Not me...

Restrictions keep coming down in our county.  Yesterday, the county issued an emergency order that you must wear a mask when out in public.  The City of Port Isabel has had the order for a week or so.  There are now checkpoints at the east end of town, making sure you are following the orders: no more than 2 people in a vehicle; if you are in the car alone, you don't have to wear a mask; if there are two of you in the car, you both have to wear a mask; essential travel only.

We live on an island that is across the Intracoastal Waterway from Port Isabel... across that swing bridge that I have written about in the past.  That bridge is more than a physical separation - there is also a lifestyle difference.  We live in a gated community that was developed in the 70s... it was designed as an upscale RV resort, with a golf course, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, hot tubs, a community center, billiards room, exercise rooms, tennis courts, shuffleboard courts.  The big draw for us: canals that give many lots water access.  It is great to have a dock right out our back door - we bought here because it gave us a place for a boat.

The development has morphed over the years - all the great amenities remain, but most of what used to be sizeable RV lots are now small home sites.  Each lot is individually owned.  We govern ourselves.  We have an elected board of directors, a hired resort manager, and a staff of workers who keep things up.  We assess ourselves HOA fees that pay for all the common areas and amenities, and also include water, sewer, cable TV (and access to inexpensive high speed internet), garbage.  There is a library, a laundromat, and a small restaurant; otherwise, there are no other retail or commercial businesses.  No grocery store, no gas station, no place to buy clothes, no repair services... if we want any of that, it is available on the other side of our bridge in the city of Port Isabel.

Port Isabel has made several attempts to annex our island - always vigorously resisted by the residents here.  Port Isabel would like to have us on their tax base, but they don't want the swing bridge.  It is the only way on/off our island, and it has to open to allow boat traffic to pass.  It is expensive to maintain, and that is another thing our HOA fees go towards; we get no county, state, or federal help with the expense of that bridge.  We assess ourselves when big projects need to be done: road repaving, dredging the canals.


We address with the Post Office, UPS, Fed EX, etc, etc is Port Isabel... but, logistically and legally, we are a separate village.  In Cameron County.  Texas.

Why is any of this worth discussion?  Thanks for asking.  With the current virus situation and all the emergency orders handed down from the state, county, and city... well, we govern ourselves.  There is a lot of rental property within our village, and our management has nixed rentals through April.  I will be surprised if it that rental ban isn't extend through at least May.  All the clubs and activities have been closed down.  You may gold solo, or with one other person IF that person is someone you live with.  The restaurant is offering lunch take out.

It has been made clear that our village is not part of Port Isabel, thus is not under their emergency orders... BUT, once you cross that bridge, you have to follow their restrictions... such as wearing a mask in public.  When I was out for my morning bike ride today, I wore a mask.  No one else I saw (other than some workers) was wearing a mask.  Oh, sure, there is a Texas sense of independence throughout this state, and I am certainly aware that many people here think this island is "separate" for what goes on all around us.

Now that the county has an emergency order that masks must be worn "in public," it seems that it would make sense that the people on this island, that IS IN the county, should be wearing masks... for their protection and for those around them.  Yes, this village is private property.  But, once you leave your house/yard, you are "in public."  I know some will argue that point.

Until someone in this village comes down with the Corona Virus.

It seems to me that we have to be realistic: when the end of April comes around, there will still be people with this virus... and they will transmit that virus to others if all the restrictions are lifted.  Ready for "Round 2"?  Right now, masks make sense... while it may or may not protect, there is no down side.  Even if it only serves to remind us to maintain that 6' distance.  Until there is a fast-test, or a vaccine, this is going to be an issue.

We are not living in fear, but we are being cautious.  Taking precautions to protect ourselves as well as others around us.  Why would you not?