BROWNSVILLE, Texas - The community mobilized and stopped a proposal to rename Boca Chica Beach to 'Cyber Beach,' says state Rep. Erin Elizabeth Gámez.
On July 8, the Brownsville lawmaker wrote to the U.S. Board on Geographic Names’ Domestic Names Committee to strongly oppose to the name change.
On July 9, Gámez said the views of local residents and elected officials prevailed.
“Great news. Boca Chica Beach will remain Boca Chica Beach,” said Gámez. “You did it! This afternoon, the U.S. Board on Geographic Names Domestic Names Committee voted down a proposal that would have renamed Boca Chica Beach to Cyber Beach.”
Gámez said: “This victory for South Texas would not have been possible without everyone who took the time to speak up, submit comments, and share posts to raise awareness about the proposed change.
“Together, we showed that when a community comes together and makes its voice heard, we can influence government decisions and protect the places that matter to us.”
Gámez added: “From the bottom of my heart, thank you to every community member, advocate, and elected official who stood up for Boca Chica Beach. Your voices matter, and your voices made the difference.”
Among the elected officials opposed to changing the name of Boca Chica Beach to Cyber Beach was Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño, Jr.
In an April 9, 2026, letter to Matthew O’Donnell, Office of the Executive Secretary, Domestic Names Committee, U.S. Board on Geographic Names, Treviño wrote:
Dear Mr. O’Donnell,
Thank you for the opportunity to provide input regarding the proposal to rename Boca Chica Beach based on local usage and historical context, Cameron County Commissioners Court recommends maintaining the long-standing name of Boca Chica Beach, and not pursuing the proposed name of Cyber Beach.
The name Boca Chica Beach has been used for generations, and remains the term most commonly used by residents, and it also it is also the preferred naming choice of the City of Starbase. City administrator Kent Myers has similarly expressed that the City of Starbase does not support a name change from Boca Chica Beach.
In everyday conversation, residents frequently refer to the area known as Del Mar Beach, located just north of Boca Chica Beach and the Highway 4 exit, as Boca Chica Beach. As a result, relatively few residents use the official designation of Del Mar Beach. To promote clarity and consistency, we recommend considering renaming Del Mar Beach to Boca Chica Beach as well, reflecting the terminology most commonly used by the community.
Maintaining these established names helps preserve local heritage, reflects how residents have identified the area for generations, and provides consistency for the community and visitors alike.
Thank you again for the opportunity to provide input on this renaming proposal. We appreciate your consideration and the inclusion of local perspective in this matter.
Sincerely,
Eddie Treviño, Jr.,
Cameron County Judge
On July 9, Treviño said he was pleased Boca Chica Beach will remain the official name. He described the beach is “one of the County's most beloved and historically significant coastlines.”
Treviño said: ”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.”
A press release from the county judge’s office stated:
“The U.S. Board on Geographic Names' Domestic Names Committee voted unanimously to retain the name Boca Chica Beach, rejecting a proposal to rename the area Cyber Beach.
“Citing overwhelming local opposition, including 2,780 emails submitted against the proposed name change, the Committee voted to preserve the historic name. The Cameron County Commissioners' Court also extends its sincere appreciation to the community members who brought the Committee's July 9 meeting to the County's attention, as well as to everyone who submitted comments opposing the proposed name change.”
The press release added: “For generations Boca Chica Beach has been an integral part of Cameron County's history, culture, and identity. Its name reflects the area's longstanding heritage and significance to residents and visitors alike. Renaming the beach after a commercial product associated with Tesla's Cybertruck would have diminished the historical and cultural legacy that the name Boca Chica Beach represents. Cameron County appreciates the Committee's decision to preserve the historic name and thanks everyone who voiced their support for protecting an important part of the County's heritage.”
Congressman Vicente Gonzalez was also a strong opponent of the name change.
“Boca Chica Beach is the people's beach, and we deserve to have a say in any proposal to rename it. It's unacceptable that U.S. Board of Geographic Names’ Domestic Names Committee scheduled a vote today at 2 p.m. to consider a name change and give the community less 24 hours to respond. I strongly oppose the renaming of Boca Chica Beach to Cyber Beach, and hope this proposal fails,” Gonzalez said.
