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.

Dates

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This rule is effective from September 5, 2026, through September 8, 2026. The zone will be enforced for three hours one evening during this period, depending on the fireworks display schedule.

Addresses

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To view available documents go to https://www.regulations.gov and search for USCG-2026-1094.

For further information contact

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If you have questions about this rule, contact Lieutenant Commander Timothy Cardenas, Sector Corpus Christi Waterways Management Division, U.S. Coast Guard; telephone (361) 244- 4784, or email [email protected].

I. Table of Abbreviations

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CFR Code of Federal Regulations COTP Captain of the Port DHS Department of Homeland Security FR Federal Register NPRM Notice of proposed rulemaking Sec. Section U.S.C. United States Code

II. Background and Authority

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The Coast Guard received notification that fireworks will be launched from a barge on the Laguna Madre near Louie's Backyard, South Padre Island, TX. The Captain of the Port (COTP) Sector Corpus Christi has determined that potential hazards associated with fireworks are a safety concern for anyone within a half mile of the fireworks display. Hazards from fireworks displays include accidental discharge of fireworks, dangerous projectiles, and falling hot embers or other debris. Therefore, the COTP is issuing this rule under the authority in 46 U.S.C. 70034, which is needed to protect personnel, vessels, and the marine environment in the navigable waters within the safety zone. Because of these potential hazards, the Coast Guard is issuing this rule without prior notice and comment. As is authorized by 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B), the Coast Guard finds that good cause exists for not publishing a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) with respect to this rule because it is impracticable. The Coast Guard was notified of this event on August 7, 2026, but we must establish this safety zone by September 5, 2026, to protect personnel, vessels, and the marine environment. Therefore, we do not have enough time to solicit and respond to comments. For the same reason, the Coast Guard finds that under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3), good cause exists for making this rule effective less than 30 days after publication in the Federal Register.

III. Discussion of the Rule

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This rule establishes a safety zone from September 5, 2026 through September 8, 2026. The zone will only be enforced for three hours, from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m., on one day during this period, depending on the schedule for a fireworks display. The day and time of enforcement will depend on the weather conditions. The Captain of the Port will announce the specific enforcement times to the public in advance, via local broadcasts or other public advisories. The safety zone will encompass certain navigable waters of the Laguna Madre and within a 700-foot radius around the launching platform, located at approximate position 26[deg]6'02.1" N, 97[deg]10'17.7" W. No vessel or person is permitted to enter the temporary safety zone during the effective period without obtaining permission from the COTP or a designated representative, who may be contacted on Channel 16 VHF-FM (156.8 MHz) or by telephone at 800-874- 2143.

IV. Regulatory Analyses

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We developed this rule after considering numerous statutes and Executive orders related to rulemaking. Below we summarize our analyses based on a number of these statutes and Executive orders.