CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Litter on North Beach is piling up near some of the Coastal Bend's top tourism spots.
A vacant lot covered in trash can be seen by thousands who visit the area this summer. Both the Texas State Aquarium and the USS Lexington are involved in clean-up efforts on North Beach.
"This is something that we care about with our community and the condition of this area," said Patti Gonzales, Human Resources Manager for the USS Lexington.
The Lex is planning their first beach cleanup on July 22. Their staff noticed a lot of trash being left behind after busy travel times to North Beach. They are asking volunteers to come from 8-10 a.m. and help clean up any trash they can find.
"The first impression is, is the best, so they'll remember that," said Gonzales. "That not just the Lexington, but North Beach -- the beach is a nice area for future vacations."
As many as 2,500 people visit the Lex on a busy weekend. They hope the beach cleanup will be an annual event. The trash-filled lot is not far from the Texas State Aquarium and Corpus Christi Bay.
"A lot of this trash can end up in the waterways and that's what impacts animals that might end up at the Wildlife Rescue Center," said TSA President Jesse Gilbert.
TSA's AquaTeen Mentoring Program helps kids gain experience in the aquarium and engage in community projects like beach cleanups, including one in North Beach last month. TSA President Jesse Gilbert said it is important for both North Beach and the wildlife that live there.
"It's good because it makes the community look better but it ultimately leads to a more resilient community on the wildlife side, as well," Gilbert said. "So, it's a really valuable project."
Lanie Gutierrez is one of more than 80 AquaTeens and took part in a beach cleanup herself. She said it is important for her to contribute and encourage other kids to do the same.
"Me and my family like to fish a lot, so it's like, we want to preserve those natural resources and the fish and, like, wildlife that we have out there," Gutierrez said.
3NEWS reached out to the City of Corpus Christi to find out who is responsible for cleaning the lot filled with trash in North Beach.
Corpus Christi Public Information Manager Robert Gonzales sent this statement:
Code compliance has not received any complaints regarding this property. The compliance officer inspected today to find litter scattered across the property, as well as tall weeds. A correction notice will be sent to the owner advising of the violations and what measures are required to bring the property into compliance. Upon reinspection, if the property is not in compliance, an abatement work order will be issued to clean-up and mow the property.
More from 3News on KIIITV.com:
- Sinton's Blake Mitchell selected by Kansas City Royals in MLB Draft
- One killed, two injured when grain elevator collapses in Tynan
- Heat was a contributing factor in death of elderly couple in Beeville
- Parents of Rockport dog-mauling victim hire Thomas J. Henry's firm
- Sheriff: Inmate with mental health issues sent powder-filled envelope to Nueces County Courthouse
- Here's when you can watch the 2023 solar eclipse over Corpus Christi
Subscribe to our YouTube channel for your daily news and exclusive extended interviews.
Do you have a news tip? Tell 3!
Email tell3@kiiitv.com so we can get in touch with you about your story should we have questions or need more information. We realize some stories are sensitive in nature. Let us know if you'd like to remain anonymous.