The
Issue 570
Island Moon
The voice of The Island since 1996
March 19, 2015
Around The Island By Dale Rankin
Padre Isles Property Owners Annual Meeting – Questions and Answers
editor@islandmoon.com So far Spring Break 2015 has reminded us a bit of the old post cards that read “Weather is here, wish you were beautiful!” The weather hasn’t been all that beautiful as of this writing at mid-week and the Spring Break crowds have shown it, and for we Islanders that is beautiful in an overcast kind of way. We have a photo tour of local beaches in this issue.
By Dale Rankin The annual meeting of the Padre Isles Property Owners Association met last Saturday and drew a full house, the largest crowd ever, at the Seashore Gymnasium. The meeting consisted of presentations by the Board of Directors followed by questions from the audience. Here is a summation: Item: The POA Board will move forward with plans to ask members to vote on whether to modify Article #9 of the POA Articles of Incorporation which prohibits the board from spending more than 20% (currently about $300,000 annually) of the money collected from dues each year (currently about $1.6 million) on capital projects. The articles currently allow the board to exceed that amount for emergencies, but not for a community center or other non-emergency items. The change in Article #9 would allow the board to move forward with construction on the $2.3 million center, as well as other projects that require more than
Last Friday on Ellis Beach To Dog or not to Dog The Big Spring Break Question so far is whether dogs are allowed on city beaches. We have had numerous reports of dog owners being given warnings for having dogs on the beach at the seawall and the SoPack beach. Frankly, there is much confusion and when you start messing with Island dogs we Island humans bite.
Weekly
FREE
Photo by Miles Merwin
Spring Break 2015
Where the Beach Crowds Gather – and Where They Don’t
By Dale Rankin The first big weekend of Spring Break 2015 was not as crowded as expected due to overcast skies and water temperature in the high 50s. But a check of local beaches showed where the crowds gather in the 26 miles of beach from the jetties in Port Aransas in the north to the boundary of Padre Island National Seashore in the south. The patterns that emerge this year will form the basis for beach management in the next few years. The City of Corpus Christi and the Metropolitan Planning Organization are conducting a traffic count to get a comprehensive snapshot of traffic patterns this summer.
Spring Break 2015 in Port A
Here is a look at where the Spring Breakers were – and where they weren’t – last weekend.
The beach in Kleberg County was packed
Whitecap beach was a popular destination.
The beach at North Packery
The pedestrian beach along the seawall was a lonely place.
POA continued on A5
The Passing of Big Foot By Jackie Bales
We checked with police at the temporary station at American Bank on Saturday and were told only normal leash laws applied on all city beaches during Spring Break. We called the city information number and were told “no dogs anywhere on city beaches during Spring Break.” So we called the primary source for such things, Martha Lawhon, who is the city’s Administrative Assistant for Beach Operations and who has final say on the matter and Martha says, as in Spring Breaks past, dogs are allowed on city beaches during Spring Break except between Access Road #3 southward to Packery Channel. She sent us this pamphlet put out by the city and handed out with Beach Parking Permits. It may be that the confusion, aside from the person answering the phone at the city’s customer hotline, is coming from folks reading the first line and not the body copy:
Free
It was a rather odd sight watching this gargantuan tower of lights creeping down the ship channel in the middle of the night. They call it Big Foot for a reason. It was difficult get a prospective on just how large it really was until it came closer and closer with the drone of the large towboat engines. In the early morning hours of Saturday, 14th it was more reminiscent of a downtown high rise in lower Manhattan. Despite the night time departure on Friday, 13th, hundreds of locals and tourist turned out to witness the spectacle. It was lit up like the world’s largest Christmas tree.
Inside the Moon Port A last Saturday. Notice the empty beach (top) where the bollards are located. Photo by John E. Bravo
Four-wheelers have cut a road thrugh the dunes on the beach in Kleberg County.
$1.2 Million Expansion at Padre Balli The Nueces County Park Board getting ready for bids on $1.2 million in improvements at Padre Balli Park which include an expanded RV park, a community center, and expanded Briscoe-King Pavilion, an outdoor amphitheater, an expanded tent camping area.
Pirate Attack in Port A! A2
The Nueces County Coastal Parks Board approved the plan in the meeting in February and Naismith Engineering said they expect to be ready for bids within sixty days. Here are the plans.
So if Island humans are confused it is up to Island dogs to jump in the car and go, as long as you aren’t going to NoPack Beach.
Gambling on Windstorm There are now four bills filed in the Texas Legislature regarding Windstorm, we’ll get into details on the mirror bills filed by District 32 State Representative Todd Hunter in the House and District 20 State Senator Chuy Hinojosa in the Senate which look to have the best chance of being signed into law and, if so, will expand the risk pool for wind/ hurricane damage from the current 14 counties along the Texas Coast to include rate payers in the entire state; a change that is long overdue. However, the most interesting of the bills comes from State Representative Joe Deshotel (D) Beaumont. HB 3839 and House Joint Resolution 142 would need 100 votes in the 150 House to move forward as a constitutional amendment and proposes to use proceeds from Las Vegas style casinos located within coastal counties or in counties where the county seat is within 100 miles of a coastal county to offset the cost of rising Windstorm Insurance along the coast. So far Deshotel has no cosponsor in the Senate and you can bet his plan will draw intense lobbying efforts from gaming interests in Louisiana and Oklahoma which reap billions each year in Texas gaming money. This is the nuclear option for solving the Windstorm problem, but hey, this is the Legislature where anything can happen. Stay tuned. In the meantime say hello if you see us Around The Island.
The massive deck structure was built by the Daewood Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering Company in Korea. It set to sea, in December of 2012, aboard a specially made ship named the Dockwise Mighty Servant 1, bound for the Gulf Marine Fabrication yard in Aransas Pass, Texas. The three month journey was
Island Fisherman Honored A6
Big Foot continued on A9
Farah's Fishing Adventures A7
A little Island history
A Fight to the Death in the Texas Hill Country
Editor’s note: In the years leading up to his death in the Alamo 179 years ago this month Jim Bowie spent many years in Texas seeking his fortune. One of his endeavors was to locate the lost silver mines near San Saba, but instead he found a fight with the Indians. By Dale Rankin Jim Bowie may have been most famous for the knife made and given to him by his brother but his passion during his life was for two things – money and land; and getting as much as he could get his hands on either in any way he could. The presence of silver in the area around the San Saba settlement in present day Llano County was first discovered by the Indians who told
the Spaniards of its presence when the Spaniards went to the area in 1753 seeking a site for an Apache mission. In February 1756 an expedition led by Bernardo de Miranda y Flores left San Antonio with twenty-three soldiers and citizens. Miranda reported that the ore veins he found were so abundant that he guaranteed "a mine to each of the inhabitants of the province of Texas." He returned to San Antonio and sent a threepound ore sample to the viceroy in Mexico City for assay – who told him to go back and get forty wagons loads and bring them back – which never happened.
Into Indian country The mines were in country and for years the location of the around San Antonio
hostile Indian maps showing mines floated like so many
Spring Break 2015 A4, A11
Alamo Plaza early 1800s sheets in the wind but no one mounted a serious effort to find them until Bowie set out from San Antonio on November 2, 1821. With a group of about a dozen men including his brother Rezin they were bound for San Saba under the guidance of a friend of Bowie’s
History continued on A6
Live Music A16
A2
March 19, 2015
Island Moon
Pirate Attack in Port A!
New boardwalk at Packery Channel Park Photo by Miles Merwin
Captain Scott put the call to arms, “Everybody man your water guns.” First Mate T-Joe sprang into action and handed everyone a water pistol and the fight was on! Big guns were booming and water cannons coming from the pirate boat were spraying everyone on deck. It was high adventure on the open seas until the pirate Captain Billy called an end to the fight and headed back to port, leaving everyone soaked and reeling in his wake. To say it was exciting is putting it lightly… it was wild! Pirate Wild!
By Ronnie Narmour It was a normal Saturday morning in Port A. The dolphin watch excursion boat, Mustang, has left the docks behind Woody’s with a big load of tourists, mainly families in town on Spring Break. After circling around the channel for a while, where there were dolphins aplenty, the man at the helm, Captain Scott, got a distress call from a boat on fire, near the light house, and headed over to see if they could be of help. Well, this was no ordinary boat in distress they soon learned. PIRATES were coming and coming fast, Jolly Roger flags were flying.
Captain Billy Gaskins is none other than our light house keeper at the Lydia Ann Lighthouse and proprietor of the Mustang and Island Queen tours boats moored at the marina behind Woody’s Sports Center on Cotter in Port A. The pirate boat, named the Black Booty, is a newly acquired “Lafitte” style boat that Gaskins brought back from Lafayette, Louisiana and refurbished into Port A’s newest pirate boat. A “Lafitte” boat is a flat bottom boat historically used by pirates, such as Jean Lafitte in Louisiana, to overtake ships coming into port around New Orleans under the guise of delivering cargo, when in fact they would rob the cargo and disappear into the shallow swamps of southern Louisiana.
Ellis Beach - photos by Miles Merwin
Zoe from San Antonio visted with her grandparents.
New Waterfront Listing!
Spectacular! Treasured location! 4 bedrooms/4.5 baths! 13806 Halyard
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Get in touch with Woody’s Sports Center in Port A to book a ride on the Mustang and wrangle a little tussle with some local pirates (361) 749-6969. The have a website too: www. neptunescharters.com. Arrrg matey!!!
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March 19, 2015
Island Moon
Letters to the Editor
Moon Monkeys Mike Ellis, Founder
Island Tenants I have lived on the island since 2002, and I have owned my own home previously. Since a recent relationship transition, I have been renting, and I have been saddened by the lack of tenant support in our community. It seems the HOA's of any community are only there for the owners. But if you have tenants living in said residences, how can the human equation be left out?
Distribution Pete Alsop Island Delivery
I have been having some borderline discrimination "new rules" imposed on me that bar me from working from home and having animals. Now keep in mind, that I lived in the same complex for a year with no incident. Anyway, when I tried to speak directly with the HOA (to remain nameless), I cannot tell you the absolute rudeness the owners expressed towards me.
Coldwell Banker Advertising Jan Park Rankin Classifieds Arlene Ritley Design/Layout Jeff Craft Contributing Writers Joey Farah Andy Purvis
Firstly, when I wrote an email outlining a very serious trespassing offence, they did not even respond.
Chad Peters
When I decided to go to their office to have a civil conversation about the stress I have been under, they refused to invite me into an office to sit down, and I had to speak to them in the lobby, I received maybe two minutes of their time, before they told me quite directly, "WE DO NOT DEAL with TENANTS."
Todd Hunter
This was said with total loathing in her voice!
Dotson Lewis
Wow. talk about a lack of class, lack of compassion and basic lack for human dignity. I was so shocked that this kind of treatment is happening. I am wondering if others are experiencing the same mistreatment?
Devorah Fox Mary Craft Maybeth Christiansen Jay Gardner
Ronnie Narmour Brent Rourk Dr. Donna Shaver Photographers Miles Merwin Jeff Dolan Mary Craft Ronnie Narmour Office Security/Spillage Control (Emeritus)
For others who have experienced a blatant disregard for you or your housing rights, you can search for the Corpus Christi Human Relations Commission. You can also search for Fair Housing Laws online, either place you can file a complaint if you feel you are being harassed or discriminated against. Michelle Casto
Unwanted phone calls I reported the "IRS lawsuit" scam phone call to the Flour Bluff Police Station months ago. It is still going on. Now I am receiving phone calls on my cell phone for suit for Social Security fraud. I am also receiving phone calls from a foreign "Microsoft Technician", which I understand is a company trying to tie into my computer. The various phone numbers are:
Riley P. Dog Publisher 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
909-620-597, 801-823-3446, 214-283-1316, 509-587-3702 407-934-5129, 307-640-4784. If by chance I answer the phone, I tell them to immediately remove my phone number and do not call. This has not stopped them. The IRS lawsuit scam number happens to be a male escort agency. These are numbers that someone needs to prosecute the callers. I have blocked my maximum 10 numbers on my land line but these scammers continue.
STORM, LLC urges passage of legislation to protect private property rights of oyster fishermen Sustainable Texas Oyster Resource Management, LLC (STORM) today encouraged lawmakers to pass House Bill 3335, filed by Rep. Joe Deshotel (D-Beaumont), because it will protect the private property rights of oyster fishermen and improve the health of marine ecosystems along the entire Texas coast. “Private property rights don’t end at the water’s edge,” said Tracy Woody, Manager of STORM. “We applaud Rep. Deshotel for filing this bill because it will protect the rights of oystermen and empower submerged landowners to take a more active role in restoring vital marine habitat.” “This bill will enable environmentally conscious landowners like STORM to build thousands of acres of new oyster reefs, which will lead to cleaner water, better habitat for marine life and a stronger oyster industry,” said Woody. “By leasing submerged land to environmentally responsible groups like STORM, navigation districts throughout the state can be better stewards of our natural resources while earning a better return for taxpayers.” Submerged land has been bought, sold and leased for centuries in the US and around the world. Today, approximately one-third of the submerged lands of US coastal states are privately leased or owned. These leases convey rights only to the surface of the submerged land, not the water above it, meaning the public may continue to enjoy activities like fishing, boating and swimming. House Bill 3335 clarifies that owners of submerged land have the same private property rights as other landowners, and are entitled to use or lease their land for oyster cultivation without undue government interference. The bill also preserves the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s (TPWD) authority to regulate oyster resources via a fair and consistent permitting system. The need for this legislation became apparent after STORM leased submerged land from the Chambers-Liberty Counties Navigation District for the purpose of restoring oyster reefs and promoting sustainable harvesting practices. The STORM lease followed a precedent established in 2009 by TPWD, which leased 928 acres from the navigation district to build oyster reefs. In recent weeks, the commissioners courts in Chambers County and Liberty County adopted a resolution supporting the navigation district’s right to lease its submerged land to both TPWD and STORM to promote sustainable oyster management.
Did Ya Hear?
by Mary Craft mkay512@aol.com or @padreeyelander on twitter
New Advertisers Pirate Attack Adventure Tour is more than just a boat ride – it’s a show and you are in it. You will fend off a pirate attack in a squirt gun battle. You can belly up to their full service bar, The Old Slurp & Burp Pub, for snacks and libations. Guaranteed fun for all ages. Order tickets online or at Woody’s Sports Center on Cotter. Call 749-AHOY for more info. Boat Lift Wanted – A senior citizen would like to rent a boat lift for his fishing boat. Call 446-2847.
Business Briefs Lyco’s Nails 2 is now serving beer and wine. Lily first opened her salon on the Island more than ten years ago and has been a Moon advertiser since she opened. Her previous location was next to the Moon office which was then located in the Subway mall. So stop by for your next pedicure or manicure and say Cheers! The Island Moon Art Walk will be held at the Veranda covered patio Saturday, March 21st 10 am – 2 pm. There will be local artists, a family friendly brunch and Bloody Mary Bar. The Boathouse Bar & Grill will have DJs entertaining every weekend through March. A fundraising dinner will be held on Saturday, March 21st at 4:30 pm at the Flour Bluff High School cafeteria for the Flour Bluff Youth Football, Padre, Sharks Football, Flour Bluff Youth Cheer, and the Flour Bluff Little Dribblers Basketball teams. They need sponsors, and volunteers to cook and donate an Italian dish including lasagna, spaghetti, pizza, ravioli, garlic bread, salad or any other Italian dish you can come up with. The cost is $10.00 per adult, $5.00 per student and under 5 are free. For more info contact Norma Wright at normas_wright@ yahoo.com. The Saltwater Fisheries Enhancement Association (SEA) is holding their 15th Anniversary Fundraising Dinner at American Bank Center on Thursday, May 14 from 5:30-11 p.m. Individual tickets are $125 and tables are $1,750 each. That includes all food and drink (open bar) and an annual membership to SEA. The Moon classified section works! The golf cart listed in last week’s issue sold the same day the paper came out. To place an ad email moonclassad@twc.com.
15201 S. Padre Island Drive, Suite 250 Corpus Christi, TX 78418
D. King
Lost Jewelry
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
Sandpiper Condos WB Liquors Port A Arts
North Padre
Stripes @ Beach Access Rd. 1A
All Stripes Stores
A Mano
CVS
Coffee Waves
Whataburger
Moby Dicks
Doc’s Restaurant
Spanky’sLiquor
Snoopy’s Pier
IGA Grocery Store
Isle Mail N More
Carter Pharmacy
Brooklyn Pie Co.
San Juan’s Taqueria
Ace Hardware
Wash Board Laundry Mat
Texas Star (Shell)
Port A Parks and Rec Public Library
Island Italian
Holiday Inn
Scuttlebutt’s Restaurant Subway Island Tire
Duckworth Antiques
And all Moon retail advertisers
Back Porch
WB Liquor
Shorty’s Place
Flour Bluff
Giggity’s
H.E.B.
Stripes @ Cotter & Station
Liquid Town
Gratitude Gift Shop Keepers Pier House Port A Glass Studio The Gaff
On January 19 I was at CVS on The Island and Chico’s and Hester’s at La Mar Plaza. At one of the three locations a small yellow fabric pouch fell out of my purse. In it was some jewelry from my late husband. I certainly would give a generous reward if it would be returned to me. My telephone number is 949-8166, #215. Thank you, Dorthy Lasher
POA Annual Meeting
Norm Baker
Photos by Jeff Dolan
Island dogs got no gripes
Jesse’s Liquor
Chamber of Commerce
Woody’s Sports Center
I am a Winter Texan coming to North Padre since 1990. I love the area and the friendly courteous and helpful people.
Today I attended the yearly meeting of our POA. It was the largest group that I have seen in the twenty years. That’s a good thing. What really bothered me was the mood of our Island landowners. We must remember that the board is a voluntary group that is elected by us and they are putting in a lot of their time trying to do the best for you and our Island. They do this because they love our Island and want it to be what you want it to be. They did make a mistake and they have been very open to all of us owners. This is the best staff I have seen at the POA. They are on top of all issues with the city and county, for you, the property owners. For all of you, I hope you stay involved in our local issues, but please show some respect for those people you chose to serve and are actively doing their very best.
Whataburger on Waldron Ethyl Everly Senior Center Fire Station
Pet Adoptions at Ace Weekly pet adoptions are being held at ACE Hardware on the Island Saturdays from 11-3. The events are held by Mission Pawsible Animal Assistance. Stop by and say hello and if you can’t adopt an animal they would gladly take a donation for care of the animals in foster homes.
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Island Moon Photos by Jeff Dolan
Police Blotter Corpus Christi Spring Break 2015 Law Enforcement by the Numbers The Corpus Christi Police released statistical information Monday morning about the Spring Break weekend from March 13-15, 2015. The Corpus Christi Police compiled the information about action on the beach from Officers assigned to Beach Units, Gang Units, and Traffic Units. Officers issued 227 traffic citations for violations on the beach. There were 82 warnings provided to individuals with dogs on the beach. There were 8 citations issued for minors in possession of alcohol, 7 vehicles impounded for no insurance, 6 warnings for glass containers on the beach, 4 Intoxicated Drivers arrested, 3 people arrested for public intoxication, 2 people arrested for possession of marijuana, 2 people arrested for felony warrants for their arrest, 2 people arrested for misdemeanor warrants for their arrest, 2 citations for open alcoholic beverage container while vehicle in operation, 2 warnings for driving in the dunes, 1 arrest for reckless driving, 1 citation for driving while license invalid, and there was 1 vehicle crash with no injuries. 227 traffic citations 82 Dog on Beach warnings 8 MIP 7 No Insurance Impounds 6 Glass Container warnings 4 DWI arrests (up 400% from last year) Three were blood draws and one blew on the Intoxilyzer at Tortuga. 3 Public Intoxication 2 Poss. of Marijuana (not synthetic) 2 Felony warrants
was able to avoid them the first time but the second time his tires went flat and he pursued other options, fleeing on foot. The man ran into the restroom at the park and made death threats against the officers. He exited the restroom armed with a retractable dog leash which he apparently found in the restroom and officers fired one shot which missed its mark. The 23-year old man was taken into custody and drugs were found in the car. His Spring Break did not end well.
Straight through the bar ditch right into the weeds March 12 7:18 p.m. State Highway 361 DWI A witness following a possible drunk driver couldn’t call 911 fast enough before the car he saw driving recklessly drove off the roadway and into a field. Officers arrived at the scene of the one car crash in the 9300 block of State Highway 361. A man, who had stopped to assist the driver, told them that he had been following the car for a few miles coming into Corpus Christi and had seen it driving out of its lane, and into oncoming traffic. He told officers that he was on the phone with a 911 operator to report the possible drunk driver when he witnessed it travel off the highway, down into a ditch, and come to rest in a field. He and his passenger stopped to assist the driver of the 2009 Saturn four door. The driver was not injured in the crash. After an investigation officers arrested, the 20 year-old woman, less than two weeks before her 21st birthday for driving while intoxicated.
Police Calls 9300 block SH 361 7:18 p.m. March 12 DWI/Public intoxication/possession of drug paraphernalia/possession of marijuana 9100 block SH 361 6:54 p.m. March 15 DWI
2 Misdemeanor warrants 2 Open Container citations 2 Driving in Dunes warnings 1 Reckless driving 1 DWLI
10200 block SH 361(Access Road #3) 1:48 p.m. March 14 Possession of alcoholic beverage in motor vehicle 10800 block SH 361 6 p.m. March 15 DWI – 2nd Offense/Driving while license suspended Beach Marker 210 North Packery Beach 3:40 p.m. March 14 Illegal dumping 5-500 pounds
1 Minor Accident The Corpus Christi Police continue to patrol the area beaches to make sure there is minimal risk to the public of injury or property damage.
Five-finger discount at Wallmart in The Bluff March 7 4:30 PM Walmart 1200 Flour Bluff Drive Theft Class B Misdemeanor Corpus Christi Police Detectives are looking for a man that pushed a shopping cart full of property out the front door of a Walmart Store without paying. This crime occurred at the Wal-Mart located at 1250 Flour Bluff Drive at about 4:30 PM on March 7. The suspect stole nearly $250 in merchandise. He is described as a Hispanic male, 20 to 30 years old, with a mustache. He was last seen wearing blue jeans, a dark jacket and a gray cap. Store surveillance cameras caught images of the suspect as he left the store. Detectives need your help in identifying the individual in these photos. Anyone with information about this case should call the Corpus Christi Police Property Crimes Detectives at 886-2840. Anyone who would like to keep their identity secret and provide information to the Detectives should call Crime Stoppers at 888-TIPS (8477) or submit the tip online at http://www.888TIPS.com. Information provided to Crime Stoppers which results in an arrest may earn the caller a cash reward. Here’s a picture of the man who forgot to pay.
13500 block SPID 9:33 March 5 Possession of marijuana 14000 block SPID 7:19 a.m. March 16 Forgery of Financial Instrument 14000 block SPID 2:42 a.m. March 13 Public intoxication 14200 block SPID 3:35 a.m. March 13 Public intoxication 14200 block SPID 1:45 p.m. March 13 Criminal mischief $50-$500 14300 block SPID 4:14 a.m. March 8 Reckless damage or destruction 14400 block SPID 8:15 p.m. March 13 Burglary of a motor vehicle 14400 block SPID 10:11 p.m. March 8 Fraudulent use of identifying information 14400 block Compass 7:30 a.m. March 9 Assault by contact SH 361/SPID 12:43 a.m. March 13 Public intoxication/possession of marijuana 14500 block SPID 12:29 a.m. March 11 Possession of drug paraphernalia/possession of controlled substance 11800 block SH 361 11:38 p.m. March 13 Public intoxication 14700 block Aquarius 7:27 p.m. March 14 Public intoxication 14800 block Granada 5:30 p.m. March 11 Criminal mischief $50 15200 block Windward Dr. 11:25 p.m. March 12 Possession of marijuana 15300 block Leeward Dr. 1:59 a.m. March 9 Burglary of a building 15300 block SPID 1:07 March 7 Gasoline theft 15200 block SPID 7:12 March 14 Public intoxication 13900 block Whitecap 10:43 p.m. March 15 Public intoxication 15400 block Seamount Cay 4 p.m. March 14 Harassment Eliff Road/Viento De Mar 11:29 p.m. March 15 Curfew for minors violation
Drove it like he stole it March 12 11:10 p.m. State Highway 361 A Port Aransas Police Officer observed a man slumped behind the wheel of his vehicle at a red light and when he attempted to question him the man drove away, southbound on State Highway 361. A check of the plates showed that the 2006 Ford Expedition was stolen out of Rockport and the driver was indeed driving it like he stole it. DPS Troopers and CCPD became involved as the man entered the Corpus Christi City Limits, turned around at Mustang Island State Park and returned to Port Aransas, then came back to Corpus Christi. Officers deployed spikes but the man
15600 block SPID 4:33 a.m. March 7 Burglary of a building 15800 block Grenadine Dr. 11:47 p.m. March 13 Criminal mischief $50/Possession of marijuana Beach Marker 232 (Access Road 5) 3:23 p.m. March 13 Possession of drug paraphernalia/ Possession of marijuana 15900 block Palmira 3:13 p.m. March 14 Possession of marijuana/possession of controlled substance 15800 block SPID 12:15 a.m. March 16 Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon/ public intoxication/retaliation
Area fishing piers have been crowded all week.
Spring Break 2015
March 19, 2015
March 19, 2015
Stuff I Heard on the Island by Dale Rankin
It is the political season in city politics around Texas and as Houston and San Antonio work their way through the process several issues have come up which have a relevance to Corpus Christi. In no particular order here are a few.
To Uber or not to Uber
But now fourteen state senators in Austin may do what our city has declined to do; get rid of this blight on the citizenry once and for all in Texas. Senate Bill 1340 would ban red light cameras by outlawing all forms of photo enforcement by camera. One of the sponsors of the bill, Sen. Robert Nichols (R) Jacksonville, said, “The cities were never given authority to operate red light cameras, cities just started doing it.” These things are evil and they need to go. Maybe the state can step in where the City of Corpus Christi fears to tread.
Paid City Council
In Houston and San Antonio the question of how to deal with the transportation network companies (TNCs) Uber and Lyft has become an issue at city hall. In the past year the Houston City Council voted to allow the private haulers to pick up and drop off at the airports, and also to require the companies to have cityreviewed fingerprint reviews of their drivers. Uber accepted the Houston rule but when San Antonio passed the same rule Uber balked and said they would leave the city. The San Antonio City Council reversed course and tried to soften the rules but Uber took a hard line and walked. The question was why they would accept the rule in Houston but not in San Antonio. The answer came from Austin this month where on the same day the San Antonio council acted State Rep. Chris Paddie (R) Marshal filed a bill in the House that would create a statewide set of standards for qualifying Uber drivers so that the carrier would not have to repeat the fight in every city in the state. The bill would give the TNCs the ability to hire third-party screeners to conduct background checks on prospective drivers and has the support of Uber and Lyft. A sign that the bill represents an idea whose time has come is reflected by its support from small-town Republican Paddie and big city Democrat State Rep. Justin Rodriquez from San Antonio. If the bill passes it will erase the last legitimate hurdle for Uber and Lyft to come to Corpus Christi. The first, and so far only, argument against the services coming here is that since they are not licensed by the city they are simply unlicensed carries and therefore illegal; however, action in cities around the state has put the lie to this assertion leaving public safety as the only real concern left to be addressed and the proposed bill would do that. Uber has hired 23 lobbyists in Austin at a cost of $705,000 according to records from the Texas Ethics Commission; Lyft another four lobbyists at $260,000. Nineteen other states are also considering statewide rules for TNCs. This looks like the wave of the future. USAA insurance company announced in February they will begin offering policies to TNC drivers. One way or another the stonewalling from the local taxi companies and from City Hall will end; and when it does it appears all legal arguments against TNCs in Corpus Christi will have been resolved at the state level. At that point the debate on how the TNCs operate in Corpus Christi will end before it begins because the real questions involved will have been answered elsewhere.
Red Light Cameras Those of you who read this column regularly know I am a confirmed opponent of our city’s use of Red Light Cameras. These bloodless, Big Brotherish, and manipulated devices are owned and operated by the Redflex Corporation which also generates the photos and videos used to intimidate $70 fines out of local drivers without the benefit of due process, a court hearing, or any appeal. These things are like a fungus that once they take hold are hard to get rid of because they generate about $500,000 each year that goes to CCPD. There are all kinds of issues involved that I will get into once I have time to go back down to Airline and Ocean Drive and run the red light there so I can document the obsurdity of the whole process. The Federal Highway Administration conducted a study on over 132 red light camera intersections and determined that the number of rear-end crashes went up about 15 percent once the cameras were installed and CCPD reported similar results when the cameras went in here. Citing public safety as the reason for the cameras is laughable; it’s a money grab pure and simple.
$6.00
San Antonio is in the process of voting on whether to raise the pay of city council members from $20 a meeting, plus free parking at city hall, with annual compensation capped at $1,040, to $45,722 per year. Corpus Christi City Council members, and Mayor, routinely put in 40-plus hours per week at their jobs and are paid a stipend too small to even mention. The Weak Mayor form of city government was a product of the Voting Rights Act in the 1970s which brought about the practice of hiring a City Manager to run the day to day operations, leaving the council as only a policy-making board with little or no official contact with the city staff. The idea was to remove politics from city management (insert laugh track here). The jobs have evolved since then but the job descriptions have not. Paying council members would open the job to potential candidates who simply can’t afford to take on a fulltime, non-paying job. San Antonio is providing the blueprint for a debate we are sure to have sooner or later.
Police and Fire Debt As you read this the City of Corpus Christi has about $270,000 in unsecured debt due to the pension funds of the police and fire departments. That debt, until this year, increased at a rate of $7 million per year; but will be reduced to only a $6 million increase this year after funds from the latest city tax increase earmarked $1 million annually to slow the bleeding. The annual operational cost of public safety currently eats up the entirety of the tax levy from both property and sales taxes, and still must be supplemented by another 25% from other sources to stay solvent. The CC Fire Department is currently conducting the most self-destructive union negotiation that I have ever witnessed and lost their collective bargaining agreement which had been in place for thirty years in the process. Currently the city funds about 75% of the recurring pension costs for public safety, a number that is in keeping with most cities around the state who are only now beginning to address the issue. In San Antonio the fund is 93% funded and even so, the Police and Fire Pension Fund Board is working with the city to find ways to reduce the costs, which both sides know are unsustainable over the long haul. In Houston where retiring firefighters with thirty years service are eligible for 94% of their active salary plus a one-lump sum of $850,000 and the value of the average combined benefits for these retirees is estimated to be $1.6 million each. In Houston the per capita public debt to the pension fund (totaling about $540 million) is roughly the same as Corpus Christi’s and the fight over control of the $2.1 billion already in the fund has gone to the courts and to Austin for resolution and is also a major issue in the November mayor’s race. In Corpus Christi the matter is essentially a non-issue being resolved through union negotiations and Executive Sessions rather than public debate. The City Manager’s stated plan is for the city to grow its way out of the outsized debt, and the council in its last budget showed a willingness to raise property taxes in order to cut the amount of debt added to the fund by $1 million each year. We can only assume those tax increases will come each year for the foreseeable future as the money available each year continues to chase the amount added to the debt. This is a head-in-the-sand approach and with the current lesson that the Firefighters Union can be confronted without political damage – the Firefighters Union did not endorse a single incumbent in the last city races – the timing is auspicious for a public debate on this delicate but potentially bankrupting issue. Houston will provide a blueprint for a way through.
off any oil change!
A5
Island Moon
POA continued from A1 the currently-allowed 20% of annual revenue. The article must be changed before a vote on the community center can be held. The POA board will hold a special meeting for the purpose of amending Article #9 at an unspecified date in the future. State law requires a 2/3 vote of approval from members to amend the Articles of Incorporation. If the change in the Articles is approved future capital projects would require a simple majority of members. Item: POA currently has about $6 million available for bulkhead repair in casa of damage by a hurricane – an additional $2 million on hand would be used for the community center. The POA has no actuarial data on how much it would cost to repair the canal system in case of a major storm. Item: POA dues for homeowners who bought their house prior to January 1, 2007 are 2 cents per square foot for canal homes, 2 cents per square foot for dry lots. For homes purchased after that date the POA rates are 10 cents for homes on water lots, 2 cents per square foot for dry lots. (Three of the 26 subdivisions on The Island did not adopt the new rates and maintained the same rate for all homeowners). Item: Currently, the bulkheads are self-insured by the POA and the bulkheads are owned by a Municipal Management District formed two years ago. In case of storm damage the POA would ask FEMA for a loan, in the form of 30year bonds, to repair the canal system, however, there is no guarantee the bonds would be approved. Question: What is the cost of buying insurance for the Island’s bulkheads? Answer: $250,000 per year for $5 million worth of coverage. (It is not known how much it would cost to repair the bulkheads in case of storm damage.) Question: Shouldn’t we know our exposure for bulkhead repair in case of storm damage while we self-insure? Answer: None Item: The POA spent $474,000 to repair 7233 linear feet of bulkheads last year, and installed 89 “screens” to stop washouts along the bulkheads. Item: $58,000 was spent on canal maintenance last year.
proposition” bidder is selected by the board. (Not necessarily the lowest bid). Item: The two 30-inch pipes under Encantada Street have been cleaned out at a cost to the POA of $19,000 ($4000 per day for divers) and are now open. The pipes had been clogged for many years. It is unknown how long they will remain open before silting in. Dredging the canal in that area is a $1 million project due to the cost of a dredge and the need to dispose of the dredge sand in an approved area. Item: There are now 100 garden plots at Douden Park and some are available for use upon request. Item: There are now 112 aerators in use in Island canals. Item: Boat ramps on The Island are open to the public but only vehicles with the blue, oval POA sticker can park in the ramp parking lots. First offenders will get a warning ticket, twotime offenders will be towed. Question: Why does the POA not build a boat ramp on Lake Padre? Answer: Lake Padre is not inside the POA boundaries. It is privately owned land and the owner has said that when the area is developed a separate POA will be formed, not affiliated with Padre Isles POA. Question: Why is there no receptacle for glass recycling on The Island? Answer: Recycling is a city function and there is no market for recycled glass; glass collection for recycling on The Island is done by the city each September. Question: If you lick a flyswatter will you die? Answer: Sooner or later you will die, whether you lick a flyswatter or not. However, in the meantime the POA board does not recommend licking a flyswatter. Question: Do I need a permit to cut a dead palm tree in my yard? Answer: No Question: When the city replaces the main sewer line along Whitecap (which is expected in the next year) will the city return the newly landscaped medians on Whitecap to their current status? Answer: Yes.
Item: There are now 166 vacant water lots on The Island.
Question: Has the POA considered hiring its own private security for The Island?
Question: Can the POA enforce the No Wake Zones on The Island?
Answer: 12-15 years ago a volunteer POA member rode around The Island (unarmed) and had no enforcement authority. The board would consider hiring private security, but it is likely to be cost prohibitive and it also comes with risk (cost). When asked for a show of hands, about half the audience in attendance favored looking into private security but no specific costs were discussed.
Answer: No, the POA has no authority to enforce No Wake rules in the canals. CCPD has declined the donation of a boat by Island residents for No Wake enforcement, Texas Parks and Wildlife does not have the manpower, and U.S. Coastguard jurisdiction does not extend into the canals. Question: Is the POA subject to open records and open meetings requirements: Answer: (From POA attorney John Bell) Any POA which has more than 5000 members, which Padre Isles POA does) falls under the same rules as a public corporation. The books are open to all members. Question: How are contracts for POA projects awarded? Answer: Bids are taken and a “best value
Question: Will the POA try to keep the land adjacent to the Whitecap Wasterwater Treatment Plant as park land if/when the current plant is downsized? Answer: POA has no jurisdiction. Question: What are the plans for repairing the Michael J. Ellis Seawall if it is damaged by a storm? Answer: That is an issue for the Island Strategic Action Committee.
A6
March 19, 2015
Island Moon
Islander to be Inducted into Perry R. Bass Memorial Sports Fishing Wall of Fame David Sikes has been outdoor writer for Caller-Times since 1998 Islander David Sikes has been the outdoors columnist for the Corpus Christi Caller-Times since 1998 covering fishing, hunting, coastal conservation issues, state and federal fish and wildlife regulations and legislative issues involving the outdoors. His freelance writings have appeared in a variety of Scripps newspapers, Texas Outdoor Journal, Texas Parks & Wildlife Magazine, Texas Sporting Journal and Lone Star Outdoor News. On Monday, March 23, at noon in the Maritime Collections and Education Center of the Texas Maritime Museum in Rockport, Sikes along with three others will be inducted into the Texas Maritime Museum’s Perry R. Bass Memorial Sports Fishing Wall of Fame. This exhibit opened in March 2007, and inducted Floyd Smith last year. Mr. Bass was not only an integral part in the founding of the Texas Maritime Museum, but was also known as an avid angler, and conservationist, insuring future generations will be able to experience the thrill of “the big catch.” It is his legacy in this area which became the basis for honoring Mr. Bass in the naming of the Wall of Fame.
History continued from A1 from Louisiana by the name of Caiaphas Ham who had been living among the Indians for several months. The group moved northwest over the De la Bandera trail and crossed the Llano River at the base of the San Saba Hills. There they met two Comanches, one of whom they knew, who had a Mexican captive who translated for them. They said they were part of another group driving stolen horses to San Antonio for sale. The next morning the Mexican captive returned to warn them that the Comanches had run across a party of 124 Tawakoni, Waco, and Caddo Indians who intended to attack Bowie’s party and steal their horses and equipment. The Comanche chief Isayune advised them to push toward a nearby brush covered hill where they could make a stand. Bowie didn’t listen and instead made for the abandoned fort at San Saba which he could not find. They ended up in a cluster of live oaks where they dug in after clearing the brush from the ground around them to deny cover to the Indians.
A lone Tawakoni
San Saba Mines
The next morning they saw a lone Tawakoni Indian following their tracks and behind him over one hundred mounted Indians. One of Bowie’s party yelled, “Indians!” and the braves began stripping for battle while one Caddo rode forward brandishing a scalp.
likely an exaggeration in true Texian style. Their own losses were one dead and two wounded, although not a single Texian was without a wound. They stayed in their forted position for eight days, occasionally firing their rifles in hopes of attracting the attention of friendly Comanches.
An attempt at a parlay by the Texians was answered with, “How de do? and a volley of a dozen shots. Eight of the Tawakoni charged with tomahawks but retreated with four dead. Then a party of sixty Indians charged but the Indians own beliefs worked against them. Their leader was a chief wearing buffalo horns marking him as the chief and his paint and attire were believed to make him impervious to the Texian bullets.
After eight days they set out for San Antonio. For one man’s broken leg they prepared a poultice out of tree bark, charcoal, and ground meal which they wrapped in a buffalo skin around his leg. They crossed the Pedernales sixty miles from San Antonio where they saw smoke from Tawakoni fires and left the trace that provided the most direct route to San Antonio, covering the remaining distance through the rough country.
“Who is loaded?” Bowie yelled.
When they arrived in San Antonio they learned that the Comanche who had warned them on the trail had preceded them to San Antonio where he had reported their near certain death. Ham wrote his own account of the event in the flowery language of the age: “It stands almost alone upon the scenic walls of Fame’s grand temple. The valorous men who bared their breasts to the assaults of a savage enemy, in overwhelming numbers, who fought without fear and without hope, and rolled back the tide of barbaric aggression, should be remembered and honored as long as civilization endures, and gratitude has a place in the human heart.”
Also in this year’s inductees is the husband and wife team of Mary John and Larry Hoffman. They began the Tackle Town store in 1978 where they catered to the outdoorsman whether fishing or hunting, and helped boost the careers of many of the local guides. They were instrumental in the Gulf Coast Conservation Association, the Coastal Conservation Association, and Larry started the local Ducks Unlimited chapter. Also to be inducted is offshore captain Dave Noling. Dave began working on charter boats at the age of 16 while growing up in Destin, Florida. He would receive his 100 ton Captain’s License in 1982 and began traveling the globe at the age of 22. Since then he has captained several boats mainly in the Gulf of Mexico/ Caribbean area. He has won several Coastal Bend area tournaments such as the Poco Bueno, Texas Legends, and the Bastante. His wife, Tami Noling has been on the Wall of Fame since 2008. The Wall of Fame is located in the Robert J. Hewitt/ O’Connor & Hewitt Foundation Collections & Education Center. The Texas Maritime Museum is a 501(c)3 Non-Profit privately-funded and the “Official Maritime Museum” for the State of Texas located across from the Rockport Harbor. Hours of Operation are Tuesday – Saturday from 10 am – 4 pm and Sundays from 1 pm – 4 pm. Closed Mondays. For more information call 1-866-729AHOY, or check out the website www.texasmaritimemuseum. org.
Tessie
But more than anything it made Jim Bowie a legend. In the ethos of the time to face down overwhelming odds had a mythical quality and it made Jim Bowie a leader of men in the eyes of the Tejanos and Texians alike. It was leadership that would have its place in the siege of the Alamo and in Texas history.
The Veramendi House in San Antonio with the doors now at the Alamo.
“I am,” came the reply from Ciaphas Ham whose shot broke the chief’s leg and killed his horse. The chief hobbled around on one leg holding his rawhide shield before him as four of the Texians finished him off. Members of the war party rushed to carry him away but each was shot down in turn. For fifteen minutes the skirmish raged as the Indians retreated to a nearby hill where they fired arrows and the occasional musket into the grove. Their snipers advanced up a creek bed and their shots hit one Texian in the chest and nicked another. A new chief appeared to test his medicine against the rifles only to be shot down by Bowie and once again more Indians fell trying to retrieve his body. Two more Texians were hit by rifle fire and the Indians now completely surrounded the grove where the ten surviving Texians hid.
The above is the original wedding license of Bowie and Ursula Veramendi on file in San Fernando Church in San Antonio. [Translation] [Entry No.] 338 Mr. James Bowie with Miss Ursula de Veramendi April In the city of San Fernando de Béxar on April 25, 1831, I, Don Refugio de la Garza, parish priest of this city, [having] performed the customary measures and published banns on three holy days in solemn mass which were the 11th, 17th and 24th of said month, and no canonical impediment having resulted, even though more than 24 hours have passed after having read the last one, married and veiled within the church don Santiago Buy [James Bowie], native of Louisiana in North America, legitimate son of don Ramón Buy [Rezin Bowie] and doña Alvina Yons [Alvina Jones]: with doña Ursula de Beramendi, native of this city, legitimate daughter of don Juan Martín de Beramendi and doña María Josefa Navarro: their sponsors were her parents and the eyewitnesses to the marriage [were] don José Ángel Navarro and don Juan Francisco Bueno, and in witness thereof I signed it.
With white smoke from their rifles exposing their positions with each shot, the Texians fired then rolled to avoid return fire and in this manner held out until 11 a.m. the next day.
Valorous men who bared their breasts For the next ten hours the Indians tried to burn them out by setting the brush afire. They set up a breastwork of saddles and rocks and listened as the Indians mourned their dead through the night and they heard a single shot as the Indians, as was their custom, put a mortally wounded man out of his misery. Just before daylight they heard a commotion in the Indian camp and prepared for a final attack only to watch the Indians retreat in the face of mounting causalities. A count of the bloody spots on the ground indicated about forty dead and thirty wounded –
Refugio de la Garza
City Seeking Local Volunteers for Tap Water Study
Send letters to: editor@islandmoon.com
The City of Corpus Christi Utilities department is looking for 100 volunteers to help test the tap water in some older homes. The research is expected to start this spring and is a requirement of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). Every three years the City must conduct lead and copper testing to monitor water quality.
Tessie is a very sweet one year old Lab mix. She has all the great attributes of a Lab but in a smaller size. She is playful, affectionate, loves kids and other dogs and squeaky toys, is crate trained, house broken, spayed and UTD on all shots. Tessie loves to play in water which is another great Lab characteristic. She needs a yard to run and play in and would thrive as a member of an active family. She would make a great running buddy too!
For the best results, the City needs volunteers who live in a single-family home containing lead or copper pipes with lead solder and/or is served by lead service lines installed after 1982. Participating households will get the findings mailed to them 30 days after the results are received by the City. The sampling will take place in June, but a list of 100 volunteers must be approved by TCEQ before testing begins. Corpus Christi residents should contact Laboratory Chemist, Brittany Mouttet at the O.N. Stevens Water Treatment Plant at (361) 826-1200, (361) 903-8066 or at brittanym@cctexas.com.
Mon-Thurs 8am-7pm • Friday 8am – 4pm Member hours (with keytag): 4am-11pm every day (361) 949-3298 – (361) 947-7732 www.islandfitnesscc.com
If you would like to meet Tessie, please contact Mission Pawsible at: info@missionpawsiblecc.org or call 1-361-277-1731.
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March 19, 2015
A7
Island Moon
Backwater Adventures On the Rocks
By Joey Farah Farah’s Fishing Adventures
Spring Explodes! This week I sat in the back yard with my father and talked about the much needed sun. I walked over to the mesquite trees and pulled down a branch, fresh green buds had sprouted all over the entire tree. The next day I bent over the edge of the boat and saw a swarm of tiny baitfish and small shrimp clinging to the dock legs. These are the first signs that spring is definitely here and there is no going back to winter for another year. In fishing the signs are obvious as well as boats that have been flooding the boat ramps and fishermen have been enjoying being back on the water again. The live bait flags have been going up and down with the availability just kicking off and the demand high it is tough getting live shrimp in the bait well. The answer has again been DOA shrimp under a popping cork, this along with a little shrimp PRO CURE has been on fire. The time it takes to re-bait the hook is eliminated and the trout are very aggressive with the noise, scent, and sight of the shrimp look-a-like. Both natural colors and glow have been best. The fishing with dead shrimp under a cork has also been pretty good but over grassy bottoms the pin perch will clean your hook pretty quick. The most fun fishing as of now is drifting the beautiful flats in the Laguna Madre’ and pitching soft plastics into the sand pockets. This is bringing lots of action and some very nice catches of fish especially when the sun is out. Many anglers have caught a lot of small trout locally but the times when the lunar clock is at its peak is when most of the best quality fish are feeding. There is so much out there for them to eat right now they feed on their schedules, not ours. The southeast winds
Seas went flat and allowed for some NEAR SHORE SNAPPER FISHING Dawn and Brandon with their first snapper ever.
will start blowing this next week and change the local fishing from a pre-spring pattern to spring. The movement of water with the southeastern flow will light up the Land Cut in pulses and start the migration of bait and gamefish from the south into the Cut and Baffin area. On the light winds days head south and throw soft plastics along the edges of the channel letting them stay close to the bottom. My best catches have been on 3” DOA CALL SHADS in natural colors as well as glow. This small bait is so tempting that you catch fish on them all day. The larger jerk baits and paddle tails will do well during strong feedings but the smaller bait will keep you into the action even when things are slow. The best jig head is the matching CAL HEAD from DOA, this is a shorter shanked hook and allows the bait to move mid-body. This lure system can be found at Roy’s Bait and Tackle, but if you are curious stop by Marker 37 when I get in and I’ll give you a few and show you how they work around the dock. Having confidence in what you are throwing is most of the recipe for success. The surf has been warming up as well and I have seen some nice trout come in from anglers walking the surf line casting lures. The whiting and sheep head are still good around the Jetties and should hold well in the next few weeks. The best bait is small pieces of cut bait in the first two guts at high tide for the whiting. The sheep head love the ghost shrimp that you have to catch with a sucker from the hardware store. This soft sand shrimp is the candy bait for all surf species.
Spring Break fishing has been amazing with limits along with many monsters all week. The boats and wade fishermen seemed to be evenly sprinkled along the shoreline of the King Ranch as we roared south in search of our little piece of quiet water. As the morning moved on I watched as boat after boat snuck in quietly only to blast out after an hour or so of effort. We drifted out a bit deeper with soft plastics and really had a good time listening to the radio and caught some nice trout just out too deep for waders. The next morning we left out in the dark to an area along the Ranch that has been holding some nice sand pockets, got there first and quietly spread out and picked along the bottom with our jigs. The first light peaked across the water and lit up gold along the surface. I saw a small school of baitfish flip nervously on the surface and casted just past them. The bite was almost as soon as the lure hit the water as the trout that had been following the school slammed my soft plastic. She rose out of the water and slapped the water with both sides of her face. Water erupted and she dove to the bottom and rushed my feet. As she came to hand and stringer I flipped over and over again in the small area that I stood. Five fish later and only within a few minutes it seemed that the day was going to be a great one. All my customers where having similar success and stringing fish pretty consistently. Then along the beach a boat roared, as the fishermen passed within 100yds from us I could only imagine vibration sent out by their 300hp throwing a giant rooster tail
Zep pushed the throttles down on the Donzi and we cleared the end of Packery jetties amid hoots and hollers from those standing on the rocks and fishing. The gulf of Mexico was a sheet of glass, and we burned out towards the hollowed fishing grounds at an easy 30 knots dead into flat seas. This past Saturday was one of the first weather windows we’ve had for nearshore shenanigans, and anticipations were high. A look at the offshore charts showed a beautiful color change about 25 miles out, and we had visions of being the first people to get back to the dock this season with some mahi. That was a complete pipedream, however, as we got out to the “spot”, and there wasn’t one shred of sargassum. There wasn’t anything floating in the water; no debris, no flotsam, not even a miscellaneous refrigerator (LOL! Seen it before) It was completely devoid of life. We headed out a little farther to the ant hills rigs, and tried to drop for some amberjack. No one home there either. The two other boats tied off to the rig were reeling up the endangered red snapper however, which were released. By the size of their baits, they were also trying to catch amberjack, but the red pestilence couldn’t be avoided. It’s amazing how many snapper are all over the rigs and structure down there, and the NMFS is only going to give us a couple of days in federal waters to help knock their numbers down so other fish might have a chance. No such luck. At least there’s been some legislation submitted by the 5 gulf states governors that would potentially wrest red snapper control from the NMFS. We’ll see if it has enough muster to pass. As a side note, EJ sent me a stat the other day that the Lanchas from MX poach 1.5 million pounds of red snapper from US waters every year. That’s obviously sustainable, or else they wouldn’t keep coming back. 1.5 million pounds from the edge of Texas waters alone, and the NMFS only gives recreational fishermen 14.3 million
pounds of RS for the entire GOM and five states??!!! Something’s broken for sure….. Anyhoo, we decided to troll around the rig to see if anyone else was home, but the still, deep blue water yielded nothing. One of the other boats tied to rig suddenly exploded into action, as they had a good run on their big rod. We all watched as a 7 foot mako shark blew out of
The Donzi at the Ant Hills rig the water 10 feet into the air. The boys were efficient and got untied from the rig during two more acrobatic jumps by the hooked shark, but then as sweet sorrow is such, the leader parted and the show came to an abrupt halt. Good show though, gents. Spring officially begins this week as we hit the vernal equinox, but I don’t believe it for a minute. Mid-50’s at night and low 60’s during the day mixed with rain does NOT equal spring; what it equals is a bad-weather spring-break. While there were some good numbers last week, I don’t think this year is up to par just yet. Just a public service announcement, according to the Texas Administrative Code and Nueces County Beach Management Plan, Section VII. B.3.“no person shall drive or operate for recreational purposes any dune buggy, marsh buggy, minibike, trail bike, jeep, or any other mechanized vehicle on a dune seaward of the dune protection line.” (the dune protection line, or DPL, is 1000’ landward of the mean high tide line (or water line at the beach). Basically means that you’re not allowed to drive in the dunes, period. Law enforcement has been watching, and several warnings have been given. Next step is that someone will wind up with a ticket. I’m just saying, and consider yourselves warned. Y’all remember to play nice out there in the big hard world. Everyone has their own struggles, and there’s no reason to be rude, cut people off, or say hurtful things. At the end of the day we’re all just trying to find our joy and happiness in life in the middle of the hustle and bustle. Tell your friends and family you love them and appreciate them in your life. I’ll see you on the rocks.
the crew relaxing after the shakedown cruise
Moon Phases These two sisters double slammed these two big black drum down south in Baffin Bay. SHRIMP PRO CURE FROM MARKER 37 will double your catches on these big guys.
behind them. They were only the first of many to race by in the next 30min. The bite slowed and I knew that the fish hadn’t left they had only laid down to wait until the quiet returned. This has been the norm for most fishermen and I have one piece of advice to those truly looking to find that trophy trout among the crowds. Get to an area that is quiet, stay put and put as little pressure on the fish as possible. Walking with a line of fishermen across the flat is what they are used to, so is casting over and over again into the same sand pocket. Imagine if you were stashed in a sand pocket along that shoreline on a weekend day. How many boats would you hear, how many footprints would you see, how many lures would be swam past your face? These fish have indeed become educated, so thing and fish outside the box. Spring is here and so is the spirit, give Matt a call at Marker 37 for the information on the awesome family fishing tournaments going on this month and get your “PEEPS” together and get out on the water! Keep those lines tight and your hooks sharp!
Ricky Shultz with a big snapper only 7 miles out.
By Jay Gardner
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Tides of the Week Tides for Corpus Christi (Bob Hall Pier) March 19-25, 2015
Day
High /Low
Tide Time
Height in Feet
Sunrise Moon Time Sunset
Th
19
High
2:02 AM
1.4
7:34 AM Rise 6:55 AM
19
Low
9:19 AM
0.1
7:39 PM Set 7:11 PM
19
High
3:46 PM
1.2
19
Low
9:22 PM
0.7
F
20
High
3:19 AM
1.5
7:33 AM Rise 7:40 AM
20
Low
10:20 AM
0.3
7:40 PM Set 8:17 PM
20
High
4:03 PM
1.1
20
Low
9:56 PM
0.4
Sa
21
High
4:32 AM
1.6
7:32 AM Rise 8:25 AM
21
Low
11:22 AM
0.6
7:40 PM Set 9:23 PM
21
High
4:19 PM
1.1
21
Low
10:36 PM
0.2
Su
22
High
5:45 AM
1.6
7:31 AM Rise 9:11 AM
22
Low
12:29 PM
0.8
7:41 PM Set 10:27 PM
22
High
4:34 PM
1.1
22
Low
11:22 PM
0.0
M
23
High
7:01 AM
1.6
7:29 AM Rise 9:58 AM
23
Low
1:46 PM
1.0
7:42 PM Set 11:30 PM
23
High
4:45 PM
1.1
Tu
24
Low
12:12 AM
-0.1
7:28 AM Rise 10:47 AM
24
High
8:23 AM
1.6
7:42 PM
W
25
Low
1:08 AM
-0.1
7:27 AM Set 12:29 AM
25
High
9:56 AM
1.6
7:43 PM Rise 11:37 AM
The Original Pizza of Padre Island The Only Stone Baked Pizza on the Island The Island's oldest full-service restaurant
Happy Hour M-F 4-6 pm 2.00 dom 3.00 import 3.00 glass wine 7.00 1/2 carafes 14.00 carafes of wine.
Hours: Mon- Thurs 11 AM - 9:30 PM Fri - Sat 11 AM - 10 PM Sun 5-9:30 PM 15370 SPID (Just south of Whitecap) 949-7737 islanditalian.com
Big Bull drum are the biggest spring break hit this week
Moon Visible
3
0
0
3
8
16 25
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March 19, 2015
Island Moon
SPORTS We’re #295!
Corpus Christi Ranked Sixth Worst Basketball City in the Country
When it comes to being a basketball fan Corpus Christi is the not the place to be, according to a new study from WalletHub, a personal finance social network which apparently does studies about such things. Corpus Christi ranked 295 out of 300 cities based on the number of college and/or profession teams, ticket prices, and other fan related factors. The good news is that we beat the pants off of Abilene, Texas, and Jersey City.; so we got that going for us. At the top of the list is Storrs, Connecticut, followed – not surprisingly by Chapel Hill, N.C., with San Antonio number three. Go Spurs Go!
Basketball Fandom in Corpus Christi (1=Best, 150=Avg.): • 48th – Number of NBA & NCAA Division 1 Basketball Teams • 276th – Performance Level of Teams • 161st – Minimum Season Ticket Price for an NCAA Division 1 Basketball Game • 267th – Stadium Accessibility • 48th – Number of Championships Won • 230th – Number of Division Championships Won • 152nd – Number of Sports Bars per Capita
Deadline Nears for Life Jacket Design Competition Entries
It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know why boaters don’t like to wear life jackets. They can be hot and bulky. Some are too expensive. Or, at least that’s what some boaters say. So here’s your big chance: design a better life jacket that more folks will wear, and you could be $10,000 richer. The deadline for design entries with the 2015 Innovations in Life Jacket Design Competition is April 15. The competition’s sponsors, the BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water and the Personal Floatation Device Manufacturers Association, are encouraging boaters, armchair inventors, design, engineering or high school students to submit their design soon to BoatUS.org/design. Entries can be as simple as hand-drawn theoretical designs to working prototypes, and there are no rules regarding types of materials to be used or whether the design meets any current US standards.
The design contest entries will be judged based on four criteria: wearability, reliability, cost and innovation. "Wearability" relates to the level of comfort. "Reliability" will take into account the chances for potential failure, while "cost" will look at the affordability of the design. "Innovation" will take into account originality or the utilization of new technologies. The best entries will be posted on the BoatUS Foundation website and Facebook page for voting by the public in June and those votes will assist a panel of experts who will ultimately pick the winner to be announced at the September 2015 International Boat Builders Exhibition and Conference in Louisville, Kentucky. Additional cash prizes are offered for second and third place. The contest is sponsored by the BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water:
These Fire Extinguishers May Not Put Out Boat Fires Recall for Affected Models Include Mariner 10, Mariner 110, Mariner 5, and Mariner 5 G As boaters are about to begin the spring ritual of getting their boats ready for the season, Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) is advising they will need to pay extra attention to the fire extinguishers aboard. A well-known fire extinguisher manufacturer, Kidde, in conjunction with the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), has announced a voluntary recall to replace certain Kidde fire extinguisher units. A faulty valve component can cause the disposable fire extinguishers not to fully discharge when the lever is repeatedly pressed and released during a fire emergency, posing a risk of injury. About 4.6 million extinguishers are affected that were sold nationwide between August 2013 and November 2014. To see if you have an affected fire extinguisher and arrange for a replacement, go to www. cpsc.gov/en/Recalls/2015/Kidde-RecallsDisposable-Plastic-Fire-Extinguishers.
Conrad BIucher Institute Signs Memorandum of Understanding with the US Army Corps of Engineers-New Orleans District The Conrad Blucher Institute for Surveying and Science (CBI) at Texas A&M UniversityCorpus Christi on Wednesday entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)-New Orleans District. . The agreement will create a formal relationship between the USACE and Texas A&M -Corpus Christi’s Geographic Information Science Program for the purpose of technology transfer, knowledge exchange, personnel development, and student mentoring. The program will help to foster the successful transfer of new innovative ideas, evolving concepts, and advances in the integration of small-scale unmanned aircraft systems (SUAS) and remote sensing and imaging technologies for geospatial and engineering application domains among USACE, CBI, and local geomatics/geospatial service providers. USACE is also interested in the Unmanned Air System eBee, a professional mapping drone that collects accurate digital aerial mapping, led by Dr. Michael Starek, Assistant Professor of Geographic Information Science and Geospatial Surveying Engineering at A&MCorpus Christi.
According to the CPSC, Kidde has received 11 reports of fire extinguishers that failed to discharge, but no injuries have been reported. A February 12, 2015 safety notice from Kidde stated, “Due to our commitment to quality and safety, we have corrected the issue for production going forward, and are working with customers to obtain all recalled units currently in stock.” Thirty-one models of the disposable fire extinguishers are affected. The extinguishers are red, white, or silver with black plastic valves and ABC or BC rated and manufactured in Mexico between July 23, 2013 and October 15, 2014 and sold at department, home, and hardware stores as well as some marine supply stores. Some of the affected extinguisher models were designed for the boating market and have a nameplate on the front with the names Mariner 10, Mariner 110, Mariner 5, and Mariner 5 G.
CCA Meeting and Banquet The Redfish Bay Chapter of the CCA will hold a General Membership Meeting (Open to the Public Free of Charge) on April 1, starting at 7:00 p.m. at Redfish Willie’s Restaurant, located at Redfish Bay Boat House on Conn Brown Harbor in Aransas Pass The guest speaker for this meeting will be Quentin Hall, a Master of Science student at Texas A&M Corpus Christi and the Harte Research Institute. Under the direction of Dr. Greg Stunz and the mentorship of the others at HRI, Hall is focusing his thesis research on the impacts of reopening Cedar Bayou on nekton densities, particularly red drum, in the Mesquite Bay. Cedar Bayou is a natural pass located near Rockport, Texas, that provides a connection between the Gulf of Mexico and Mesquite Bay as well as other nearby bays. Quentin will discuss the early findings of his studies since the opening of Cedar Bayou and the exciting results that have been seen to date. We encourage all attendees to come out early and enjoy the fine food at Redfish Willie’s Restaurant. For more information, contact Norman Oates (361) 758-0266 or John Blaha, (800) 626-4222 Redfish Bay Chapter’s 2015 Annual Banquet! The Redfish Bay Chapter will be holding its annual banquet on Saturday April 18, starting at 6 p.m. st the Port Aransas Civic Center. 2014 was a record year and we are looking forward to another great year in 2015. For meeting times and banquet information, visit www.ccatexas. org/redfish-bay.
Play It Where It Lies By Andy Purvis Special to the Island Moon Rodney Dangerfield once said, “To be a comedian you have to get on stage and find out if you’re funny.” We all go through the process of finding out what we’re good at. This guy became an amazing golfer. He was harder to beat than Floyd Mayweather. He could play as calm as a morning in May, and his middle name should have been money. It was like he could reach down inside and find an extra gear. When all was said and done, all he did was win. He never seemed to have a bad round, a quiet round, but he never beat himself. This guy had magic in his hands, and his personality matched the size of his physique. It was like he had a pocket full of “gimme’s.”
hole. Casper took his 9-iron and lofted a shot up over the tall pine trees onto the fairway. That shot allowed him to save par. Casper also won nine events on the senior Tour including two more majors, the 1983 U.S. Senior Open and the 1988 Senior Tournament Players Championship. His last win on the Senior Tour occurred in 1989. I do not know how Billy Casper had time to
Putting in the dark On the golf course, he was all business, like a hit man with a 7-iron. His high arching approach shots rained down like death from above on his opponents. You would swear that if his putter were alive it would rob banks if left alone. He just exploded off the tee and would use his short game to drive a stake through your heart. He could get up and down out of a trash can with his 9-iron. Someone once said if he missed a putt it’s because the hole moved. There are stories that he practiced putting in the dark. “On a pitch-black night, when you walk up to the hole just to see where it is, it stamps a very strong image in your mind,” Casper told Golf Digest in 2005. “You develop a feel for everything: the moisture on the grass, the small change in elevation, the exact distance to the hole, and all kinds of things your eyes alone can’t tell you.” “Billy” Casper always played it where it lay. At times, he seemed to be bullet proof. William Earl Casper, Jr., was born on June 24, 1931, in San Diego, California. His family soon moved to Chula Vista. His father was an avid golfer who built a three-hole golf course on their farm. It was here, at the age of four, that Billy received his first golf lessons from his dad. As a kid, Billy was called “fatso” and other unflattering things at school. He caddied at a golf course close by during the day and practiced putting at night. At 16, Billy got a chance to see the great Ben Hogan play in an exhibition match and marveled at his shotmaking abilities. After graduating from high school, Billy attended the University of Notre Dame for a while before joining the U.S. Navy. Casper turned professional in 1954 and won his first PGA Tour event within two years. Billy would soon stand among the game’s finest golfers. The great Jack Nicklaus said, “When I played in a tournament and I came to the turn, I always looked at the leader board for three names: Arnold Palmer, Gary Player and Billy Casper.”
40-yard pole Casper’s hand to eye coordination was something to behold. He was a genius with his short game. He once claimed, “I could look at a telephone pole 40 yards away, take out a 7-iron and hit it ten times in a row.” It took Billy Casper 25 years on the PGA Tour before he recorded his first hole-in-one. He eventually made 23 before he retired. Casper won at least once every year for 16 straight years. Only Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer surpassed Casper with a win, in 17 straight years. “I had to play well to feed my family,” said Billy. “I never got caught up in the history of the game.” Billy Casper’s first major win occurred in 1959, at Winged Foot, in Mamaroneck, New York. There Billy set a tournament record with only 114 putts over 72 holes. He crowd was so quiet you could hear ice melt. His most thrilling win was played at the Olympic Club in San Francisco, California, during the 1966 U.S. Open. Casper trailed Palmer by seven strokes with only nine holes to play. Billy caught him with a four-under 32 on the back nine and beat Arnold by four shots in an 18-hole playoff. Incredibly, Casper never three-putted over the 90 holes played. Palmer was quoted afterwards, “He’s the greatest putter on the pro tour.”
Never Spring until the Masters It has been said, “It’s never spring until The Masters.” The 1970 Masters was the scene of another thrilling victory by Casper. It took another 18-hole playoff to beat Gene Littler. It was in this match that Casper claims he hit the best shot of his career. Casper’s ball was tucked down inside tall grass, with a small log two or three inches behind his ball on the par-5 second
Billy Casper play golf, as he fathered five children and adopted six with his wife Shirley Franklin Casper. He was held as a wonderful husband and family man. Billy and Shirley had 71 grandchildren and there is no telling how many great-grandchildren. He was known for his charitable side and oozed kindness towards others. He enjoyed the outdoors, especially fishing. “Fishing not only rests and relaxes me; it also provides me with a muscle exercise that makes me stronger on the golf course,” said Casper. In July of 1966, Billy also gave his time to our troops in Vietnam. Casper suffered from all kind of allergies from most meats and fruit and vegetables where certain pesticides were used. He turned to eating venison, buffalo, elk, caribou, moose and organic vegetables. He also converted to Mormonism in 1966. “Billy Casper Golf” was a company Billy created which designed, built and operated 140 courses across the United States. At present, it is the second largest company of its kind.
Father Time eagles 18 Billy Casper played in 584 events and recorded 69 total professional wins, including 51 PGA Pro-Tour events and 31 second-place finishes. He was listed at #7 in all-time career wins behind Sam Snead, “Tiger” Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Ben Hogan, Arnold Palmer and Byron Nelson. Nicknamed “The Gorilla,” Casper was elected Player of the Year twice in 1966 and 1970. He was the leading money winner twice and holds the American record in the Ryder Cup for most points. He participated on eight Ryder Cup Teams and captained the team in 1979. Casper was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1978. In 2000, Casper was ranked the 15th greatest golfer of all time in Golf Digest magazine. In 2014, Billy Casper passed out in the clubhouse at The Masters in Augusta, Georgia. He had been going to cardio rehab for the last four months and seemed to be doing fine, when suddenly he began to feel bad. He died quickly and quietly from a heart attack, at home in Springville, Utah, on Saturday February 7, 2015. His wife of 62 years, Shirley, was by his side. It has been said that Father Time always eagles No. 18. Andy Purvis is a local author and radio personality. His newest book “Greatness Continued” in now available to order online at bn.com, Amazon, Google Books, Bookamillion, etc. You may also purchase all three of his latest books at the local Barnes & Noble Book store in Moore Plaza. All three books are also available in e-book format, Kindle, Nook, Apple I Pad and Kobo. Please visit www.purvisbooks. com for more info and leave a message in the guest section. You may also contact him at purvis.andy@mygrande.net and don’t forget to listen to Dennis & Andy’s Q & A Session each Thursday night from 6-8 PM on ESPN 1440 KEYS.
The BACK PORCH Open at 2 pm Mon - thurs Fri-Sun + nOON-2AM Live Music
The BACK PORCH Bar
Moonlight Special
March 19
Statesboro Revue
March 20
Cody Bryan Band
March 21
Jul & the Chrome Wheels
March 27
Jake Ward & the Coast Riders
March 28
Out of Bounds
April 3
Beach Stone Rise
April 4
The
$2.25 WackyPORCH Wednesdays! BACK We had a good time at the March luncheon of the Padre Island Enrichment Club. We even had a leprechaun in attendance.
ON THE WATERFRONT
132 W. Cotter St. Bar
PortA
March 19, 2015
Big Foot continued from A1
not without problems; however, it was delivered safely in March of 2013. The structure was set for final fabrication at the Kiewit Offshore Services facility in Ingleside, Texas. It was fitted with water injection systems and above-water production systems that were lifted and attached in three large sections. Big Foot’s final destination will be located 225 miles south of New Orleans, floating in 5,200 feet (more than a mile deep). The Big Foot project is operated by Chevron Oil Company who owns 60 percent of the $4.1 billion dollar venture. Statoil has 27.5 percent ownership and Marubeni has a 12.5 percent share.
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Island Moon
Travelling Moon
web site. Having scrubbed two prior departures, Big Foot was all the buzz on social media around Port Aransas. Rumors of Big Foot sightings were posted as residents teased about the seemingly secret departure. According to contributing photographer and reporter, Deborah Hopkins Sweatman, The departure time was no secret. “Ok, it is over a year behind schedule so money is a huge factor. The window of opportunity is so small this time of the year to get something this size out. Tides, winds, seas, eddies in the Gulf. Then hurricane season is approaching and this thing has to be tethered to the sea floor by huge cables attached to huge "nails" that have already been put into to place so the weather has to allow for this to happen. This is a huge pull and the rig will draft 41.5 ft. of areas that only have 45ft along the Corpus Christi Channel. The tugs will be light of fuel so will need to refuel once they get out about miles, weather has to be good enough for that as well. If they could make the pull during the day out of the jetties they would have for nothing more than photographs and public shock and awe but it takes about 20 hours from anchors up to the end of the jetties, it is only going a bit over 1 knot an hour”.
Islander William Goldston(center) took the Island Moon to Iztapa Guatamala.
Island Creations
“That doesn't count daily penalties for being over schedule as well as the 140K A DAY to have those tugs tied up for the past 3 weeks,” she continued. “Then again, once it goes on-line it is all chump change”. Deborah was the safety/environmental/ paramedic on the Pompano project built over on Harbor Island and kept us informed with her sources. "Sanctioning Big Foot underscores our commitment to the Gulf of Mexico and will contribute to future U.S. energy supply," said George Kirkland, vice chairman, Chevron Corporation. "This project is another example of Chevron's disciplined approach to advancing our enviable queue of major capital projects”. Big Foot will be Chevron's sixth operated facility in the Deepwater Gulf of Mexico and located approximately 225 miles (360 km) south of New Orleans, Louisiana, in water depths of 5,200 feet (1,600 m). The development will utilize a dry tree Extended Tension Leg Platform with an on-board drilling rig and have production capacity of 75,000 barrels of oil and 25 million cubic feet of natural gas per day. First oil is anticipated in late 2015. The project is running more than a year behind.
Big Foot departed right on time, coming through the Aransas Pass jetties well ahead of the 8 am estimate. With only three feet of clearance to the bottom of the channel, the company was anticipating multiple groundings which did not happen. The structure had to ride the falling tide and the next tidal window would be March 26th through 27th.
Remodeling
Total Renovation & Remodels, Outdoor Kitchens & Spas, Additions, Kitchen & Bathroom Upgrades, Sunporches, Replacement of Windows and Doors, Roofing, Painting & Stucco
Landscaping Insured Member, Padre Island Business Association Member, Builders Association, Corpus Christi
960-0327
Design work, Yard Maintenance, Decks, Pergolas, Installation of Rock, Grass, Plants, Trees, Walkways, Paths, Tree Trimming, Container Planting, Vacant Lot Mowing & Shade Covers. All Kinds of Fencing, Pressure Washing & Deck Staining & Sealing
Concrete
Driveways, Patios, Sidewalks, Patio Overlays, Decorative Stamping & Staining, Decks, Bulkheads, Grouted Stone Walls & Patios, Decorative Stone Paver Driveways & Patios
Owned & Operated by Island Residents David & Katherine Pierce References Available Upon Request Commercial & Residential
Doing Everything a Home or Business Needs
So we here in Port Aransas wish you well Big Foot and want to thank you for entertaining us during your passing.
Lent Specials February 19th - April 5th
"We have industry leading expertise in developing deepwater projects of this type and have repeatedly proven that we can do so safely," said Gary Luquette, president, Chevron North America Exploration and Production Company.
Fish & Chips $7.99 Grilled Fish & Shrimp $12.99
Chevron is one of the top leaseholders in the Gulf of Mexico, averaging net daily production of 149,000 barrels of This photo is by CMSgt Al Moreno, US Air Force who traveled to Port A from San Antonio in the middle of crude oil, 484 million cubic feet of natural gas and 14,000 barrels the night when he was informed Bigfoot was finally on of natural gas liquids during the move. The Chief kept close tabs on the constantly 2009. This according to their changing shove off plans for the past month so he didn't
miss it! Aside from being a maritime buff, Al is also the senior C5 Galaxy Loadmaster at Lackland AFB.
All You Can Eat Fried Shrimp $15.99
Breakfast at The Veranda Sundays 10:00am to 2:00pm
Daily Happy Hour Specials 3:00pm - 7:00pm
Restaurant, Gift Shop and Golf Course Open to Everyone VOTED BEST Veterinarian 2006-2014 Dr. Christi Kresser
RAY HERRERA DIRECTOR
Thank You For Supporting CHRISTI KRESSER & Voting Us #1 in the Corpus Christi & Coastal Bend Area VETERINARIAN
Featured Pet
Taffy
Flea Tick & Mosquito Season Is Here Military Student Senior
Discount
Golden Retriever 4 Years Old Spayed Trifexis Protected Fully Vaccinated Dr. Kresser Patient Responsible Owner - Lindsay Resides on Southside Corpus Christi TX
Must Present ID & Ad At Time Of Drop Off
Go To padrevet.com For Coupons Must present coupon at time of drop-off
Animal Hospital of Padre Island 14802 Compass (361) 949-8200
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Island Moon
March 19, 2015