Fireworks Fiasco? Coast Guard Locks Down Texas Bay Waters
Published Date: 9/8/2026
Rule
Summary
The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone for navigable waters on the Laguna Madre. The safety zone is needed to protect personnel, vessels, and the marine environment from potential hazards associated with an over water fireworks display. Entry of vessels or persons into this zone is prohibited unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port, Sector Corpus Christi, or their designated representative.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Temporary Laguna Madre Safety Zone
From September 5, 2026 through September 8, 2026, a 700-foot radius safety zone will surround a fireworks barge at approximately 26°6'02.1" N, 97°10'17.7" W on the Laguna Madre near South Padre Island. The zone will be enforced for three hours (8 p.m. to 11 p.m.) on one evening during that period, and no vessel or person may enter the zone unless the Captain of the Port or a designated representative gives permission. To request permission, contact the Captain of the Port on VHF-FM Channel 16 (156.8 MHz) or by telephone at 800-874-2143.
Small Businesses: Assistance and Contacts
If this safety zone affects your small business, the rule directs you to contact the person listed in the rule’s FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section (Lieutenant Commander Timothy Cardenas at (361) 244-4784 or by email) and to use the Small Business and Agriculture Regulatory Enforcement Ombudsman at 1-888-REG-FAIR (1-888-734-3247). The Coast Guard notes the Regulatory Flexibility Act analysis provisions do not apply because notice-and-comment was waived.
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