PORT ARANSAS, Texas — Fourth of July celebrations are underway in Port Aransas but despite the uncertainty of Hurricane Beryl, local businesses are experiencing a record-breaking number of visitors.
In his first week as Port Aransas' police chief, James Stokes said he's going above and beyond to ensure everyone is safe this weekend.
"We got record bookings this week so we got a lot of beachgoers, a lot of people in town," Stokes said. "So we put on extra patrols monitoring the highway and the beaches. Looking for unsafe driving behavior and things like that. We're trying to keep everyone safe and have a fun Fourth of July."
Stokes reminds everyone that popping fireworks in the city limits is illegal and can turn into a very dangerous situation.
"We know you think it's a great time to do it on the beach, but it really is not," Stokes said. "Like I said our prevailing winds come off of the water and blow towards the dune line and that grass in there is dry as we've been this year. It's a receipe for disaster."
Owner of Shorty's, Edwin Meyers said the summer season is an important time for many businesses.
"The businesses depend on the tourism to earn enough money to make it through the winter," Meyers said. "Certainly any impact in the summer here has a huge impact on the businesses here in Port Aransas."
Another business owner, Christina Lipman said so far the holiday has brought a lot of people into the city and into her business.
"I hope everyone gets to have a really good Fourth, and we'll worry about Beryl Saturday night," Lipman said.
Stokes urges the community to be aware of water conditions this weekend as Hurricane Beryl makes it's way through the Gulf Coast.
"So the danger of the rip currents is going to increase the closer the storm comes throughout the weekend," Stokes said. "So pay attention to the lifeguard warnings and flags on the beach."