LOW TIDES RESTRICT ACCESS TO PORT ARANSAS FERRY The Texas Department of Transportation has announced that due to lower than normal tide conditions, the Port Aransas ferry system will be temporarily limited in the type of vehicles it can transport at certain times throughout the day. When the tide is abnormally low, the ferry system will be unable to board large recreational vehicles and trucks pulling fifth-wheel and low-boy trailers. Extremely low tides increase the angle of the loading ramp to such a degree that the undercarriage of the vehicles and trailers could be damaged or the vehicles could become stuck in a “high-center” position. These tide conditions are forecast to persist until at least Thursday (Jan.18). Motorists are advised to use SH 361 northbound from Corpus Christi to access Port Aransas. Up-to-date information on boarding conditions will be displayed on electronic message signs on SH 361 in Port Aransas and Aransas Pass, on the ferry system’s Twitter feed: @PortA_Ferry or by calling 361-749-2850.

MLK DAY – JAN. 15 – CITY CLOSURES, TRASH/RECYCLE SCHEDULE, KIDZ DAYZ AVAILABLE City offices, including the Bell/Whittington Public Library and the Portland Senior Center, will be closed Monday, Jan. 15, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The Portland Community Center, Aquatic Center, and skate park will be open on the regular schedule. Trash and recycle collection will be conducted on the normal schedule and will not be affected by the holiday. The Parks & Recreation Dept. is offering Kidz Dayz on Jan. 15. Operated in conjunction with G-PISD, Kidz Dayz offers parents safe, affordable childcare during school holidays and in-service days. It’s open to students 5-12 years old in kindergarten through 5th grade. Activities include arts and crafts, organized play, games, prizes, and lots of fun. Morning and afternoon snacks are provided. Each student must bring his/her own lunch. Kidz Dayz is held at T.M. Clark Elementary, 2250 Memorial Parkway. Hours are 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Cost is $20. Call the Parks & Recreation Dept. at 777.4670 to register.

2018 PORTLAND FARMERS MARKET SCHEDULE There will be no Farmers Market in January, February, or September. In March, the Farmers Market will take place the second Saturday of the month, on March 10. All other markets (April, May, June, July, August, October, November, and December) will take place on the first Saturday of the month. We’ll post reminders here prior to each Farmers Market. We look forward to seeing you there.

CREWS WORKING ON WATER LEAK ON SECO DRIVE Work is being done to repair a water leak on Seco Drive. Crews have turned off the water in the 200-300 block of Seco Drive to make the repairs. They expect to have the repair made and water restored in the next hour. We’ll keep you posted.

CHRISTMAS TREE DISPOSAL Christmas trees should be placed curbside according to your bulk-item collection schedule. The tree must be placed by the curb, away from any low-hanging branches or power lines, and not blocked by a vehicle, mailbox, or trash cart(s). Trees will be picked up according to your section’s usual bulk/brush pickup schedule. Here’s a link to that schedule: http://portlandtx.com/index.aspx?nid=255

RECYCLING PICK-UP DELAYED Republic Services has notified us that their recycling truck has broken down. They are sending a different truck, but those scheduled for recycle pick-up today should expect delays.

If your trash/recycle day is on Monday, Jan. 1, your collection service has been rescheduled for tomorrow, Saturday, Dec. 30. There will be no trash/recycle collection on New Year's Day.

If your trash/recycle day is normally on Monday, your trash/recycle day has been rescheduled for tomorrow, Saturday Dec. 23. There will be no trash/recycle collection on Christmas Day.

The iconic Portland sign at the Sports Complex on Buddy Ganem Drive, taken during the Great Portland Snowfall of 2017.

Christmas Holiday & Trash Collection Schedule: City offices will be closed Monday, Dec. 25, and Tuesday, Dec. 26. The Bell Whittington Library will be closed Saturday, Dec. 23 through Tuesday, Dec. 26. All parks and recreation facilities, including the Portland Community Center and the Senior Center, will be closed Saturday, Dec. 23 through Monday, Dec. 25. There will be no trash or recycle collection on Monday, Dec. 25. That pick-up has been rescheduled for Saturday, Dec. 23. New Year’s Day & Trash Collection Schedule: City offices, including the Senior Center and the Bell Whittington Library, will be closed Monday, Jan. 1. All parks and recreation facilities, including the Portland Community Center, will be closed Sunday, Dec. 31 and Monday, Jan. 1. There will be no trash or recycle collection on Monday, Jan. 1. That pick-up has been rescheduled for Saturday, Dec. 30.