SCOTT BURROUGHS One thing about Port Aransas -- there is always something to do, especially in the winter months. Between Rotary, Kiwanis, Keep Port Aransas Beautiful, the Port Aransas Education Foundation and the myriad of other social and charitable organizations and events, you have to want to be bored.

Well, if your social calendar is not already stuffed to the gills, the Port Aransas Police Department will be sponsoring two more events next week, Friday, March 2, and Saturday, March 3.

Our second annual awards banquet will be held at the Port Aransas Civic Center on March 2. The festivities will begin at 6 p.m. with a meet and greet where you will have an opportunity to talk to and interact with our officers in a social setting. The ceremony will begin at 7 p.m. We will be swearing in our newest officers, followed by dinner and presentation of awards. The menu will include lasagna, salad, garlic bread, dessert and non-alcoholic drinks (feel free to bring your own adult beverages if you wish).

Following dinner, we will be recognizing our officers and members of the community for their contributions to the success of the Port Aransas Police Department during the past year.

A number of local citizens also will be recognized for their volunteer and behind the-scenes assistance to the police department. Departmental awards will include presentations for life saving, commendations for outstanding job performance and recognition of educational and professional achievements.

This event is not a fundraiser, but we sell tickets to pay expenses, including awards and meals for the honorees, without using tax dollars. General admission tickets are $15 each or $25 for a couple.

Tables are $125, and include six tickets for the sponsor and two tickets for a recipient. Tickets may be purchased at the police department or city hall.

This event sold out last year, so if you are interested, you should not delay.

Immediately following the awards banquet, we will rearrange the Civic Center in preparation for our next event, Coffee with the Chief, on Saturday, March 3, at 9 a.m. at the center. The Coffee with the Chief series is an ongoing informal forum with the chief of police to discuss public safety topics in Port Aransas.

I will be partnering with Mike Secich, president of the Port Aransas Cart Club, and Ed Wiatt, from Coastal Ed’s – Coastal Cruisers and More, for this event. The primary topic for the March coffee will be golf cart operations in Port Aransas. We will be discussing city ordinances, safety and rules of the road for golf carts.

If you own a business that rents carts, if you have your own cart, operate a cart in Port Aransas or are contemplating purchasing a golf cart for transportation, this is a great opportunity to ask questions and network with others who share your interests. The best part is that this gathering is free!

I know that you are busy, but I hope you have time to attend one of our events.

Scott Burroughs is the chief of the Port Aransas Police Department. Contact him at sburroughs@cityof portaransas.org or at 749- 6241.