🌱 Fourth Of July Office Closures + Aquarium's New Splash Park Opens

Hi, Corpus Christi! Like many of you, the Patch staff will be taking some time off for the Fourth of July. I’ll be back in your inbox after the holiday, but until then, here’s what’s happening in town today.

But first, your local weather:

• Tuesday: Breezy in the afternoon. High: 96 Low: 79.
• Wednesday: Humid; breezy in the p.m.. High: 95 Low: 79.

Here are the top three stories today in Corpus Christi:

1. Reminder: several nonessential City of Corpus Christi offices are closed today, Jul. 4, in observance of the Fourth of July holiday. City Hall, all public library locations, the Municipal Court, and the utilities business office will all be closed today and reopen on Wednesday, Jul. 5. Garbage and recycling will be collected as normal, and emergency and essential services will maintain normal operations. (Caller-Times)
2. The Texas State Aquarium's new H-E-B Splash Park officially opened yesterday, Jul. 3. The park is included in museum admission and features new amenities that make it three times bigger than the previous 12-year-old splash park at the aquarium. During summer months through Labor Day, the Splash Park is open daily from 11:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. (Texas State Aquarium)
3. Due to a new three-year contract, Corpus Christi Medical Center employees who are represented by the Healthcare Corporation of America Union will receive a pay increase and other benefits. The contract is now in effect and will impact both new and existing employees. It also includes doubled on-call pay, changing from $1.50 per hour to $3.00 per hour. (KIIITV.com)

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Today and tomorrow in Corpus Christi:

Tuesday, July 4

• Big Bang Pre-Party & Firework Show At Art Center Of Corpus Christi (5:00 PM)
• 2023 Island Blast At North Padre Island (9:00 PM)
• Mayor's Big Bang Celebration At The Corpus Christi Bayfront (9:30 PM)

Wednesday, July 5

• Hooks Vs. San Antonio Missions At Whataburger Field (6:35 PM)

From my notebook:

• To celebrate the Fourth of July holiday, the South Texas Botanical Gardens is offering 25 percent off of admission and memberships today (Jul. 4). Stop by to enjoy the gardens, butterflies, conservatories, and more (note that the discount is only available to purchase in-person). (KIIITV.com)
• On this Fourth of July, the Corpus Christi Fire Department reminds residents that it is illegal to discharge fireworks inside of City Limits (including on the beach). If you would like to report an illegal discharging of fireworks, do not call 911 — instead, call 361-886-COPS (2677). If you're hoping to view a legal fireworks display tonight, check out the events section above. (Corpus Christi Fire Department via Facebook)
• In case you missed it, the Bayfront Park Fountain reopened over the weekend. The fountain had been closed for the installation of new equipment related to the circulation and filtration system. (Corpus Christi Parks and Recreation via Facebook)

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Alrighty, you're all caught up for today! See you all soon for your next update.

— Sean Peek

About me: Sean Peek is a writer and entrepreneur with a degree in English Literature from Weber State University. Over the years, he has worked as a copywriter, editor, SEO specialist, and marketing director for various digital media companies. He currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.