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361-949-7700 editor@islandmoon.com The Island Newspaper since 1996 Facebook : The Island Moon Newspaper
January 30, 2014
The Island where we practice moderation in all things…including moderation.
Around The Island
By Dale Rankin
Up in chilly New Jersey all bridges are reportedly operating fine as the first cold-weather Superbowl ever kicks off. In Chicago the windchill hit -45. The good news; weather like that is sure to generate a fresh crop of blues songs from that Ice on the roof city’s Southside and we like those. A school was closed this week due to snow, which is not a big deal, except the school was in Florida! In Washington researchers are about to roll out a GPS bullet that police can fire and attach to fleeing cars that could put an end to police chases, leaving gaping holes in evening newscasts from Los Angeles to Miami; along with a sound gun that can stun an entire crowd into submission, bringing a whole new meaning to “Spring Break.” Here on our Island our weather is either feast or famine with cold fronts Lucky and Miley temporarily blowing the trees flat this week but not lasting very long. As the rest of the country shivers through one of the coldest winters in memory, hereabouts we just bring the dogs in and wait, knowing that it won’t be long before things return to normal – temps in the 70s and light wind. All you Winter Texans be sure to mention that to your friends shoveling snow back home. Send a picture.
Somebody call the cops!
Next Publication Date: 2/6/2014
The Year in Real Estate
By Dale Rankin editor@islandmoon.com
If you squinted hard enough late Wednesday morning you could see it; tiny, real tiny, snowflakes that turned to water as soon as they hit the windshield, and a few Islanders awoke that morning to find a bit of ice in their gutters, but if you called it snow then you are truly a South Texan.
Photo by Ronnie Narmour
The cold weather has actually been driving some of the city’s homeless population our way. Last week a lady walked into Whitecap Liquor and demanded that Kathy hand over “money or food” and when Kathy declined the offer the lady decided to take a mighty swing at her but a customer/friend in the store blocked her punch and the cops were called. The woman, her male companion and their little brown terrier dog, name unknown, headed up SPID but were intercepted by the PD and put into the friendly custody of a doctor who happened by. Kathy got a couple of pieces of official looking paper and in the end all is well.
Commercial Properties
5
Multi Family Units From $249,500 to $1,850,000
116
Lots and Land From $5,005 to $550,000
447
Residences
30
Below $100K
152
$100K to $199,900
158
$200K to $299,000
61
$300K to $397,000
23
$400K to $495,000
9
$500K to $585,000
7
$600K to $698,000
3
$700 to$765,000 Real Estate continued on A6
County Commissioner Candidates to Face Island Voters at Public Forum Rising County taxes at center of debate By Brent Rourk
The race between the three Republicans in the race is turning out to be the most hotly contested one of the March 4th primary with the Republican primary winner so far uncontested as no Democrat has filed for the race. The precinct boundary runs from Port Aransas, through North Padre and Flour Bluff, the Southside and into the so-called Tenderloin area just south of downtown. It includes about 88,000 people, 21 voting precincts (including one with no registered voters). In the last election in 2010 current incumbent Joe McComb defeated then incumbent Charlie Cazales by a total of 866 votes out of 6526 votes cast. Of that total 1559 were cast on The Island with 1115 on North Padre and 444 in Port Aransas with McComb beating Cazales by about thirty votes in each precinct. County continued on A6
By Dotson Lewis, Special to the Island Moon dlewis1@stx.rr.com
It’s Bunco Baby! The Island now has three-count ‘em three – Bunco leagues. For those who may only know Bunco from the old Bunco Squad that Joe Friday used to work in, Bunco is a dice game played by over 27 million people, mostly women, in the U.S. One of the leagues plays at Island Italian and another at the Holiday Inn and it looks like Bunco has become the Official Dice Game of The Island. It’s three dice, 100% luck and let’s get rolling. So good luck ladies and say hello if you see us Around The Island.
Water and Power
PADRE ISLAND 0
Inside the Super Bowl
Then came word from Bob Algeo that he had found what appears to be a homeless camp in the dunes on SoPac. We are used to occasionally seeing homeless folks making their way over the JFK, and a few days later seeing them head back OTB after they realize there is not much in the way of support for their life choices hereabouts.
Two New Lines for The Island
By Mary Lou White marylou@baxterbrooks.com
Sports Talk
Low-cost Island housing
Year 17, Issue 511
Update on Island projects
Properties That Closed in 2013 On The Islands
The three-way race for Nueces County Commissioner Precinct 4 will be the focus of a candidate forum on Monday, February 10 at the Holiday Inn. The event is sponsored by the Island United Political Action Committee (IUPAC).
Kathy's PD Paperwork
Facebook: The Island Moon Newspaper
As regular readers know, I have been involved in officiating football for many years and have fond memories of many Super Bowls. I am very proud of the officials who have worked the Super Bowls, many of whom are friends of mine and even some who I have mentored during their officiating years. When the first game now called the Superbowl was played in 1967 the game was not a sell-out, there were 61,946 in attendance. I was not there. I was in the Army, and I along with my wife and daughter were in Wurzburg, Germany. My good friend, the late Ron Gibbs, a retired NFL referee and a member of the NFL Hall of Fame was the NFL Observer of Officials for the game. Ron sent me the game playby-play, the game film and a program. Ron said that he believed the game was the first of a series of what would be great AFL-NFL Championship games. Superbowl continued on A13
Rewiring the Island... See Below By Dale Rankin The Island’s decades long problem with stagnant water due to dead-end water mains should improve with the addition of a new 18inch waterline to The Island approved by the Corpus Christ City Council on Tuesday. The council approved a $7.3 million contract with Bridges Specialties, Inc. of Robstown to install the waterline as well as an 8-inch diameter natural gas line, and a 4-inch diameter Municipal Information System (MIS) conduit from Laguna Shores Road to The Island.
The Island currently gets all of its water through a 24-inch line which has been in service for more than thirty years. The line also provides the majority of the water for the City of Port Aransas. The lack of a redundant water source on Padre Island and the dead-end water mains on fingertips of land over the course of three decades has caused a film to develop inside the lines which requires the lines to be purged of stagnant water through Island fire hydrants. The Projects continued on A7
Jailbreak at the Horse Corral! Onward through the fog!
Story and photos by Bob Algeo
It was very foggy Monday morning when it happened. A bunch of horses (a herd?) got loose from the Horses on the Beach, at about 9:30 Monday as I was heading south toward the National Seashore on Park Road 22. I was just about 100 yards south of the stables, when I saw the first of about 40 to 50 horses, also heading south on the Park Road, into the thick fog. I stopped on the shoulder of the road, and within a couple of minutes, the Horses On The Beach guy pulled up alongside of my vehicle. He asked me which way his horses went. I pointed down the road south, and I might have said, that-a-way, as he went after them in his Mercedes SUV. Within another couple of minutes, I heard a yelling call, like a, Hi-yo, hi-yo, coming back through the fog, from the south. It was Brennan, with all his windows down, calling for his horses to follow him back home to their stables. And they were following him. And they did follow him, all of them, at a gallop, all the way back into their corrals!
Trivia question of the week
A Superbowl by Any Other Name
When was the first Superbowl played that was called the “Superbowl” by the NFL prior to the game? By Dale Rankin This is a tricky one and the answer depends on how you define the “called.” The reason is that the NFL has engaged in some revisionist history with regards to the name and now calls the first three games between the NFL and the upstart AFL Superbowls. But the tickets to those games read AFL-NFL Championship Game with no mention of the word Superbowl. So the NFL’s official name was not the Superbowl. The term "World Championship Game" remained in effect for the next two contests, including the New York Jets' upset of the heavily favored Baltimore Colts in January 1969 (which was formally designated the "Third World Championship Game"). The "Super Bowl" name was not officially recognized until the fourth game the next year, and the now Trivia continued on A13
There were only a very few vehicles coming from the south after the last of the horses were still returning, and I flagged them with my arm to slow them down; which they all did. All ended very well, with no injuries, nor vehicles damaged. The horses were all very polite and it looked like they enjoyed their short road trip. That is - they appeared sort of happy to me, (but I’m a Veteran, not a Veterinarian) as they came back on their return home.
A little Island History.. sort of
Bridge Droppers, Island Changers, and Bagheads We Got ‘Em All
By Dale Rankin For those new to The Island, or just visiting for the Winter Texan Season, we going to bend the rules for “History” this time to fill you in on some of the various types of folks you will encounter here on our little sandbar. We certainly don’t mean to be judgmental lest we also be judged; we Moon Monkeys have our own glass house to live in. We’re just trying to be observant and in this case descriptive. So here goes… Bridge Droppers/Ferry Sinkers – These are not unique to The Island but there is a special type of Bridge Dropper/Ferry Sinker who inhabits The Island. The first Bridge Droppers were the first Pilgrims to walk off the Mayflower. As soon as they set foot on Plymouth Rock they turned around and shouted at the Pilgrims on History continued on A14
A 2
Island Moon
January 30, 2014
Padre Island Baptist Church 6th Annual Surf & Turf Race Photos by Miles Merwin
Island Creations Remodeling
Total Renovation & Remodels, Outdoor Kitchens & Spas, Additions, Kitchen & Bathroom Upgrades, Sunporches, Replacement of Windows and Doors, Roofing, Painting & Stucco
Landscaping
Design work, Yard Maintenance, Decks, Pergolas, Installation of Rock, Grass, Plants, Trees, Walkways, Paths, Tree Trimming, Container Planting, Vacant Lot Mowing & Shade Covers. All Kinds of Fencing, Pressure Washing & Deck Staining & Sealing
Insured Member, Padre Island Business Association Member, Builders Association, Corpus Christi
Concrete
Driveways, Patios, Sidewalks, Patio Overlays, Decorative Stamping & Staining, Decks, Bulkheads, Grouted Stone Walls & Patios, Decorative Stone Paver Driveways & Patios
960-0327
Owned & Operated by Island Residents David & Katherine Pierce References Available Upon Request Commercial & Residential
Doing Everything a Home or Business Needs
Winter Texans of the Week This light shallow running skiff is extremely quiet and surpasses the needs of any fisherman while remaining easy to maintain and surprisingly affordable
Kevin Shanahan and Betty Couette from Lauderdale Minnesota
Locals and Winter Texans alike turn out in mass for the Gaff's Belt Sander Races
- Aluminum Poling Platform w/ Nonskid Top – Walk around Gunwales - Large Nonskid Deck, Perfect for Fly-fishing - 50 HP Suzuki
10121 South Padre Island Drive M-F
Hours of Operation 8 - 5:30 • Sat 10 - 4
(361) 937-7800
www.gcmboats.com
While technically we are Winter Texans, we now like to think of ourselves as Summer Minnesotans. During the summer months we live in Lauderdale, MN, a postage stamp sized suburb of St. Paul. We have worked the Minnesota State Fair the last few years which is literally right down the road. Kevin has been coming to Port A since 1999 as a way to get his mother, Myrtle, out of the cold Minnesota winters. Betty joined the fun in 2007. We have made friends here among the locals and Winter Texans alike. So we enjoy socializing with all of them while we hang out at The Gaff. Betty runs the Monday night Cribbage Tournament there. Kevin spends his Thursday nights volunteering at the VFW for Taco Night. The VFW was our go to spot this year for football. They carry the NFL package and it was where we could see the Vikings game. Yes, unfortunately we are Vikings fans. We enjoy listening to music around town and are sorry to see the Tarpon Ice House close. Photo by Ronnie Narmour
Tide charts on A5. Ignore them at your own risk.
I shared my foot space on the plane with “Beyonce” who is a service dog that can smell when her owner’s sugar level is high and warn him.
Hearts for the Arts
First Friday at the Art Center Friday, February 7 is the day for the First Friday Reception at the Art Center of Port Aransas from 5:30-7:30pm
RAY HERRERA DIRECTOR
PadreVet.com
Public Relations Operations Marketing
361-949-8200
CHRISTI KRESSER VETERINARIAN
Happy Valentine’s TO: All Our Pets and Islanders FROM: Dr. Christi, Ray & Staff $20.00 Bath Special includes nail trim, age, ear cleaning, teeth brushing
Voted The Best Of The Best Veterinarian 2006 - 2013 DIRECTOR’S FEBRUARY SPECIAL New Puppy/Kitten Exam 1st Set of Vaccinations (Rabies, Distemper) Parasite Screen & Spay/Neuter Only $99.99
BRING THIS AD IN & RECEIVE $25 Rebate + $20 OFF per Dr. Christi on 1 year supply of Trifexis
The public is invited for refreshments, Art, and live music. The February Sponsor is Nueces County Judge Loyd Neal. There will be a Hearts for the Arts Silent Auction which runs from January 30-February 13. Place Your Bids to own your favorite pieces in this Fundraising Auction in time for Valentine’s Gifting! Hearts for the Arts is an annual fundraiser for the Port Aransas Art Center. Member Artists create something very special and donate it to this Auction. Bidding is open for 2 weeks only and closes just in time for Valentine’s giving. We had a bid on almost every item last year and the total hit a new high as well, so let’s do it again! Bid,Bid! This is an important yearly fundraising effort for the Art Center so we can continue to offer all the wonderful programs, classes, workshops, exhibits and venue for artists from all over the coastal bend and beyond. The funds also helps the Center’s Scholarship Fund and Special Projects. Port Aransas Art Center is a 501 (C) (3) Non-Profit Corp. since 1996 361-7497334 323 N. Alister in Port A.
January 30, 2014
Moon Monkeys Mike Ellis, Founder
Letters to the Editor
Pete Alsop Island Delivery Coldwell Banker
Island Children Targeted
Saw in the last paper a letter from a Tea Party advocate and how you noted that no, you are not a liberal. In the interests of a "fair & balanced" format let me just say to you, personally, and to all your readers, generally, that no, not everyone who lives on The Island is a foaming-at-themouth, right-wing conservative.
Off of Sea Pines and Coquina Bay - just FYI - my son and a friend were walking down our street yesterday around 3 pm ( just between the houses ) they reported a car that stopped and opened their door calling to them - inside were 4 people and the boys described them as "young" 3 males and 1 female. the boys ran into the house and the car drove away. The car was a light brown older Ford Explorer. The dads immediately went on a hunt for the vehicle with no success. The car was seen by a neighbor speeding up the street just before the boys reported this. Not sure if these were teenagers trying to be funny given the recent reports of suspected abduction attempts or something worse. The boys did have their RC cars and maybe they just wanted that. This is getting just awful - now the kids cant even go a few houses down without a problem. Our boys are the same age range as the previous reports which is a big concern for me - and yes parents were outside. My husband was working in the front of the house and the neighbor was out as well - our street curves and that is where this happened The driver was wearing a hat of some sort that came down and covered his ears. It seems they were speeding to catch the boys between houses and out of clear view from either one - and there were many people out and about yesterday - I just don't get it - We just bought a new home here and I am hoping we don't regret our decision to stay on the island - how long until someone's child is abducted - what is CCPD doing???? I have yet to see one car patrolling the area - I can only hope its people trying to just scare kids but even at that their butts need to be thrown in jail bccause it is NOT FUNNY.
And as for The Affordable Care Act, every president since Harry Truman has been trying to achieve this goal. Obviously "Obamacare" needs some tweaking, but it is an important first step on the road to health care reform. Some day Americans will finally realize that tying health care to private insurance companies is a bad idea and we'll get a Medicare-for-all system.
Advertising Jan Park Rankin Patrick Kelliher Classifieds Arlene Ritley Design/Layout Jeff Craft
And as for the Tea Party-in the immortal words of George W. Bush: "Bring it on"! Tea Party extremism cost Romney the White House and will help elect Hillary as president in 2016. Can you feel the love tonight?
Contributing Writers Joey Farah Andy Purvis Devorah Fox
Robert Danesi
Mary Craft
Ms. Coastal Bend Senior
Maybeth Christiansen Jay Gardner
"Instructional Tea Party for 2014 Ms Coastal Bend Senior Pageant will be held at the Garden Senior Center, Saturday Feb 1st at 3 p.m. The Crown Club and the Corpus Christi Senior Services will answer your questions about being in a pageant. The Garden Center is located on 5325 Greely. Hope to see you there with a prospective candidate.
Todd Hunter Dotson Lewis Ronnie Narmour Brent Rourk Dr. Donna Shaver Photographers Jeff Dolan
Horses
Office Security/Spillage Control
Riley P. Dog Editor/Publisher/Spillage Control Supervisor Dale Rankin About the Island Moon
The Island Moon is published every Thursday, Dale Rankin, Editor / Publisher. Total circulation is 10,000 copies. Distribution includes delivery to 4,000 Island homes, free distribution of 3,000 copies in over 50 Padre Island businesses and condos, as well as 600 copies distributed in Flour Bluff, 1,400 copies on Mustang Island and Port Aransas businesses. News articles, photos, display ads, classified ads, payments, etc. may be left at the Moon Office.
The Island Moon Newspaper 15201 S. Padre Island Drive, Suite 250 Corpus Christi, TX 78418 361-949-7700 editor@islandmoon.com Facebook: The Island Moon Newspaper
Where to Find The Island Moon
Pioneer RV Park Stripes @ Beach Access Rd. 1A
Port A Glass Studio The Gaff
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Whataburger Doc’s Restaurant
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Wash Board Laundry Mat
Subway
Chamber of Commerce Duckworth Antiques Back Porch Woody’s Sports Center Shorty’s Place The Flat’s Lounge Giggity’s Stripes @ Cotter & Station
Good luck! Joe Martinez
Trailer thieves I wanted residents to be aware of something that happened last night. Our son came home around 12:30 am last night when he pulled up to our house on Beaufort, 3 Hispanic men were standing in the front of our house with a trailer backed up to our Golf Cart/ATV, they were in the process of lowering the back of the trailer. When he pulled up the men jumped in their white (maybe silver) pick up truck (he thinks a Chevy, newer model) and quickly drove off. Is there a neighborhood watch program in place? If so, how can I get involved? Stacie Smith Morgan Editor’s note: There have been several attempts at establishing Neighborhood Watch groups on The Island in the past; none have met with great success. In light of the recent announcement from Corpus Christi Police that they will not participate in helping to get a boat to patrol Island canals several residents have suggested using the $25,000 raised though Island donor for the boat to place cameras around The Island, both the streets and the canals, for surveillance.
“F ormer U.S. N avy L awyer ”
l Divorce and Separation l Child Custody and Support l Adoption/Guardianship l Paternity Cases l Wills and Probate
Snoopy’s Pier Island Italian
Your letter should have started off and concluded with "in my opinion". Without those words, you are merely another whiner on your soapbox wanting everything your way. Fortunately and I'm sure to your dismay, you don't speak for everyone. There are many, many more miles of beach without horses or other people having fun where perhaps you could take your strolls. In my opinion, I don't mind the horses being there at all. After all, this is still Texas! Just my opinion.
W illiam a. T hau iii, P.C.
Isle Mail N More
Scuttlebutt’s Restaurant
Public Library
Joey Farah
CVS
San Juan’s Taqueria
Port A Parks and Rec
So to keep it strait, concentrate on finding your own personal happiness and maybe a good friend instead of wasting your time giving good family oriented people a hard time. Ma'am, you have no Idea how many families have lifetime memories together riding those horses and learn the respect between man and animal and their partnership together in this world. If we left with anything it was a deeper respect and love for the Island. For your information, every person we passed gathered and waved especially the young kids.
North Padre
Felder Gallery
Coffee Waves
The horse poop is natural, they eat hay that is regulated for disease and foreign plant spores. The horse poop would only replace the poop not on the beach from natural animals that would probably live where she has her house and the gas station that she gets her fuel and on and on.
Tarpon Ice House
All Stripes Stores
Coast Club
She has been very vocal in trying to give the horse riding on the beach a hard time for years. Many horse owners enjoy riding on the beaches that are not connected to the business that is located on a very small part of the public beach. If she would only concentrate her heroic efforts on maybe picking up the trash washed up on the beach on her walks daily she might make a more positive impact than just writing hate mail.
A3
Hi Dale, I know there is much conversation about door to door peddlers both on the Island and in the mainland. Right now, the current crew selling cleaning supplies are legal. Staff and I are working on this and hope to review an ordinance change to better protect our residents. Among other changes, I think the new ordinance should restrict peddling after sunset and should require fingerprinting and background checks - current ordinance sets hours 9:00am - 9:00pm. Thanks, Colleen McIntyre City Council District 4 Editor’s note: for more on this subject see MayBeth’s column on page A7 of this issue
Shooting Club Looking to start up a shooting club on The Island. If you or someone you know wants to have some fun shooting, let me know. If we get enough people I will try to get discounts on ammo an range time Douglas Schaffer 563 7107
Freezer space Does any one on the island rent freezer space for fishing for winter Texans? Debbie N Phil Bandish
Did Ya Hear?
by Mary Craft
mkay512@aol.com
Dear Jean,
In response to the editorial that ran last week in the Moon about my piece on taking my family to Horses On the Beach, HORSE POOP ON YOU LADY. Every week I put my heart into print and try to inspire others to enjoy the great outdoors, in particular, our local Padre’ Island. Many of our readers commented about how much they enjoyed the story and wanted to bring their kids out for a small adventure. I feel like this lady was really attacking and insulting me personally, as well as a long time business that has proven itself as one of the best destination activities in our area.
Wild Horse Saloon
Miss K’s Catering & Bistro
Island Woman Boutique
Horse Sense In response to last week’s letter about horses on the beach.
LuzlamarPelletier@hotmail.com
Mary Craft
Lisabella’s Restaurant
Kerri Rikke
Sincerely
Miles Merwin
Peddlers
Fair and Balanced
I happen to firmly believe that Mr. Obama is a huge improvement over his less-than-illustrious predecessor who started an unnecessary war under false pretenses (Iraq) and nearly caused America to slide into another Great Depression due to his disastrous fiscal policies.
Distribution
Port Aransas
Island Moon
l Auto Accidents l Personal Injury l DWI l Criminal Justice l Military Law
New Advertisers Whitecap CrossFit Gym has opened in Loma Alta Plaza near Scuttlebutt’s. They offer six classes every weekday and offer a free community workout open to everyone on Saturdays at 9:30 am. For more info call Melody at 960-6027 or Wladi at 816-7276. Sandy’s on the Beach Dining is the new restaurant located inside of the Holiday Inn Hotel on North Padre Island. The Sunday Champagne brunch is back with a new special introductory price and live entertainment. Reservations are highly recommended so call 361-949-8041 to reserve your table today.
Business Briefs Stingrays Tap House in Port A is having a huge Super Bowl Bash with Texas country recording artists Mickey and the Motorcars playing 3 – 5 pm. Enjoy one of their 24 beers on tap or one of their more than 25 bottled beers. Official beer girls will be there to meet and greet. Bryan Matlock will be entertaining there on Friday at 7 pm and Passing Strangers on Saturday at 7:30 pm. The Boathouse Bar & Grill will be hosting a Super Bowl Party with 50 cent wings, $2 sliders and $9 domestic beer pitchers. Call 589-9601 to reserve a table or come in early to get a good seat and eat before the game. Scuttlebutt’s Bar & Grill is having happy hour prices all day on Super Bowl Sunday. They will also deliver to your party at home if you pre-order by 5 pm Friday. Their popular chicken wings are sure to be one the more requested items. You can also stop by on Sunday to pick up any menu items. Call 9496769. Mikel May’s at Bob Hall Pier will have the game on 10 screens and will be serving Barbeque. They will also have beer specials and entertainment. Mad Meats next to Scuttlebutt’s is having special Super Bowl pricing on their meats this Saturday and Sunday. Their newest additions include marinated quail legs and alligator sausage. They will be open on Sunday at 10 am instead of noon. To be sure they have what you want you can pre-order at 949-8888. IGIC – Island Grocery Internet Café in the Subway strip mall on SPID has closed. There are several businesses vying for the location including a restaurant and a current business wishing to re-locate.
ConvenienT Flour BluFF loCaTion
Barefoot Mardi Gras Parade will be at noon on the beach March 1st. The adult party afterward will be at the Briscoe Pavilion. More details in upcoming Briefs.
9708 S.P.I.D., Suite A-101 s C orPus C hrisTi (361) 937-5513 s T oll F ree 1-877-888-1369
Tarpon Ice House in Port A will be closing after this weekend and will be going out in style with the hill country contingent led by Al Barlow. Owner Paul Fain is looking to sell the Ice House and headed for parts south.
Licensed by the Supreme Court of Texas Former President of the Corpus Christi Family Law Association (1999-2000) Selected as a Texas “Super Lawyer” in November 2003, October 2004 and October 2005 Issues of Texas Monthly
Island Tire And all Moon retail advertisers WB Liquor
Drop Anchor Bar in Port A on Cutoff Road where Rusty Jeep was located hopes to open in March. They added a second floor deck with a great view of the Ship Channel. They will be serving Gulf seafood with a Caribbean flair similar to the food they serve at their current location on Dominica Island in the Caribbean. Should be a great place to wait out the ferry lines because you will be able to see how long the line is.
Flour Bluff H.E.B.
Kiwanis Bingo at Holiday Inn is every Thursday at 7 pm for six weeks starting January 30th and everyone is welcome to participate.
Liquid Town
WB Liquors is having drink specials for the big game this Sunday. A bottle of 1.75L Crown Royal is $49.99 and of Svedka Vodka is $19.99. Check out their ad in this issue for more sales. They are located near the Donut Palace on SPID.
Whataburger on Waldron Ethyl Everly Senior Center Fire Station
Gratitude Gift Shop
Police Station
Keepers Pier House
Stripes on Flour Bluff & SPID
Member Padre Island Business Association
Member Padre Island Rotary Club
Work continues on the Leeward Bay townhomes on Leeward. The three and two-bath townhomes will be available for vacation rental.
A 4
Island Moon
January 30, 2014
Island Style Show
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Climate Controlled Storage
Starting at $39.00
Flo ur B luff Dr.
HEB
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sat 8:30-5:30
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The New Neighbors League held a fashion show with clothing from Mermaid Kisses Boutique and was hosted at Scuttlebutt’s Bar & Grill on Wednesday the 22nd of January.
Mad Meats and More Owners Chad White and Melissa Plumb contributed door prizes, wine and other goodies. Mermaid Kisses Owners Bobby and Kristi Maxwell, Sales Associate and Brittney Winter were responsible for putting on the style show as well as giving discounts to all participants and members of the New Neighbors League. Islands Edge Hair Salon Owner, Hairstylist Roni Sanger & Amy Bullock styled all of the models before the style show at no cost. And a big Thank you to Trish Quimby for organizing the event and acting as M.C. for the event. Photos by Miles Merwin
Mary Ann McShane, Realtor, GRI, SRES e-mail: malm335@sbcglobal.net Corpus Christi Realty Group Considering a move to the Island? Let me help you find your piece of Paradise - waterfront or interior homes, condos, townhouses, lots Considering selling your Island Property? Call me for a free consultation to obtain the current market value along with tips to make your property the one buyers will put on their “must see” list
Island Office (361) 215-8629
Super Bowl Specials Fajitas & Ribs
Ribeyes & Sausage
2 lb Season Beef Fajitas $12.60
2 16oz Ribeyes $25.98
2 lb Season chicken Fajitas $14.38
2 Bone In Ribeyes $29.98
1 Rack Baby Back Ribs $14.99 1 Rack Short Ribs $8.98 Total Package $49.97
Brisket & Crawfish 12 to 15 lb Brisket
With your choice of Prasek’s Sausage Total Package $65.96
$3.00 per pound while supplies last 3.5 lb seasoned Crawfish 90% cooked $12.00 a bag
Specials good Feb. 1st & Feb. 2nd ONLY Open Early on Super Bowl Sunday at 10:00 a.m.
On the Island (next to Scuttlebutt's) Open Every Day this week 10-6 14254 S.P.I.D. #213
(361) 949-8888
January 30, 2014
Island Moon
A5
Backwater Adventures Winds from the West fishing??
On the Rocks By Jay Gardner I got a note from my “other mother” (Connie Thomas) in Radnor, Ohio the other day. Seems the snow and the wind have combined to really do a number in the North Country. The snow fell so heavy, and the wind was blowing it with straight line winds that it was making it’s own snowmen. The snowballs ranged in size from marbles all over the place to some that were downright big enough to stack and add a carrot, some buttons, and a few pieces of coal. I have to admit, I’m struggling with the cold weather we’ve had down HERE lately. Makes me think back……
By Joey Farah Farah’s Fishing Adventures Columbus) where the community would gather around and all the kids would sled until we were red in the face and ready to go in. Later, I would take my sled to the creek and slide down the bank and jet out onto the frozen surface there at Bokes Creek (a tributary of the Scioto, just in case you were wondering, LOL).
Boot in a hole I did that until one day I put my boot through a crack that turned into a hole and got pretty cold on the way home. I still have that old sled in a closet somewhere, although I’m not chomping on the bit to get out there and use it again. Thankfully by the time this gets out the weather will finally be breaking around here and we can all finally get out without having to bundle up like Nanook of the North just to check the mail.
This week we are going to touch on the use of Mullet as bait both live and dead because right now live shrimp is scarce or nonexistent. Redfish love mullet over most any other food, at times the bait fish is overly abundant and in the heat of the summer easy to catch, easy to use, and easy to catch Redfish with.
Winter fishing In the winter months when everything slows down to a slower speed, game fish don’t always want to expend a lot of energy chasing live finger mullet. These next few weeks will be a great time to purchase live or dead finger mullet or catch some in a cast net in the channel or along the areas docks, piers, and marinas. Fresh live finger mullet works best, but here lately I’ve been cutting them in small nickel and quarter sized chunks. In areas that we are catching drum and other species we do not see any Redfish until we deploy the cut mullet.
mullet should fish small finger mullet up to 5” long just like you would live croaker during the summer time. At times when you are in areas with current add the smallest amount of weight to the line as you can while keeping the bait in your strike zone. I have in the past anchored up on the deeper rocks in Baffin during the month of February SLAMMING MONSTER TROUT one after another, while wade fishing trophy hunters watched. The hook location will determine the way the bait swims.
Cold water The water temperature at Bob Hall dipped down to a brutal 49 degrees with this last front, and about the time I think we’re supposed to be historically headed up in temperature, we get whacked Spontaneous sentient snowman formation again. This has been a colder than average winter, if you’ve been holed Whacked the Northern Tier up since Thanksgiving. Speaking of getting The blizzard of ’77 whacked the northern whacked, next person I run into talking loudly tier pretty solidly, property was damaged, and about global warming just might get slapped. people lost their lives. I’m pretty sure it was Talk to me in July about that subject. that storm that strengthened my parents resolve Before you know it, the grass will start growing, to move down here in ’80. I was five, and my the winds will come up out of the southeast at dad was stuck in Columbus on a job and didn’t 46,000MPH, and the hummingbirds will be make it home in time. Mom was pregnant with back. Now is a great time to pull those feeders my sister Olivia, and the two of us obviously down and get them cleaned up if they’re still up weren’t fully prepared. Snow was literally (like mine are, slacker!) It’s also time to start coming in through the windows, and we had a thinking about doing some landscaping and drift that was covering the house. We barely got planting trees and your spring garden. Ugh, the pilot light re-lit after it went out, and it was sounds like work. a real mess. We lost power and eventually communication (rotary phones, look them up on the internet kids). But, I had a big time. Mom piled all the blankets in the living room and told me to make a fort. I was good at that! Big helper! Eventually most everyone dug out, but the power outages in some sections lasted weeks. There were plenty of other fun times without the threat of loss of life though. I remember Grandpa taking me sledding on the snowedover golf courses there in Dublin (outside of
Big Shell Clean Up
Speaking of “before-you-know-it”, the Big Shell Clean Up will be upon us on February 22nd down on the Seashore. Please get it on your calendars to join us, and I’ve been hearing commercials on the radio, so I KNOW you loyal readers have heard them too. I’d like to give a shout out to our buddy Ranger “Buzz” Botts down there at the VC for doing a lot of preparations to roll out the red carpet for the teams and all the volunteers. Thanks again!
Tides of the Week
Tides for Corpus Christi (Bob Hall Pier) Jan 30 - Feb 5, 2014
Day
High /Low
Tide Time
Height in Feet
Sunrise Moon Time Sunset
Moon Visible
Th F Sa Su M Tu W
30 30 30 31 31 31 31 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 5
Low High Low High Low High Low High Low High Low High Low High Low High Low High Low High Low High Low High Low High
8:13 AM 4:35 PM 10:02 PM 12:56 AM 9:07 AM 4:58 PM 10:21 PM 2:20 AM 10:00 AM 5:17 PM 10:51 PM 3:40 AM 10:53 AM 5:32 PM 11:31 PM 5:04 AM 11:47 AM 5:47 PM 12:19 AM 6:35 AM 12:46 PM 6:01 PM 1:14 AM 8:26 AM 2:04 PM 6:12 PM
-0.9 1.3 1.0 1.1 -0.8 1.2 0.8 1.0 -0.5 1.0 0.6 1.0 -0.2 0.9 0.3 0.9 0.1 0.9 0.1 0.9 0.4 0.8 -0.1 0.9 0.7 0.8
7:16 AM Rise 6:47 AM 6:08 PM Set 6:16 PM
1
7:16 AM Rise 7:36 AM 6:09 PM Set 7:23 PM
0
7:15 AM Rise 8:21 AM 6:10 PM Set 8:29 PM
1
7:15 AM Rise 9:03 AM 6:11 PM Set 9:32 PM
5
Nice red from the land Cut on cut mullet.
How to hook them
This young angler caught some great drum then finished his day catching trout on plastic along the King Ranch Chumming the area with a LITTLE bit of cut up bait can be effective but too much brings in the unwanted scavengers. I have had great success with small circle hooks with the cut mullet #4’s. Carolina rig your line with a ½ or ¾ ounce weight to get a long cast out. Let the fish take the bait and bring the rod tip over before you try to set the hook. I have been surprised that I have caught some drum on the cut bait as well, when I have only seen that a few times in all my life. The extreme cold temperatures must have them eating anything they can. We are surprised every year with some of the biggest trout you have ever seen taken on cut bait in the coldest of winter. Everything out there right now is just trying to survive and an easy meal is hard to pass up.
Magic Mullet Using live mullet can be the ticket to landing some monster trout and reds even now. The masses of lure fishermen that flock to the historic waters of Baffin Bay and the Lagoon are all throwing every type of lure designed to imitate what? A live mullet. Fishermen that are not ashamed to take a picture with a Ten Pound Trout and admit to catching it on live
A mullet hooked through the upper mouth and out the top of the nose will swim head down and look like a baitfish foraging on the bottom, natural. When hooked in the bottom rear near the anal fin it will swim in circles just off of the bottom. A finger mullet that is hooked in the upper back will swim up towards the surface and above the grass. This will help you find the best presentation for the area and time.
You can tell it was cold but the fishing is HOT Sheepshead Circus The live shrimp flags will soon fly again and the tides will return, when they do look for the annual MONSTER DRUM RUN to start as well as the sheepshead circus at the Jetties. Spring is right around the corner and I’m ready. The fishing has been great and opportunity is abounding everywhere for anglers throwing bait and lures. To learn a little more about the area and its great fishing potential or just to treat your customers, family, or friends to an exciting adventure on the water just give me a call. Capt. Joey Farah 362-442-8145
Cold-Stunned Turtle Update By Donna Shaver, Ph.D.
7:14 AM Rise 9:44 AM 6:11 PM Set 10:33 PM
12
7:13 AM Rise 10:25 AM 6:12 PM Set 11:32 PM
20
7:13 AM Rise 11:06 AM 6:13 PM
30
Cold stunning began on the Texas coast on November 25, 2013 and has continued intermittently since then. Last week, nearly 100 cold stunned turtles were found, primarily in the Upper Laguna Madre. Another severe cold front will pass through south Texas later today and will again cause temperatures to plummet. Additional cold stunning is likely, particularly from January 28-30. Since this cold stunning event began on November 25, an estimated 688 cold stunned turtles have been documented in Texas. All were green turtles except for one hawksbill and one loggerhead. Fortunately, an estimated 543 of the 688 were found alive and transported to rehabilitation. Hundreds of those rescued have already recovered and been released into warmer Gulf of Mexico waters. Most of the cold stunned turtles found this winter have been located in the Upper Laguna Madre, and nearly all found recently have been located there. Cold stunned turtles have been
found in and near the following locations in Texas (North to South) since November 25: 16 Galveston Bay 7 Lavaca/San Antonio Bay 8 Rockport/Copano Bay 33 Aransas Pass/Mustang Island 452 Upper Laguna Madre/Corpus Christi Bay 169 Lower Laguna Madre 3 Boca Chica Beach Thank you to staff and volunteers from the National Park Service, ARK, Sea Turtle, Inc., Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Sea World San Antonio, NOAA-Fisheries, Texas Sea Life Center, Texas Master Naturalists, Gladys Porter Zoo, University of Texas, other organizations, and private citizens for their help to find, document, rehabilitate, and release cold stunned turtles on the Texas coast this year.
Winter Beach Cleanup Only One Week Away
Five Coastal Bend beaches targeted for trash pickup
Under the Bridge Serving South Texas Seafood for Over 30 Years Open Daily 11:00 - 10:00
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Snoopy’s Scoopy’s
(361) 949-8815 (361) 949-7810
13313 S. Padre Island Drive Corpus Christi, TX 78418
The 10th Annual Winter Beach Cleanup is set for Saturday, Feb. 8 at five Coastal Bend beaches. The cleanup will take place from 9 a.m. to noon.
• Kid’s Place at Cole Park. Check-in is at 1526 Ocean Drive, contact Angela Gonzalez at 361-826-3673 or via e-mail at angela. gonzalez@texasadoptabeach.org.
The locations participating in the Winter Beach Cleanup are:
The Winter Beach Cleanup is one of three all-volunteer seasonal cleanups coordinated through the Adopt-A-Beach program of the Texas General Land Office.
• Padre Island National Seashore, at the Malaquite Visitor Center, 20420 Park Road 22. Contact Buzz Botts at 361-949-8068 or via e-mail at buzz.botts@texasadoptabeach.org. • Port Aransas. Check-in is at Avenue G at the beach. Contact Deno Fabrie at 361749-0256 or via e-mail at deno.fabrie@ texasadoptabeach.org • Aransas Pass/Redfish Bay. Check-in is at Lighthouse Lakes Park, four miles east of Aransas Pass on Highway 361. Contact Richard Gonzales at 361-779-7351 or via e-mail at richard.gonzales@texasadoptabeach.org. • North Corpus Christi Beach. Checkin is at the Texas State Aquarium, 2710 N. Shoreline Blvd. Contact Rosanna Gossett at 361-881-1203 or via e-mail at rosanna.gossett@ texasadoptabeach.org.
Most trash found on Texas beaches is left there by litterbugs. Since 1986, Adopt-A-Beach volunteers have picked up enough trash to fill a line of dump trucks 90 miles long, making it one of the most successful volunteer programs in the nation. Volunteers record data on the trash to learn more about the causes of marine debris and to help mitigate pollution along Texas’ 367 miles of coastline. The Texas General Land Office’s AdoptA-Beach program is funded primarily by private contributions. To help out, or for more information, call the Adopt-A-Beach program at 1-877-TXCOAST or visit our Web site at www.texasadoptabeach.org.
A 6
Island Moon
Letters to Riley
Puppy Found Living in a Hole in the Ground
There were a couple of lucky dogs on The Island this week. Of course all dogs on The Island are pretty lucky but these guys had a pretty good By Lisa Conner week even by Island Dog standards. While we were walking our two Blue Heelers, Max and Sam on Ellie Road beach access road), Sunday when Max stopped to smell this hole in the sand dune. He was so intrigued by what he found, I walked over to see what it was. OM Goodness! Was it a badger!
Sasha First is my friend Sasha who got to see a horse stampede! Holy Cats! I’ve seen a herd of cats, two solar Sasha's Glamour Shot eclipses, and an Oklahoma preacher who pulled a live snake out of his pants, but I’ve never seen a horse stampede. Sasha and her human Bob were driving down the road when right out of the fog there it was; a horse stampede. Just like in a Lassie movie. Wow. Then Sasha got to dig a big hole and stick her head in it and then she got to meet a longhorn. I’m a cow dog but I like horses too, but I really like longhorns. I even got a picture of one on my collar. Maybe Sasha and her human will take me along on their next adventure because it sounds like they are having all the fun.
Stoopid Cats!
Real Estate cont. from A1 2
$800K to $865,000
2
Over $1 Million
568 Total Closed Properties on Padre Island in 2013 for $123,078,637.00
MUSTANG ISLAND 10 Commercial Properties From $185,000 to $1,006,315
2 Multi Family Units For $220,000 to $476,532
111
Lots and Land From $30,000 to 570,000
377
Residences
20
Below $100K
102
$100K to $199,900
133
$200K to $299,900
54
$300K to $395,000
26
$400K to $485,000
14
$500K to $599,900
8
$600 to $695,000
8
$700K to $780,000
3
$800K to $835,000
2
$900K to $960,000
7
Over $1 Million
Being informed is a good thing……..
January 30, 2014
Mustang-Padre Island Area Development Plan Draft April 12, 2004 Page 1 DEPARTMENT OF DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
The City Council calls it Strategic Planning and this week committed $1.5 million for a two-year contract with Goody Clancy & Associates Inc. of Boston, Massachusetts which will review the ten area development plans that cover the city, five of which are sixteen years old and five of which are nine years old. The money will be used to (A) compile the various Area Development plans into a comprehensive plan based on the old plans ($900,000); (B) compose an Area Downtown Development Plan ($400,000) (C) compose a Southside Area Development Plan ($200,000).
An Element of the COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Adopted April 20, 2004
Two years and good luck
The hole she dug to keep warm I yelled for Max to leave it alone! Then my senses got a hold of me and there weren't any badgers on the Island - Hmm, perhaps, a coyote pup? Well, then John told me to step away, because it could be a bear cub? My Texan cowboy didn't want me to get hurt. So, he went over to see what was attached to the black snout sticking out of the sand hill dune and she (Keeper 2.0) is what he rescued out of the hole in the sand dune! I truly hope someone didn't dump this gorgeous Border Collie puppy (maybe two months old?) in the sand dunes? Thank goodness we found her because for sure she would have been someone's dinner last night. Maybe by a miracle, she got lost by someone and they will see this posting? We gave her a bath and above is the beautiful gal. We will foster her until we find her a great home. We will pay for her shots and to fix her.... She is a sweetheart!!!
County continued from A1 McComb is being challenged by current County Court at Law Judge and former Corpus Christi City Councilman Brent Chesney and Island businessman and former City Council candidate Norm Baker. One of the candidates must muster 50% of the vote in the March primary or face a runoff with the second-place voter getter.
Early voting begins February 18, eight days after the IUPAC candidate forum which will begin at 6:30 p.m.
These figures represent Multiple Listing Service Properties only. Any private transactions, custom homes and many new construction homes are never listed on the MLS system.
The Big Daily calls it Building Our Future and last Sunday began a five part series with topics: Our (new Harbor) Bridge; Our Streets; Our Bayfront; Our Downtown; Our Growth.
A common element in both the stories by the Big Daily and the $1.5 million city plan is what is missing – Our Island. Twenty minutes of City Council discussion, 1500 words, with another 4000 or so to come, in the Big Daily, $1.5 million of tax money spent and not a single mention in either of The Island.
The two challengers have made taxes their issue accusing McComb of voting to raise county property taxes by more than 10% in the three budgets he has voted to approve while on the county commission. McComb denies raising taxes.
500 Total Properties Closed on Mustang Island in 2013 for $131,890,283.00
by Dale Rankin
According to City Manager Ron Olson’s message to the City Council on Tuesday, once those are complete the other eight parts of the city will be “looked at” in two years.
The other Lucky Island Dog doesn’t have a name yet but she’s one lucky dog. She was living in a hole in the ground. No, really, living in a hole in the ground to keep warm when some other cow dogs like me found her and some nice humans rescued her. If I ever find the humans who left her to live in a hole in the ground I’m going so sick my cats on them. Stoopid Cats! That’s the news from Dogland this week. I haven’t heard from any of you Winter Texan Dogs yet. What gives? My human says those little yappers are mostly pugs and don’t have a nose to hit the space bar with but I don’t believe him. Somehow I think it has something to do with cats.
Stuff I Heard on the Island
Lucky Dogs By Riley P. Dog
Though IUPAC, a not for profit and nonpartisan organization, will be organizing the event, it will not be endorsing a candidate. The IUPAC was formed in 2008 to unite the 6200 registered voters on The Island behind candidates in non-partisan City Council races. Since that time PAC members have endorsed a total of twenty candidates in four city elections, with all but two winning their races. Races for the Corpus Christi City Council will be on the November ballot and members of the PAC, which consists of all registered voters on The Island, will endorse candidates based on a vote of the entire membership.
So we're on the shelf for at least two years, and then the time it takes to complete and implement the study; four to five years is a good guess. But work on a new Area Development Plan for The Island won’t begin for at least two years. Two years from now when The Island may be “looked at” it will be very late in the game for an updated Island Area Development Plan. By then the new Schlitterbahn waterpark will have been in operation for two seasons, a bridge will connect Lake Padre with the Island’s canal system, most if not all of the 3200 feet of new canals on the Beachwalk will be in place; a new marina will likely either be under construction or open on Lake Padre, the area at the JFK Causeway now under construction will be finished, a plan currently being worked on by, among others, the Texas General Land Office for the Village area in the area adjacent to the JFK Causeway on the west will likely be complete, a new waterline to The Island will be flowing, 3600 acres of new parkland in Kleberg County will be open under the management of the Nueces County Coastal Parks, and according to the city’s own projections (see graph) the population of The Island will be 22,000 people (not likely given the current number at around 10,000); and all that doesn’t include any new development that is sure to follow the opening of the watepark and the Beachwalk and the fact that at any given moment between fifty and sixty new houses have been under construction on The Island since 2011. That’s a lot of change in two years. It would seem that if there was an area of the city which needs an updated Area Development plan it would be that area. There is already more going on here than will likely be happening downtown two years from now. By the time our city planners get around to developing a plan to manage Island growth Island growth will have managed itself. Any associated traffic problems will have resolved themselves. The best we can hope for at that point will be for a plan to unsnarl the Gordian traffic knot that has had four to five years to wrap itself around the Island axle. By that time the damage, or the solutions, will be a fait accompli. The Island will have de facto planned itself. The proverbial cow will have not only left the barn he will have been butchered, grilled to rare goodness, and served up on Island decks. I realize both the Big Daily and our city planners have many fish to fry, but for both to take on the task of looking at Area Development and leaving out the tourist attraction that brings eighty percent of the visitors to our area and is already undergoing the biggest changes in the
MUSTANG-PADRE ISLAND
AREA DEVELOPMENT PLAN
city seems shortsighted. We’re used to it by now, but it still seems foolhardy.
The old plan The current Mustang-Padre Island Area Development Plan was drawn up in 2004. Current Nueces County Judge Lloyd Neal was Mayor, current County Court At-Law Judge and County Commission Precinct 4 candidate Brent Chesney was on the council, and the only current member of the city council still there is Mark Scott. The City Charter mandates the Corpus Christi Comprehensive Plan and the City Council to " establish comprehensive planning as a continuous governmental function to guide, regulate, and manage future development . . . " and that " . . . all city improvements, ordinances, and regulations shall be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan . . . " When the plan was drafted Packery Channel was not open, the Island Overlay District did not exist (story for another day), there was no plans for an Island Beachwalk, and an Island Schlitterbahn was not yet even a gleam in a planner’s eye. A plan drawn up before all that cannot possibly meet that charter mandate and will more likely do nothing but cause a plethora of problems that wouldn’t exist without it as outdated assumptions get in the way of modern day realities.
Island gets the bills The $1.5 million plan with nothing for The Island is just the latest in a long line of instances where downtown gets the money and The Island gets the bills. I’m no city planner but I must ask, wouldn’t it have made much more sense to do a downtown development study BEFORE asking voters to cough up $42 million in borrowed money for Destination Bayfront? If that initiative had passed Goody Clancy & Associates Inc. of Boston, Massachusetts would now be tasked with developing a Downtown Area Development Plan and, by the way, while you’re doing that we’re going to drop this park right in the middle of it so you’ll need to plan around that; the cart before the horse. It makes me wonder if anyone knew this comprehensive plan was coming when the Destination Bayfront vote was put on the ballot. From what I can tell the Goody Clancy & Associates Inc. of Boston, Massachusetts knows their stuff. It will be interesting to see how their findings mesh with the current mantra that says “as downtown goes so goes the city.” Certainly there will be pressure from the oligarchy to stick to that course. But as we Islanders have been pointing out for decades, most downtowns are not attached to an island so our focus might need to be a little different. Our city seems to put no stock in that. Let’s hope the Goody Clancy & Associates Inc. of Boston, Massachusetts sees it another way so that in a few years we’re not sitting in Island traffic wondering why we didn’t come up with a plan. We’re not asking to be served first, we’re just asking for a seat at the table.
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Water Access Laguna Madre
Chart from 2004 Padre / Mustang Area Development Plan
Hear Yee Hear Yee Let the Good Times Roll Barefoot Mardi Gras is proud to say HIGH FIVE for the 5th Annual Barefoot Mardi Gras to be held on the island the 1st day of March, 2014. There will be a family fun parade on the beach starting at noon with an adult only party to flow that night at the Briscoe King Pavilion. The proceeds will go the Big Brothers and Big Sisters Foundation. We were proud to raise $5,000.00 last year.
361-949-1900
For more information please see www.barefootmardigras.com
January 30, 2014
Island Moon
Aruba Is Truly “One Happy Island” By Mary Craft Everyone that can should visit the former Dutch colony of Aruba in the Caribbean . Yes it has beautiful turquoise water with white sandy beaches but that is not what makes it unique - it is the warmth of its people. The Arubans are a mixed bunch made up of earthy blond Dutch and South American blends that enjoy life and who love their island and love sharing it with you. This island paradise is only 20 miles long and six miles wide with basically three areas. There is the Dutch influenced downtown section that has many upper scale designer shops mixed with restaurants, bars and souvenir shops. The low rise section has all-inclusive beach resorts and is where you can enjoy large sections of beach to yourself and then there is the fun high rise section with all the major hotels my favorite being the Holiday Inn where I stayed. The beach that stretches out in front of these hotels are full of chaise lounges with ideal people watching opportunities. The tourists are mostly from Europe, Canada, northeast U.S. and South America and are attractive and easy to interact with because it is just that kind of atmosphere.
A Blue Water Playground
beach water area.
being close to the surface. The boat had a “third lung” which is a 40’ breathing hose that allows you to basically scuba dive without the tank. For those not so active you can rent a raft all day for $5 to enjoy the large roped off
Time to eat After enjoying the sunset it is time to hit the main promenade on the other side of the hotels that is lined with restaurants all with outdoor dining. There are variety of restaurants from There are two golf courses, a 9 hole and an 18 hole course. We played the 18 hole course and we got a chance to enjoy the cacti filled desert landscape with a water backdrop. Before tourism became the country’s main economy at 75% they were the main exporter of aloe in the world. The cost for clubs, a sleeve of balls and a contemporary golf cart with GPS screen was $170. The course was challenging especially with the windy conditions.
New JetLev water toy Venezuelan to Smoky Joe’s Barbeque with most European countries represented as well. It has been said this island has the best food in the Caribbean. The island is immaculately clean with beautiful landscaped areas everywhere. It has an average temperature of 82 and the most sunny days than any other island. It also has the most repeat tourists and I met many that come every year which explains why I was so often asked if it was my first time there. I have traveled a lot and this island with a population of 120,000 is the safest place I have been to.
Take a walk on the wild side During the day everyone is on the water side of the hotels where there are many activities to enjoy including paddle boards, volleyball, kayaks, parasailing, up to four person tubing, wake boarding, kite surfing, sailboat cruises, deep sea fishing charters and snorkel cruise launches. One water sport I never saw before was the JetLev which is a water propelled jetpack that allows you to soar up to 30 feet above the water that was commercially launched in 2012. There are many restaurants and bars including several on piers over the water all with excellent seafood. Although the island is expensive the water activities are not. We went on the five hour $75 brunch snorkel catamaran cruise that included a continental breakfast, lunch with sandwiches, potato salad and fresh fruit and an unlimited bar that served gin, vodka and rum mixed drinks. There were three snorkel stops one being to view the largest shipwreck in the Caribbean of a German cargo ship from the 40s that is 400 feet long and five stories high the top
There are more rugged activities to enjoy on the rocky waves crashing side of the island. You can rent off-road vehicles or ride horseback along this coast. My favorite tour was the jeep safari to this side that takes you to the highest point of the island, stops for a view of the natural rock bridge and then to the natural pool formed by rocks for a snorkel dive. It is a very rocky “lift you right out of your seat” ride. I knew when I heard the screams and laughter from the jeep in front of us to be prepared.
The natural Pool
For you gamblers there are casinos in most hotels but none have a sports bar only a sports board where you can bet on games but not watch them. For you party animals there is the Kukoo Kunuku party bus that picks you up at your hotel and drives you, with music blaring, down the streets to four local bars downtown. Places you would have never discovered otherwise. As you can see there is something for everyone of all ages and it is very kid friendly. Everyone speaks English and every place accepts dollars. There is no need to rent a car because you can walk to most places in the high rise section and besides it is fun and educational talking to the cab drivers. Hmmm, I think I might just go back.
A7
A 8
STATE
Island Moon
Strong Texas Energy Sector Brings Growth to the Coastal Bend By Todd Hunter, District 32 In this week’s article, I want to continue to discuss the economic development that we are experiencing in South Texas. Many cities in and around Nueces County have seen a drastic increase in oil and natural gas exploration and production as a result of the Eagle Ford Shale. With the growth of this industry, we are experiencing an increase in economic activity which has been responsible for the creation of many good paying jobs in South Texas. The Eagle Ford Shale has seen an outstanding increase in production and has even exceeded that of other traditional shale plays in the past. The Eagle Ford Shale is a hydrocarbon producing formation that spans over 400 miles long and 50 miles wide. It stretches from the Mexico border all the way to East Texas. South Texas, in particular, has a 70% carbonate percentage which is much higher than other areas of the state. This is particularly good news for our area because the higher the percentage is, the more accessible the carbonate material is. In 2008, the first wells were drilled in the Eagle Ford Shale and the performance of them was simply astounding. The discovery well was drilled at over 11,000 feet in depth and 3,200 feet laterally. This resulted in a well that flowed at around 7,200,000 cubic feet of gas per day. This proved to be a strong indicator
WHITECAP LIQUOR Liquor
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that a booming energy industry was about to be established. In 2012, the number of active gas wells had grown to over 1,200. Since 2008, the overall production of natural gas has seen a steady increase every year. In 2009, the statewide production of natural gas averaged around 52 million cubic feet per day. In the recent months from January 2013 through October 2013, Texas had an average daily natural gas production of around 3.2 billion. In addition, the Eagle Ford Shale during that same timeframe produced around 650,000 barrels of oil per day.
Senior Moments
The Birth of Social Security By Dotson Lewis, dlewis1@stx.rr.com Special to the Island Moon Last week while reminiscing with an old (he is soon to turn 70) friend, the discussion turned to the first jobs we ever had that paid real money. We discounted any “allowance” we may have received from our parents. Unlike many of my friends, under no circumstance would my dad consider giving me an allowance. Also discounted were any family “chores” for which we may have been paid. It had to be a “real,” whatever that means, job.
In 2013, the University of Texas - San Antonio conducted a survey to examine the economic impact that the Eagle Ford Shale would create in the State of Texas. The study found that the oil and gas exploration and production would generate more than $61 billion in economic impact across the 20 county region in 2012 alone. This is up from the $25 billion from the prior year and it was responsible for the creation of over 117,000 jobs. The study also projects that by 2022, the Eagle Ford Shale would support 127,000 jobs and have an economic impact for Texas of $89 billion. In Texas, the oil and gas industry is regulated by the Texas Railroad Commission. Recently, the commission created the Eagle Ford Shale Task Force and in its recent report, it found that Texas is one of the leading states in the nation in oil and natural gas production. Additionally, they project that the Eagle Ford Shale has the potential to be the most active play in all of North America. Currently, there are approximately 235 active rigs running across the state and they project that this will continue for decades to come. If you would like to learn more about the Eagle Ford Shale, you can go to http://www.rrc.state. tx.us/eagleford/ Rep. Hunter represents Nueces (Part) County. He can be contacted at todd.hunter@house. state.tx.us or at 512-463-0672.
January 30, 2014
Along with other pension organizations that promoted state-level Old Age Assistance programs, the Townsend Plan indirectly spurred the augmentation of Social Security in 1950, when it finally became a more generous program than Old Age Assistance. The Townsend Plan continued to exist in some form until the early 1980s, but had fallen into political insignificance during the 1950s. The Social Security program of the 2000’s is the direct descendent of the limited program of contributory old-age benefits enacted in 1935. The program, which today covers virtually all jobs, continues to have certain basic characteristics found in the original program; that is, eligibility is earned through work in covered jobs, participation is generally compulsory, the amount of the benefits is related to covered earnings, the program is intended to provide a base of protection, and benefits are financed primarily through dedicated payroll taxes paid by workers and their employers. Yet, while the program fundamentals have remained the same over almost 8 decades, much has changed. As American work and life patterns have changed, so too Social Security has been adapted to meet current expectations. The legislative history of the program, described briefly below, shows clearly how Social Security has retained its essential characteristics as it has evolved to keep pace with the times.
1930’s Sandwich Board The first job I ever had was when I was six years old. It was wearing a “sandwich board” town on Saturdays from 10 AM to 8 PM. Here is what was written on the board. (I couldn’t find a picture of my “sandwich board”).
What was your first job and how much was the pay? I was paid the princely sum of 10 cents a day. Hey! Those were pretty good wages. I could go to two matinees at the Royal Theater, or buy two boxes of 100 BBs for my Daisy air rifle.
The Townsend Plan and Social Security Dotson’s Note: I thought many of you Senior readers of the Moon might wish to recall or read about 77 years ago when the Social Security Act became the law of the land. It did not come in to effect until 1942. In 1935, partly in response to the continued growth of the Townsend Plan, President Franklin D. Roosevelt proposed his own old-age policy, which was less generous than Townsend and Clements's proposal. The president's policy included a program for poor older people with matching payments from the federal government, known as Old Age Assistance, and a national old-age annuity program that later was called by all Social Security. The president's programs were included in the Social Security Act, which passed in August 1935. The supporters of the Townsend Plan continued to agitate for higher benefits after the passage of the Social Security Act and the Townsend Plan reached its peak of support in the months after it was enacted. The Townsend organization could plausibly claim that the benefits were far less than what the American public wanted. The average Old Age Assistance benefit was about $20 per month as late as 1939, and the program known as Social Security was not due to take effect until 1942, despite the fact that opinion polls indicated that the American public thought that $40 per month was fair for the elderly. Although the Townsend Plan was hampered by Townsend's personal control over his organization and his vendetta against Roosevelt, and by continued political pressure, augmented by other pension organizations, such as California's Ham and Eggs Movement, the Townsend Plan helped to induce amendments to the Social Security Act in 1939. These amendments greatly upgraded old-age benefits for both programs.
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By the end of the First World War, a primarily agrarian American society had become a primarily urban, industrialized one. Thus, on the eve of the Great Depression of the 1930's, a larger proportion of the American people were dependent on cash wages for their support than ever before. By 1932, however, unemployment reached 34 percent of the nonagricultural workforce. Between 1929 and 1932, national income dropped by 43 percent, per capita income by 19 percent. By the mid-1930's, the lifetime savings of millions of people had been wiped out. For vast numbers of aged people, and people nearing old age, the loss of their savings brought with it the prospect of living their remaining years in destitution. At the height of the Depression, many old people were literally penniless. One-third to one-half of the aged were dependent on family or friends for support. The poor houses and other relief agencies that existed at the time to assist people who had fallen on hard times were financed mainly from charity and local funds. They could not begin-either financially or conceptually--to respond adequately to the special needs of the aged brought about by the cataclysmic events of the Depression. Before Social Security, many people faced destitution in old age Although by 1934, 30 States had responded by providing pensions for the needy aged, total expenditures for State programs for the aged that year were $31 million--an average of $19.74 a month per aged person. As the Depression worsened, benefits to individuals were cut further to enable States to spread available funds among as many people as possible. Various national schemes to provide income to the aged received substantial attention. These included the Townsend Old-Age Revolving Pension Plan and a plan called "Share the Wealth" advanced by Louisiana Senator Huey P. Long. Under the Townsend plan, every American over age 60 was to get a monthly pension, provided he or she did not work and promised to spend the entire payment during the month. Under Long's plan, large personal fortunes would be liquidated to finance (1) pensions for the aged and (2) cash payments to every family sufficient to buy a home, a car, and radio. Dotson’s Note: What do you think of today’s social security compared to the Townsend Plan? Your comments/concerns will be greatly appreciated.
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January 30, 2014
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January 30, 2014