SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, Texas — A giant shark-shaped entrance that had welcomed visitors to a South Padre Island beachwear store for about 25 years collapsed over the weekend, prompting crews to begin removing the damaged structure.
The entrance at Jaws BeachWorld, 815 Padre Blvd., collapsed Sunday, Aug. 23. No injuries were reported, and the business remained open while workers secured the area and removed debris.
The oversized shark had framed the store’s entrance since the business opened in 2001. Its open mouth and rows of teeth made it a recognizable roadside attraction and a frequent photo stop for tourists traveling along Padre Boulevard.
Photos and accounts of the collapse circulated widely on social media, drawing memories from visitors who had photographed their families beneath the structure. Many commenters also expressed relief that no customers or employees were hurt.
The cause of the collapse had not been determined as of the report’s publication. It also remained unclear whether the shark would be rebuilt or replaced after the damaged structure is removed.
Source: Original report
