Padre Island National Seashore Prepares for Hurricane, Closes Beach Access

Superintendent Colin Campbell announced that Padre Island National Seashore will evacuate gulf beaches and close access to park beaches at 8:00 a.m. September 21, 2005 due to adverse tidal conditions caused by Hurricane Rita entering the Gulf of Mexico. The Malaquite Beach Campground, Visitor Center, and Bird Island Basin will remain open until 6:00 p.m. Thursday, September 22, 2005. Park Rangers will re-open Padre Island National Seashore when conditions are determined to be safe for visitors.