PORT ARTHUR, Texas — Port Arthur is gearing up for a major “Celebration by the Water,” a combined Juneteenth and Father’s Day event at the Pleasure Island Marina. This marks the first major event hosted by local developer Selim Kiralp since the city approved his lease of the Marina Bar and Grill.
The event, free to the public, kicks off on Sunday, June 15, featuring live music, watercraft, and various water activities. Kiralp’s recent lease approval is part of a larger vision to revitalize the waterfront area.
Mayor Thurman Bartie expressed enthusiasm about the development, saying, “I am ecstatic about having been the mayor at a time where we have put forth this great opportunity for the Warpaw to be developed on Treasure Island. You know we haven’t had development out there in over 60, 70 years.”
However, not everyone shares the excitement. David Bradley, Vice Commodore of the Port Arthur Yacht Club, which previously managed the space, raised safety concerns. “I understand you might have a lifeguard on the event, but my God, there’s a lot of waterfront out here, a lot of docks, a lot of risk,” said Bradley.
City leaders, including Mayor Bartie, have dismissed these concerns, assuring the public that safety protocols are in place. “Our legal department has actually told me that we are, that he does have the protection so that he can actually hold this event. Safety concerns would be a zero to none. There will be lifeguards provided. Police protection and law enforcement will be present,” said Bartie.
The city views the Juneteenth and Father’s Day event as just the beginning and a preview of future developments for this waterfront destination. The celebration will run from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday, June 15, at the Pleasure Island Marina.
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