By DIANTÉ MARIGNY
editor@portisabelsouthpadre.com
Boca Chica Beach will keep its historic name after a federal committee unanimously rejected a proposal to rename the Cameron County landmark “Cyber Beach.”
The U.S. Board on Geographic Names’ Domestic Names Committee voted July 9 to retain the name Boca Chica Beach, citing overwhelming local opposition to the proposed change. According to Cameron County officials, the committee received 2,780 emails opposing the renaming before reaching its unanimous decision.
The proposal had drawn criticism from local residents and elected officials, who argued that the historic name reflects the area’s cultural heritage and identity.
Among those voicing opposition was State Rep. Erin Elizabeth Gámez, who submitted a letter urging the committee to reject the proposal or postpone any action until Cameron County residents had an opportunity to provide public input.
“As a State Representative for Cameron County, I respectfully submit this letter in opposition to the proposed renaming of Boca Chica Beach to ‘Cyber Beach,’” Gámez wrote. “At a minimum, I respectfully request that the Committee postpone consideration of this proposal to allow for meaningful public notice and input from the residents of Cameron County, many of whom were unaware that a name change had even been proposed.”
In her letter, Gámez noted that Boca Chica Beach has been known by its current name for generations and said it remains an important part of Cameron County’s history and identity.
“Boca Chica Beach has been known by that name for generations,” she wrote. “Boca Chica Beach is part of the cultural and historical identity of our community, and that identity deserves to be preserved.”
Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño Jr. thanked residents who participated in the process and said the committee’s decision reflected the strong community response.
“We’re encouraged that the overwhelming opposition expressed by Cameron County residents, together with the support of our local, state, and federal elected officials, reaffirmed the importance of preserving the beach’s historic name,” Treviño said in a statement.
County officials also expressed appreciation to community members who brought the committee’s July 9 meeting to the county’s attention and to those who submitted comments opposing the proposed name change.
Boca Chica Beach has long been recognized as one of Cameron County’s most historic and popular coastal destinations. County officials said preserving the name protects a piece of the region’s heritage for future generations.