Port Isabel, Texas
City in the United States in Cameron County
About Port Isabel
Port Isabel is a city in Cameron County, Texas, United States. It is part of the Brownsville–Harlingen–Raymondville and the Matamoros–Brownsville metropolitan areas. The population was 5,028 at the 2020 census.
The city's name is given to the Port Isabel Detention Center, 12 miles (19 km) to the northwest next to Port Isabel-Cameron County Airport.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How Port Isabel is governed
Form of government not yet listed.
1 of 14 positions listed. Gray dashed boxes are placeholders waiting for a name.
Residents of Port Isabel
Registered voters elect the officials below.
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Mayor
Executive
- Martin Cantu, Jr. per Wikidata
The city's chief elected official. Presides over the executive branch, proposes the budget and represents the city.
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City Manager / Administrator
Executive
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The professional administrator who runs day-to-day operations (in some cities appointed by the council instead of the mayor).
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Police Chief
Administration & departments
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Leads the police department.
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Fire Chief
Administration & departments
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Leads the fire and emergency services department.
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Public Works Director
Administration & departments
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Streets, water, sewer, and city buildings.
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Finance Director
Administration & departments
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The budget, taxes, and city accounts.
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Planning & Zoning Director
Administration & departments
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Land use, zoning, building permits.
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Parks & Recreation Director
Administration & departments
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Parks, programs, and public facilities.
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City Council
Legislative
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The elected body that passes ordinances, sets the tax rate and approves the budget.
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City Clerk
Administration & departments
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Keeps the official records, runs meeting agendas and, often, local elections.
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City Attorney
Administration & departments
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The city's lawyer; advises officials and prosecutes ordinance violations.
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Boards & Commissions
Legislative
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Citizen advisory bodies, such as planning, zoning appeals and library boards.
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Municipal Court
Judicial
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Hears traffic, ordinance and other minor cases.
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Municipal Judge
Judicial
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Presides over the municipal court.
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- Website
- portisabel-texas.com
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Population over time
From 5,006 in 2010 to 5,028 in 2020 (+0.4%).
Show the numbers
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 5,028 |
| 2010 | 5,006 |
History
Port Isabel is named after Queen Isabella of Spain, though it was originally known by Spanish colonial settlers as El Frontón (referring to a wall-like cliff extending into the bay). Over time, the area became known as La Punta de Isabela or Point Isabel derived from the Potrero de Santa Isabela land grant. When it was incorporated as a city in 1928, the name was formally updated to Port Isabel
Established as a town after the Mexican War of Independence, Port Isabel became an important cotton-exporting port before the American Civil War. The harbor, town and lighthouse all were fought over and exchanged hands during the Civil War.
In September 1967, Hurricane Beulah caused extensive damage to much of the city. On July 23, 2008 Hurricane Dolly, a category 2 storm, also caused extensive damage to the city.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.