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Weekly
361-949-7700 editor@islandmoon.com The Island Newspaper since 1996 Facebook : The Island Moon Newspaper
October 24, 2013
The only Island in Texas where we name our cold fronts
Around The Island
By Dale Rankin editor@islandmoon.com
Next Publication Date: 10/31/2013
Facebook: The Island Moon Newspaper
Year 16, Issue 497
Schlitterbahn From the Air
We had our third and fourth Cold Fronts of the season drive through last Saturday and again Monday night. We’ll name these Clyde because he blasted in Saturday with all the subtlety of a bank robber, and Duerme because she crept in while we were asleep. It takes a while for the cool weather to really set in with we Islanders. We can’t help but think that when we wake up it’s going to be 100 degrees again.
Water got my house You might want to keep an eye out in the Laguna for floating trailer houses. By the time you read this the storm that dropped ten inches of rain in the Nueces River watershed last week will have pushed a 40-foot crest of water into Mathis Lake (or Lake Corpus Christi for you newcomers) and sooner or later all that water is going to end up in the Laguna and head out through our two local passes. It’s panning out to be one of the highest crests on record – third so far – and it looks like the arroyo that was once Lake Mathis will be Lake Mathis once again. There may even be a few alligators in there so watch out! It looks like our days of water rationing may be over for a while.
Real Estate Boogie Some numbers are in for real estate sales in Port Aransas and they are eye-popping but not really all that surprising given the sales tax numbers for the fiscal year just past are up by 11%. Through the end of September a total of $111.5 million in real estate transactions have closed on 382 properties. Of those, the numbers we have, say at least six homes have sold for $1 million or more in that time. Viva la Eagle Ford! Drill Baby Drill!
Perfect venue for running events
The footprint of the Schlitterbahn Beach Country Resort and the canals surrounding it has begun to take shape. Here is a recent aerial.
The other leg which can be seen running out of the photo to the left will connect to the existing Island canal system.
In the center of this photo you can see the canal that will run from a point near the country club headquarters southward before making a Y with one leg running eastward toward SPID where it will run under the roadway and into Lake Padre.
The circle you see in the center of this photo is the wave pool for the park. Just to the left of that is the beginning of a building which will mark the southern end of the park’s footprint.
Vote! Vote! Vote!
Island Vote Could Swing Destination Bayfront Election
By Dale Rankin Totals from the first two days of early voting show that almost half the votes cast were at either the Nueces County Courthouse or the Corpus Christi Area Council for the Deaf. Out of a two-day total of 1963 early votes, 1111 of them were at one of those two polling places. We had a jailbreak on the beach last Saturday. The JAILBREAK obstacle run on the beach brought out a plethora of runners – Superman and Batman were both present so Gotham was naked for a while there. We got a big laugh out of the 350-pound guy sitting on the seawall making fun of how tired the runners looked. He almost passed out when he bent over to pick up his Big Gulp. It was a great event that went off without a hitch. There were no complaints so here’s one: we don’t have nearly enough events like this one on our beaches. Since the digging of the Packery and the re-nourishment and widening of our beach along the seawall there was plenty of room for the run and for all the other things that usually go on there. The surfers, kiteboarders, fisherpersons, walkers, campers, hole diggers, and daytrippers were all out in force and there was plenty of room for everybody. There is another similar run scheduled there for the third Saturday of next month. Maybe our Island has finally entered the Main Canal of the running world. Here’s hoping so. If last weekend was an indicator it is a perfect venue for running events.
Make me lose twenty pounds! We got a press release here at the Word Factory this week announcing an ad campaign for a new television remote control that you can talk to. This will come in handy if you are just too tired to reach over and push the button to change the channel. Oh man. Is this a great country or what? Having to pick up that remote was such a drag! Maybe you can tell it, “make me lose twenty pounds’ because if you’re too lazy to punch the button on the remote you probably need it. Remember the Stone Age when we had to get up and walk over to the television to change the channel? Oh the humanity! Thank goodness for innovation. No more saying, “they can put a man on the Moon why can’t they make a remote I can talk to instead of having to push the button.”
It’s here baby! We made a call to the $6 Million Man last week. We reversed the charges. And remember Art is just beauty caught in thin air. Say hello if you see us Around The Island.
Last Hatchlings Released and Other Green Sea Turtle News By Donna J. Shaver, Ph.D. Chief, Division of Sea Turtle Science and Recovery National Park Service Padre Island National Seashore e-mail: Donna_Shaver@nps.gov Earlier this month, Padre Island National Seashore Biologist Cynthia Rubio and I released the last sea turtle hatchlings that emerged from Texas nests
On The Island, as of the close of the polls on Tuesday evening, 208 votes had been cast - 93 on Monday and 115 on Tuesday - which accounts for just over 10% of the two-day turnout citywide. In Floor Bluff 164 votes have been cast. The turnout across the city is slightly heavier than normal for an off-year election in which Constitutional Amendments rather than political races top the ballot, however, the future of the Destination Bayfront bond issue is bringing more Corpus Christi voters to the polls. While the number of voters turning out usually is expected to drop as the two weeks of early maps corpus christi - Google Maps voting continues, if the trends of the first two days were to hold, by the end of Early Voting on November 1 just under 12,000 votes would be Vote continued on A8
Seashore Middle Academy Hosting Community ‘Monster Ball’ By Brent Rourk Get ready for a huge community ‘Monster Ball’ party on Friday, October 25th at the Seashore Middle Academy gym from 7:00PM until 900PM. This fun community event is open to all ages, so bring the family and friends. Proceeds from this party will support enrichment activities such as math and science competitions, 6th grade Outdoor School, and the 8th grade end of year trip. Staff member Michele Ortega announced, “We have something planned for everybody, so hopefully the entire community will be able to Monster Mash with us.” There will be a costume contest for all ages, so bring your exceptionally scary or funny costume. Talented DJ Ken Yarborough will play your favorite Halloween and popular music for those who wish to dance in costume. In addition, there will be many games and contests. Enjoy the cupcake walk, a pumpkin decorating area, a photo booth area for parents to take photos of their children, and a ‘spooky’ good time for all. Monster Ball continued on A5
this year. The 187 green turtles were hatched in our incubation facility at the National Seashore and released on the beach here. Now that all sea turtle eggs found on the Texas coast this year have hatched and we have been able to verify species by examining the hatchlings, we can report the final nest counts for each species found. During 2013, 153 Kemp’s ridley, 13 loggerhead, and 15 green turtle nests were documented on the Texas coast. Of these, 90 Kemp’s ridley, 12 loggerhead, and 13 green turtle clutches were located on North Padre Island. All but four of these nests were found at Padre Island National Seashore; only one loggerhead and three Kemp’s ridley nests were found on North Padre north of the park.
https://maps.google.com/maps?q=maps+ Turtles continued on A5
Plan to Sell 3680 Acres to PINS Put on Hold Address Corpus Christi, TX
Future use of land in Kleberg County in doubt By Dale Rankin The plan, first disclosed by the Island Moon in February, to add 3,680 acres of land in Kleberg County to Padre Island National Seashore have been put on hold. Texas Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson last Friday put a halt to negotiations between the Texas General Land Office, which owns the land and the Texas Nature Conservancy which planned to buy the land, which includes 4.7 miles of beach, and donate it to the National Park Service. “I have heard the concerns that people have and have decided to put these negotiations on hold until the National Park Service officials can specifically address public concerns about future access, including the use of bollards and driving on the beach,” Patterson said. “No one was talking about closing the beach to anyone, but it’s clear that people want to see specifics before we go forward,” Patterson said. (See a complete text of Patterson’s statement in this issue.) The move comes in the wake of concerns voiced by members of the Island Strategic Action Committee, the PINS continued on A6
Proposed Site for PINS Park Entrance 3680 acres currently belongs to GLO
Co r Cit pus y L Ch im ris its ti
Access Road 6 (1.2 miles from Bob ••• Hall Pier) ••• ••
Proposed site for bollards blocking entrance to PINS
7 Miles between access roads Kleberg County
4.7 Miles of beach ••••••••
Current bollards marking beginning of PINS
North Beach Road (1 mile from Bollards)
Island Moon
A 2
October 24, 2013
The Travelling Moon Gets Around
Under New Management Happy Hour Every Day 2-7 p.m. $2.50 Domestic • $3 Well • $3 import
Open All Winter Season, Weather Permitting
The Sandbar, On the beach! Michele from Port Aransas took the Moon to the Bahamas. Photos by Ronnie Narmour
In the Amazon with the Island Moon. Story on A16
Port A ArtAbout
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sat 8:30-5:30
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The Island Gardeners October choice for yard of the month is the home of Duane and Denise Ebert at 13830 Seahorse. The Eberts' front yard has a very neat appearance with a walled courtyard area giving them some privacy from the street. The backyard is where the Eberts live! There's a beautiful bar on one side of their covered patio and a hot tub on the other side. Beautiful bloomimg shrubs line their fenceline all around. The Island Gardeners are receiving many suggestions from homeowners and we really appreciate the participation. Please call Dianne @ 563-0951
� h g i e L ard
CHRISTI KRESSER VETERINARIAN
dog-gone margarita festival
Rich
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October 24, 2013
Island Moon
A3
Senior Moments
Dee-Scoveries by Devorah Fox
Lightbulb Moments
WWII War Crime Trials
By Dotson Lewis dlewis1@stx.rr.com
devorahfox.com When you were a little kid thinking about what you wanted to be when you grew up, didn’t you imagine yourself as a golf cart transportation mogul? Neither did Dalton “Bron” Doyle, yet today he rents out 50 of the little vehicles from Bron’s Beach Carts in Port Aransas and is aiming for 85. How did this happen?
Now full time in Port Aransas, Bron is here to stay. “Port Aransas is growing,” he says. “It’s a great place where you have a marina and the beach and restaurants and shops. And it’s a unique experience to see that all from a golf cart. It’s part of the lifestyle. It’s how to enjoy Port A.”
It isn’t so much a case study in laborious business planning as it is a story of getting an idea and running with it. In 2010, Bron was in Dallas, working for his sister. The Dallas Cowboys had a new stadium with acres of parking and that gave Bron an idea: he’d shuttle people around the large parking lot in a golf cart for tips. This proved to be a popular service so he expanded it to working events. He expanded further into new territory and worked the Houston rodeo and cook-offs. At Spring Break he surfed Google, seeking out more events where he could ferry people around in golf carts. He happened on a report about the ordinance that had just passed in Port Aransas making the city one of the few in Texas where golf carts could be operated on city streets. It was another light-bulb moment for Bron. At first he thought to provide the same shuttle service that he already had but decided instead to buy golf carts and rent them to people to drive themselves. He started with eight carts. Every single rental was important to the young business so Bron would deliver the carts to the renters and bike back to his small rental lot. For the Harvest Moon Regatta that year he rented out four carts. By 2013 he was looking at renting out ten times that many to the HMR sailors. On a Saturday in season, Bron’s Beach Carts can manage to rent out every one of its 50 carts and Bron is planning to enlarge his fleet. A supportive golf cart dealer in Corpus Christi who gave good terms helped Bron’s business to flourish. Bron also got help from the landlord Cindy Johnson from whom he rents lot space. A handshake deal enabled him to move from his small spot to his current larger location on G Street. Her faith in him was justified as his business has not only prospered, it’s grown. Bron’s Beach Carts enjoys a lot of repeat business and he now has a sno cone stand too.
The Japanese Point of View Dotson’s Note: During our 15 or so trips to Japan between 1986 and 2010, Peggy & I renewed many old friendships and made many new friends. Following is, what I believe to be, two of the most interesting and diverse personalities who became our friends. I met both men in 1986 on my first trip to Japan as an American Football Clinician. They were attending a football officials training clinic. We spent many interesting hours with them during our subsequent trips to Japan. Both had taken up the hobby of Officiating American Football in Japan. Ando-san is smart, articulate and fun to be around. You would never know that he is a member of the Imperial household. One evening, after an all-day classroom session we were sitting around talking (generally “shooting the breeze”) when suddenly Mr. Ando stood up and in his best commanding voice (in Japanese) demanded that all conversation was to cease, he had important information for those present. Since my understanding of spoken Japanese is rather limited, I didn’t understand all of what he was saying. During the utter silence, Peggy whispered to me that the men present had been bugging him to take them to his golf club to play golf. I knew that the golf courses in Japan were few and far between, and membership in a golf club was very expensive and that one had to be at the top of the social ladder to be eligible for membership. His statement, in his best parade ground voice was: “Gentlemen you are hereby commanded to cease and desist requesting that I invite you to play golf with me. Need I remind you, that if it wasn’t for the Americans, I wouldn’t even have to lower myself to speak to you?”
Mr. Yshiharu Ando (Cousin of Emperor Hirito) (1915- Present) I got a chance to check that out for myself the Saturday of the Port Aransas Art Center ArtAbout. On a beautiful sunny October day with Chamber-of-Commerce weather I went from gallery to art studio in one of Bron’s Beach Carts. My friends and I attracted lots of waves and smiles. It's hard not to smile at a bunch of happy people wheeling around town in a colorful beach cart. Admittedly some of the amused looks we got may have been due to the fact that we were all dressed up like knights and ladies from some medieval court. Why were we riding around Port Aransas in gowns and chain mail? Well, it was the ArtAbout and I’m an artist. I couldn’t very well take the art walk to my books so with a little help from my friends I brought “The Lost King” and “The King’s Ransom” to the art walk. By the way, I’ll start writing “The King’s Redress,” Book Three in the series, next month during National Novel Writing Month 2013. You can find out more about National Novel Writing month at the Web site at www. nanowrimo.org and for more information about my novels, visit my author page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ DevorahFoxAuthor. For more information about Bron’s Beach Carts, visit the Web site at www. bronsbeachcarts.com or find them on Facebook at https://www.facebook. com/Beachcartrentals. Call 361-290-7143 or send an email to brondoyle@yahoo.com. Or, stop by 314 E. Ave. G. They’re open every day in summer from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. the rest of the year. I’ll see you there.
Ando-san was commissioned as an Officer in the Imperial Japanese Army on his 19th birthday in 1936. He served in China, Korea, Philippines and Mongolia. When the war ended he was the Commanding Officer of the Japanese Imperial Forces in Mongolia. General Ando was interred by the USSR in Siberia. After years of imprisonment, he was released and returned to Japan in February 1950. He was never charged or accused of any war crimes.
self-defense, as well as lifting the ban on the sale of Japanese weapons systems overseas. Another area of controversy has been the issue of "comfort women," the women forced to serve as sex slaves for the Japanese military during the war, with Mr. Ando and others asking for a review of the government's official position on whether the women were coerced into their roles. Ando said “Atrocities by members of the military such as these are a national embarrassment and those affected should be compensated as much as possible for their suffering.” Dotson’s Note: If it is acceptable, in a future issue of the Moon we will present to you the shocking story of the Japanese military’s socalled “Comfort Women.” According to Andosan “A true national embarrassment for the people of Japan.”
Hiroshi Kobata (1934-2010) Mr. Hiroshi Kobata was born in 1934 in Los Angeles, CA. the son of Nobiko & Ichiro Kobata who were married in 1930 in Tokyo and shortly thereafter obtained immigration visas to the US. They arrived in the United States in 1931. They were sponsored by an “Ishihi” (first generation Japanese-American) family who owned and operated a grocery store in Los Angeles in “Little Tokyo.” Except for Hiroshi, the entire Kobata family was interred and shipped to Arkansas in 1942.
Japanese Internment Camp-Arkansas 1943 On Hiroshi’s 6th birthday, May 1st, 1941, he was put a aboard a Japanese cargo ship bound for Yokohama, Japan. His distant cousin who was a crew member on the ship was to deliver young Hiroshi to his grandmother for a visit which was to last two months. When he was scheduled to leave for the US on July 31, 1941 Hiroshisan’s grandmother was informed that the ship’s scheduled trip to the US had been cancelled. His grandmother attempted to find another ship to return him home. All efforts failed and Hiroshi was in Tokyo with his grandmother on
Emperor Hirito-Ando’s Cousin When I asked him what he thought of the Japanese War Crimes Trial and the subsequent punishments, Ando-san said “We of the former ‘ruling class’ were told to dismiss the Tokyo war crimes trials in the aftermath of World War II as nothing more than victors' justice.” He also said “Our position was to be that the 28 Japanese military and political leaders charged with Class-A war crimes are 'not war criminals under the laws of Japan.'” Ando-san says that “Still today many Japanese express beliefs that would likely trigger anger in nations that were occupied by the forces of imperial Japan in the early decades of the last century and raise eyebrows in allied nations, primarily the United States. He said many are also saying "The view of that great war was not formed by the Japanese themselves, but rather by the victorious Allies, and it is by their judgment only that Japanese were condemned." Soon after VJ day, more than 5,700 Japanese were charged with Class B and C war crimes before the International Military Tribunal for the Far East, which was convened on April 29, 1946. Initially, 984 individuals were sentenced to death and 475 received life sentences. After the prolonged legal discussions, seven were executed in December 1948, including General Hideki Tojo, the commander of the Kwantung Army and later the prime minister, while the majority of the others sentenced to hang or life prison terms were paroled by the mid-1950s.
Siberia during WWII December 8, 1941 (December 7th U.S.) when they heard of the bombing of Pearl Harbor. During the period of December 8, 1941August 15, 1945, his three uncles were killed in combat, and his grandfather and aunt were killed in a B29 bombing raid in Tokyo. Hiroshi aged 10, and his grandmother were the only surviving family members in Japan. They had heard nothing from his parents in the US since he had left in May 1941. Kobata-san decided that it would be best if he stayed in Japan to take care of his grandmother and not attempt to return to the States. He and Nobiko Chuso were married in1957 and they visited his parents in 1958 in Los Angeles. After his return to Japan, Hiroshi was so upset about the way his family was treated by the government during the war, he thought seriously about renouncing his American citizenship. He did not, but decided to file suit against the US government to get his parents’ farm (which had been confiscated) back. Dotson’s Note: Mr. Kobata’s battle with the US Government and his thoughts regarding the Japanese War Crimes Trials, are part of “The Rest of the Story.” Please address questions/ comments/concerns: dlewis1@stx.rr.com Land Line: 361-949-7681 Cell: 530-748-8475
Ando further stated “For many Japanese, especially those who were in the military or in government it is a matter of national honor.”
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Tembo Buddy
Meet Tembo Buddy!! Such a special boy that he gets two names. We pulled Tembo from Aransas County Animal Control where he was in danger of euthanization due to overcrowding. Tembo is appr. 1 1/2 years old. He is a super sweet boy! Laid back and loving, will roll on his back and let you rub his belly for hours. He’s doing great in his foster home with their dogs and he’s ignoring the kitties...good boy! Tembo’s adoption fee will be $75 and that will include his neuter, rabies shot and vaccinations. If you would love Tembo forever, please email us at info@guardiansrescue.org
A 4
Island Moon
October 24, 2013
Taste of the Island 2013
People's Choice Award
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October 24, 2013
Moon Monkeys
Island Moon
Letters to the editor Keep Port Aransas Beautiful
Mike Ellis, Founder
No Talent No Experience No Problem
Create Your Own Masterpiece Anyway Instructor Karen Winship will show painters of all talent levels how to paint a beautiful portrait of a pelican during a workshop on Sunday, October 27. Distribution
The event is called the Wine, Whine & Design Painting and Island Style Workshop. That’s kind of a long-winded way of saying painters will trace the pattern of a pelican then paint it.
Pete Alsop Island Delivery Coldwell Banker Advertising
KPAB/Planeteers Bake/Raffle/T-shirt/Afghan sale today was quite successful. The Planeteers raised $360, and KPAB sold 2 afghans, 5 T-shirts, and 38 raffle tickets. Thanks to all the people who helped by baking and for buying goodies and supporting our two organizations. Thanks especially to Morgan Milligan, Varsha Patel, Traver Truax, Colleen McCue, and Jack Dreessen, and to the generous donors of our raffle items. The Raffle tickets will be for sale at our Appreciation Dinner, so be sure and check out our great prizes!!
Jan Park Rankin Patrick Kelliher Office Lisa Towns Classifieds Arlene Ritley Design/Layout Jeff Craft Contributing Writers
Your chairperson,
Joey Farah Devorah Fox
Julie
Mary Craft
Report the Odor
Maybeth Christiansen Jay Gardner
We need your help to resolve an odor issue facing area businesses. The Island Strategic Action Committee "ISAC" has been discussing an odor problem affecting Padre Island businesses, predominantly along South Padre Island Drive, for over one year. We need to determine the severity of this problem, the frequency of this problem, and we hope to find and cure the root cause of the odor problem. The problem seems to be more evident or severe at three or four areas along South Padre Island Drive. I will personally be delivering the attached form to businesses in the most affected areas and discussing the issue with property owners or tenants.
Todd Hunter Danniece Bobeché Ronnie Narmour Brent Rourk Dr. Donna Shaver Photographers Miles Merwin Jeff Dolan Mary Craft
As a first step, it is important that we make the City of Corpus Christi's Wastewater Department aware of the issue, and I ask that you use the attached form and log all odor issues from now through the end of the year. I also ask that you email your completed forms to the addresses listed on the form monthly. Office Security/Spillage Control Riley P. Dog Editor/Publisher/Spillage Control Supervisor Dale Rankin About the Island Moon
The Island Moon is published every Thursday, Dale Rankin, Editor / Publisher. Total circulation is 10,000 copies. Distribution includes delivery to 4,000 Island homes, free distribution of 3,000 copies in over 50 Padre Island businesses and condos, as well as 600 copies distributed in Flour Bluff, 1,400 copies on Mustang Island and Port Aransas businesses. News articles, photos, display ads, classified ads, payments, etc. may be left at the Moon Office.
The Island Moon Newspaper 15201 S. Padre Island Drive, Suite 250 Corpus Christi, TX 78418 361-949-7700 editor@islandmoon.com Facebook: The Island Moon Newspaper
Where to Find The Island Moon Port Aransas Lisabella’s Restaurant Pioneer RV Park Stripes @ Beach Access Rd. 1A
Port A Glass Studio The Gaff Wild Horse Saloon Tarpon Ice House
North Padre
Miss K’s Catering & Bistro
All Stripes Stores
Amano
Whataburger
Felder Gallery
Doc’s Restaurant
Island Woman Boutique
Snoopy’s Pier
Coast Club Coffee Waves Moby Dicks Spanky’sLiquor IGA Grocery Store Port A Business Center Carter Pharmacy
CVS
Isle Mail N More Island Italian Ace Hardware Texas Star (Shell)
Subway
Duckworth Antiques Back Porch Woody’s Sports Center Shorty’s Place The Flat’s Lounge Giggity’s Stripes @ Cotter & Station
(361) 844-1278 Office (361) 673-6701 Cell ralph.tapscott@frostbank.com
PINS Dale, No wonder people are getting upset about the addition of land to PINS. You stated the cost for entering PINS incorrectly. The $10 dollar fee is good for seven days, not just one and the annual fee is $20, not $30. If you are a US citizen, 62+ older, you can get a Senior Lifetime pass for $10. What else can you purchase for $10 that is good for a lifetime? And by the way, the $10 senior lifetime pass is valid for 2,000 Federal recreational sites, not just PINS. I'd say that's a bargain! Thanks, Kathy PINS employee, Kathy Sanders
The Gaff Hosts 5th Reggae Music Event
The Gaff will hold its 5th Annual Reggae Festival on Saturday, Nov. 2, and music by Flatbroke (Corpus Christi), Alvin and the SlickPunks (who were nominated by the Houston Press as one of the Best Reggae Bands in Houston this year), Soulfiya (Galveston, of Tha Black Lung Crew), and The Bad Chords (San Diego, TX) will just be the beginning of the familyfriendly entertainment. Beltsander racing demonstrations, auctions, a pirate costume contest, pirate games, food, vendors, and more will be a part of the festivities as well, just as in past years .
Monster Ball cont. from A1
Padre Isles Country Club
Wash Board Laundry Mat
Chamber of Commerce
Frost Bank
Jesse’s Liquor
Scuttlebutt’s Restaurant
Public Library
Ralph Tapscott
Holiday Inn
San Juan’s Taqueria
Port A Parks and Rec
Again, we need your help in identifying the problem and working for resolution. Feel free to call me if you have any questions.
Island Tire And all Moon retail advertisers WB Liquor
Flour Bluff H.E.B. Liquid Town Whataburger on Waldron Ethyl Everly Senior Center Fire Station
Gratitude Gift Shop
Police Station
Keepers Pier House
Stripes on Flour Bluff & SPID
Admission is only $5.00 per person. Food will be available for purchase. SMA parent Melanie Ortiz is the event organizer and SMA staff members Michele Ortega, Sharon Smith and Tara Haney are assisting Ms. Ortiz. The evening promises to deliver a safe environment of good family fun. Staff member and Coach Tara Haney commented, “It is so nice to have the gym open for the entire community. The gym will be divided into many areas where families can enjoy themselves.” The ‘Monster Ball’ will follow the Seashore Learning Center ‘Trunk or Treat’ earlier in the evening, so join us in costume at the SMA gym at 7:00PM to continue a spectacular evening of Monster Ball fun.
Karen will walk them through the process and it’s a BYOB event. The event is a fundraiser to the Art Center of Port Aransas which will provide everything else including a 16X20 inch canvas. Cost is a $40 donation which goes to the fund to help build a new Art Center.
A5
Ride the Wave Campaign at SMA By Brent Rourk
Crowding each other on a likeness of a giant wave, soldier-like penguins stare at students passing by. Each penguin has a number on its chest representing a donation from a community member to Seashore Middle Academy (SMA). Dozens of generous businesses, citizens and families have donated to the Ride the Wave Campaign so far.
The Birds Need Your Help This Saturday!
The school hopes to raise a minimum of $10,000 this year to help supplement several worthy causes, including Outdoor School for 6th grade students that will be held in Burton, Texas. Another cause that will receive some funding from Ride the Wave is the annual end of year 8th grade trip, a favorite experience for 8th graders as they close out their academic career at SMA. Finally, donations will help fund off campus math and science competitions and enrichments that are not in the budget.
Texas Parks and Wildlife and many other Mission-Aransas National Estuarine Research Reserve partners are working together to clean up the nesting island for birds on spoil islands this Saturday, October 26.
SMA Principal Ms. Barbara Beeler confided, “Our goal is to raise at least $10,000 to ensure that every child has an opportunity to attend those trips and activities if the parents cannot afford to pay”.
This cleanup of Upper Laguna Madre shoreline and nesting islands is to remove fishing line, plastic bags, old nets and other debris from important nesting islands and shorelines.
Some locals might wonder why the budget does not provide ample funds for such enrichments and competitions. One of the answers is very simple; charter schools receive $1800 less per student than school districts, a staggering difference in per pupil funding over the course of a year. Schools like Seashore Middle Academy then are left to budget existing funds with an extremely sharp pencil, and even with the sharpest pencil there is a need to supplement funding.
Port Aransas Art Center 323 N. Alister Port A 78373 361-749-7334
It launches Saturday, October 26, from 9:00 a.m. at Doc's Seafood and Steaks, JFK Causeway at 13309 SPID, next to the JFK Causeway. Boat transportation, bottled water, and a hot dog lunch will be provided! Please bring hat, sunscreen, work gloves, and protective water shoes. For more information and to register email: birdislandcleanup@gmail.com
2013 Fall Back Festival in Port Aransas Come join us at Giggity’s for food, wine tasting, and live entertainment brought to you by Ernie Garibay and the Cat’s Don’t Sleep. It’s the 2013 version of the Fall Back Festival which celebrates the day when we all get to live one hour over again. It happens November 2, from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Also a limited Chinese auction will be held as well as prizes given for best individual costume! Tickets are $30 each and can be purchased at the door or by calling the Port Aransas Community Theatre at (361) 749-6036
Auctions, school fund raisers, donations, and other activities (for example: Monster Ball and Whoop It Up!) all play a large part in providing more SMA students with additional opportunities. “These are opportunities for students to learn beyond the walls of the school and to compete in academic pursuits with other students throughout the state”, Ms. Beeler added. Currently, the surfing penguins show that the Ride the Wave Campaign has raised $5200 so far. There are causes and then there are great causes. The local Island Foundation Schools (Seashore Learning Center and Seashore Middle Academy) have done an incredible job of teaching island children. Those children move on to noticeable success in high school and college. This great cause helps our local students experience and learn even more. If you would like to become a surfing penguin in this campaign, then call Ms. Beeler at 361-6541134. Every dollar helps!
Turtles continued from A1
The 15 green turtle nests confirmed in Texas this year is the most that we have found in a year since sea turtle nest detection and protection efforts began in Texas in the 1980s. The previous records were six green turtle nests in 2011 and eight in 2012. Green turtle nesting has increased dramatically in Florida and the Gulf coast of Mexico in recent years, and may increase in Texas in upcoming years too.
published a paper that I co-authored with TPWD staff detailing results of this research. We found that an overwhelming percentage of individuals in the western Gulf of Mexico foraging group likely originate in other Gulf of Mexico and northern Caribbean rookeries, with smaller contributions from the western and southern Caribbean, and potentially the Mediterranean Sea.
Green turtles in Texas waters
Cold stunning threat
Green turtles were once so abundant in Texas waters that a turtle fishing and processing industry existed here. The population plummeted during the late 1800s due to overharvest and severe freezes. The green turtle has been listed as a Threatened Species in Texas since the late-1970s. After years of conservation, the population of green turtles inhabiting Texas waters has grown markedly. Since 2009, the most common sea turtle species found washed ashore (stranded) on the Texas coast has been the green turtle.
More green turtles are found stranded in
South Texas waters provide important developmental habitat for juvenile green turtles, which can often be spotted swimming near the jetties at our south Texas passes. Green turtles are herbivorous and feed on algae growing on the jetty rocks. Green turtles also use south Texas passes to travel between the Gulf of Mexico and inshore waters where they feed on sea grasses. One of those passes is the Mansfield Channel, at the southern end of Padre Island National Seashore. I studied green turtles at the Mansfield Channel as part of my dissertation for my Ph.D. from Texas A&M University (College Station). I tracked 30 green turtles by satellite telemetry and found that some green turtles established residency in the vicinity of the Mansfield Channel, but most used the jettied pass to travel between the Gulf of Mexico and the Laguna Madre. Still others moved southward within the Gulf of Mexico into Mexican coastal waters, likely in response to decreasing water temperatures. These results are included in a chapter that my co-authors and I wrote for a book just published titled Reptiles in Research: Investigations of Ecology, Physiology, and Behavior from Desert to Sea.
Where do they come from? Far more green turtles occur in south Texas waters than could have hatched from Texas beaches. For many years it was unknown where these turtles originated, but with the advent of genetic analyses, we have been able to learn more about their birthplace. A few years ago, small tissue samples were collected from hundreds of green turtles found stranded in south Texas and were shipped to Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) for analysis. Earlier this year, the Journal of Herpetology
Texas due to “cold stunning” than from any other factor. Sea turtles are reptiles and cannot control their body temperature. Every few years, a severe cold front passes through south Texas and rapidly cools the shallower waters of our bays and passes. When this occurs, green turtles living there can become “cold stunned” if they do not find refuge in deeper, warmer waters. Cold stunned turtles become immobilized and float to the surface. They can be blown ashore by the prevailing winds, and if they are not found and rescued, these gentle turtles can die due to predation or exposure to the elements. We can greatly reduce the number of green turtles that die from cold stunning by searching for and rescuing them. Our bays and passes are vast, green turtles are widely distributed there, and hundreds of turtles can be found over a period of days and weeks, so we need lots of help during these events. About 1,600 stranded green turtles were found cold stunned during early-February 2011, in the largest cold stunning event recorded since the Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network was established in 1980. The second largest event was during January 2010, when about 450 cold stunned turtles were found. In early December, we will hold a cold stunning training session will be open to people who want to volunteer with the Padre Island National Seashore Sea Turtle Program, as well as to the general public. We will announce that date and location in an upcoming Island Moon article and on our Facebook page titled Padre Island NS Division of Sea Turtle Science & Recovery.
A 6
PINS continued from A1
the Port Aransas Chamber of Commerce, State Representative Todd Hunter, Kleberg County State Representative J.M. Lozano, the Nueces County Commissioners Court, the Seashore Enhancement Association (SEA), and the Surfriders Foundation about a plan by PINS to place bollards at the northern boundary of the GLO land restricting beach access. Beach drivers, under the plan, would be forced to exit the beach and re-enter it through Park Road 22. The fear is that this added step, and the subsequent cost, would entice many current users of the beach in Kleberg County to instead move to the beaches to the north which are already at capacity during peak summer months. “(GLO) land north of Padre Island National Seashore will be put on hold until public concerns about future access can be addressed by officials with the National Parks Service, “Patterson said. “The sale of the property is now uncertain, “but public access must be preserved in order to consummate this deal.” The property north of Padre Island National Seashore was purchased with federal transportation funds in 1995 by former Texas Land Commissioner Garry Mauro. Under terms of the agreement, the property was purchased to preserve the view of Padre Island National Seashore and could not be developed. The GLO has said they lack the staff to manage the land and want to sell it to another entity that can operate it. Currently, several sites on the GLO land have become dumping grounds for trash and are often frequented, legally, by hunters. The GLO property contains almost five miles of beach. “The General Land Office works to make money for the Permanent School Fund,” Patterson said. “We’re not the parks department. We don’t have staff dedicated to managing large tracts of environmentally sensitive land like this.” Under terms of the original purchase agreement, the General Land Office contributed 20 percent of the purchase price, with the remaining 80 percent being paid for with federal transportation funds. Because of this, any sale of the property would require approval by the Federal Highway Administration. The issue came to a head during the recent shutdown of federal offices when officials from Homeland Security began turning boaters away from waters in the Laguna Madre which are within 1000 feet of the shore of the National Seashore. That lead to questions about plans for beach access if/when the GLO land became part of PINS. The former supervisor of the park said that once the land became part of the park plans called for moving the northern boundary of the park to the current Corpus Christi City Limits and placing bollards on the beach to halt southbound vehicles. Currently, the park is awaiting the appointment of a permanent supervisor, expected in three to four months, who would have the final say in PINS plans if/when the land becomes part of PINS. On Tuesday a meeting of about thirty people representing more than fifteen local entities, including Nueces and Kleberg counties, the City of Corpus Christi, and several outdoor recreational groups, Hunter, Nueces County Judge Lloyd Neal, and Precinct 4 County Commissioner Joe McComb met to begin formulating a plan to present to the GLO for potential future uses of the land. Hunter is scheduled to meet with GLO representatives in Austin next Monday.
Island Moon
AUSTIN — Negotiations to sell 3,680 acres of Permanent School Fund land north of Padre Island National Seashore will be put on hold until public concerns about future access can be addressed by officials with the National Parks Service, Texas Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson said today. “I have heard the concerns that people have and have decided to put these negotiations on hold until the National Park Service officials can specifically address public concerns about future access, including the use of bollards and driving on the beach,” Patterson said. “No one was talking about closing the beach to anyone, but it’s clear that people want to see specifics before we go forward.” The sale of the property is now uncertain, “but public access must be preserved in order to consummate this deal.” The property north of Padre Island National Seashore was purchased with federal transportation funds in 1995 by former Texas Land Commissioner Garry Mauro. Under terms of the agreement, the property was purchased to preserve the view of Padre Island National Seashore and could not be developed. Since then, the property has become a haven for lawlessness, including illegal hunting, dumping and other unsavory activities that prompted public complaints. Since the property did not generate revenue for the state’s Permanent School Fund, Patterson had decided to begin negotiations with the Nature Conservancy, which wanted to buy the property and donate it to Padre Island National Seashore. The property contains nearly five miles of beach adjacent to the national seashore. “The General Land Office works to make money for the Permanent School Fund,” Patterson said. “We’re not the parks department. We don’t have staff dedicated to managing large tracts of environmentally sensitive land like this.” Under terms of the original purchase agreement, the General Land Office contributed 20 percent of the purchase price, with the remaining 80 percent being paid for with federal transportation funds. Because of this, any sale of the property would require approval by the Federal Highway Administration. General Land Office officials will discuss the proposed sale further with state representatives J.M. Lozano and Todd Hunter, as well as county and city officials next week.
October 24, 2013
Stuff I Heard on the Island
Patterson: Seashore land sale on hold Public concerns about future access must be addressed
by Dale Rankin
thing.
A week ago the addition of 3680 acres of land to the existing Padre Island National Seashore seemed like a sure
For over a year the Texas Nature Conservancy had been negotiating with the Texas General Land Office for the sale of the land with the intent of buying the land and donating it to the National Park Service. The talks had been moving slowly and quietly but steadily and since we first reported the story in February there had been no real headlines to be made. In fact surveyors had already been to the site as part of the due diligence process. But what a difference a week can make.
Now uncertain As of last Friday negotiations have ceased and as you can see from the letter from Texas Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson in this issue “the sale of the property is now uncertain.”
So what happened? The Federal shutdown got in the way. Two weeks ago during the federal shutdown we got a call saying boaters approaching the PINS shoreline were turned away by federal officials once they got within 1000 feet of the PINS shoreline where federal jurisdiction begins. Two issues back we raised the question of what would happen to any cabins on state leases which were within 1000 feet of the GLO property once it became part of the park. We subsequently found out, and reported last week, that those cabins would not be affected in the change because the boundary of the GLO/PINS land would stop at the water’s edge. However, in each story we ran going all the way back to February, we reported another fact that had also been in every story we published on the subject. Since we first broke the story, and in each subsequent update, we contacted the National Seashore to ask what their plans were once they took possession of the land; a process which would have taken at least a year from the time the Nature Conservancy closed the deal with the GLO due to process requirements within the National Park Service. Each time the answer from the park was the same; their intent was to move the park entrance north to the northern boundary of the GLO tract and subsequently block southbound driving on the beach with a set of bollards at the current Corpus Christi City Limits – just over a mile south of Bob Hall Pier – which would force drivers to exit the beach and enter the park on Park Road 22.
14-mile turnaround
altering beach access in any way around here those are fighting words. The Island Moon now circulates at City Hall and the County Courthouse – thank you John – and once the reality of what was being planned sunk in things started to happen. Television crews and reporters from the Big Daily turned up on The Island asking questions about beach access. Precinct 4 County Commissioner Joe McComb, County Judge Lloyd Neal, and State Representative Todd Hunter, among others got involved. It turns out that Rep. Hunter can get people on the phone that the rest of us can’t – who knew!? One of them was Texas Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson who himself is known to pack heat (legally) and take a dim view of anything that limits beach access in any way. So after a week of news stories and a Thursday night phone call between Rep. Hunter and Commissioner Patterson the press release you see here was issued by the GLO and the sale of the land was put on hold.
What now? Then on Tuesday there was a well-attended meeting to determine what to do next. In attendance were representatives from every political entity which would be potentially impacted by the altering of the traffic pattern on the Kleberg beach and there were a lot of them. The problem is that if anything is done to discourage people who currently go to the 8 miles of beach in Kleberg County from going there– like erecting bollards – and they go to beaches elsewhere then those already crowded beaches become even more crowded; Kleberg County beaches represent 20% of the 28 miles of beach between PINS and the jetties in Port Aransas and in the summer season they are full of visitors. It is that shift in crowd patterns that concern the stewards of the other area beaches. So what is to be done? There is still a lot of fact gathering to be done. Rep. Hunter is scheduled to meet with the GLO early next week in Austin and Kleberg County officials, who attended the meeting this week, are looking for ideas to keep the land in state hands. It is too early to go into all the iterations of how things could play out but it is accurate to say that at this point all options are on the table; including adding the land to PINS. The state still owns the land and we are in the middle of the political season as primary elections approach early next year and no Texas politician in her/his right mind wants to get caught on the wrong side of a beach access fight; did we mention that Texans take their beach access very seriously?
Therein lies the problem. Blocking the beach at that point would require drivers to complete a loop, as much as 14-miles, down The Island and back up the beach, to access the beach in Kleberg County which currently can be accessed simply by driving south from Bob Hall Pier.
So we’ll keep you updated as things move forward and it looks like they will move quickly. The National Seashore currently has an interim superintendent and a permanent one is not expected to be named for three to four months. By that time I expect some long-term plan for the GLO land will be well underway if not complete; whatever that plan turns out to be.
As anyone who had lived on The Island very long knows, when you start talking about
And it all started with a story in the little old Island Moon.
Requiem for an Islander
Andy Samo – An American Hero
By Brent Rourk Last week the island lost an incredible man in the passing of Andy Samo. Andy died of complications from a stroke he suffered about six weeks ago. Usually a quiet man, unassuming, and apt to stick to his own business, many here might not have had the opportunity to run into him. But for the many of us who knew him and called him friend, we knew a loyal, caring and dedicated man full of passion and life. Growing up with what has often been termed ‘The Greatest Generation’ Andy joined the United Stated Marine Corps during World War II and was one of the first 40 soldiers stationed at the NAS base in Corpus Christi. He was the first soldier to raise the flag on the base. Eventually, he served in the Pacific during the war with his regiment fighting savage battles and incurring many deaths and injuries. Though he rarely spoke about his time in the service, the few times that he did completely captivated the listener. He served in the Solomon Islands and then at Guadalcanal where he was shot saving a fellow sergeant. During those battles, his troops were outnumbered with few supplies, but somehow many managed to survive, including Andy. He experienced and witnessed a lot more during the war, but unlike thousands of others his life was spared.
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After the war, Andy joined the work force and Andy and Brent during Coast Guard raised a fine family. He became a successful training salesperson and later joined the Auxiliary. Andy moved to North Padre Island after his wife died years later. He enjoyed dining with different friends at one of the island restaurants either early in the morning or during the lunch hour. With a cane, a He will be slight limp and unending determination, Andy could be seen regularly missed. walking around Gypsy Park.
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Andy on his deck
October 24, 2013
Island Moon
Angler’s Alley- A little Island History
A7
On the Rocks
By Jay Gardner Thankfully the goons in Washington got their act together and got the government back open again. I’m pretty sure the American public is now aware that the closures of the national parks and monuments was basically the Executive Branch punishing the public in order for the constituents to put pressure on our representatives. Needless to say many folks are not impressed in the least, and will remember come election time.
Where do Flip Flops go when they finally die? Not to Flip Flop heaven in the Flip Flop sky. They go to the beach where they belong. And wonder where their mates have gone.
Sand ball on a Farley Boat
Saturday, Oct. 26th 8:30 p.m. to 2 a.m with two bands, Sun Salutation & Jamfoot! Costume Contest and prizes for Best Couple, Best Female & Best Male Costume. Open for lunch everyday at 11:00 and Daily Happy Hour from 3 to 7 with Happy Hour until 10:00 p.m. Monday and Thursday. Live Music Every Weekend Located at Bob Hall Pier
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The announcement for the land transfer between the GLO and the Nature Conservancy and Seashore came right on the heels of the furlough debacle, and many people called Jerry Patterson and got them to put a hold on the transfer, thankfully. I would like to thank some of our local leaders like Representative Todd Hunter and Commissioner Joe McComb for climbing on top of the issue so quickly.
last year’s debacle, we got signed up again this year. Wish us luck.
Wind shift And we’re going to need some good luck. Due to the winds shifting around so much lately from the north and south, we got a surprise late season influx of sargassum. Typically the brown
Corpus Structures. Photo courtesy of Callan Marine and TPWD.
Sharkathon Good thing the Seashore is open, because Sharkathon is being held this weekend down on the beach. This is a really fun tournament that occurs every year in the fall, and hopefully many sharks will be tagged in the name of research. Sharkathon is working again with Harte Research Institute on the tagging, and this year added another partner. Guy Harvey (and the Institute started by him for research) will also be involved with tagging efforts and the resulting tracking program this year, and hopefully in the future as well.
monster would be gone by this time of year, but I believe due to the Indian summer we’re experiencing, it’s not done and over yet. It will make long-lining very difficult. Thankfully I’m not actually fishing for sharks (I’ve entered the trout division). Y’all be careful out there for Halloween this year. Actually I’m thinking there may be 2-3 Halloweens this year, as the actual date is in the middle of the week and I’ve seen announcements for parties on both weekends. Should be a good time.
Reef locations
There will be a lot of prizes and raffle items this year for Sharkathon, it grows bigger and bigger every year. The weigh in will be held this coming Sunday (October 27th) at the Briscoe King Pavilion on the left hand side of the park entrance as you’re heading towards Bob Hall Pier. Come on out and check out the weigh-in and see all the winners. You won’t miss all the trucks with the gear all over the place.
We recently received a GPS map of the reef locations for the artificial reef that was placed out of Packery. It makes me giddy seeing all the structure that’s been placed and I’m wondering how it looks. Maybe we’ll get a break the next couple of weeks and we’ll be able to sneak out there and get some photos. Wish for flat calm weather.
As for myself, due to last year’s loss of fish that would have qualified, broken brake lines, shattered dreams and heartache, most of us swore that we were going to spend Sharkathon this year in Mexico at a resort sipping pina coladas. Well, this is such a big tournament with the promise of large prizes that we just couldn’t resist. Despite the mechanic's bill from
Migration is upon us right now, and it’s a great time to see some really cool birds a few days after the cold fronts when the southeast wind picks back up. If you see something neat, take a picture and shoot me an email at jaygardner@ scientist.com Thanks for reading loyal readers, play nice with everyone out there, and I’ll see you On the Rocks!
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A 8
Vote continued from A1
Real Estate Round Up
Closed Properties For Three Quarters Of 2013
cast. About one in ten – 1200 – of those would be from The Island. However, that number would represent only about 20% of the 6200 registered voters on The Island, a percentage which is lower than the normal turnout for the two Island voting precincts which during most November elections would see a turnout of 50% or higher. It remains to be seen if that will happen in this election cycle, however, a 50% Island turnout would provide just over 3000 votes, almost 25% of the citywide turnout based on the trend from the first two days of balloting. The Island Political Action Committee, IPAC, has not taken a position on the Destination Bayfront item, but instead have focused their attention on getting out the vote. The only Early Voting location on The Island is at Seashore Learning Center on Encantada. Voters may vote at any location during early voting; you do not have to vote in your precinct if you vote early. Only on Election Day are you required to vote in your home precinct.
Vote early and vote often… Oct. 21-Oct. 26 8:00 am – 5:00 pm Oct. 27
By Mary Lou White 361-960-9460 marylou@baxterbrooks.com We are in the final stretch and closing in on the “Finish Line” for 2013. It seems appropriate to take stock of what has transpired within the first three quarters of this year.
Padre Island As Of 30 September 2013 432 Properties have closed for a combined total of $90,761,754.00
92
Lots/Land From $5,005 to $550,000
5
Multi Family Properties From $249,500 to $1,850,000
335
Residences From $33,500 to $1,230,000
12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Mustang Island As Of 30 September 2013
Oct. 28-Oct. 30 8:00 am – 5:00 pm Oct. 31-Nov. 1
Island Moon
7:00 am – 7:00 pm
Main Polling Location
377 Properties have closed for a combined total of $95,937,449.00
SEASHORE LEARNING CENTER
(Marlin Building) 15801 SPID
Corpus Christi, Texas FLOUR BLUFF ISD-MAINTENANCE 2510 Waldron Road
Corpus Christi, Texas
87
Lots/Land From $30,000 to $570,000
1
Multi Family Property For $220,000
2
Slips For $26,000 and $35,000
280
Residences From $56,000 to $1,565,000
7
Commercial Properties From $185,000 to $1,000,000
Combined Results
PORT ARANSAS CIVIC CENTER COMPLEX 710 W. Ave. A Port Aransas, Texas NUECES COUNTY COURTHOUSE (1st Floor Atrium) 901 Leopard Street Corpus Christi, Texas BISHOP COMMUNITY CENTER
Between the two barrier Islands, $186,699,203.00 worth of property has changed ownership. These figures are only for properties that were listed on our MLS system. Any property that was bought and sold outside of that marketplace, would be in addition to the total mentioned. It would appear that 2013 will be a banner year for property sales, in our area. If our government can stay on the rails and the new construction projects, on the horizon, are built….then 2014 promises to be a real boost for our economy and the tax rolls. Being informed is a good thing……
102 W. Joyce Street
Padre Island Real Estate Ticker
Bishop, Texas CORPUS CHRISTI AREA
COUNCIL FOR THE DEAF
5151 McArdle Road Corpus Christi, Texas
GREENWOOD SENIOR
CITIZENS CENTER
185
Lots/Land For Sale From $29,900 to $899,000
9
Commercial Properties For Sale From $150,000 to $4,557,465
3
Multi Family Properties For Sale From $329,900 to $1,100,000
206
Residences For Sale From $71,000 to $1,650,000
Consisting of:
4040 Greenwood Drive. Corpus Christi, Texas
HILLTOP
COMMUNITY CENTER 11425 Leopard Street
Corpus Christi, Texas JOHNNY S. CALDERON
80
Attached Residences From $71,000 to $509,000
126
Detached Residences From $175,000 to $1,650,000
403
Total Properties Actively For Sale on Padre Island
Mustang Island Real Estate Ticker
COUNTY BUILDING
181 v
710 E. Main Street Robstown, Texas
CORPUS CHRISTI CITY HALL (1ST Floor Utility Section)
1201 Leopard Street
Corpus Christi, Texas
Lots/Land For Sale From $40,800 to $1,500,000
18
Commercial Properties For Sale From $125,000 to $4,699,000
3
Multi Family Properties For Sale From $635,000 to $795,000
233
Residences For Sale From $79,500 to $2,400,000
Consisting of:
LONDON ISD MIDDLE / HIGH SCHOOL
(Middle School)
1306 FM 43 Corpus Christi, Texas
167
Attached Residences From $79,500 to $895,000
66
Detached Residences From $169,900 to $2,400,000
435
Total Properties Actively For Sale on Mustang Island
The BACK PORCH oPEN 7 dAYS + nOON-2AM Live Music Oct. 25 The Doggie Costume Contest PORCH & BACK Pajama Party w/ Mike Milligan Oct. 26 Halloween Costume Contest Bar w/ Cruise Control Oct. 31 Ruben V
The Ones Melissa Brooke
The
Nov. 1
Nov. 2
BACK PORCH
$2 WackyBar Wednesdays! ON THE WATERFRONT
132 W. Cotter St.
PortA
October 24, 2013
Search and Recovery Dive Team and Bomb Squad Training Exercises in the Padre Isle Canals By Brent Rourk Braving poor underwater visibility, members of the Corpus Christi Dive and Recovery Team and the Corpus Christi Bomb Squad teamed to simulate a real life Port of Corpus Christi emergency situation in the Padre Isle Canals last week. Gypsy Street was a buzz of activity as Corpus Christi Police boats, cars, trucks all descended on the boat ramp and quickly learned about their mission. The Search and Recovery Search and Recovery Dive Team member prepares to Dive Team engages in investigate suspicious item - right in water monthly training in addition to answering a variety of local calls and emergencies Aiding the Corpus Christi Search and such as vehicles in the water, body recovery, Recovery Dive Team on regular training as weapons recovery, evidence recovery and other well as monthly ‘call outs’ are a ‘tow behind’ federal cases. sonar and a remote robot with arms, camera and Lt. Tommy Nichols, supervisor of the dive team, clarified, “All of the dive team members have regular jobs with the Corpus Christi Police Department and two days a month they engage in dive team training.” Dive team members have to pass rigorous, complex and grueling physical tests every three months to ensure that they are in top physical condition and that they are able to respond to virtually any situation in any environment, night or day. Periodically, they train with the Bomb Squad, responding together to tackle simulated emergencies. Each team has specialized training and tasks to perform as they learn about the planned simulations as they unfold. After the exercises are completed the teams evaluate their performances and communication and what they learned from the training so that they are better prepared in the future. Last week’s training included setting up the dive team to support the bomb squad as a suspected explosive device was located in an area where other suspicious activity was detected. All of the divers had to perform a full assessment of the simulation. Nichols summed up the training as, “Very good training. Guys performed well and we learned more about safety when explosives are involved.” The Search and Recovery Dive Team must provide immediate, accurate and thorough information to the Bomb Squad Team so that the Bomb Squad can determine what exactly the suspect item is, how it should be approached and what should be done with it. Clearly, the two teams must function flawlessly as one large team in whatever situation they face. These types of trainings help the two teams understand more about each other and what they need to do in order to accomplish their jobs and ultimately defuse a potentially tragic situation.
sonar. This equipment allows the dive team to quickly locate, identify and recover whatever they are seeking. Rescue Officer Jimmy Didear takes care of the equipment for the dive team, ensuring that it is in top operating order at all times. His training and wisdom is a tremendous asset to the team.
Nichols has been the Search and Recovery Dive Team leader for four years and appears to love the challenges that the job offers. “I enjoy the break from the regular part of the job”, he claims. We are fortunate to have such highly trained and skilled teams in Corpus Christi. These teams regularly respond to local emergencies with skill and professionalism, helping law enforcement solve crimes and current cases and prevent tragedies and loss of life. In this unpredictable world it is comforting to know that local organizations are trained and prepared to respond to various types of emergencies in our area, regardless of how serious or tragic the emergency is. In real catastrophic situations we depend on their ability to do their jobs efficiently and effectively. Hats off to the Corpus Christi Search and Recovery Dive Team and the Corpus Christi Bomb Squad.
October 24, 2013
Island Moon
A9
Backwater Adventures Fall Popp’n By Joey Farah Farah’s Fishing Adventures Local fishing has been great for anglers moving to fall patterns and techniques. The use of live finger mullet in the Upper Lagoon has been key in catching reds, trout, and flounder. The drum are still in Packery Channel along with a crowd. Down south drifting with popping corks is really good with a great mixed box of fish and Rock-N-Roll action. Let’s touch on both a little and get you on some good fishing this week.
In the passes The movement of bait towards the Gulf has been unbelievable this year as swarms of mullet and small minnows have made their way in and around the area’s gulf passes and the beachfront. Flounder are on the move and can be targeted with live bait and lures. The piers around the JFK are very consistent right now for flounder. Clem’s, Marker 37, and Billings are all in the right spot for everyday flounder hunting. Use small finger mullet or other minnows to work the drop-offs and corners of the channel. Use a #2 or #3 wide gap hook and hook them in the back or nose. The bite will normally be hard and aggressive but they don’t run off right away. Let them take the bait and settle back on the bottom, then you will feel them swallow the bait. Don’t pull back and strike hard, tighten the line and roll into your hook set.
As November comes in remember that the flounder limit changes to no gigging at all and only two per angler a day. The reds are still hanging around the area and are thick in the surf. Fishing with live finger mullet as well as fresh dead mullet will put you into the action. Fishing with live shrimp is a losing cause with the aggressive schools of pin perch eating your bait. The occasional trout will also be caught and some snook.
Flour Bluff shoreline For trout action drift the West shoreline of Flour Bluff and the King Ranch shoreline when the water is in good condition. Things look great right now as the north winds have pushed good clean water in. As the tides roll back out later in the week we might see the brown tide come back up north from Baffin again. Drifting for trout is good right now with artificial lures. Soft plastic paddle tails are mimicking the small pin perch that is the main food source at this time. Pumpkinseed and natural colors have been working best for me. The fishing in the Laguna Madre’ is not the same as summertime fishing. Go out and look for some good fish and forget about sitting in one magic spot to catch 30 fish. Make small moves and pinpoint fish hideouts, spend ten minutes at each location and work the area completely. Make drifts across the deeper flats of at least four feet with soft plastics, you will catch fish of all sizes, along with some nice keepers.
Brenda Wells with her first redfish on her first cast in Baffin Bay fishing with Jim Poole Baffin Bay Baffin Bay is still my favorite fish hunting grounds this week with limits of redfish and a great mixed box of drum, trout, and sheep head. Live shrimp under a popping cork works well here when you can’t use it in the Lagoon. The lack of pin perch in Baffin Bay is because there is much less grass on the bottom. The edges of Baffin Bay are lined with shallow grass flats but the majority of the bay is open mud, sand, and rock. These areas hold lots of fish because of the large amount of mud worms, crabs, shrimp, and minnows, along with a swarm of UNDER MUD CREATURES that are the base of the food chain.
Drifting along
Tides of the Week
Tides for Corpus Christi (Bob Hall Pier) Oct. 24-30, 2013
Day
Th 24 24 F 25 25 Sa 26 26 Su 27 27 M 28 28 28 Tu 29 29 29 29 W 30 30 30
High /Low
Tide Time
Height in Feet
Sunrise Moon Time Sunset
% Moon Visible
Low High Low High Low High Low High Low High Low High Low High Low High Low High Low
12:32 PM 10:09 PM 1:19 PM 10:51 PM 2:14 PM 11:21 PM 3:19 PM 11:43 PM 7:23 AM 9:39 AM 4:35 PM 12:01 AM 7:14 AM 11:36 AM 5:54 PM 12:17 AM 7:20 AM 1:05 PM 7:11 PM
0.5 2.1 0.6 2.0 0.7 2.0 0.8 1.9 1.3 1.4 1.0 1.8 1.3 1.5 1.1 1.7 1.1 1.6 1.3
7:35 AM Set 12:25 PM 6:51 PM Rise 11:27 PM 7:35 AM Set 1:08 PM 6:51 PM 7:36 AM Rise 12:18 AM 6:50 PM Set 1:48 PM 7:37 AM Rise 1:09 AM 6:49 PM Set 2:26 PM 7:37 AM Rise 2:02 AM 6:48 PM Set 3:03 PM
78
7:38 AM 6:47 PM
Rise 2:55 AM Set 3:39 PM
32
7:39 AM 6:46 PM
Rise 3:49 AM Set 4:15 PM
23
69 60 51 41
Covering large areas by drifting allows anglers to find fish concentrations and come back for more drifts over the productive spots. Some pointers that I have found that make a big difference in popping cork success will help you out especially when fishing with two or more anglers. Keep the corks spread apart, don’t cast corks close to one another. This creates too much noise and spooks big trout and reds. Wait to cast until your partner gets about half way in before you cast so that you “walk the baits” across the flat. Use a long drop leader under your cork, get the bait down towards the bottom, as this allows reds and drum to easily pick up the bait with their mouth positioned on the bottom of their face. Use small circle hooks, the tension of the floating cork will set the hook on anything that eats the shrimp eliminating the need to set the hook, just reel. Do not drift over the same spot over and over again. Alternate patterns and drifts so that you don’t spook off roaming schools of fish in an area. Always drift with your motor DOWN, this allows you to stop when you
Hoyt Fincher with a monster Baffin red 48 inches get to shallow water, get ready, and lift your motor and idle out. If you drift with your engine up then when you stop your boat will be on the bottom and you will be pushing. The fishing is only going to get better and with the recent chill, fish will be congregating in the deeper holes and wintering grounds in the weeks to come. Fantastic winter fishing is coming and we are ready. Call me for an adventure any time.
14305 SPID 361-949-0127
A 10
Island Moon
October 24, 2013