During its closure, Port Aransas officials only allowed visitors to use the beach for exercising purposes. Tompkins said the beach was “peaceful” and “clean” during that time. This weekend, Tompkins said the scene was is in stark contrast to what the beach was like during most of April.

“There is trash everywhere,” she said. “I get that people want to come out and enjoy the beach, but my concern is that it’s (the COVID-19 cases) going to spike up again because people aren’t paying attention to those small details that keep you safe.”

The Texas General Land Office sent directions to beach managers across the state last week, saying beaches were allowed to reopen on Friday, the same day restaurants, retail stores and movie theatres were able to open their doors under restrictions.

Priscilla Aguirre is a general assignment reporter for MySA.com | [email protected] | @CillaAguirre 

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