so much to do, you’re going to find out you can’t do it all in one weekend,” bureau CEO Keith Arnold said. “So be sure to come back and do it again.”
Copyright 2011 SCRIPPS Howard Publications