Port Isabel to celebrate native son's success

Port Isabel will welcome home a native son and former Tarpons football star Juan Castillo on the Fourth of July.

Castillo, who graduated from Port Isabel High School in 1977, has followed his love of football to become the offensive line coach for the Philadelphia Eagles. He is one of two coaches in the NFL of Hispanic descent and was also a lineback with Texas A&I University and the USFL's San Antonio Gunslingers.

The city of Port Isabel is planning a full day of festivities including a luncheon that will raise funds for scholarships for Port Isabel High School athletes and/or for improvements to Laguna Madre Sports Complex.

At 10 a.m. Saturday, Mayor Joe Vega will present the key to the city to Castillo at a ceremony on the grounds of the historic Port Isabel Lighthouse.

At 11 a.m., there will be an unveiling of a special exhibit at the Port Isabel Historical Museum, 317 E. Railroad Ave., featuring memorabilia from Castillo's early football career.

The luncheon will take place at noon at Jimmy's Sports Bar and Restaurant, 1506 W. Highway 100. Later in the afternoon, at 3 p.m., there will be an unveiling of a display featuring Castillo's later and present-day career in football at Doubleday's Sports Bar, 402 W. Highway 100.