Island moon july 11 2013 section a by Mary Craft

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4th of July Boat Parade A4

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July 11, 2013

Photo by Jason Towns

The Island Where Half the Boat Captains are Above Average

Around The Island

By Dale Rankin editor@islandmoon.com They lined up on Whitecap, they packed onto decks, they launched their boats, they took their lawn chairs to the parks and in the end they raised their glasses to the 1st Annual Island 4th of July Fireworks Blast as it took to Island skies in a Star Spangled success. By our count about 125 boats watched the show from the water just south of the Padre Island Yacht Club and another 50-plus from the canal north of the Yacht Club. Spectators lined both sides of Whitecap all the way back to Gypsy. The show went off without a hitch as the show’s organizer Jerry Watkins lit the first fuse with a traffic flare as the last vestiges of twilight sunk below the Laguna Madre then he jumped the fence to watch the show with his family from his boat at the Yacht Club which also had a full house. Over at the Judge’s Party at Ann and Harald’s deck on Three Fathoms the Statesboro Revue played to the gathered crowd, the parade judges, as well as an armada of boats gathered in the main canal and deck parties across the way. As the fireworks went up the music was switched to the 1812 Overture and show was on. Thanks to the Coast Guard Auxiliary there were no hitches with the fleet of boats gathered for the event; thank you Steve Horton. And the four constables on hand for traffic control helped control the traffic; thank you Bobby Sherwood. And a big Island Moon thank you to the crowds that were large and trouble free – mostly Islanders since the event was not promoted OTB. Islander Dotson Lewis went to Whitecap the next morning to clean up what he figured was sure to be left behind litter but the only thing he found was a left-behind cell phone. All in all it was a magical night on our Island and we look forward to next year.

Rock and Roll Turtle Season The turtle hatching season is off to a rousing start down PINS way. Dr. Donna and friends have already held eight releases with as many as twenty expected between now and August. The first release, which writer Brent Roark wrote about last time, drew well over 1000 people. The releases are held at the Malaquite Beach Visitor Center and begin at 6:30 a.m. If you have never been to one it is one of those Only On The Island experiences. If you go don’t bring or eat food since it will attract gulls (who also like baby turtles), and you should not wear white colored clothing or white colored footwear or take photos using a flash, since all of these will disorient the hatchlings who are trying to find their way to the ocean for the first time. Sometimes the releases are postponed because the turtles aren’t aware they are putting on a show and sometimes aren’t ready to go yet. So before you go call the Hatchling Hotline at 361949-7163 or check the Facebook page titled Padre Island NS Division of Sea Turtle Science & Recovery. The biggest release is expected in mid-July.

Island Moon ArtWalk Don’t forget the Island Moon ArtWalk for July on Saturday and Sunday, July 20-21 at the parking lot on the seawall. We’ll see you there. In the meantime say hello if you see us Around The Island.

Next Publication Date: 7/18/2013

Police Boat for The Island May Become Reality

Year 16, Issue 482

Facebook: The Island Moon Newspaper

4th of July Boat Parade

By Dale Rankin For years a large portion of complaints from Islanders have come from the water side of our houses. Boaters speeding and leaving behind dock killing wakes, stereo systems on boats way too loud, and it has been the norm for years for burglars to access Island houses by boat. The problem has been that with all the law enforcement boats which patrol our canals, six different agencies, none of them are there specifically to address those common complaints. Each has their function, whether it’s looking for smugglers, checking bag limits on fish and game, or checking for life jackets, they each enforce the laws their various agencies each address. Missing from the mix has been the Corpus Christi Police who have not had a boat to help keep an eye out for burglars and speeding boaters, and other common problems on the water. It looks like that is about to change. At the Tuesday meeting of the Island Strategic Action Committee (ISAC) CCPD unveiled a plan that would put a 25-foot Majek boat, specially equipped for police work, on regular patrol in Island canals to enforce boating safety Police Boat continued on A15

The Little Jar That Keeps on Giving Some of people who visit Snoopy’s Pier may never even notice it even though it is right in front of them. But others do and when they realize why it is there they drop in a dollar, or in some cases a hundred dollars.

Anatomy of a Fireworks Show How it makes its way into the sky By Dale Rankin

a total of 1304 tubes were used for this show.

It’s one of those things that in idle moments we each contemplate – I wonder what it would be like to light the fuse on a huge fireworks show? Well, after last Thursday one Islander knows the answer. We visited ground zero for the Island Blast early Thursday as crews were putting the launch site together. They began Wednesday night by placing the racks that hold the tubes which hold the fireworks. The hard plastic tubes range in size, for this show, from three to six inches; and

Projects continued on A3

Senior Moments

Lewis Special to the Island Moon The City of Corpus Christi Senior Community Services Division and the Mayor’s Council on Aging will host the Corpus Christi’s Greatest Treasures Award Dinner from 5:30 p.m. p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, July 18, 2013 at the American Bank Center – Henry Garrett Ballroom, 1901 N.Shoreline.

Award continued on A6

Editor’s note: Our story last time about the future management of our beaches prompted a response from veteran Geologist Richard Watson who lives on The Island. His take is that Mother Nature, as amended by man, will dictate beach management in the future as beach erosion will make our beaches so narrow that the “wet” zone will move to the base of the dunes making some/many portions of the beach unusable. Here is a detailed explanation of how he believes that will happen.

Packery Channel Photo courtesy of Dr. Richard Watson

Nearly all of the Gulf beaches of Texas are undergoing rapid erosion. The only beaches

jettied inlets, at river deltas where the river flows directly into the Gulf and in the longshore sediment convergence zone of Central Padre

that are not eroding are located adjacent to

Erosion continued on A6

There’s not a lot of high tech involved in this part of the process. The simple wooden racks are arranged in rectangular and S patterns to keep them from falling over and the tubes are held in place with short pieces of wood. Once the tubes are in place workers, about half a dozen in all, go from tube to tube jamming a stick with a nail down the tubes to make sure there is no cardboard residue leftover from the previous show.

The launch crews were volunteer firefighters from Boerne who pay $25 per year for a permit to launch fireworks and it is their job to transport and stage the fireworks for the show.

Corpus Christi’s Greatest Treasures By Dotson

Inspired by Tom Brokaw’s book, The Greatest Generation, the Mayor’s Council on Aging has

Not high tech

The show is a production of the Zambelli Fireworks Company in Philadelphia who take care of the insurance and some of the details. The rest were handled by Jerry Watkins who conceived and organized the Island show and they included getting the proper permits from the fire department, contacting the Coast Guard to help with boating safety during the show, traffic control, portable bathrooms, mowing the launch site, and a million other details that popped up along the way – not to mention raising the $15,000 to pay for it all.

A little over a year ago Snoopy’s owners Ernie and Corliss Buttler got involved with a group called Combat Marine Outdoors which raises money to take wounded Marine and Army veterans for outdoor trips. Sometimes it is deer hunting, but most of the time it is for fishing trips up and down the Laguna Madre where Ernie has been fishing for decades.

Severe Erosion of Texas Beaches Caused by Engineering Modifications to the Coast and Rivers

By Richard L. Watson, PhD, Consulting Geologist

Delicate work Once the tubes are in place and ready the delicate work begins. We don’t have any photos of this part of the process because once Fireworks continued on A4

A Little Island History

The Dunn Ranch

By Greg Smith In 1879 Catherine Dunn and son’s Patrick and Tom began ranching on Padre Island which later would sometimes be called the Dunn Ranch. This is the story of Catherine and her husband Thomas journey to South Texas.

After Matt Dunn came to Corpus in 1845 with Gen. Taylors Army he wrote his brothers in Ireland encouraging them to come to Texas. The first of the four brothers to leave Ireland A line camp bunkhouse built for cowboys working for Texas was the youngest, the Dunn Ranch remains standing today. Thomas. The Dunn family lived in County Kildare Ireland, twenty miles west to escape the grinding poverty of Ireland. of Dublin. Ireland at that time was in the Tom and Catherine reunited in Dublin and grip of the Great Potato Famine with because were married on October 14 1849. Saying of the blight destroying their main food, the good bye to family and friends, never to see potato. One out of every eight souls living in again, they boarded the ship, Great Britain Ireland in those sad times died of hunger and bound for New Orleans. The newlyweds a similar amount of Irish left Ireland in surch arrived in strange and exotic New Orleans on December 1, after which they boarded a of food. shallow coastal vessel for the two to three In 1849 Tom had saved enough money for day trip to Corpus Christi. What a difference his passage and to buy some land in South from their native Ireland where family’s lived Texas. Before leaving Ireland he proposed to and died for generations on the same house, Catherine Hickey who emigrated to London History continued on A3

Island Moon

A 2

July

11,

2013

The Travelling Moon

Above: The Island Moon travels with Cindy Gibbs and Timi Abney to New Orleans.

JOHNNY D’S •

Johnny Ds

Right: The Moon traveled to Kansas City, MO with local singer, Ruben Limas.

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Get ready for a colorful, comical, and clearly colossal rendition of Shrek the Musical in August at PACT. A very talented crew and caste is working tirelessly to bring you an immensely entertaining evening. Elaborate costumes are being made, dancers are getting their steps down, Shrek and The Donkey are still having their cute dialogue, and all of the memorable songs are reverberating off of the theatre walls. Performances will be held on August 1,2,3,4 and 8,9,10,11 and finally 15,16,17,18. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evening performances begin at 7:30 P.M. and the Sunday performances begin at 2:30 P.M.

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Beach Babes Rhonda, Kim & Diana came OTB to enjoy the beach on the 4th with their families. Hard to believe two of them are grandmothers! Photo by Mary Craft

First annual Island Blast fireworks show

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By Neil McQueen Skip the Plastic is pleased to announce our July Bag Hero, House of Rock owner Casey Lain. As one of Corpus Christi’s popular venues for live music, art shows and other cultural events, the House of Rock reaches a wide audience. Casey strives to show how downtown Corpus Christi can be clean and cool through giveaways of House of Rock reusable bags.

July 11, 2013

Island Moon

Letters to Riley By Riley P. Dog

You guys know that when it comes to cats they’re not my favorite people. Stoopid cats.

his intestines. Dr. Christi had to stay up with him all night but by the next morning Flamer was doing better. He’s still in the hospital and running a little fever but he’s doing pretty good.

But this week I’m writing about a cat friend of mine who was shot last week by a bad human with a pellet gun. His name is Flamer and he lives over on Natal Plum with his human Mary. Mary found Flamer – named that because he has some flameshaped marking on his cat head – as a stray and took him in and he lives at her house now. Flamer minds his own business and goes about his cat business and doesn’t bother anybody.

He’s a pretty happy guy now and it looks like he’s going to be all right but whoever the mean person is that shot him should go see him and tell him you are sorry.

Well, last Friday when Flamer didn’t come in for the night his human went looking for him and found him outside in a pool of blood and just barely alive. He was bleeding and covered in ants and he needed help. It was a bad day to be Flamer. It was late at night and so Mary took Flamer to a animal doctor in town and they got him kind of okay and then Mary took him to Dr. Christi over at the Animal Hospital and Dr. Christi operated on him for a long time. Flamer had been shot twice with a pellet gun that had been pumped up so much that the pellets went all the way through him. One went through his shoulder and another one went through his middle and left three holes in

You wouldn’t like it if Flamer shot you with his pellet gun and Flamer wouldn’t do that anyway because he’s a nice cat. Get well sooner Flamer and remember that all humans don’t go around shooting cats with pellet guns. Only the ones who are mixed up.

That little jar now has produced $20,000, with $250 of each $1000 coming from the Buttlers, and provided trips from for more than 80 veterans.

Ernie said the program expects to get even busier because 800 wounded vets were recently transferred to San Antonio hospitals. The organization is also raising money to purchase

“Oh man, three places, that sounds pretty bad. Where did he break it?” “Shorty’s, The Flats, and The Gaff…it was a long night.”

“I still can’t believe it when I start emptying out the money from the jar,” Ernie said. “When I’m going through the bills and I see a hundred dollar bill in there I know that somebody cared enough to donate it without even telling anyone. The people who come through here really have a generous spirit.”

Island in the Son United Methodist Church Seeking Vendors For “Christmas in July” Arts and Crafts Sale By Connie Harris, Administrative Assistant Island in the Son United Methodist Church

Island in the Son UMC is located at 10650 Highway 361 on Mustang Island, 2 miles north of Packery Channel between Newport Pass Road and Beach Access Road #3. “Come as you are!”

According to them there was an unusual juxtaposition this year; the Spring Break crowd was mostly families and the 4th of July crowd was the usual Spring Break crowd. The police say the crowds stayed on the beach long after dark, which is unusual and most of the trouble was not tourists but “locals who show up, start trouble, and leave.” I guess that’s just what we do. Over by Bob Hall Piers police were called after four desperados committed robbery and made off with a bottle of wine. It didn’t take long for the PD to track them down enjoying the fruit of their misdeeds over by Packery Channel and they were hauled in for Grand Theft Wine. Over at the Ski Canal the water was covered in boats. There was a fight and some arrests when a father, son, and mother decided to settle their difference through trial by combat and a lady was thrown from the back of a jet ski but was okay. All in all given the number of people on The Island things went pretty smoothly, or at least as smoothly as can be expected.

Fire in the sky I think it can be fairly said that the first Island Blast Fireworks show was a smashing success. Crowds cued up all over the place with no trouble and Islanders all threw what has to be

JFK Causeway

37 tons of trash and a cloud of dust tracked vehicles for vets in wheelchairs to give them more access to rough terrain.

crowd is by talking to the folks who sell the beach parking permits because they are out there on the beach where this year they sold 1000 more permits than on any weekend ever.

They were lined up five rows deep from Packery Channel all the way down Kleberg Beach, even in areas where the sand was too soft for comfortable driving. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, the old crowded is the new normal around here. The population boom in the San Antonio-Austin corridor is bringing them down here and the Eagle Ford Shale is putting money in their pockets. I can remember when people used to say, “one of these days this Island is going to explode” and I think this is one of those days. By noon on Saturday traffic was backed up to the top of the The HEB in Flour Bluff on Wednesday reminded me of the stores I saw looted in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. There wasn’t a hamburger patty left to be seen. Entire shelves of buns and beer were completely empty in spite of the best efforts of the army of teenagers hired to restock them. Twas like an army of ants descended on the place.

So the next time you are in Snoopy’s take notice of the Little Jar That Keeps on Giving setting on the counter there and drop in a few bucks – or a hundred – in to keep our wounded warriors out there on the water. It’s a very direct way to thank them for their service.

Island in the Son United Methodist Church will have their annual “Christmas in July” Arts and Crafts Sale on Saturday, July 13, 2013 from 9:00 AM until 3:00 PM. You won’t want to miss this opportunity to “shop ‘til you drop” among the great selection of unique items for sale. A Vendor information packet with registration form is available by emailing or calling the church at islandintheson@yahoo. com or 361-749-0884. Tables will be reserved on a first come, first served basis, and only after payment is received. Deadline for registration is July 3.

Last week the weekend started on Wednesday and the smoke didn’t clear until Sunday afternoon when the civilians all lined up on Highway 361 trying to turn right in order to get home. I knew it was going to be an unusual weekend when I heard the first story. We were at the Back Porch on Wednesday and someone said, “Hey, Dave broke his arm in three places.”

Grocery run

“They come down from military hospitals in San Antonio,” he said, “and by about 10 a.m. we are out on the water.”

by Dale Rankin

The best estimates are that somewhere between 300,000 and 400,000 people visited our Island over the long holiday weekend in an estimated 15,000 cars per day. Up until this weekend the biggest crowds we ever had on our beaches were during the Memorial Day weekend this year; the crowds this weekend matched those but the “weekend” was much longer because the holiday started on Wednesday night and hit its stride on Friday. While I have no hard data on such things I would be willing to bet that last Friday had to be one of the least productive workdays in our county’s history. I mean, who the heck wants to party all day on Thursday and then work all day on Friday before the weekend? Certainly not any of the 300,000-400,000 folks with their feet in the sand around here.

Jar continued from A1

Fully 93% of the money raised goes toward trips for the wounded warriors, the remainder pays the salaries of two full-time employees of Combat Marine Outdoors who keep the program running. The Buttlers also donate meals for the groups at Snoopy’s Pier.

Stuff I Heard on the Island

And from there things pretty much just kept on rolling.

There was no reason to shoot Flamer and you almost killed him. Even though cats aren’t my favorite people and one made me fall in the canal I don’t shoot them with a pellet gun and you shouldn’t either.

The visitors left behind 37 tons of trash on the beach which overwhelmed the 250 trash cans there. The lifeguards had to pull about twenty people out of the surf; most of the police calls on the beach came between six and eight in the evening after the crowd was well lubricated and nursing their newly minted lobster tans. Over at Bob Hall Pier the profit from bait shrimp alone topped $4000. One of the ways to judge the makeup of the

some kind of record for the Mother of All Deck Parties. I couldn’t help but think as I watched the show that it was like everyone on The Island was at the same giant party. I wish our old friend Mike Ellis had been around to see it because I think he would have loved it. The only complaints I heard were from one group of boaters who anchored up too close to the launch site and when the fireworks went up they got a nose full of salt peter and couldn’t see the fireworks for the smoke; moths that flew too close to the flame. But alas, the old Island adage proved true once again; what happens on The Island leaves on Sunday and by Sunday afternoon we Islanders had our Island back and it was safe to venture out. And the best news of all, with only one exception no one broke their arm in three places. So we’ve got that going for us.

History continued from A1 villages and farms. The town of Corpus Christi was only ten years old at the time so everyone except some small children came from some where else. Nueces County’s entire population was 651 including soldiers. Corpus had already experienced their first “bust”, dropping from a population of 3,000 when Taylor’s army was encamped in 45’. Unlike Ireland where the village authority revolved around the Parish Priest, Corpus was wild and untamed, on the edge of the frontier, twenty eight years from independence from Spain, thirteen years from independence from Mexico and four years from annexation from the United States. Indians still roamed the country and bandits stalked the trails. Tom and Catherine reunited with Matt Dunn

fourteen years after Tom saw his older brother Matt leave home in Ireland when Tom was but a lad of twelve. One of the first orders of business was to buy a farm, the universal dream of any Irishman. Matt had the place and seller, 100 acres next to Matt’s farm and owned by land promoter Col. Henry Kinney. Tom paid twohundred dollars in gold, the great majority of the money Tom brought from Ireland. The farm is located where the Greyhound Racetrack is today off Navigation Blvd & I 37. Today it’s a five minute drive from downtown but in 1850 it was and hour and half walk from town to Tom & Catherine’s dream. Like good Irish they started a family, but fate did not shine on the young Dunn’s. Catherine gave birth to eight children in the day of childbirth in the bedroom with only the help of a midwife. Five of their infant’s died within the first few weeks of childbirth leaving a pall of sadness for the young family. The second child, Mary did survive though giving Tom & Catherine hope as did young Tom Jr. in 1854 and the last surving child Patrick in 1858. Tom worked hard building the farm, growing cotton for profit and other crops for food and fodder. Tom was mechanically inclined, operating the first cotton gin in Nueces County along with brother John who arrived in 1851. By the eve of the Civil War in 1861 Tom and Catherine had come from new immigrant arrivals with a couple of hundred dollars and dreams to a three young children, a thriving farm and twenty-two hundred dollars in worth. Four of the five Dunn brothers had arrived since Thomas in 1849, the clan now numbering twenty-seven in Nueces County. On April 12, 1861 over 1,100 hundred miles away South Carolina opened fire on the Union garrison in Charleston Harbor. This far away action would soon be felt by the Dunn’s and turn upside down their peaceful lives and quest for prosperity. Next... the Civil war.

Third Coast Studio presents Mike McClure on stage on Saturday, July 13th. Doors open at 7:00 and the music starts at 8:00. Tickets are $25 and you can BYOB! Third Coast Studio is located at 502 E. Ave G in Port Aransas. 361-749-4294

A 4

Island Moon

July 11, 2013

4th of July Boat Parade 2013

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Fireworks continued from A1 it starts they run all the civilians off for safety. This show consisted of four pods of tubes; two smaller ones on each end and two larger ones in the middle. The smaller pods are the opening salvo and the big finish; the large ones in the middle constitute the meat of the show.

way around the pod from tube to tube its burn rate is what determines the pace of the show.

One of the surprising things about big fireworks shows is that they are ignited pretty much the same way we all lit fireworks as kids; with an open torch. But instead of a small “punk” that you blow on to keep lit, in this case they used a traffic flare – the kind you see on the ground at accident scenes. The fireworks can be set off with a button attached to the end of a long wire but for this show that wasn’t the case – it was a traffic flare.

As the instigator of this event Jerry got the privilege of lighting the first fuse.

Once the fireworks are in their individual tubes their individual fuse is taped to the side of the tube then a single long fuse is run completely around the pod linking every tube to the next by the common fuse. When the time comes to fire, the long fuse is lit at the downwind side of the pod. (We didn’t ask if there had been some upwind accidents before they switched to the downwind method.) As the long fuse burns its

The entire show takes place between 300 and 500 feet in the air. That’s high enough for people to see them, but not high enough to get in the way of air traffic.

“It’s going to go up quick,” is all he was told, and they weren’t kidding. He donned an old fireman’s coat and in the instant he touched flare to fuse the first tubes blasted off before he could turn around and run. As the fellow said, “there is a high pucker factor in this line of work.” There were a couple of small grass fires after the first volley but the firemen standing by weren’t needed, the crew simply stamped them out with their feet. No big deal. The job of the firemen was to make sure the recently cut grass didn’t catch fire and spread to the Whitewater Treatment Plant next door. The idea was to avoid the headline that said, “First Island Fireworks Show Was So Big It Burned Down the Sewer Treatment Plant.” That would have made for a heck of a show the first year but the plant probably wouldn’t have been rebuilt in time for a second show next year.

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The largest fireworks out there fill up twelve inch tubes. They must be fired by wire and, according to the crew, are quite impressive to watch launch, but they advised against them.

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“They cost too much and they aren’t worth the extra cost,” they said. They recommend using more of the six inch shells instead and based on this year’s show that seems like sound advice. So the next time you see a big fireworks show picture some fellow running around on the ground with a lit traffic torch in his hand, trying his best to keep everything going up in sequence – rather than all at once - and all the while watching out for grassfires. The Chinese may have invented fireworks but the boys from Boerne have honed the act of launching them to a fine art – one traffic torch at a time.

July 11, 2013

By Brent Rourk

Island Moon

Visitors Flocked to Paradise for the July 4th Holiday

What a long and gorgeous weekend! Unending hot weather, remembrances about our history, weddings on the beaches, extraordinary fireworks shows at both North Padre Island and Port Aransas, cook-outs, lounge chairs on the beach or next to the pool, and countless visitors all here to enjoy paradise. Though we islanders have to accept a little more traffic and crowded beaches during this holiday, we seem to have adjusted. There are miles of beaches and room for everybody in the Coastal Bend area. There is also nothing wrong with an infusion of tourists who tend to spend their dollars here on many of the island businesses and who profusely brag about how beautiful this area is.

in the shade of a canopy while a gentle breeze helped cool the park and its many temporary residents. Mark commented that their neighbor in the RV Park drove to North Padre Island in an RV from New Mexico to be here for the holiday. Though they do cook out often, the Estradas take advantage of the many restaurants on the island, including their current favorites Padre Pizzeria, Scuttlebutts, and Snoopys. Friendly folks. Sarah and Patrick flew from Dallas to visit family on North Padre Island. They both love the beaches and the restaurants. They also had engagement photos taken on the beach near Bob Hall Pier. They were a terrific looking

My holiday weekend took me to Rockport twice, Port Aransas twice, and throughout Corpus Christi, including North Padre Island. I performed a couple of weddings and did a few photo shoots. I spent a lot of time on at several beaches so I decided to ‘check in’ with some of our visitors to see why they came here [to paradise] and what they had to say about North Padre Island, Port Aransas, and Rockport.

couple who enjoyed capturing memories while I arranged various shots of them in and out of the water. They were looking forward to eating at Johnny D’s and spending time with family.

Kathleen Mata, also a San Antonio resident craves “the pretty water, waves and the beaches”. Although Kathleen and her family had not been here for a long time, they had not forgotten how beautiful the beaches are. She insisted that the pristine beaches here lured her back. This time she invited relatives (from San Luis Potosi, Mexico) who were all smiles as they peacefully sat at the water’s edge. Alice Mann and her son Aaron live on North

Local Alice Mann middle back row with her children and grandchildren Padre Island so they really understand and appreciate living near the beach and on a small island. Alice’s daughter and six grandchildren were visiting from Austin and Lockhart, Texas. The grandchildren were thoroughly enjoying the water and reluctantly came out of the water long enough to pose for a photograph before they swiftly raced back into the Gulf. As one of the children hurried back to the water with a wide grin, he yelled at the others, “Hey, we’re gonna be in the paper.” Alice loves spending time with her children and her house full of grand-children.

Sarah and John get married under a patriotic arbor on North Padre Island Sarah and John arrived from Dallas to get married at the beach on North Padre Island in front of their family and friends. Their wedding planner Joanne Soward from Port Aransas Weddings created a gorgeous holiday ‘Red, White, and Blue’ themed wedding right on the beach. John eagerly waited for his ‘brideto-be’ to appear down the raked-sand aisle. He nervously asked me, “When can I look?” I assured him that I would definitely let him know when the time was right to turn around and behold his beautiful bride. When he finally turned to see her, the smile on his face was priceless. A perfect moment and a perfect spot for a wedding. After I pronounced them husband and wife, beaming family members offered them congratulations while large containers of Texas BBQ magically appeared on the tables. The party was on! Luis and his wife and child drove to North Padre Island for the first time, having heard good things about it. They presently live in Houston, though they originally lived in Florida, so they knew well the pleasures of sandy beaches and warm sun. During their three day stay they dined at a few restaurants in Corpus Christi. Their large black and white umbrella made their long beach hours very comfortable. Luis confidently shared, “We’ll be back.” Brenda and Mark Estrada have been visiting North Padre Island for almost ten years. They relish arriving from Floresville before July 4th and then spending a month here. They are staying at the RV Park near Bob Hall in spite of owning a condo here on the island. Their favorite memory is, “spending time with our children, enjoying our family, and fishing on the pier”. Their large trailer also serves as a home base for other family members who visit during the month long stay. Brenda confided, “Our children enjoy the beach and love fishing.” Brenda was devouring a bowl of fresh blueberries, strawberries and black berries

25 Cent Cinema EVERY MONDAY!!! Bring the whole family or send kids age 5 and up for a movie night every Monday for only a quarter! Family friendly movies will begin around 7:05pm, at the Library Meeting Room, 710 W. Ave. A. Free popcorn is included in the admittance fee. The summer series is courtesy of the City of Port Aransas Parks and Recreation Department. Email pamg@cityofportaransas.org or call 749-4158 for movie schedule.

There were also many locals basking and baking on our beaches, taking time to relax and to enjoy the holiday. Virtually every conceivable game, sport and activity was happening on our beaches and in the water. The intoxicating scents of grilled and barbequed meats filled the air while children tested their courage by going out further in the water. Little ones filled their buckets with water or sand, practicing their sand castle making skills while older siblin gs and energetic adults played volleyball, tossed a football, or happily engaged in some other game. Most folks kept well hydrated, tanking water, juice or beer. I wondered how many cold beers were downed last weekend on the beaches? Many beach goers simply practiced the phenomenon of gravity on their lounge chairs while simultaneously lifting assorted beverages to their lips, both amazing acts of physical determination and endurance. Many a good books were read during the holiday on our beaches as some visitors finally took time to read the book they had wanted to read for weeks or perhaps even months. Uninterrupted stretches of reading time are heavenly for avid readers, especially when accompanied by warm sun, available shade, and the gentle sounds of surf in the background. I noticed that several readers were accumulating quite a noticeable pink glow on their backs, having forgotten to reapply a layer of sunscreen. Ouch! Oh my stars - the symphony of cries and whimpers that must have ensued during the evening from pink, poached, and forgetful partiers. Several visitors took advantage of fireworks shows on the islands, including North Padre Island’s first official ‘Island Blast’ [Yeah!]. Countless smaller and private fireworks shows sprayed the evening horizon for hours and even smaller scale rockets lit the sky over the beaches. Thousands also lined the water’s edge in Port Aransas and Rockport to observe spectacular firework displays. Young children anxiously waited for the start of the firework displays, just like we did when we were young. Some visitors made it into the big city to see the Lexington or the Texas State Aquarium, while a few others woke up early to witness the sea turtle hatchling releases at the National Seashore. Though many visitors brought their own food, enjoying picnics or BBQs, lots of Coastal Bend visitors made it to their favorite restaurants, enjoying the seafood that this area is famous for. Almost every restaurant was mentioned at one time or another by visitors. Victor, our friendly and efficient server at Virginia’s in Port Aransas, was kept hopping by the constant line of hungry locals and tourists alike. In addition to restaurants along the coast, local convenience stores, gas stations, tourist shops, clothing stores, and virtually all types of retail outlets were busier during the holiday, catching the overflow of guests who enjoyed the area and who spent their valuable dollars. There seemed to be waiting lines at the local stores and there was the obligatory line of folks waiting to have their photo taken near, in front of, in, or on a humongous iconic shell in front of a frequently visited souvenir store on North Padre Island. Ah – Venus on the Half Shell revisited. The miniature golf course next door was also up to par with would be putters. The lines of cars, trucks and SUVs as well as colorful beach umbrellas were solid for blocks, if not for miles. Most of the out of town visitors stayed until Saturday afternoon or some time on early Sunday. I wondered if the high tide didn’t encourage many visitors to leave earlier than planned. I doubt that most visitors diligently researched tide tables prior to arriving, but regardless I am certain they enjoyed their stay. The beaches were well prepared for the onslaught of visitors. Police presence was obvious and welcomed by most of our visitors who really wanted to have a memorable and safe holiday here. So another July 4th Holiday weekend came and went. We on the islands are fortunate to live here, and our visitors were fortunate to hang out for a few days and enjoy what we have come to know as paradise. I am grateful that I live in this country and grateful that I can celebrate our independence and our freedoms. I am grateful that I live in the Coastal Bend and it is clear, after talking with many visitors, that they too have fallen in love with our home. Finally, I am grateful for BBQ, frozen yogurt, and Jerry Watkins.

Class is open to adults of all levels and will consist of resistance band training, ab work, rope jumping, instruction and lots of rallying. Cost: $10 Students MUST call to register 361790-8455 (Total # of students range from 1 -10) All will be held at the Port Aransas High School tennis courts, 100 S Station St. Summer Youth Tennis Camps: Session 2: July 22-25, held at Port Aransas High School. Kids 6-9 yrs at 8-8:40am, cost: $35. Kids 1016 at 8:45-10am, cost: $50. Campers will receive instruction, exercise and movement drills in a fun and positive environment. Price includes a t-shirt, refreshments and “hit for prize” contests.

Kid/family activities

Private/group lessons and racket specials are available.

Adults are welcome to attend Parks and Recreation activities with the kids. Kids under 5 may attend with an adult.

For more information, call Rob or Becky at 790-8455, or visit: www.TennisProunderdog. com

7/4, Thursday, 1-3pm, Freedom Dogs: Enjoy hot dogs at pool, regular admission price

During an engagement photograph session Sarah and Patrick point to their wedding date etched in the wet sand

Kathleen Mata, back left with her family at water’s edge

Port A Happenings

7/5, Friday, Non-resident Swim Lesson Signup: For Session 2: [Morning swim classes for youngsters 6 months to 12 years old meet Tues. through Fri. for 2 weeks, July 9-19 at 9:4010:20am or 10:30-11:10am] register at pool while open. Non-residents - $25 each child per session. Lessons for six months to 2 year olds are 10:30-11:10am only. 7/6 Saturday, 6-8pm, Popsicle Night: Cool at the pool. Free popsicles included with the regular admittance fee 7/8, Monday, 1-4pm, Board games: All ages, Girl Scout hut, FREE, prizes! 7/8, Monday, 7:05pm, 25 Cent Cinema: Family friendly, movie & popcorn at Library, $0.25 each July 9-19, Tue-Fri, 9:40 & 10:30am, Swim Lessons 2: [See registration above] 7/9, Tuesday, 9:30-11:30am, Get Physical: games & more in Olsen Elementary School gym, 100 S. Station, all ages, free 7/9, Tuesday, 2-4pm, Chillin’ Time - Aliens ... fun, fun. Age 5 & up, Girl Scout hut, $2 7/10, Wednesday, 2-4pm, Weird Science Frankenweenie...all kinds of crafts/games. Age 5 & up, Girl Scout hut, $2 7/11, Thursday, 9:30-11:30am, Park play Water Balloon fun, All ages welcome, outside the pool, FREE 7/11, Thursday, 2-4pm, Chillin’ Time - Sand Casting. Age 5 & up, Girl Scout hut, $2 7/12, Friday, 7-9pm, Sunset Sounds Concert: Rich Lockhart Band [rock, reggae, country].

Sunset Sounds Outdoors in the breeze, dolphins jumping in the channel, birds flying over head and music will fill the park at the next Sunset Sounds. Grab a chair or blanket and experience the free concert overlooking the Corpus Christi Ship Channel featuring The Rich Lockhart Band. The concert will be held Friday, July 12, from 7 to 9 pm. The band will entertain with classic rock, blues, reggae/ska and new & classic country music. Bring friends, food, and drink if you choose, and enjoy an evening of musical entertainment as the sun sets in Roberts Point Park. The public is invited to bring their kids [playground is in sight] and dogs [leashed] to the Patsy Jones Amphitheater in the park by the ferry. This series is held from April through October, at the Patsy Jones Amphitheater in Roberts Point Park, courtesy of the Parks and Recreation Department. A true South Texas band, The Rich Lockhart Band has original songs and covers everything from Johnny Cash to Jimi Hendix and everything in between. Styles of music include classic rock, blues, reggae/ska and new and classic country. Rich Lockhart was New Mexico born, but Texas raised. He has been playing and creating music for 11 years. A well-rounded artist, Rich can write and sing, play guitar, bass, keyboard, harmonica and didgeridoo.

7/13, Saturday, 6-8pm, Water Wackiness: Games & prizes at the pool. Regular fee

Original songs include: Blue Eyes, Brooklynn’s Lullaby, Hourglass, Above the Water, Island Time, Cover Me No More, Bow Your Head and Far and Across the See.

Tennis Instruction and Camps

Andrew Juelg is a very versatile musician and has been playing for 17 years. He can play bass, guitar, piano, harmonica and the drums. Original influences are 90s rock and metal, including Nirvana and Pearl Jam. Andrew is also a talented vocalist and has written original songs.

Tennis in Port A now includes a “Drop-in” Tennis Clinic, “Free Friday’s” Tennis and “Sunrise” Tennis & Fitness class. The clinic is held the first Saturday of the month, 8-9am, for adult beginner/intermediate level. Cost will be $10 with rackets provided. All are offered by the Port Aransas Parks and Recreation Department with tennis pro and Guinness World Record holder Rob Peterson and his wife Becky, a former number one ranked player in Texas. “Free Friday’s” Tennis! enjoy a complimentary tennis lesson with Rob! Simply call 361-790-8455 to schedule your free intro lesson to be conducted on a Friday. “Sunrise” Tennis & Fitness class is held every Tuesday (starting July 8th) from 6:30am7:30am. * This will be year ’round; times may change with seasons.

Steve Flores is a native of Corpus Christi. He is a specialized artist and has been playing the drums for 13 years. As the son of musicians, music has always been a focus in his life and he enjoys all genres of rock.

Remaining 2013 Sunset Sounds Schedule Aug 9 Hilda Lamas soul, blues, English & Spanish Sept 13 Melissa Brooke rock, hip hop

R&B, 7-9 pm Country, 7-9 pm

Oct 11 Russell Edge & Shirley Fischer Classic Country and classic rock & roll 7-9 pm

Island Moon

A 6

Moon Monkeys Mike Ellis, Founder

Pete Alsop Island Delivery Coldwell Banker Advertising Jan Park Rankin Patrick Kelliher Office Lisa Towns Classifieds Arlene Ritley Design/Layout Jeff Craft Contributing Writers Joey Farah Devorah Fox Mary Craft Maybeth Christiansen Jay Gardner

Thanks for your service and any information you can provide.

Todd Hunter

Respectfully,

Danniece Bobeché

Ramona

Ronnie Narmour

Response from Michael Wheelington

Brent Rourk Dr. Donna Shaver Photographers

Pending lab test results, a charge will be filed with the DA.

Miles Merwin Jeff Dolan

Boating while intoxicated ( P.C. 49.06. ) is the same as a DWI - .08 alcohol. The penalty is also the same.

Mary Craft

Reckless Operation ( P.W.C. CH 31 section 31.096) is a Class B Misdemeanor $200-$2000 fine and or Jail not to exceed 180 days.

Typos of the Week 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.

Not to nitpick. But. Is “surch” Gaelic for ‘search’? It was in the article about the starving Armenians, I mean, Irish. Same difference, right? Also, the caption for Beach Babes of the Week for Nadia lists her home as “Benevidias”. I’ve been all over South Texas and have never seen such a place. I have, however, been through Benavides, in Duval County, a few times. It’s about 25 miles west of Kingsville. Bye the bye, traffic is becoming ominous. Wife and I were coming back Saturday after the 4th around noonish and traffic was backed up to the top of the causeway bridge. I shudder to think what holiday weekends will be like when we finally get Schlitterbombed. Robert Danesi

The Island Moon Newspaper Corpus Christi, TX 78418 361-949-7700 editor@islandmoon.com Facebook: The Island Moon Newspaper

Where to Find The Island Moon Port Aransas Lisabella’s Restaurant Pioneer RV Park Stripes @ Beach Access Rd. 1A

Wild Horse Saloon

North Padre All Stripes Stores

Amano

Whataburger

Felder Gallery

Doc’s Restaurant

Island Woman Boutique

Snoopy’s Pier

Coffee Waves Moby Dicks Spanky’sLiquor IGA Grocery Store Port A Business Center Carter Pharmacy

CVS

Back Porch Woody’s Sports Center Shorty’s Place The Flat’s Lounge Giggity’s Stripes @ Cotter & Station

Pre-race tickets are available at the Country Club or from any Island Rotarian and are $35 and limited to 120.

Erosion cont. from A1 Island.

The event is always the Saturday of Labor Day weekend, which this year is August 31st. Pre-registration is already underway at www. onestoprace.com at a discounted price from race day registration. Packet pickup will be on Friday, the night before the race at Sweet Swirl on the Island. You can sign up for a flat fee or on a pledge basis. And email us if you’re looking for a team member, we’ll try to hook you up. A big thanks to Kleberg Bank in the Flour Bluff HEB who is displaying the Versa Kayak/ Standup Paddle Board valued at $1,515 and already selling raffle tickets. The drawing will be held after the relay and other door prizes will be given away to those that are present. You don’t need to be present to win the Versa Board, but shipping is not included . Raffle tickets can be purchased on line, as well. Now is the time to let me know if you are interested in being a sponsor or volunteer again or for the first time. Thanks, Radiology Associates for signing up as the ‘race bib’ sponsor, The Clarks for their continual support, and a gold sponsor, Mike & Cheryl Henry. Sponsorships are still available and we’re inviting businesses to provide goodies or coupons for the contestant packages. Another opportunity for business promotion! I can be contacted for more information at 960-9597, Crystal at 726-1670, or visit our website at www.catchthecure.org for more information, ‘Like’ us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Catch-theCure/150778428268415?ref=sgm. Our sincere appreciation for all of the past and future support. With your help, we WILL help find the cure for Parkinson’s!

Texans Can Get Seven Letters in July Look What Texans Do with 7-Letter Personalized License Plates

14457S.S.P.I.D. 14225 P. I. D.,Suite Suite109 7 Corpus Christi, TX 78418

A maximum of six letters were allowed on personalized plates in Texas until 2011. The top four highest priced plates ever sold in Texas were the 7-letter plates HOUSTON for $25,000, ROCKETS for $16,500, FERRARI for $15,000, and COWBOYS for $11,500. All were sold at auction. This month, you can buy 7-letter plates for only $795.00 for a 10-year term. That works out to just under $80 a year. 7-letter personalized plates are sure to make your car or truck stand out on Texas roads. Of 22 million+ registered vehicles in Texas, fewer than 300,000 have personalized plates, and only 6,500 or so have 7-letter personalized plates. That means there are thousands and thousands of great messages still available in the 7-letter inventory. Since November 2009, Texans have purchased more than 150,000 My Plates, putting more than $17.5M in the general revenue fund, which helps pay for services for all Texans.

Extremely severe beach erosion has been occurring on Bolivar Peninsula in the vicinity of Rollover Pass, West Galveston Island, Surfside on Follets Island, Quintana Beach, Sargent Beach, and South Padre Island. Prior to the 20th century, most, if not all, of these beaches were either stable or accreting. Construction of major shoreline engineering structures commenced in 1876 with the construction of the Bolivar Roads jetties at Galveston. This was followed by major jetties at other inlets in order to protect the channels at shipping ports. Some manmade inlets have also caused massive beach erosion by trapping sand at their jetties, allowing large amounts of beach sand to flow through them into the bay, and allowing strong ebb tides to jet sand offshore beyond the reach of the longshore sediment transport system. In addition, the few rivers flowing to the coast were dammed for flood control and to build water supply reservoirs. River mouths were diverted from their original Gulf shoreline locations to new positions, in effect moving their deltas. Finally, extraction of groundwater for industrial use has caused compactional subsidence and relative rise in sea level.The jetties have compartmentalized the coast and prevent the longshore sediment transport system in the surf from carrying sand past the jetties to the down-drift beaches on the other side of the inlets. For instance the East Galveston jetty at Bolivar Roads has captured over 28 million cubic yards of sand since construction of the jetty in 1876. Rollover Pass on Bolivar Peninsula has caused the annual loss of over 250,000 cubic yards of beach sand through the pass into Rollover Bay and the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, causing massive erosion of the beaches west of Rollover Pass. Rapid development of the low, narrow and fragile barrier island at South Padre Island is occurring at the same time that sand is no longer brought to the coast by the Rio Grande River because nearly all of its water is used upstream. At times, the river mouth is completely closed by a bar. The net result of these manmade changes in the Gulf Coast and rivers of Texas has resulted in severe and accelerating beach erosion along much of the Gulf shoreline, at the same time that development is exploding as more Texans want to vacation or live on the Gulf beaches. The man made changes that have caused this massive erosion cannot be undone, if we are to have water supplies and ports for Texas. It will be necessary to use beach nourishment and/or more engineering structures to protect valuable Gulf-front property and to provide recreational beaches for present and future Texans.

Award continued from A1 instituted a special award to recognize Corpus Christi residents, aged 65 and older, who have made a significant difference in the lives of those they have touched. The seven distinguished individuals being honored are Viola Bazan, Juan “Johnny” De la Fuente, Curtis Ford, Sandra Hickl, Dr. Marta Sotomayor, Florentino Sheldon, and Wes MacKenzie. The award recipient will be announced during the Award Dinner. Mayor Nelda Martinez will participate in the ceremony. Tickets for the event are $50 per person. For ticket information, please contact the Senior Community Services Administration Office at 826-3155 or visit www.ccparkandrec.com. Dotson’s Note: Hope you can attend the Awards Banquet; this is a BIG DEAL for the Senior Community.

Holiday Inn Texas Star (Shell) Jesse’s Liquor Padre Isles Country Club

Subway

Duckworth Antiques

The event kicks off at 6 p.m. and includes a full seafood buffet along with two beer and/or wine tickets.

Island Italian

Wash Board Laundry Mat

Chamber of Commerce

In Big Shell Plaza on the Island NEW Around corner fromLOCATION! Subway Sandwich Shop

The annual event lets bettors place wagers with play money on pre-recorded horse races. At the end of the night the money can be used to buy over $5000 in prizes.

Ace Hardware

Scuttlebutt’s Restaurant

Public Library

s Pedicure...$20.00 s Manicure...$10.00 s Full Set from...$22.00 - $30.00 s Fill...$15.00 - $20.00 s European Facial...$40.00

The 12 Annual Night at the Races presented by the Padre Island Rotary Club will be held July 19 at the Padre Isles Country Club.

Isle Mail N More

San Juan’s Taqueria

Port A Parks and Rec

Speci al B i k i n i Lipliner Eyeliner, Wax 25.00 &$Eyebrow

The Gaff

Miss K’s Catering & Bistro

Coast Club

PERMANENT COSMETICS

Port A Glass Studio

Tarpon Ice House

Hope you’re having a great summer and including some ‘paddling’ activities to prepare for this year’s event! Thanks to you and with the much needed help of Pendgo Timing, 2012 was our biggest year with over 200 entrants. We raised over $15,000! Check out the 2012 Relay pictures from last year at catchthecure.org.

Texans can buy 7-letter personalized plates at only certain times of the year. MyPlates.com announced that July is one of those times. So, from now until July 31, you can order 7-letter personalized Texas license plates at www.myplates.com.

15201 S. Padre Island Drive, Suite 250

July 11, 2013

Night at the Races July 19

By Mona Singleterry

My name is Ramona Singleterry and my husband, Jeff sent you a statement about the boating accident he witnessed on June 24th in the Padre Isles Canal near Dasmarinas Street. I sent the information about the accident to our local newspaper, the Island Moon. Subsequent to the printing of the article, there have been discussions about what actual charges can/ will be brought up for a situation like this. It was interesting that there is a wide range of opinions, so I thought it would be best to ask the actual source and perhaps have the Moon, whom I’ve included in this email, do a followup article to educate the Islanders. If you can be specific to this case, that would be great and if not due to privacy issues, I understand; but I guess our questions are what is the charge for reckless boating and also, if alcohol is found to be a contributing factor, how does that effect the charge(s)? Also, what if an innocent bystander is injured? And I’m assuming the Texas Parks and Wildlife Enforcement Division has the jurisdiction over the waterways, so if other authorities are involved, please clarify. Of course, any additional information that you would like to provide to better educate boaters will be much appreciated. Seems like reckless boating is a growing problem in our canals and hopefully, when the consequences are seen in print, at least one boater will be more responsible.

Distribution

Paddle For Parkinson’s 2013

Letters to the Editor Boating While Intoxicated Hi Mr. Wheelington,

Island Tire And all Moon retail advertisers

GIFTS CERTIFICATES AVALIABLE

Michelle Matthews

WB Liquor

Flour Bluff H.E.B.

Hair Cuts & Color, Waxing, Hair Extensions, Special Occasion Hair, Airbrush Make Up, Feather Extensions Are you tired of wearing mascara? Do you suffer from black circles of smudged mascara? Do you want to have long beautiful lashes 24/7, even when you swim? Do you want longer fuller eyelashes? If you answered YES to any of these questions, we have the answer..........

XTREME™ EYELASH EXTENSIONS

Liquid Town Whataburger on Waldron Ethyl Everly Senior Center Fire Station

Gratitude Gift Shop

Police Station

Keepers Pier House

Stripes on Flour Bluff & SPID

Michelle is a Master Hair Stylist having learned from the best and having trained top stylists herself. She is an expert Colorist and Make Up Artist, and was the former Stylist and Make Up Artist for Miss Oklahoma.

Hours Tuesday‐Friday 10am‐6pm Saturday 9am‐2pm

Walk‐Ins Welcome * Late Appointments Available

14813 S.P.I.D. Corpus Christi, TX 78418 (Next Door to Island Wash) Salon: 361‐949‐4890 www.michellessalon.com

July 11, 2013

July Fishing Tournaments

Island Moon

Angler’s Alley

78th Annual Deep Sea Roundup July 11th - 14th, 2013

Outboard Fishing Tournament July 19th - 21st, 2013

HT-3 Tournament July 18th - 19th, 2013

Blue Wave Owners Tournament July 26th - 27th, 2013

South Side Marine 4514 Corona Dr., Corpus Christi, TX Suspension/ Bunk Board Repair Wheel Bearing Service Galvanized Wheels/Trailer Tires Tire Pressure/Temp Monitor System Outboard Maintenance I.O. Repairs/Maintenance Jet Ski Repairs

Free USCG Marine Safety Examination Call Roy at 361-854-0875

On the Rocks By Jay Gardner We cleared the jetties and turned the GPS on to a heading a little east and south. Jeff asked from behind the wheel, “which rig are we going to?” Zep and I grinned and both simultaneously said, “No rig, we’re headed for the rip.” The morning was hot already, but with the Donzi cruising along at 30 knots headed straight into flat seas, the breeze made it feel nice and cool. I pointed to a cloud on the horizon, and told Jeff, “head that direction” as we settled into about an hour run. We had been through the area the week before and had noticed a nice little rip out towards Ant Hills that had some sargassum entrained in it, although we didn’t have time the week before to give it a good once-over. The plan was to explore it thoroughly today. After what always seems like an eternity when you’re looking for a rip “that was right here the other day” we decided to head out to Ant Hills and troll around the rigs as a starter, and maybe we would see the rip on the way out. About a half mile past “where the rip was” we came across it. It wasn’t as pretty as we remembered it, and headed on towards the rigs, which were hosting an intergalactic keg party this past Saturday. As the Black Rig has been removed, there really isn’t that much out there to fish these days. Each of the three rigs had at least 4 boats either tied up or trolling them. The place was hopping. So we put out the spread and began some circles around the rigs. As time went on in the midday heat (we got out there at the crack-edgeof-noon) we didn’t have any knock-downs, Zep decided to liven things up a bit. He drove the outside rigger to within 10 feet of the rig, and we all expected a barracuda to jump on it. First pass – nothing. Second pass – ziltch. Fairly disappointing. We decided to head on over to the rip and give it a shot.

Fishing the rip We find that the rip had broken up some, and flipped a coin and started heading north along the remnants of it. Minutes turned to hours, and by this time, most of the crew had fallen out and were laying around the cockpit trying to nap. Jake had his Ipad out, while I was at the helm we watched some Disney movie for a while. Something ahead caught my eye, and up ahead I see a decent weed patch with a couple of small mahi greyhounding out of it headed our direction. I stirred the crew and told them what

17’ Sundance • • • • • • • • • •

90 HP “Four Stroke” Power Tilt & Trim Stainless Steel Prop 24-Gallon Aluminum Fuel Tank Tachometer, Fuel Gage, Voltmeter All Composite “No Wood” Construction 10 Year Limited Warrany Live Well Stainless Steel Igloo Helm Seat Bilge Pump

Sale $19,995

10% down + TTL @ 5.9% APR for 180 months W.A.C.

I saw. First pass – you guessed it. Zoinked here too. Plan C involved hitting some structure on the way back that had been holding some good fish. We eased up to it, and saw the bottom graph was “lit up”. I told them to drop their grouper rigs, and they didn’t even hit the bottom before Zep’s rod was bent over. However, we all had a good idea it was a snapper, because Federal season had ended, and of course we were in Federal waters. Sure enough, the first fish on the boat that day was a 10lb snapper, destined to be released. Zep must have not payed attention, because the next thing I know, Dr. Gardner is being paged for surgery in the cockpit. Zep had stuck one of the 4/0 assist hooks through the meat of his palm near his pinky, and the other hook was still attached to the fish, with both lying on the deck. I was able to get down and get the hook out of the fish and get it back overboard.

Getting the hook out The fun part was just beginning, however. Now, Zep stood there in front of me with an 8oz jig hanging by one of the hooks, and we had just started fishing. Everyone assumed that the day was over and we were headed in, but Zep had better ideas. I told him from experience that “as soon as it comes out, you’ll feel 100% better about it”. I helped him take the jig off the hooks, and handed him some pliers and a knife. Zep took the knife and started doing his own surgery, and managed to back that hook out after a few minutes of sweating bullets while half the crew went up front because they were squeamish. He then put the hooks back on the jig, tied it back on and sent it down to punish the fish, but alas, a shark cut him off before he could enact his vengeance. Jeff messed around with the sharks for a while (picture of Jeff with a sandbar), then we eased it in towards the docks. Although we didn’t catch much that day, it sure was very exciting! At least the day snapper season closed last week we were able to get our limits (picture of Rachel Schmitt from last week), so we were ok with an empty cooler. At least the water is great, so y’all get out there if you can. A day on the Blue beats just about anything else in my book. Hopefully the currents will continue to clean up the water at the beaches and the water in the lagoon. As soon as it clears up, I’ll see you all out On the Rocks.

22’ Sundance • • • • • • • • • •

40 HP “Four Stroke” Power Tilt & Trim Stainless Steel Prop Stainless Steel Steering Wheel “Non-Feedback” Steering Wheel All Composite “No Wood” Construction 10 Year Limited Warrany Live Well Navigation Lights Bilge Pump

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10% down + TTL @ 5.9% APR for 180 months W.A.C.

www.gcmboats.com

A 8

by Mary Craft

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CCPD Bomb Squad called in the CCPD bomb squad, security officers from NAS-Corpus Christi and ATF agents and brought in search dogs to check the field. They found what they feared was a pipe bomb which they disarmed and removed. There is no word yet on the tests to determine what was actually inside the device. Quintanilla was booked on public intoxication and assault charges and my face further, possibly federal, charges.

Tara Dyan Truett

Aggravated Assault

Islander Tara Dyan Truett was brutally beaten and left for dead on the beach just south of Packery Channel last Saturday. Tara had been on the beach all day with friends who last saw her about ten p.m. At about 1 a.m. she was discovered with severe injuries to her face and head. She has undergone two surgeries and is currently in stable condition.

Police were called to the 700 block of Quetzal (Flour Bluff) just after 8 p.m. on Monday for an assault in which a 33-yearold man pointed a firearm at a 24-yearold victim after a disturbance. The victim attempted to lure the suspect away from the apartment and away from his family. The neighbors called police and the suspect fled prior to the officers arrival.

So far there have been no arrests in the case. If anyone was in the area after ten p.m. on Friday and saw Tara or anyone she was with please call police. A benefit will be held to help her defray medical expenses at the Island Moon Art Walk on the seawall on Saturday, July 20.

Runaway ferry boat

July 11, 2013

Business Briefs

Assault on the beach

Beach regulars say two men they did not know had been hanging around the area during the day, behaving strangely, however, no one saw if she left with them. They said when most of the people left the beach about ten p.m. Tara remained behind.

CITY

Island Police Blotter

Police believe the beating took place inside a car but due to her injuries. Tara has only been able to provide limited information about the suspects.

Island Moon

The suspect is described as a 33-yearold Hispanic man, standing 5’8” feet tall, and weighing 200 lbs. Anyone with any information on this crime is encouraged to call Crime Stoppers at 888-TIPS or submit a tip online at http://www.888TIPS.com.

Boathouse Bar & Grill has a great order from menu Sunday Brunch 10 am – 4 pm with live music at the restaurant on the lower level. They have happy hour every weekday 3 – 7 pm with drink and food specials. Happy Hour can be enjoyed at the upstairs bars, restaurant bar or outside patio all with great views. Weekends they have a variety of live music with local bands, as well as popular out of town bands. They are located on Leeward in the building with the lighthouse. Owner Tony is always there to be sure your experience is a great one. House to Business Auto, Boat, Trailer & RV Detailing Service is and eco-friendly service that comes to you be it at home or work. The inside and out detailing packages start at $60. Call 425-7459 to make an appointment 7 days a week. Paradise Sunscreens block the sun but not the view and saves you up to 35% on your electric bill. They offer free estimates and demonstrations. Call 687-5045. Realtor Merrily Piepho is at Coldwell Banker on the Island and her website name says it all. Go to www.MerrilySellsHouses.com or call her at 728-1495.

Business Briefs Stingray Taphouse & Grill is a new bar/ restaurant opening in Port A at 401 Beach Street next to the Gaff. Owners Chad and Shawn hope to open by mid-August and promise to have

great food. There will be a brick oven for tastier pizza and an after-five menu that will include steaks and seafood. Hard Hat Café Bar & Grill at Padre Isles Country Club is now open to the public 8 am – 2 pm daily for breakfast and lunch. On Sundays enjoy their brunch for just $8.95. Happy hour is 4 – 8 pm on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Members get a 10% discount. This café will give patrons a chance to look at the new construction as it is going on. Island in the Son “Christmas in July” Arts and Craft Sale is Saturday, July 13th 9 am 3 pm. They will have jewelry, custom fishing tackle, home decor, photography and much more. They are located on Highway 361 near Beach Access Road #3. For vendor info call Patty Baker 949-3276. Dragonfly Restaurant has added additional seating around a second large aquarium. This is a fun area to keep the kids amused watching the fish while they eat. Check out their Facebook page for their daily lunch and dinner specials. The Island Moon Facebook page brings you news on Island happenings on a daily basis. You do not need to join Facebook to view our page you just google it. You can view old photos, find lost pets, ask questions, find out about traffic flow, events going on, power outages and much more. You can read each Moon here with every page in color. We currently have more than 2500 likes with many of those contributing with Island info. Come join our family! Pelican’s Landing in Port A is now called Shrimps. They serve burgers and seafood and have a great playground area for the kids.

Fourth of July During the 4th of July weekend the Corpus Christi Police Department (CCPD) assigned an additional six officers to the beach. The following numbers are from the additional assignment.

Hair Salon

While Supplies Last

Denice Stylist

Arrests: 12

Amy Stylist

Firework Citations: 2

New location 15033 S.P.I.D.

Directive to Apprehend: 1 Curfew: 2 Minor in Possession: 3

Roni Owner Stylist

Color Services starting at $65

Hair Cuts $25 with Color

949-0794

The CCPD also joined forces with the Fire Department to enforce the Consumer Fireworks ordinance during the night of the 4th of July. In all, 21 citations were issued during this enforcement period.

www.theislandsedgehairsalon.com

Between 6 p.m. July 4th to 5 a.m. July 5th the Corpus Christi Police Department’s MetroCom recieved 1,178 calls for service. Of those calls, 395 were solely for fireworks.

Rumor control

The cars got on and the ferry took off but then the engine died. It happened about 10:30 Tuesday night in Port Aransas when the ferry loaded with cars somehow lost power and was set adrift. Other, unused ferry’s tried unsuccessfully to bring it under control as it headed off toward the Ancel Brundrett Pier located at the end of Station Street several hundred yards away. Passengers on the ferry donned life jackets and fisherpersons were evacuated from the pier as the ferry approached and made a low-speed crash into the pier. The pier was damaged and it took three tug boats to retrieve the ferry boat. No injuries were reported but the pier will be closed for repairs.

Bomb threat

We have had several calls and questions this week about a burglary ring allegedly operating on The Island. While there have been some isolated cases of theft, and some increases due to the large holiday crowds last week, a thorough check of police records does not indicate any evidence of a “ring” or of an unusually high number of burglary calls. The vast majority of theft calls on The Island are cases where garage doors are left up, house doors are left open, or items are left in unlocked cars. These are characteristic of crimes of opportunity rather than organized burglary rings. We will keep checking and give updates as warranted.

Island Police Calls 15800 block SPID 1:57 p.m. July 5 Injury to child/elderly robbery 13900 block Fortuna Bay 5:30 p.m. July 5 Theft of vehicle parts $500-$1500 Ports O Call/Seamount Cay 11:25 a.m. June 28 Assault with injury 15400 block Seamount Cay 10:25 a.m. July 6 Credit card abuse 15400 block SPID 1:58 a.m. June 6 Retaliation 15300 block Cruiser 10 p.m. July 4 Criminal mischief $500-$1500 SPID/Whitecap 11:15 a.m. July 3 Damage to vehicle other than collision 15200 block SPID 9:19 p.m. July 3 Credit card abuse Beach Marker 218 (Seawall) 11 p.m. July 4 Assault with injury

Bomb threat suspect When police arrived at the scene of a disturbance call at 14049 SPID near the base of the JFK Causeway early Monday morning the found a man, later identified as 24-year-old Anthony Quintanilla, walking in a field next to Island Treasures. They found his car parked in the lot there. Quintanilla told them he had been involved with an argument with his girlfriend. When the officers first saw Quintanilla he had an object in his hand which they saw him drop. While Quintanilla was headed for jail police

15000 block Leeward 12:06 p.m. July 7 Criminal mischief under $500 Beach Marker 210 1:04 a.m. July 6 Aggravated assault 100 block Zahn Road 2:38 p.m. July 4 Burglary of vehicle 14800 block Quarterdeck 10 a.m. July 3 Theft under $50 14400 block SH 361 2 a.m. July 5 Assault with injury 14200 block SPID 3:02 p.m. July 7 Assault with injury 14000 block SPID 3:07 July 8 Assault with injury

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(361) 949-8815 (361) 949-7810

13313 S. Padre Island Drive Corpus Christi, TX 78418

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July 11, 2013

Island Moon

Backwater Adventures