Inside the Moon...
Irish settlement of the Coastal Bend A6
Rockport Writers Roundup A7 Take a Kid Fishin’ with Farah A9
The Island Moon Published by Island Moon Publishing, LLC 15201 S. Padre Island Drive Ste. 250 Corpus Christi, TX. 78418 editor@islandmoon.com (361) 949-7700
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Birding on the Rocks A10
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Live Music Scene A11
Hemingway in Port A A14
The
Island Moon The Island Newspaper since 1996
Island Area News ● Events ● Entertainment
May 10, 2012
Photo by Miles Merwin
The Island with more new homes under construction than homeless people Next Publication Date: 5/17/2012
Around The Island
By Dale Rankin editor@islandmoon.com
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Schlitterbahn Master Plan
The biggest moon of the year rose blood red over the eastern sky last Saturday. It made the dogs a little nervous and sent the coyotes into the streets looking for trouble. It did put a high tide up on many of the local beaches which made for better driving conditions in many areas. It was a thing of beauty that had many Islanders awestruck over the weekend while scaring the daylights out of the pagan community.
Year 15, Issue 422
SPID
We’ve hit the sweet spot in the year as far as Island weather, the heat of the summer hasn’t hit yet and the wind hasn’t yet blown the tourists south. The fishing has been spotty but the dolphin watching has been great. Get out and enjoy The Island.
New Canal
mar
inas
Whitecap
Das
Aqu a
rius
Coyote ugly As for the coyotes it’s time to put out the Moon Coyote Lookout Alert as the beasts are becoming bothersome. A man walking his dog on Oakes Street in Port Aransas had his dog snatched right off the leash and carried away by a marauding coyote and reports are coming in from all over The Island that the coyote population is getting more aggressive in their search for Island dogs and cats. So be careful if you are out there with your pets these days. And be aware that they don’t only hunt at night, they are also around in the daytime, and they are not particularly afraid of humans. Don’t leave dog food outside or even open sacks in the garage as they have been known to startle a few Island residents who went out to get Fido some chow only to be confronted by a coyote with his head in the dog food bag. Remember, the coyotes were here first and they’re not ready to leave yet.
Eagle Ford hurray! Let’s all say it together….Hurray for the Eagle Ford Shale! Hurray we say! You can almost feel The Island holding its collective breath as money has started rolling in from the Eagle Ford shale oil play that cuts across Texas’ midsection like a Saturday night trophy buckle spewing black gold. Everyone has their Eagle Ford story; three families buying homes in Port Aransas each with monthly incomes of $750,000, two homes bought on Three Fathoms each in excess of $800,000 – paid for in cash; more than forty homes under construction on The Island and another dozen waiting for permits, a home on Dasmarinas that sold for $150 per square foot. Homes on both ends of The Island – North Padre and Port Aransas – from $350,000 up are selling every week. The inventory of condos is dwindling as buyers wrap up deals. We hear an investor from San Marcos is waiting for a vote on Schlitterbahn before dropping a seven figure investment into Island real estate; a local boat dealer is said to have more than $600,000 in down payment money waiting for that next royalty check to clear the bank at the end of May so the nuevo rich can hit the water, starting salaries for truck drivers in the Eagle Ford are in the $90,000 range. As one local real estate agent puts it, “What’s a flatland farmer going to do the first time someone writes them a royalty check? They’re going to head for the coast and buy a house then put a boat behind it!” We say bring it on baby! You got oil money we got houses and boats, and if we run out we can get more. The current cost of drilling a well in the Eagle Ford has reached $15 million and current production numbers are 30,000 barrels of oil per day with projections for 100,000 barrels per day by 2016. That’s a lot of weekend homes and boats friends. In the hamlet of Carrizo Springs sales tax alone pumped $500,000 into the local economy last year and Alice has the look of a boomtown. Let’s say it all together one more time…Hurray for the Eagle Ford! If the Eagle Ford Shale was Mr. Eagle Ford we’d give him the keys to the city. In the meantime say hello if you see him Around The Island.
Turn to page A9 for a larger version of this map
The Design Plan The plan for the Schlitterbahn Waterpark and Island Walk project involved a total investment of $552 million of private capital over twenty years. It covers 574 acres running from the beach at the Michael J. Ellis Seawall, across Lake Padre and Park Road 22, the Padre Isles Country Club, then across the new Aquarius Extension to the Laguna Madra. Within its confines are the Schlitterbahn Waterpark, a re-configured golf course, hotels, short and long-term condos, residences, retail space, and the Island Walk feature which includes 3600 feet of new canals. The project would be divided into four distinct districts which would be developed in different stages. They are the Park District (designated in yellow in the diagram), the Island Walk District (designated in brown), The Resort District (designated in pink), and the Marina District (designated in blue). The area designated in green is the newly constituted golf course after it is redesigned.
The Proposed Tax Incentive Plan At long last the deal is on the table. After months of speculation on what kind of tax incentive package the City of Corpus Christi and the developers of Schlitterbahn Waterpark and Resort would agree on now we know. The performance-based deal calls for $117 million in tax incentives over the course of 25 years in order to put construction on the $552 million, 574-acre plan into action next month when construction on the Waterpark would begin. The City Council has placed the entire plan on its website for public viewing and the public is invited to comment there and in person at the next council meeting on Tuesday, May 15, and again at the following meeting on Tuesday, May 22 when a final vote on the plan will be taken. The tax incentive plan The highlights of the plan are as follows: All but $5 million of the $117 million in tax breaks comes from revenue generated by the new
development. The majority comes from sales tax money rebated to the developers from new cash flow once businesses in the development are up and running and generating sales tax dollars. There is no bond money involved and no money taken from current city revenues; only from sales tax revenue generated by new, future cash flow. That means no financial risk to the city with a potential payback on the sales tax investment at a rate of five dollars return for every dollar in incentives.
The majority of the $117 million in tax dollars - $78 million – would come from the Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) revenue generated from new hotels in the development. That money, by state law, must be used for tourism related projects and the vast majority of the HOT money now generated on The Island is used for projects not on The Island. The plan, simply put, would earmark $78 million in HOT money generated by the new development on The Island specifically for Island projects. Tax Incentive Continued on A8
Grand Opening of Aquarius Extension Saturday!
Dawning of The Age!
Miss Bella Says hello to a friendly dolphin while cruising Lydian Channel on the Stray Cat Photo by Jan Rankin
Flour Bluff Skate Park Will Become Reality For the past two years the Flour Bluff Business Association, Lions Club and many community supporters have been washing cars, making barbeque, and scratching to raise the $85,000 needed for a skate park there. No more. The fundraising came to an end Wednesday when the Highland Property Development Corp. kicked in the final $30,000 needed for the park and put the project over the top. The City of Corpus Christi also has pledged $45,000 for the project, and the Flour Bluff Lions Club raised $2,850. Construction is set to begin in the fall of this year after input from skate boarder on what elements they want to include in the park. The park will be located at Wranosky Park on Graham Road.
If the world actually ends later this year it will not be before the opening of the Aquarius Extension as predicted by Island cynics. Mark your calendar for a day many Islanders thought would never come; the Grand Opening of the $1.4 million Aquarius Extension. The event starts at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 12 with a convergence of celebrants by golf carts, pedestrians, bicycles, baby stroller and any other means of transportation available. It doesn’t matter how you get there just show up. Meet at the Fire Station at Commodores and Aquarius where refreshments will be served. The first car will (officially) transverse the new section of road between Dasmarinas on the south and Commodores on the north at 11 a.m. The identity of the person behind the wheel of that car is still a mystery, known only
to John White at press time, but no matter who the driver is the event will mark a watershed in Island development. The project includes a new walking/bike trail that runs the length of the extension. It may seem like a small thing to the uninitiated but to longtime Island residents who have often looked at that pockmarked stretch of dirt road and wondered why it wasn’t paved it is a sign that times they are a-changing. It has taken countless hours of work by White, the city staff, developer Paul Schexnailder and prodding by the Island Strategic Action Committee to come up with a plan that could be turned into reality. The money for the project was approved by votes in the 2008 bond election.
Aquarius Continued on A5
A 2
Island Moon
Ebb & Flow
May 10, 2012
Ocean Class
By Melissa Maupin mmaup@ymail.com David Bartling, a former teacher at Flour Bluff High School and resident of Port Aransas, died April 16th. For those who attended Flour Bluff High School during the 70’s through the 90’s, you probably recall him as a colorful and often challenging teacher. Bartling was probably best remembered for the oceanography class he taught in high school. I took oceanography my junior year of high school in 1976, but it wasn’t my first time to have Bartling as a teacher. He taught me life science in junior high school and then biology in tenth-grade.
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“Ocean” as it is often called, felt more like a college course than a high school one. It was odd and forwardthinking for that time because sitting at a desk was basically what you did as a student most of the day at that time. This class was part desk and paper-andpen and a good deal of hands-on. There was also a bit of goofing off and sparring amongst students and Barlting as well. Oceanography was a two-hour class in the middle of the day which meant we skipped lunch, brought it, or ordered out. We tended to order out. I called in many orders from the class phone for the whole class at the local chicken place. Ocean was demanding both mentally and physically. You had to memorize slides of ships, shells and fish and then recall their names on tests. We had to study biology of ocean life but we also physically worked both in the classroom and outside of it. We went on field trips on boats and pulled an enormous seine through the surf that took all thirty-something of us to pull it in. We preserved animals and dissected others. I learned to use a push net and a cast net. Upon admittance to the class, we received saltwater aquariums based on our entry scores on tests. I was the studious type and got third choice; but maintaining them was a different story. Students had to stock or restock them with fish and saltwater creatures and were graded on their condition and care of the aquarium. There was sabotage amongst students. Rivals would drop metal, usually coins, into aquariums to poison them. Somehow I managed to keep my fish alive and learned a good deal about saltwater life. Many years later, in the late ‘80’s, my husband and I established and maintained a saltwater aquarium in our home for years. My children
loved it and enjoyed collecting the animals. We never bought a single fish. We snorkeled, scooped and seined for everything we collected and cared for. It was an interesting and fun opportunity to get into our natural environment and bond as a family. I felt trained for the task, in part by Bartlting’s ocean class.
I also have to thank Mr. Bartling for introducing me to fish printing. We did it in class on a very basic scale. We used ink and paper in the traditional gyotaku style. Even though I was artsy, mine was marginal. I didn’t think that much about it at the time except that it was fun, but I remembered it later—a nod to Bartling as an influential teacher. My husband John fishes a good deal and I do too on a smaller scale. One day we talked about making prints of fish we caught. I had painted since I was a teenager so this was not a huge stretch. My first attempt was okay. I tried black paint on paper. It was better than the one from ocean class, but it got me thinking and later I tweaked it into my own art on canvas in colors that match the fish. Now I sell fish prints in stores, galleries and art shows.
Like most teachers, David Bartling had his strong points and his weaknesses. He could play mind games with the students but he also had a great mind of his own. He taught for thirty years in science and was all about the water and nature. He has a big group of former students who remember him and his work on the Facebook Flour Bluff Oceanography page.
Amanda Garza and Stephenie Hudkabee now reside over the aquatic science class at Flour Bluff. I hope the quality of education continues.
A memorial scholarship fund has been established to honor the legacy of David Bartling. The fund’s trustees are serving at the request of Becky (David’s widow) and are presently working with administrators at Flour Bluff ISD to iron out the details of how the fund will be administered and how the scholarships will be awarded. You can donate by checks payable to “David Bartling Memorial Scholarship Fund” sent to David Bartling Memorial Scholarship Fund c/o Rank Law Firm PO Box 18787
Corpus Christi, TX 78480 http://sites.google. com/site/bartlingfund/home
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This upturned sailboat found its way into the Lydian Channel after hurricane Ike where its taken up residence. If you’re missing a boat, here it is.
Wylie Duxted helps Rick Ricenbacher rescue this green in the harbor
Yard of the Month
The Island Gardeners presented Yard of the Month for May 2012 to Charlie and Terri Franck at 13922 El Soccorro Loop. Terri and Charlie designed the landscaping themselves and did a beautiful job. Many blooming tropicals and unusual palms decorate their landscape. Beautiful from the front as well as the back. Stop by to see it you won’t be disappointed. Please use color photo if possible, yard shows up so much better in color. Thank you, Dianne Gimpel Please call 361-563-0951 if you have any questions.
May 10, 2012
News From Your
Island Moon
Spoil Island Clean up a Success! By Fred Edler
By Maybeth Christensen Good news from the City Council this week regarding Schlitterbahn! The incentive package was presented to the Council and to the public for the first time. If you want to read the details, you will find them on the City of Corpus Christi website. I typed in Schlitterbahn in the “search” area and it brings you to the page you need. There is also a place for you to ask questions. I know they have plans to put the most frequently asked questions and the answers up for all to see. If you have problems finding the site, or if you do not have access to a computer, just stop by the office and we will be happy to visit with you and give you the information. The plan is to have the first reading of the ordinance at the May 15 Council meeting, with final passage at the May 22 Council meeting. There is no doubt that the talk about Schlitterbahn has generated a lot of interest in the Island. Home sales have definitely picked up as well as new home starts. We are once again hearing the sound of nail guns early in the morning. We are also seeing the cement trucks “dumping” on vacant lots. I had a call just this morning regarding the dumping and immediately went over and had a little “talk” with the cement truck driver as well as the builder. The builder had already talked with the cement firm about cleaning up the mess. The trucks who deliver cement in town certainly don’t dump on vacant lots, they should not be doing it out here either. I visited the City Emergency Management Office this week and Fire Chief Rocha asked if the POA would do a Town Meeting regarding Hurricane Preparedness. We are working on setting up such a meeting in mid-June. The people from the office will be on hand to talk about what we need to do if a hurricane is headed our way. More details will follow. Join us Saturday morning at 10 AM for the official ribbon cutting of the new Aquarius. We will meet on the Commodores side, by the Fire Station. After the ribbon is cut you can ride in your golf cart, jog, walk, or bicycle along the new road. No cars for the first hour! We are pleased this project is finally nearing completion. As the deputy fire chiefs told me when I met with them, “we’ve been waiting for this for years!”
On Saturday, April 28 the Padre Island Yacht Club hosted a clean up of the Spoil Islands shore line. The POA Beautification Trust sponsored the event. Over 42 individuals participated along with several boats. Individuals were dropped off at different points along the shoreline of our beautiful canal system. They picked up trash, debris, and everything else that marred the beauty of our canals. Boats then transported the waste matter to boat launches where City trucks were parked. Pulled from the shore lines were a damaged canoe, parts of decks, boat fenders, rope, ice chests and of course plastic bags. Some of the dock pieces were so heavy 4 men could only pick up one end of the piece. An estimated 4 tons of waste was pulled from the shoreline and deposited in City of Corpus Christi provided trucks. Members of the Yacht Club prepared a lunch of hamburgers, chips and soda for all participants. A special presentation was given at lunch by 2 Girl Scouts, Karlie Wilkerson and Melanie Estevez, regarding their project to keep used/ waste monofilament fishing line out of the water by setting up collection points around the Island at Bob Hall Pier and boat launches. A huge thank you goes out to all who participated. Below are the names we recorded. We apologize if we missed anyone. Nina Agnich, Ron Agnich, De De Bauder, John Bennett, Bob Boyd, Jaki Boyd, Kevin Brown, John Burnette, Tim Causgrove, Fred Edler, Lyn Edler, Joe Esquibel, Melanie Estevez, Janis Farmer, Tom Farmer, Nick Goodrich, Logan Green, Edie Hamilton, Archie Hamilton, Sandy Harvey, Bev Hoffman, Chuck Hoffman, Konstantin Keidel, Neal Levene, Dean Lucas, Justin McLeod, Kenneth McLeod, Debi Quintero, Sara Russell, Vic Schreck, Adriana Spalik, Joe Spalik, Norris Stricker, Sharon Stricker, Chester Stuckey, Judy Stuckey, Jim Tipton, Marie Tipton, Bill Wilkerson, Billie Wilkerson, Karlie Wilkerson, Beate Zimmer.
Game Warden Association Fishing Tournament Set for June 15 -16 For families looking for a weekend on the water and a great music event look no further than the 3rd Annual Texas Game Warden Association Fishing Tournament on Fathers Day Weekend (June 15th and 16th) in Port Aransas. The Game Warden Association uses the tournament to raise money to put on fishing and outdoor events for kids throughout the year. There are cash payouts for 1st,2nd, and 3rd place for Speckled Trout, Redfish, and Black Drum. There will be divisions for Youth, Individuals, and Guided. Entry fees are $60 per person and all tournament events will be held at Roberts Point Park in Port Aransas. There are several fishing spots and piers around the area where anglers can try their luck.
On the Rocks
A3
Blucher Park By Jay Gardener Here’s a good one for you, stick with me for a minute. Back in school we were taught about a variety of biological behaviors and traits regarding such fascinating subjects such as hibernation, emigration, cryptic coloration, commensalism, mutualism, parasitism and all kinds of fun stuff. Imprinting was of course one of those. Webster says that imprinting is “a rapid learning process that takes place early in life of a social animal and establishes a behavior pattern (such as a goose recognizing and attraction to its own kind or substitute).” Imprinting can also occur as a result of exposure to a variety of environmental factors at a very early age (I just wrote that one, sounded good). Take our own Sea Turtle Recovery Program down on PINS headed up currently by Dr. Donna Shaver. Because of the dangerous population decline (of Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle) at the time, a head-starting program was carried out from 1978 to 1988. Eggs were collected from Rancho Nuevo (historical nesting grounds) and placed into polystyrene foam boxes containing Padre Island sand, so that the eggs never touched Rancho Nuevo sand. The eggs were flown to the U.S. and placed in a hatchery on Padre Island and incubated. The resulting hatchlings were allowed to crawl over the Padre Island beaches into the surf for imprinting purposes before being recovered from the surf and taken to Galveston for rearing. They were raised in tanks in Galveston, and then released from boats out in the Gulf of Mexico. This program has shown some positive results. The first nesting from one of these head-started individuals occurred at Padre Island in 1996 and more nestings have occurred since (Dr. Donna Shaver, 2000). A continuing program is still ongoing. Eggs from sea turtle nests found at Padre Island National Seashore (PINS) and northward along the Texas coast are transported to the National Seashore’s sea turtle incubation facility for protected care and monitoring. The hatchlings from the eggs are released at the northern end of PINS when they emerge from their eggshells and become active (turtle releases, go see one!). The hope was that the turtles that had been reared and released in PINS sands would return there and nest, and come back year after year in order to start a new, secondary nesting site. The imprinting worked, at least for a few turtles, as some of the “living tags” have come back to nest on the Seashore.
line from there. We are all truly blessed living here in the Coastal Bend, and especially on the Island.
It was that same knowledge of imprinting that came across my mind when I saw Bobby and allison’s 9-month old son, Drake, playing in the sand down the Seashore last week at the 7MM. I had wondered why they had chosen to travel at such a time in his development, and why (of all places they could go? They travel fairly extensively) they had chosen to come down here. I mean, the beach is a complete wreck, the Sargassum is piled to the dunes, and driving is horrendous. But, they came in from California, got in the vehicle and came down the beach and I joined them after work one evening. It took me a few minutes, but then it kicked me in the head (metaphorically); THEY had already been imprinted as well with the sands of the Seashore. They were returning with their young to pass the process on to their child. Dang biologist always thinking about things like that, LOL. But it still warms my soul to put things like that together. So now Drake has also been “imprinted” with the sands of Padre Island, and we all await their return. GREAT seeing you folks.
This year’s migration has been very interesting, with even a Bobby and Allison sighting, LOL. But really, these late season cool fronts are causing small fall-outs which have just been phenomenal. There are some REALLY cool birds out there right now, make sure to keep those feeders full, oranges up, hummingbird feeders, and mostly importantly keep your eyes peeled! There have been really great birds hanging out in the neighborhoods all over the Island.
I’ve had some really great visits with folks lately, including local residents JD and Jenny. Don’t be such strangers, and good luck with everything y’all are dealing with. Thanks Jammaster Scott for hosting. And nice to run into you at local-Stripes the other day Christi (Irps) and thanks for reading.
Stepping back even further, humans can become “imprinted” too. I know, because I’ve been imprinted with the sand of Padre Island. It happened when we moved here in 1980, and set in instantly. And I tried leaving; moved away to San Antonio for a year, and came back. Moved to Austin for three years. And came back. Moved away to Key Largo Florida for a season. It hurt a little, but I moved back. And when I saw my Laguna and felt the sand and saw the long expanse of beach that I could access, I KNEW I was back to stay. I’m lucky; I know exactly where I want to live. All other choices just fall in
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Island Moon
A 4
Stuff I Heard on the Island by Dale Rankin
results accordingly.
Island Spring But I’m here to tell you times have changed friends. Set aside your opinion for or against the proposed water park for a moment and focus on the process. The proposal put together by the current city staff under the direction of City Manager and Islander Ron Olson, who The nadir came in the 2008 bond election which has brought a new way of thinking to our city came and went with $150 million in projects and government, and Assistant City Manager Toby only project we got was the Aquarius Extension Futrell, a retired City Manager from Austin project for $1.4 million. To the 4% of the city’s who also lives on The Island, is by far the most population who lives on The Island but who comprehensive and well thought out plan I have pays 14% of its bills it was a stick in the eye and seen. While it is, I believe, fair to the developers of the project, it is the best deal the taxpayers a wakeup call. of the city could have gotten. It comes to We cursed our lot, we complained for while, them with almost no risk and a high payoff if and felt sorry for ourselves and then we realized is comes to fruition. I dare say our city could it was our own fault. We met the enemy and it not have produced this plan two years ago. I was us! We were can tell you from not organized, So whether you want The Island to too many years of we fought with around city be a resort community, a bedroom hanging each other, and in halls, courthouses, general our solution community, a combination of the and statehouses to the problem was that to achieve a two, stay mostly the same, become transformation in to sit on our decks as the sun went any governmental a haven for washed up circus down and complain in that to each other. performers, or something completely entity amount of time is almost never After a while we different know this; our recent accomplished. It figured out that a) no one was experience has shown that things are takes a long time to turn a battleship. listening and b) getting better. to keep doing the The transformation same thing and at city hall has come in congruence with expect a different result was just stupid. So we the awakening of we Islanders to the real got busy and the events of the past week are the possibilities of what we can accomplish if we result. work at it to form a perfect storm of potential progress. In the last four years we have formed our own Island Strategic Action Committee– Island United – and the Island Strategic Action Committee and through them we have learned how to work together to get the things we want done.
Sign of Aquarius The completion of the Aquarius Extension may seem like a small thing, and in the scheme of things I guess it is. But combined with the announcement of the plan this week for the Schlitterbahn waterpark by the city it is a sign of the times for us. This is not to argue for or against the park or the development around it, if there are Islanders who don’t want any kind of change that is their right. But whether you see the park as an unwanted addition or something that is way too long in coming, one thing is clear. When the 9000 permanent residents on The Island organize and stick together we can make things happen.
City Council goals and priorities along with fundamental services government is obligated to provide,” said Olson.
Public Communications Director City of Corpus Christi It has been a year this week since Ron Olson, who lives on The Island, relocated from Polk County, Iowa to become the City Manager for the City of Corpus Christi. In this relatively short time frame, he has managed an organizational restructure, set high expectations and developed plans to position Corpus Christi as benchmark city. All of which fit into his overall vision for the City of Corpus Christi which can be summed up in one word: change. “I began my work in Corpus Christi with a mission of change,” said City Manager Ron Olson. “Change is the only way the organization will become the best city in Texas,” added Olson.
Some of the more notable changes include: • Updating the City mission statement by adding vision, guiding principles and an ethical foundation of being fair, honest, truthful, keeping your word and integrity. “We must continually set an example and this includes ethics as well as professionalism,” said Olson. • Creating a City business plan with each department having a subsequent plan for the first time in City history. He also went one step further by linking business plans directly to dollars in the proposed 2013 budget which will be delivered to City Council by the end of May. “The budget should be a reflection of
• Filling key management vacancies including an Assistant City Manager, Director of Finance, Fire Chief, Director of Human Resources and Police Chief. “I’ve been extremely pleased with the caliber of managers I’ve appointed,” said Ron Olson. “They bring skills and knowledge to create a new culture within the organization,” added Olson. Upcoming appointments will include an Assistant City Manager of Business Support Services, Intergovernmental Relations Director, Municipal Court Director and Development Services Director. Some of the issues he is focusing on for the future include: • Management processes for planning and executing work including continuing the work of the public integrity team and continuing improvement processes. • Developing the City to be a benchmark city among other municipalities throughout the state. • Maintaining financial stability in all areas including balancing the budget, stabilizing departments in crisis and providing financial stability. • Appointment of City leadership with ongoing training including succession planning. From expectations to business plans his first year has been busy to say the least but if he has his way he is not done until Corpus Christi is the best in Texas.
So whether you want The Island to be a resort community, a bedroom community, a combination of the two, stay mostly the same, become a haven for washed up circus performers, or something completely different know this; our recent experience has shown that things are getting better. Not just for our Island but for our city as a whole and it is better late than never.
If I had said, and I often did, three years ago that we could get Aquarius finished and make ourselves heard at City Hall I would have been, and often was, laughed out of the building. After all, “nothing ever gets done out here, all anyone ever does is talk and the city can’t find its keister with both hands.” At the time there wasn’t much arguing with any of those things, that was pretty much how it was and had been for as long as anyone could remember.
So to the Island cynics I say you were right for a long time but not anymore. You can still be a cynic if you want but you won’t be right anymore. Things can and are changing, we have pushed for it and it has come to be. There is a feeling in the Island air that things are changing for the better. It is the Island Spring literally and figuratively. After years of trying to push all development downtown our city, lo even our region, is looking our way.
In the past decade I have seen a lot of development proposals put before our City Council. Almost without exception they have been full of holes, dead on arrival, unfundable in the open market, pie-eyed, star-crossed, open ended and therefore never to happen, dominated by addled thinking, downright dumb, designed only to make money for a few people who already had a lot of it, mostly downtown, and without exception our city was giving away the farm in order to buy a pig in a poke. There is a difference between being a cynic and an observer. The process was poor and produced
I think we have a chance to do some broken field running as it were. We have shown ourselves we can do it and it just so happens that it comes at a time of change in our city government. It is now time to kick things into high gear and show the cynics they are in fact the backbenchers we always knew they were.
WEDDINGS
Islander Ron Olson Marks First Year as City Manager By Kim Womack,
As regular readers of this space know I have been known to lean toward the critical when it comes to how we Islanders are treated by our city from time to time.
May 10, 2012
While the rest of the country is struggling our Island is perched on the edge of something different than most of us have seen before. There is opportunity in the air and good reason for a little optimism. It’s time to think big. Island Spring indeed.
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May 10, 2012
Island Moon
Letters to the Editor Coyote Attack
Roxy is our 9 lb., 10 yr. old dog. She was out running with my husband (Harry Williams) when she was attacked by a coyote. My husband was able to save her because it was a lone coyote that attacked. If it had been a pack, we would have lost her. After an $800.00 bill and an overnight stay at the hospital, she’s going to be OK. Luckily there was no internal damage.
Please warn all island residents with small dogs or cats to be vigilant! It happens so fast. Do not let your small pets out of your sight even for a moment. Not even in your own yard at night. I have attached pictures of both sides of Roxy so you can clearly see the bite marks. She is recovering physically but is totally traumatized by this incident. EVERYONE NEEDS TO WATCH THEIR SMALL PETS CLOSELY. The coyotes are lurking everywhere and usually travel in packs. They are hungry and their coming after our pets. If you need more information about this incident, please contact Harry or Alicia Williams at 361-949-9027. Thank you for bringing attention to this very serious problem on our island. Alicia Williams Island
Response to Gean Garland’s Letter in Moon April 26 issue From the contents of your letter I believe you to be a fine lady espousing your fanatical concerns about our barren Island and protecting it against us vultures who happen to be in the majority. Your problem is that you don’t own the Island property. Possession is nine points of the law. The owner of the property is calling the shots. Way to go Mr. Schexnailder, full speed ahead and God speed. Had you purchased the property we now would be living under you dictatorial terms. There is still an enormous amount of barren Island available for you to protect as you espouse to do. Go for it and get away from all of us. You will be accompanied by any and all of the radical groups out there that want to save the glove. Come have fun and appreciate the modern architectural buildings and surrounds which will meet all state, city, and county ordinances. Enjoy a picturesque tropical island and its impact on society. Having been on many tropical islands in the Far East, South Africa, Europe, and south America I can say that our future changes on the Island will have the pot3ential for a first class global presentation. We are awaiting a more active lifestyle. John P. Doyle and Friends Proud Padre Islanders
Who Are the Moon Monkeys
Mike Ellis, Founder Distribution Pete Alsop Island Delivery Coldwell Banker Advertising Jan Park Rankin Office Lisa Towns
Aquarius continued from A1
Aquarius
Moon, Are they going to rename the street or will we have two Aquarius streets? Kris Kimble Rohnstock Editor’s note: A great question Kris. The Aquarius extension project is in many ways a microcosm of the overall development of The Island. It was built in stages, its place in the Island masterplan (in as much as there ever was one) has changed many times over the years, it was not built as designed, there was a fight and a lawsuit over its completion, and we are now confused as to how to name it. Note that the main road on our Island has two names - Park Road 22 and SPID. Aquarius was originally designed as a second north/south thoroughfare to compliment SPID/ Park Road 22. An Aquarius bridge over the Jackfish canal would have connected the two ends of The Island. There are period photos that show the canal bridge built almost half way across the canal before the developers figured out that if the killed the bridge they could sell four additional lots instead – two on each side of the canal – and at that point making Aquarius a north/south thoroughfare was dead. The plan still called for what is now the recently completed Aquarius Extension to be finished about twenty five years ago but for various reasons that never happened. Then when Hurricane Allen blew out the bridge at Whitecap and Gypsy in 1980 it stranded homeowners to the west of the bridge who accessed SPID/Park Road 22 by Whitecap and had no way to get off The Island except by the proposed Aquarius route which was then nothing but deep mud leaving them literally and figuratively high and dry. Those who lived here at the time, according to Red who was one of them, appealed to now Precinct 4 County Commissioner Joe McComb, for help and McComb – came to the rescue in true Island style without asking for permission and later asking for forgiveness – managed to
Linda Murphy’s poem to Mother To my Mother; What are you doing in heaven? Are you tossing stars around, or moving mountains? Are you touching the sick with your gossamer wings, or praying with St. Michael and learning all things? What are you doing in heaven? What are you seeing in heaven? Are you having a party with all your past friends? Are you seeing your Mother and all of your kin? Are the streets made of Gold, and does everything sparkle? What are you seeing in heaven? What are you hearing in heaven? Do you listen to angels and their Heavenly Choir? Is the air filled with Music and Spiritual desire? Does Jesus give speeches that bring you to your knees? Do you hear love in the wind and peace in the breeze? What are you hearing in Heaven? Mother, I pray, when the time comes for me to arrive, that you’ll be the first to show me the sights. For I miss you Dear Mother, with Heart and with Soul, and once we’re together and this life is no more, we’ll go get a coke at the Heavenly Store…Until then, ALWAYS…Linda
Island In The Son At The Movies Island in the Son United Methodist Church invites you to a “family night at the movies” on the 3rd Friday of each month. This event is free, open to the public, and features a familyfriendly movie, usually with a Christian-based theme. We provide the popcorn and soda – but BYOC (bring your own candy). This month’s movie, on Friday, May 18, is “The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry”. Showtime is at 7:15 PM at the church – join us! This is an inspiring film for viewers of all ages. Best buddies Dustin, Albert, and Mark are twelve-year-old boys looking forward to a summer of fun in 1970. When Dustin mows the lawn of seventy-five-year-old Jonathan Sperry, a man he has seen at church, a unique friendship develops. Island in the Son United Methodist Church is located at 10650 Highway 361 on Mustang Island, between Newport Pass Road and Beach Access Road #3 (on the west/ Laguna Madre side of the highway). “Come as you are!”
A5
get limestone (we call it cliché) dumped on the mud-infested portion of Aquarius so it could be used by residents until the bridge was fixed. During this time we technically had three Aquarius streets: The southern portion south of Dasmarinas, the short portion between the (then unfinished) Aquarius Extension and Cabana North Avenue, and the northern section from the Jackfish Canal to SPID (Park Road 22). You see Kris what we mean by this being a microcosm of Island development? All of the various Aquarius streets were simply named “Aquarius” with no distinction between the three to guide the unwary traveler looking for a house on “Aquarius” and with no hint that you could not get from one to the other without a four-wheel drive truck, an airplane, a boat, or some James Bondish combination of all three. To steal a line from Cool Hand Luke what we had was a failure to communicate. So now Kris, if we carry the explanation to its (il)logical conclusion we really have FOUR Aquarius’. We have Southern Aquarius which runs south from Dasmarinas to Whitecap, we have the Aquarius Extension section which ends at Commodores, we have a short section with eight houses which runs from Commodores north but does not intersect with Aquarius south of Commodores, and we have Aquarius from Jackfish to SPID. But on the bright side, now we can get from Commodores to Whitecap without going around.
Some notes we recieved about Aquarius: Already used it to walk the dogs to CVS, eat at Dragonfly and walk back home...a great Island experience. David E Pavelka We took our kids on a bike ride to the Pizzeria... we love the street. Penny Ruddick
Who is the PAC?
Editor’s note: Last week the members of the Island Politcal Action Committee, Island United, explained that any Islander who is a registered voter s automaticly a member of the PAC and that the group endorses candidates for office based solely on a vote by its members. This week we deal with the process the PAC uses to chose candidates. O.K. now you know you are a PAC member. The old statement that “all politics begin at home” certainly spells out what we do. That “we” is you, me and the fellow down the street. It’s John Hepner and Paul Wegner, also. We are going to develop questions for the candidates. Yes John and Paul can contribute. Those questions will be delivered to all candidates, their responses collected and distributed via the Moon. We will begin collecting questions about June 1. These questions will asked of those persons wanting to be your Mayor, District 4 Council member or At-Large council person. Be thinking about it. I’ll be back next week to tell you more. You can always contact us at islandunitedpac@ gmail.com. Phyllis Freeman Endorsement Co-Chair Island United Political Action Committee
The traffic-slowing medians in the design were the result of an eleventh-hour lawsuit aimed at stalling or stopping the project that is still resonating through the court system. There were attempts to put in teeth rattling speed humps, a mind-numbing number of stop signs and other obstacles but in the end the need for the new road was just too great.
The unfinished road first planned more than forty years ago (see Letters to the Editor for more details) has long served as a monument to the difficulty of getting projects done on The Island. Its completion is truly a sign of the times and a welcome addition to The Island.
We here at the Moon want to thank everyone who was involved in getting the project done, including the crews from Hass-Anderson who completed the project quickly and well. To those who said it would never happen we can only say, anything can happen if we Islanders stick together and keep pushing. Dale Rankin
Our Next President? When you are serving a 17-sentence for extortion in a prison in Texarkana what do you do to pass the time? Well, if you are 53-year old Keith Judd you finish second to President Barack Obama in the West Virginia Democratic Primary.
Judd took 40 percent of the vote in the recent West Virginia Democratic primary to Obama’s 60 percent while serving his sentence for trying to extort money out of the University of New Mexico. Judd paid his $2500 filing fee to get in the race and normally attracting at least 15 per cent of the vote would qualify as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention. Judd won’t be able to attend himself unless he gets some time off for good behavior. The main plank in Judd’s platform; no surprise there, he believes incarcerated felons should be allowed to vote – instead of merely being allowed to run for office.
PIBA Calendar for May Tuesday, May 15 @ 5:30pm
Padre Island Business Association Mixer 13934 Whitecap Blvd (Model Home) Hosted by Tranquillity Homes Fun! Food! Refreshments! Music! Networking! Bring your Business Card for great prizes - If you would like to donate a door prize, reply to this email or call 949-9498 Wednesday, May 16 @ 11:00am Destination Discovery - Annual CCCVB Luncheon American Bank Center - Henry Garrett Ballroom For tickets and table sponsorship, call 361881-1888 Come see the future of tourism for Corpus Christi ALBRITTON CONSTRUCTION 361-480-3001 TOTAL REMODEL, RENOVATION, ADDITIONS, DECKS AND DOCKS Fully insured with W/C and General Liability On Padre Island Homeowner Association General Contractors List
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REFERENCES IN PADRE ISLAND, PORT ARANSAS AND CORPUS CHRISTI ACTIVE JOBS CAN BE VIEWED REFERENCE LIST UPON REQUESTA
Classifieds Arlene Ritley Design/Layout Jeff Craft Contributing Writers (In no particular order) Devorah Fox Mary Craft Maybeth Christiansen Dr. Tom Dorrell Jay Gardner Todd Hunter Danniece Bobeché Ronnie Narmour Dr. Donna Shaver Photographers Miles Merwin Office Security/Spillage Control Riley P. Dog Editor/Publisher/Spillage Control Supervisor Dale Rankin About the Island Moon The Island Moon is published every Wednesday, Dale Rankin, Editor. 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 15201 S P I D. Suite 250. For more information call 361-949-7700 or contact the Moon at 15201 S Padre Island Dr., Suite 250, Corpus Christi, TX 78418 or by e-mail to editor@islandmoon.com.
Patty brings a bright new smile to Michelle’s Salon. Patty, formerly of Sport Clips next to Lowes. Mention this ad and receive 25% off any chemical service and guys, you will receive a complimentary scalp massage on your first visit. If you are looking for a military cut or a super fade, Patty is your girl. As always, Walk-ins welcome
A 6
Island Moon
Don’t Try This at Home
May 10, 2012
Trivia Question of the Week
Danniece Bobeché, MSN Women’s Healthcare Nurse Practitioner www.danniece.com One of the most health conscience Islanders we know told me recently that she had started taking DHEA. After reading about the benefits of DHEA on the internet, she knew it was the perfect panacea for the health issues she had been experiencing. I asked what dose she was taking and I think my jaw locked open for a nanosecond when she answered. Suddenly visions of sumo wrestlers, hairy chests, and deep voices floated in my head. I calmly asked, “Have you noticed any unusual irritability or oily skin since you started taking it?” As a matter of fact, yes, she replied. She was taking 20 times the recommended daily dose for female DHEA replacement. Without intervention, this attractive woman was on the brink of becoming a Chaz Bono prototype.
If it sounds too good to be true……. Many patients come to me after attempting self preservation with over the counter or web marketed products. Some have positive responses to treatment that eventually wane in effectiveness. Others have no change in symptoms they are attempting to alleviate. For example, frequently patients try over the counter melatonin for their sleep disturbances only to find it makes matters worse. This is because high doses will induce an immediate sound sleep only to wake rarin’ to go after about 3-4 hours. More is not always better as the higher dose of melatonin is used when flying over the pond for some adventure; you wake refreshed and ready to hit the ground running when you
arrive. Herbals are another cluster of products that may provide positive results but can cause allergic reactions, photo toxicity, gastrointestinal disturbances not to mention liver damage. When taken in combination with other drugs, the adverse reactions with herb preparations can be quite serious. Always inform your doctor or healthcare provider of all the medications that you take including vitamins, minerals, herbals and any over the counter products.
Googlemania could be hazardous to your health With a plethora of information available on the World Wide Web, it is not surprising how many patients self-treat. I encourage all of my patients to educate themselves on every aspect of their health and I am a major advocate of internet research. However, more times than not, the infomercials on the net are trying to sell something and should be avoided. As a practitioner and professor of nursing, I encourage my patients and students to confine searches only to reputable health and medical sites for information. Examples include WebMD, Mayo Clinic, and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine and Medline Plus. These and other links can be accessed on the resources page @ www. danniece.com. And, when in doubt, turn to the professionals!
2012 Kerrville Folk Festival Entering 41ST Year and Counting
Editor’s note: The Kerrville Folk Festival doesn’t really have much to do with The Island. But it is a lot of fun so we decided to run it anyway. Kerrville, Texas- The Kerrville Folk Festival at Quiet Valley Ranch, nine miles South of the Texas Hill Country resort community of Kerrville, has announced an exciting 2012 festival schedule for its 41st annual event. Once again this legendary songwriter’s festival will run for 18 straight days, from Thursday, May 24 through Sunday, June 10, 2012.
Festival Producer Dalis Allen has put together another stellar schedule to help the festival celebrate its 41st year including Ruthie Foster (June 3), Kinky Friedman (May 25), Patrice Pike (May 26), BettySoo (May 27), Seth Glier (May 28), Christine Lavin (June 2), John Fullbright (June 3). The 2012 lineup also includes Kerrville Folk Festival newcomers such as Ghosts Along the Brazos (May 24), MilkDrive (May 25), Carolyn Wonderland (June 2), Birds of Chicago – JT Nero and Allison Russell (June 8), Canadian Old Man Luedecke (June 9), Javier Chaparro and Salud (June 9), Joe Pug (June 10), The Milk Carton Kids (June 10) and Ruth Moody (June 10). There’s also an impressive list of artists returning after a hiatus including, among others, Pierce Pettis with his daughter Grace Pettis (May 26), Canadian James Keelaghan (May 26), Berkley Hart (May 27), Ernie Hawkins (May 28), Steve Seskin (May 28), Chuck Pyle (June 2) and Dave Gunning (June 9). Of course the talent doesn’t stop there… the Kerrville Folk Festival will once again present diverse audience favorites such as Guy Forsyth and Jimmy LaFave both on opening night (May 24), Zoe Lewis (May 25), Mary Gauthier (May 25), Ellis Paul (May 26), Trout Fishing in America (June 1), Peter Yarrow (June 1), Ronny Cox (June 2), Eric Taylor (June 2), Terri Hendrix (June 3), Warren Hood & the Goods (June 3), those crazy Russians Limpopo (May 26) and Sara Hickman (June 9) along with dozens of other renowned artists and songwriters. As usual, the 2012 Grassy Hill Kerrville New Folk Competition for emerging songwriters will be held on the first Saturday and Sunday of the festival (May 26th and 27th), from 1 to
4PM. From the almost 800 entries, 32 finalists have been selected to perform in this prestigious annual competition, hosted by Steve Gillette and Festival Founder Rod Kennedy. Several former New Folk finalists and winners are on this year’s festival line-up including, Jimmy LaFave, Jeff Berkley from Berkley Hart, Tom Prasada-Rao, Tom Kimmel as part of The New Agrarians, Drew Nelson, Grace Pettis, Rebecca Loebe, Nathan Hamilton, and KC Clifford just to name a few. Matt Harlan will kick off the 2012 festival on opening night, Thursday, May 24. Held each year since 1972, the Kerrville Folk Festival is the longest continuously running festival of its kind in North America. Over the years it has become known internationally as a Mecca for singer songwriters of varying musical styles… a place where those just beginning to develop their skills have the opportunity to play their music along side those who are masters. Emerging songwriters as well as teachers are drawn to the festival’s many learning opportunities, such as the 32nd Annual Songwriters School, the Roots / Blues Guitar Workshop, Harmonica Workshop, Capo Workshops, a Music Law Panel Discussion, and the 11th Annual Professional Development Program for Teachers. There’s truly something for everyone at this festival, from camping, campfire jam sessions, concerts and activities for kids, “Ballad Tree” song sharing sessions, Hill Country bike rides and canoe trips on the Guadalupe to Sunday Folk Song Services, Saturday Shabbat Services and much more. This is one musical celebration that must not be missed! A complete festival schedule, information and tickets can be found at www.kerrvillefolkfestival.org or by calling the festival office at (830) 257-3600. Ticket prices range from $25 to $40 depending on the particular day, although you can save 15% by purchasing your tickets prior to May 23rd. Campground Access and Parking Lot fees are included in the ticket price. The Kerrville Folk Festival is owned by the Texas Folk Music Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that is dedicated to the support of emerging songwriters and folk music in all its forms.
Babes on the Bay Biggest Fishing Tournament…and still growing Along the coastal bend, fishing remains one of summertime’s top attractions. The Rockport Fulton area, just 30 miles northeast of Corpus Christi, offers the finest bay fishing. On Saturday, May 19, Aransas Bay will be filled with women! They will be coming for The Annual Jim Ehman Memorial “Babes on the Babe” fishing tournament. The tournament is the largest one day fishing tournament in the United States. Last year Babes on the Bay had 1140 ladies, of all ages, on 320 teams. Now in its 13th year, it is expected to be bigger than ever, with possibly over 1200 entries. Along with the fishing tournament, the event also features a Food Vendors Court and a Babes Shopping Mall where vendors sell everything from fishing rods to jewelry. The kick-off for Babes on the Bay will be held at 6 p.m. on May 18, at the Rockport Festival
Grounds. The fishing tournament officially begins at sunrise on Saturday, May 19. Weigh-in for the event will be from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. Prizes will be given for five divisions. The divisions are as follows: Team with a professional guide (any bait); Team with a Professional Guide (artificial only); team with Non-Professional Guide (any bait); Team with Non-Professional Guide (artificial only); and Babe-ette Division (ages 16 and under). 1st -5th places will be awarded for the first four divisions with additional prizes for Babe-ette Division. Awards will be presented at approximately 6p.m., following the weigh in on Saturday. For more information, visit www. babesonthebay.com or call 361-386-0028. For information about Places to Stay visit www. rockport-fulton.org or call 1 -800 242-0071 or email tourism@1rockport.org
Trivia Question of the Week from last issue: How did the events at Live Oak Point on Copano Bay lead to the slogan on the first Texas flag? On September 20, 1835 James Power who was one of the founders of the colony at Live Oak Point near the current town of Rockport on Copano Bay, was gazing out the window of this home when he saw a ship entering the bay. He and another man rowed a small boat out to meet the ship and discovered it to be a troopship full of Mexican troops come to invade the then Mexican state of Coahuila y Texas.
Revolution Mexican style In the 1930’s Generalissimo Santa Anna had come to power in Mexico as a supporter of Federalism; the definition of the term Federalism in Mexico was the opposite of the one used in United States during its revolution. In the U.S. the term meant the centralization of power in the capitol while in Mexico is was synonymous with states rights. Santa Anna, as was the custom of his colorful and largely duplicitous career, made his way to power as a Federalist only to switch sides once in office and become a Centralist in favor of disbanding state militia units and concentrating power in the central government – which he now controlled thanks to the backers of state’s rights who put him in power. (See how that works?) Santa Anna moved to surpass the first of many Mexican revolts in Southern Mexico and more
than 2000 Mexican citizens were killed to put down an uprising in the state of Zacatecas. The call went out for Texians to resists Santa Anna’s Centrist government and Santa Anna’s call for militia received no response from the Texas colonies east of the Guadalupe River. It was clear that the Mexican citizens of Texas, most of whom had arrived from the United States, had no desire to be ruled by a tinhorn despot all the way down in Mexico City.
The Texans act In June of 1835 Texans met in the town of San Felipe in the Stephen F. Austin’s Colony and issued a declaration defending states rights. This is the reason you will see in history books, and occasionally on a Texas flagpole to this day, the tri-color Mexican flag with the numbers 1824 on it. That is when the Mexican constitution promising state’s rights was signed and it was that constitution the Texans favored. That flag pre-dates Texas’ drive for independence and instead stood for Texas as a strong state under Mexican rule. Many Texans while they were opposed to Santa Anna’s tyrannical rule still thought themselves to be Mexican citizens and did not want the fight that surely would come with a drive for independence. A group in the town of Gonzales in July of that year had pledged loyalty to Mexico and refused to supply troops
to the Texas militia who vowed to fight for independence. Texans were divided on independence until March, 1836 when the Battle of the Alamo settled the issue. In the meantime Santa Anna had no idea of allowing the unruly Texans to arm themselves against his government. He sent his brother-in-law General Martin Perfecto de Cos and 500 men to put down the Texans’ unruly ways. It was they aboard the troop ship which Power intercepted in Copano Bay. The Texans had no idea the troops were on the way but while Coz and his men were unloading supplies the word of his arrival spread like yellow fever across Texas.
Come and Take It Ten days later Coz’ men took up the March for San Antonio after stopping by Power’s home; causing him much trouble later on when there was great debate about whether it was a social visit or Coz was an uninvited guest. At the town of Refugio the Mexicans raised two companies of soldiers who joined them on the March north. When the Mexicans reached Goliad, October 2, 100 soldiers from the Mexican Army were sent to the town of Gonzalez to reclaim a cannon given the settlers by the Mexican government to fight
off raiding Indians. The soldiers had orders to disarm the settlers but the settlers had other ideas. Since the citizens at Gonzalez favored the states rights government in Mexico they saw the soldiers of Santa Anna as an invading force. Instead of giving the cannon back to the Mexicans they loaded it with chain and scrap metal and fired it at the approaching Mexican Army then they attacked; when they did so they moved under the now familiar flag with the image of a cannon and the words “Come and Take It.” The Mexican commander Captain Francisco Castaneda ordered a retreat leaving a dead cavalryman on the field. Texas had its Lexington. The first link in Texas’ independence chain came when James Power looked out his window on Copano Bay and saw a ship; arguably the first act in the historical record on Texas soil which lead to her first flag, independence, becoming a Republic, United States statehood, and eventually the U.S. Mexican War which would bring a U.S. Army to the shores of St. Joseph Island and what is now the city of Corpus Christi. If ever there was a Texan who could literally say he looked out his window and saw history pass by it was James Power that day in September, 1835 at his house on Copano Bay.
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May 10, 2012
Island Moon
A7
Legislative Update
Todd Hunter, District 32
Texas Film, Travel/Tourism and Video Game Industries Over the past several weeks I have used my weekly articles to outline some of the great things we have going on in the State of Texas when it comes to our Texas Film and TV, Travel and Tourism and the Computer and Video Game industries that exist throughout the state. This week I want to take the opportunity to do a recap on these great industries. In addition to recapping these industries I also want to take this chance to let you know about the “Power on for Texas Film, Interactive and Tourism Conference” happening on May 15, 2012. The Texas Film Commission was created in 1971 by then Governor Preston Smith, at that time Governor Smith saw the value that the film industry could bring to the State of Texas and its economy. Since 1971 the Texas Film Commission has continued to build upon that vision and worked to bring more and more films to our state to be shot and produced. Today, under the leadership of Evan Fitzmaurice, who serves as Director of the Film Commission, that vision continues to grow and now includes building upon the state’s successes in the computer and video game industry. The list of movies and games that have been developed/produced, or shot in the State of Texas include thousands of films, television series and games. Some of the previous movies that were mentioned included No Country for Old Men, Pearl Harbor, and Seven Days in Utopia. Now here are some of the films, TV series and games not previously mentioned:
•
The Legend of Billie Jean
•
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre Franchise
•
The Tree of Life
•
Bernie (just released in April)
•
Top Chef Texas
•
The Lying Game
•
The new Dallas series
•
Wolfenstein 3D - PC
•
Metroid Prime – Game Cube (Nintendo)
As you can see, Texas has been home to iconic films, television series and games which have been developed/ produced, and shot in Texas. These industries have provided thousands of jobs for Texans and put billions of dollars into the state’s economy. To learn more about the film and video game industry go to www.governor.state.tx.us/film . Another wonderful component of our state’s economy is the travel and tourism industry. Tourists from all around come to Texas to experience our incredible beaches and the diverse landscapes found across the state. In 2010 alone, this industry provided approximately $57.5 billion in economic input in to the state’s economy. This industry also provided the state with roughly 529,000 jobs with earnings estimated at $16.5 billion. There are many things the State of Texas is doing to help foster and grow this vital industry including looking in to the expansion of the cruise industry in to South Texas. All of these industries provide the State of Texas with beneficial and unique economic opportunities. In order to help showcase these industries and to examine ways in which we as a state can continue to develop and cultivate these invaluable industries, I am proud to be a part of the “Power on for Texas Film, Interactive and Tourism Conference”. This conference will be held at Texas A&M Corpus Christi on Tuesday May 15, from 8 A.M. to 4 P.M. The conference is free to attend. Please register at poweron. tamucc.edu/ . If you have questions regarding any of the industries mentioned in this article or about “Power on for Texas Film, Interactive and Tourism Conference”, please do not hesitate to call my Capitol or District Office. As always, my offices are available at any time to assist with questions, concerns or comments (Capitol Office, 512-463-0672; District Office, 361-9494603).
Rep. Hunter represents Aransas, Calhoun, Nueces (Part) and San Patricio Counties. He can be contacted at todd.hunter@ haouse.state.tx.us or at 512-463-0672.
SEA Banquette Set for May 17 By Charlie Mader Saltwater-fisheries Enhancement Association (SEA) is a local non-profit organization to promote the preservation, conservation and enhancement of the saltwater inshore and offshore coastal resources for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. SEA is firmly grounded in its mission of Texas Coastal Conservation, a mission personified by the belief of its 9,000 members that a position must be taken with regard to Texas saltwater fisheries and their protection. Once a year we have our annual banquet which represents our commitment to supporting and educating the public about conservation of our bays and estuaries. SEA will hold the 12th Annual Fundraising Banquet on Thursday, May 17 from 5:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. at the American Bank Center. In addition to inshore projects, SEA is working with Texas Parks & Wildlife on the creation of an inshore artificial reef. The near shore reef project will provide a 160 acre reef nine miles offshore from Packery Channel. This reef will
increase essential fish habitat for our local fisheries and provide a near shore reef that is easily accessible. SEA is also working with other groups to bring awareness to the loss of habitat with the removal of platforms in the Gulf of Mexico. SEA has been a leader in promoting the Rigs to Reefs program. In addition, SEA is a founding member of “Save the Blue” which is the best concept so far for maintaining our artificial reefs (platforms) through the entire water column. We are committed to preservation of our critical marine habitat for the continued enjoyment of all user groups, present and future. It is through the fundraising banquet that SEA is able to contribute to “Raising Money for Local Projects”. The fundraising banquet will feature a live and silent auction, blackboard auction and raffles. Also, drawn at the end of the evening is the Coor’s Light 18’ Shallow Sport boat. Tickets are available at the door for $125 each. For more information contact the SEA office at 886-1100.
Summer 2012 Sports Camps Online Registration Available Now! The Corpus Christi Parks & Recreation Department is offering a variety of Sports Camps with professional instruction for boys and girls ages 6-16 from June 4–July 19, 2012 at the Corpus Christi Gym (3202 Cabaniss Parkway), Cabaniss Sports Complex and Ben Garza Gym (1815 Howard St.). The cost for each camp is $55 per camp per youth. The Parks & Recreation Department is dedicated to providing quality, structured, affordable and
fun programs for youth. Registration will be offered ONLY on Wednesdays from 5pm– 8pm at the Corpus Christi Gym during May 1 through July 16, 2012 (may register until the first day for each camp). NEW: ONLINE REGISTRATION is available for an added 24hour convenience to our customers starting May 1st! For more information, call the Corpus Christi Gym at 851-1612 or the Athletics office at 8263478, or visit www.ccparkandrec.com (click ‘What’s Happening’). We invite you to LIVE. LEARN. PLAY! For more information about the wide-range of programs and services offered by the Corpus Christi Parks & Recreation Department, visit www.ccparkandrec.com.
Andy Stansel, Manager
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Island Moon
A 8
Tax Incentive Continued from A1 The $5 million in hard money comes from the Corpus Christi Business and Job Development Corp. referred to commonly as the Type A Board, from an ongoing city sales tax and would be used to pay for infrastructure; water and sewer lines, and other underground utilities.
Schlitterbahn waterpark to begin within nine months after the agreement is signed and the park must be completed within two years after the signing, with the first phase of the park done by summer 2013 or the entire agreement is void. Missing from the current incentive plan is any mention of the proposed water exchange bridge which would connect the current canal system on the west side of Park Road 22 where the majority of the new development would be located with Lake Padre on the east side of the road.
The plan would generate a total of $258 million in new revenue to all taxing jurisdictions. About $80 million of that would go to the city of Corpus Christ, and an additional $20 million for the Island Tax Investment Finance Zone (TIF) which are funds raised from all new construction in the zone after 2003. That money is earmarked for Island projects. The big winner, if the deal is approved, would be the Flour Bluff Independent School District which over the course of the deal would collect just under $130 million.
Other highlights of the plan call for the park itself to be able to handle 3,000 simultaneous visitors and no feature in the waterpark can be higher than 60 feet, and no waterpark features taller than a two-story residence may be within 400 feet of existing, platted homes.
The agreement does include a ticking clock which calls for work on the $41 million
Here is the tax incentive plan by the numbers:
Real Estate Roundup By Mary Lou White As I was showing property last week, the potential buyer asked me why the MLS listing sheet had an entry marked: U S Citizen. That entry can be marked yes or no. Seems strange? Perhaps, but this one question can become very meaningful once an offer becomes a binding contract. Over time, the United States has become very attractive for investors and homeowners from other countries. Of course, technically, the majority of Americans were from another country. It just is a question of which century your ancestors made landfall. The reason we need to pay attention derives from the Omnibus Reconciliation Act of 1980 that is dated 5 December 1980. Jimmy Carter was President at that time and had just lost an election to Ronald Reagan. This Act contained the “Revenue Adjustments Act of 1980”, which included: Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act of 1980 (FIRPTA).
Why FIRPTA matters to you!
Public Investment Funding Source
Amount of Public Investment $5,000,000 $20,559,959 $1,400,000 $11,484,359 $77,974,008 $698,552
Type A Grant M & O portion only of Property Tax Waived Development Fees Sales Tax (1%) HOT Fund (7%) Local Construction Tax Public Investment
$117,166,878
• Note: Public investment includes a large amount of HOT funds ($78m or about 67%) that the Project may or may not be able to fully use
Incentive
Park District A & B IslandWalk District
Type A Grant
5,000,000
M&O
4,042,412
5,573,471
400,000
1,000,000
Development Fees
-
Sales Tax
4,935,243
3,525,275
HOT Fund
19,652,562
19,200,044
Cons. Sales Tax Total
99,914
598,638
34,130,131
29,897,428
70,872,000 $
Investment Percent of Investment Inside/Outside TIF Share (M&O Portion) Share (Residential M&O Portion) Share Sales Tax Share HOT Fund Share Construction Sales Tax Share Construction Sales Tax Residential
118,379,700
Resort District A
Resort District B
Marina District
3,990,197 24,202,711 28,192,908 96,589,000 $
-
6,953,879
-
-
Totals 5,000,000 20,559,959 1,400,000
-
3,023,840
11,484,359
-
14,918,691
77,974,008
-
-
90,754,149
$
698,552
24,896,411
117,116,878
174,641,843
$ 551,236,691
48.16%
25.26%
29.19%
0.00%
14.26%
Inside 100% NA 100% 100% 50%
Inside 85% NA 85% 85% 95%
Outside 70% NA 70% 57% 0%
Outside NA 0% 0% 0% 0%
Inside 0% 0% 70% 70% 50%
NA
NA
NA
0%
NA
21.25%
May 10, 2012
Tax laws require that all persons, both foreign and domestic, must pay income tax, when they dispose of their interest in U. S. real estate. Domestic sellers, being U. S. citizens or resident aliens, pay the tax as part of their regular annual income tax filing. Foreign persons are taxed on only certain sources of income and usually do not file annual tax returns. To ensure tax collection, from foreign taxpayers, FIRPTA requires that the BUYER must withhold 10% of the Sales Price, to be collected at closing, and send those funds to the Ogden, Utah tax service center, within 20 days after the sale. This is normally handled by the Title Company, as part of the closing process. However, if it is not done, the Buyer will be held accountable for the tax and any penalties that apply. In addition to the money, certain forms must be completed and sent at the same time. Form 8288 is the reporting and transmittal form to use. In addition, form 8288A must be included for each “foreign” seller that had an interest in the property purchased. For instance, if the property was owned by a “foreign” husband and wife, then it would need two 8288-A’s attached. The Buyer keeps 8288A, copy C, as a copy for their records, to prove their compliance with the law. Remember….. you don’t want to mess with Mother Nature or the IRS. Both are very powerful forces to be reckoned with.
FIRPTA Tax exceptions
There are four exceptions regarding FIRPTA tax withholding, by the buyer. Two possible exceptions are fairly clear. If you are a purchaser of a residence with a sales price of $300,000 or less and you, or a member of your family, will reside in the residence for more than 50% of the year , for the first two years after purchase, then, you do not have to withhold the 10% tax at closing. Also, if the seller can produce a sworn statement that the seller(s) is not a foreign person (must be a U S citizen or resident alien), then, the 10% tax can also be waived. The sworn statement should include the seller’s name, address, Social Security Number and signature. Keep this with your closing documents! The final two exceptions deal with transfers by corporations. There may be situations where the “foreign” person serves only as the “lender” on the property. Therefore, no FIRPTA tax is due.
Better safe than sorry
If you are a buyer, find out early in the negotiation process, whether the seller(s) falls into the category of a domestic or foreign resident. Make this a priority in the preliminary discussions. If it becomes apparent that a foreign seller is involved, enlist the help of a CPA to ensure that proper forms are completed and that the Title Company follows proper withholding and transmission of funds and forms, to the IRS. Then, keep all the required documents in a safe place that you can access if necessary. Keep in mind…..you (the buyer) are ultimately the one responsible for the 10% FIRPTA tax. As a real estate agent, we are also responsible for keeping parties to a transaction informed about possible pitfalls. Hence, the topic of this article. For advice, I spoke with Beverly Rogers, an Island CPA, who understands “tax issues” way above my level of comprehension. For your own well being, I suggest you consult a qualified tax specialist, especially in matters that involve real estate…..Being informed is a good thing.
Island Real Estate Ticker
FIRPTA tax retrieval If you are a “non-domestic” owner of real property, in the United States, and you are going to put your property up for sale, you can be pro-active and file form 8288-B to apply for a “withholding certificate” from the IRS. The IRS has 90 days to respond and send a certificate that either excuses the 10% withholding entirely or reduces the amount that must be withheld. It is also necessary for the “foreign” seller to have a “TIN” (taxpayer identification number). To obtain that part of the puzzle, the seller must complete Form W-7. Without this preliminary work, it is still possible for a “foreign” seller to retrieve the taxes that were withheld at closing. Step one, you must have a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN). Step two, the IRS will stamp Copy B of the 8288A form and send it to the foreign seller, at the address shown on Form 8288-A. The “seller” attaches the stamped copy B to a U S income tax return (Form 1040NR) filed with the IRS and waits to see the determination regarding what tax may be refunded.
8
Commercial Properties For Sale From $150,000 to $4,557,465
1
Multi Family Complex For Sale For $2,500,000
117
Island Lots and Land For Sale
48
Parcels on a canal or water From $99,000 to $395,500
69
Parcels not on water From $20,000 to $299,900
216
Island Residences For Sale
87
Attached Homes For Sale From $34,900 to $495,000
72 water
Detached Homes on a canal or From $224,900 to $2,200,000
57
Detached Homes not on water From $139,900 to $513,000
38
Island Residences Closed in April 2012
16
Island Land Parcels
1
Commercial Property Closed in April 2012
Closed in April 2012
0 Island Single Family Residence Building Permits were issued in April 2012
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New Local History Book! The Robert Mercer family kept a daily diary for 11 years in the mid 1800s about their life and times on Mustang Island. They called the diary the Mercer Logs as they were bar pilots. The Mercer Logs are unprecedented in that they are the only record of the early pioneer days on Mustang Island. The Port Aransas Preservation and Historical Association has published this invaluable historical record by way of the book, The Mercer Logs: Pioneer Times on Mustang Island, Texas. Local historian and PAPHA board member J. Guthrie Ford, Ph.D., chose approximately 250 verbatim log entries and organized them in topical chapters, such as Extreme Weather, Maritime World, and Ranch and Cattle Era. This 110 page, coffee-table size book, of which only 251 were printed (each book is numbered), also contains 28 images, photographs, and maps pertinent to the Mercer family. The Mercer Logs book is available at the gift shop of the Port Aransas Museum, open Thursday through Saturday, 1-5. The book can also be mail ordered by clicking on the Gift Shop tab at www.portaransasmuseum.org.
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May 10, 2012
Island Moon
A9
Gone Fishin’ South Bay
O pt
O w io Fin ne n an r s Av ce ai la bl e
Capt. Joey Farah (361)442_8145 Facebook: Farah’s Backwater Fishing Adventures My biggest downfall when I was in Jr. High was that I’d lie, hide, and sneak out to go fishing instead of doing my homework. Sometimes old habits are hard to shake, and I’ve skipped out on the article I had started to write this week and I’m hiding out on the southern tip of our Blessed Padre’ Island. I skipped town to celebrate Leah’s graduation from Nursing School. Its great being seemingly connected to home by being on the island yet still invisible in a new exciting area. Through the years I’ve made the drive to South Padre’ Island many times for surfing, spring break, and to kiss the gates of Mexico. This trip is the first time I’ve ever thrown out a line! So many things here make you feel a bit more tropical, the water, the café’s and bars, the shops, and the closeness to border. Our friends at LOGIC LURES brought
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2
1
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361-758-8777
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This Mexican or Fat Snook fell to this LOGIC PLASTIX us down and our long day in the sun cooled off as a BIG storm swept across the border as our afternoon fishing trip closed in. Our friends checked their fancy phones and thought that the storms would only flirt with us and turn the bite on fire. As a young angler I dreamed of casting to the Mangrove choked bays of South Padre Island in search of reds, trout, and above all else SNOOKERS! I was hovering with excitement as we crossed the big water and cut into South Bay. Our first drift we caught four reds, three trout, some skip jack, and I caught a “FAT SNOOK”.
taps and one nice red I saw a golden flash come out from beneath the long shoal grass stand. The fish charged my bait as it floated down towards the bottom. The SNOOK”S BUCKET MOUTH opened just as it saw the boat and veered off on a high line past me. I swear I saw the fish connect eye to eye with me as I stared in shock, WHAT A HOG!!! The fish was a 26 to 28 inches and golden lit against the setting sun. As we got closer to the Mangroves the small pole’n skiff silently slid into a area of sand pockets, oysters, and mangrove over hangs. I shot casts to the sounds of bait, and game fish breaching the surface as baitfish moved out of the marsh on the falling tide. A long cast dropped down just below the branches of the Texas Mangrove Trees, and I fluttered the Logic Plastix bait over the sharp shallow oysters. As my bait closed the distance on the sand pocket a TORPEDO sliced off the bank and towards the bait. I dropped the jig softly in the slightly deeper pocket and she disappeared behind it. I felt a small DINK! I set the hook and she flashed towards me. The rod bent for a second then she blew the bait out like a spit wad. The thick humped back of another beautiful SPI SNOOKER slid over the shallows and around and back the beside of the trees. We got on a few reds probing the area hoping she would have maybe returned to her hide, but Allan said that they were moving with the tide along the shoreline. The second drift we got on a nice trout bite and a few more reds. The bright apple red sun caught the sky and our hearts on fire on the way home to the dock. I had waited 25years to come here and fish, tomorrow morning I’ll be losing myself again starring into the water. Hopefully living out a few more childhood dreams before I get on the road and head north to the other end of the beach. I PROMISE I’LL DO MY HOMEWORK WHEN I GET HOME AND HAVE IT IN FOR YOU NEXT WEEK. CONGRATULATIONS LEAH!
I peered into the cloudy green water, my casts like laser driven shots to every fishy corner of the scattered sand and mud pockets. After a few
Visit our Padre Island Campus at: 15201 SPID Ste 200 (Behind Prosperity Bank)
Moms are amazing! They sacriice so much to give your family the very best and often receive so little in return. Well not this Mother’s Day! Join us at Bay Area Fellowship Padre Island, this weekend as we take Mother’s Day to a “Whole Mother Level”! Pastor Bil has a message that will honor, inspire, and bless Mothers at every stage of their life. Make sure you bring Mom and the whole family! We will be making a donation to the Women’s Shelter of South Texas on behalf of Moms of Bay Area Fellowship
Sunday Service Times: 8:30 - 10:00 & 11:30 a.m. Visit bayareafellowship.com
Island Moon
A 10
The Lion, The Witch and The Seashore
May 10, 2012
Encore presentations Mother’s Day weekend at Port Aransas Community Theater
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Color Services starting at $65 The White Witch, played by Haley Morgan, uses Turkish delight to entice Edmund, Ian Berry, to betray his siblings in the Seashore Middle Academy drama class performance of “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.”
The faun Tumnus meets Lucy in Narnia and looks anxiously for spies before speaking to her. Tumnus was played by Josh Ordonez, while Hayley Campbell played the role of Lucy. The cast and crew performed five shows at the Port Aransas Community Theater.
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(361) 416-0054 3500 Island Moorings Pkwy Port Aransas, TX 78373
CHARMING WATERFRONT single bedroom condo with washer/dryer. Remodeled interior, beachy colors, tile floors, upgraded bath, elec box/plugs switches replaced, ceiling fans, new baseboards, window coverings, privacy door on patio. This is a must see showing pride of ownership. Close to the proposed new Schlitterbahn and convenient to everything. Think investment! $105,900 WATERFRONT--Fortuna Bay’s finest! 3/2 penthouse with high ceilings, completely redone in style with stainless, glass tile, granite, quality fixtures throughout, sumptuous baths, attractive furnishings, storage closet, boat dock, community pool/hot tub, tile/carpet. Ready to go, just move in or rent out--vacation rentals okay. Bring your boat. $185,900 Beach House Realty, Gail D. Spinn, Agent 2217 State Highway 361, Suite A-1, Port Aransas, Texas 78373
Mary Ann McShane, Realtor, GRI, SRES e-mail: malm335@sbcglobal.net Corpus Christi Realty Group
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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
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Sunday’s are special at Scuttlebutt’s, $3.00 Mimosas $3.50 Bloody Mary’s Happy Hour 7 Days a week Great drink Specials! Live Music. Book your office party today! Call Holly at 765-2222 14254 SPID 361-949-6769 www.scuttlebuttsbarandgrill.com