CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — If you're having trouble tracking down a 2020 beach parking permit, it might be because of some changes to how local businesses are distributing them across the city.
According to city officials, local businesses are responsible for applying each year to sell the permits. Those permits are required for visitors to park on local beaches.
But KRIS 6 found several locations on Padre Island that usually sell permits don't have them available for purchase so far this year.
One of those locations is the Stripes convenience store near Commodores Drive.
"There was a change in the distribution process on their end," said Lisa Oliver, public information officer for Corpus Christi Parks and Recreation.
All beach parking permits sold at Stripes were sent to their corporate offices on Monday, according to Oliver. She says once they are sent, it's up to Stripes to distribute them to their stores for customers.
Across the street, at the CVS on Padre Island, permits also were unavailable. That location has been on the list to sell beach permits in the past, but this year they didn't enter into an agreement with the city to sell them.
After inquiring about distribution changes, the city updated its website with a complete list of participating locations this year, including:
- Stripes (coming soon to participating locations)
- H-E-B (Aransas Pass, Corpus Christi, Portland & Rockport)
- Walmart (Flour Bluff)
- Academy Sports (Corpus Christi & Portland)
- Naval Air Station-Corpus Christi/ITT Department
- Corpus Christi Convention & Visitors Bureau
- Nueces County Padre Balli Park Headquarters Office
- Dick’s Sporting Goods
- TAMUCC (University Services)
- Central Cashiering at Corpus Christi City Hall
- Circle K (Padre Island & Flour Bluff)
- Murphy Oil USA (Alice, Aransas Pass, Corpus Christi, Portland & Rockport)
Beachgoers can also purchase permits at the Corpus Christi Parks and Recreation Department or on the beach for $12. Funds from permit sales help provide resources to keep the beaches safe and clean.
