THOUSAND-MILE MIRACLE • RUNNING OF THE BULLS • HISTORIC ROADTRIP
theLOCAL BOLIVAR PENINSULA'S MAGAZINE
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C r y s ta l B e a C h P l a z a . C o m
contents FALL EDITION
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SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2017
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22
14
32 18
06 Editor’s Note
22
10 Historic Road Trip
Local landmarks are a map to Bolivar Peninsula’s fascinating past
Beachcomb Like A Local A how-to guide to finding shark teeth, sea glass, driftwood and more
35
38 Fight The Bite
Protecting yourself, your family and community from the Zika virus
by Destiny Martin with contributions by Donna Singer and Heather McClelland
by Seth Beaugh
18
Running of the bulls
Q&A with 3rd Coast Internet founder Cody Landrum
by Dave Roberts
by Destiny Martin
Thousand-mile Miracle
The story of the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway by Vince Brach
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by Dr. Philip Keiser
30 Local Business
14 Outdoors
theLOCAL
September/October 2017
Local Events
32
Local Cooking
Baked crab cake bites make an easy appetizer
41
Sea and Be Seen
calling
THE COAST IS
Vacationing with COBB Real Estate feels like your dream destination is well within reach. Whether you’re staying for a day, a week, or longer, our dedicated rental staff is ready to help you find a beach home on Bolivar Peninsula that offers some of the finest accommodations matched with unparalleled service.
REAL ESTATE CRYSTAL BEACH, TEXAS
exquisite VA C AT I O N H O M E S cobbrealestate.com | 409.684.3790
theLOCAL BOLIVAR PENINSULA’S MAGAZINE
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF & FOUNDER Destiny Martin CONTRIBUTORS Seth Beaugh Vince Brach, Ph.D. Dr. Philip Keiser Heather McClelland Dave Roberts Donna Singer PHOTO CONTRIBUTORS Bolivar Beachcombers Luke Mauldin Dave Roberts Daneen Simon FOR ADVERTISING INFO 650 Media Group, LLC P.O. Box 1747 Crystal Beach, TX 77650 817.505.8208 info@thebolivarlocal.com
CONNECT WITH US
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For subscriptions, email us at info@thebolivarlocal.com
The Local Magazine is produced by 650 Media Group, LLC. All rights reserved. The Local is not responsible for facts represented by its authors or advertisers. No part of this publication may be used or reproduced without written consent of the editor.
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September/October 2017
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EDITOR’S NOTE
Better at the beach THERE IS NOTHING quite like being at the beach, even if
only for a brief period. The smell of salt air and the sound of seagulls are simple, yet transformative pleasures that can almost instantly brighten my mood and awaken my senses. If you’re a beach person, you know what I mean. The beach, our beach, means different things to different people. For some, it’s a retreat—a departure from reality— that offers the perfect place to process the ins and outs of life. For others, it’s an adventure that heightens a spirit of exploration and discovery. And for the fortunate few, the beach is home, a community you take great pride in being part of. But no matter how our beach speaks to you, I think we can all agree there is no other place like it. In this edition of The Local, we’ll help you to navigate some new possibilities while spending time at the beach this fall. From taking a road trip of Texas landmarks on the Bolivar Peninsula to beach combing like a local and lassoing the biggest bull, we’ve got you covered!
ON OUR COVER A big shout out to Daneen Simon who sent us this beautiful photo of a sand dollar she found on Bolivar Peninsula. Daneen is a member of the Bolivar Beachcombers Facebook page who regularly posts her finds with unique perspectives and interesting lighting. She says she enjoys taking pictures and sharing them with others. Thank you, Daneen for sharing the beauty of Bolivar with our readers. Turn to page 22 for our Beachcombing Feature.
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September/October 2017
A new season is just around the corner, and I can’t think of anything better than enjoying a cup of coffee on a crisp morning while watching the sun come up over the ocean. We hope you’ll pay us a visit this fall, and let the beach speak to you! Until next time, keep it local.
DESTINY MARTIN, EDITOR
destiny@thebolivarlocal.com
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September/October 2017
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ON BOLIVAR PENINSULA
September/October 2017
theLOCAL
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local. FEATURE
Historic Road Trip Local landmarks are a map to Bolivar Peninsula’s fascinating past
story by seth beaugh
TO MOST, THE IDEA OF TEXAS conjures the standard images: the Alamo, cowboys, bluebonnets. Maybe “Friday Night Lights.” These are familiar symbols, and they’re part of a mythology that, though true, still (apparently) elicit questions from outsiders like, “So, you ride horses everywhere, right?” But as a kid growing up in Southeast Texas, things to me always seemed like they were cut from a different cloth in this little coastal corner. Or, at least, things were cut from a different part of that same Texas fabric. I didn’t see a lot of cattle growing up, but I was constantly warned about the alligators lurking in the canals down my street. Instead of tumbleweeds, we had humidity. The Bolivar Peninsula was always just a weekend getaway to me, somewhere to go to splash in the waves and eat good seafood, which is why I wanted to take a historical “road trip” of sorts down SH 87
to explore the tales of this narrow strip may be hidden in High Island, though no of land. What I found was that this place one has been successful at finding it. Yet. boasts many fascinating stories of people Speaking of High Island, Charles and events that, though undeniably a Cronea, a cabin boy, joined Lafitte’s part of Texan lore, couldn’t have been company at just thirteen years old and, experienced anywhere else in the state. after gaining a taste for adventure with For starters, pirates! Jean Lafitte was a the pirates, took part in various battles French pirate in the Texas who, after What I found was that this place Revolution until successfully boasts many fascinating stories finally returning developing a of people and events that, though to Sabine Pass as a port in New farmer. He married undeniably a part of Texan lore, Orleans to and made a home couldn’t have been experienced in High Island after smuggle his goods, moved being awarded 1,280 anywhere else in the state. to Galveston acres of land for his to essentially do the same thing. He service, and his body is interred in the transformed the island into a pirate cove High Island Cemetery. Oh, the secrets of and engaged in privateering missions in buried treasure he probably carried. the area as a spy for the Spanish during The legacy of pirates in the area also the Mexican War for Independence. It’s inspired the name of another popular rumored that Lafitte accumulated vast destination in Bolivar: Rollover Pass. amounts of treasure and that some of it Legend has it that Rollover Pass got its
TEXAS HISTORICAL LANDMARKS ON BOLIVAR PENINSULA
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16374
7544
JANE HEBERT WILKINSON LONG Located at the Bolivar ferry landing
POINT BOLIVAR LIGHTHOUSE Located at Hwy 87 at the foot of the lighthouse
name from smugglers who, during the time of Spanish rule through Prohibition, rolled their goods over the narrowest part of the peninsula to avoid Galveston customs. This destination is arguably one of the most popular fishing spots in Texas. It was opened in 1955 by the Texas Fish and Game Commission to increase salinity in the bay and encourage growth among wildlife and vegetation. Apparently, a wide variety of fish swims in and out the bay throughout the year making it an angler’s paradise. It may be seeing its final days, though, as this year Galveston County was granted permission to seize the property and fill the gap to in turn build a park and a
pier. Though no schedule has been set on the recent development, it seems that it’s only a matter of time before change arrives and the Pass becomes the past. History, of course, has already claimed some features of the Bolivar Peninsula. Built in 1896, the Gulf and InterState Railway was a railroad that ran from Beaumont to Port Bolivar; passengers could commute between the two destinations and then cross into Galveston by rail ferry. Not long after the railway was finished, however, the great Hurricane of 1900 hit, and services screeched to a halt. In fact, because there was no detection system for hurricanes at the time, one of the passenger-filled trains
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ROLLOVER FISH PASS Located along Hwy 87 at the Pass
CHARLES CRONEA Located at High Island Cemetery, between 5th and Gulfway
HIGH ISLAND Located along Hwy 124 between 9th and Pierce Street September/October 2017
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From left to right: Rollover Pass in 1957, courtesy of Traces of Texas; High Island Cemetery where Charles Cronea is buried, Fort Travis (both photos by Destiny Martin); the Gulf and InterState Railway passenger train pulling into Bolivar three years after the 1900 storm, courtesy of Texas Back Roads; Rollover Pass present day (Destiny Martin), and an old oak tree that stands in High Island, the highest point on the peninsula
was trapped mid-transit as the storm surged crashed around it. Most of the passengers and crew survived, but with the surrounding area destroyed, what homes did they have to return to? After three years of rebuilding, the railroad was open again, and that very same train car finally finished its trek from Beaumont to Port Bolivar. Reportedly, railway officials offered to honor tickets purchased for the aborted journey in 1900, and, remarkably, some of the survivors of that trip returned with their original tickets. After a few changes of ownership, the part of the railway that ran along the Bolivar Peninsula was altogether abandoned in the mid-twentieth century. Hurricanes were, and still are, a dangerous force for locals, and as the storms have hit and the havoc has been wrecked, folks and officials alike have learned how to adapt to the many hurricanes the coast has seen over the years. Fort Travis, for instance, was designated an official civil-defense shelter in 1960, and when Hurricane Carla hit in 1961, several residents, along with their livestock, rode out the storm in the fort. Fort Travis was purchased by Galveston County in 1973 and is now a public park for all to enjoy, but it too has seen its fair share of visitors not just from Texas. I wonder if the townsfolk who bunkered down there during Carla realized that they were also standing in the space of German prisoners of war who were captured during World War II? Fort Travis was populated and armed during both World Wars, and many soldiers took up residence there to defend the Gulf Coast from any Axis invaders. The fort’s military history stretches farther back than that, of course. It was originally planned to be built on Galveston Island in 1836 and named Fort Point. The garrison was withdrawn in 1844, however, and after the Siege of the Alamo, it was renamed to Fort
Travis in honor of William B. Travis, who commanded and subsequently died with his forces at the Alamo. There is another icon of the Bolivar Peninsula that has also acted as a kind of fortress, though it has never been called one. The Point Bolivar Lighthouse has endured every storm that has hit the island since its establishment in 1872. Sixty people took refuge in the tower during the 1915 Hurricane, and 125 residents were saved by the lighthouse as the devastating 1900 Hurricane buffeted their homes. The keeper at the time was a man named Harry Claiborne, who took command of the tower in 1894 after the ejection of some problematic keepers some time prior. He made sure that the citizens who took refuge in his lighthouse were properly hydrated by catching rainwater from the storm in buckets at the top of the tower and passing them down to people below to drink. When morning came and the survivors found it safe enough to exit the lighthouse, they were welcomed by the sight of their neighbors, floating in the wreckage, who couldn’t quite make it to the safety of the lighthouse once the storm hit. On a map, the Bolivar Peninsula is just a tiny sliver of land floating next to the giant state of Texas. It can look like an inconsequential place from a distance, and with its small population and isolated location, it can feel that way too. But all it takes is one dive into the past to find that this small stretch of sand and surf contains myriad stories of survival, persistence, bravery, and even some swashbuckling adventure. tL
SETH BEAUGH is a freelance writer from Austin, Texas whose work has been featured in various regional publications and blogs. He enjoys writing about culture, movies, and Texas history, and grew up visiting Bolivar Peninsula with his family. His email is ssbeaugh@gmail.com
September/October 2017
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Running of the bulls story & photos by dave roberts / TEXAS KAYAK CHRONICLES
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September/October 2016
local. OUTDOORS
E
ach year on the Texas coast, during about a twomonth window in early fall, we are blessed with what I consider to be one of the greatest displays of nature that an angler can witness. During this time, mature redfish gather in large schools and move towards the inward shores for their annual spawning ritual. Thousands of redfish will come from across the Gulf to do their part to ensure the survival of their species. And since all of the fish that are involved in the annual spawn are mature, the smaller fish are close to 30”, and the largest can exceed 50” in length. During this spawning window, the fish move up and down the coastal shoreline in large groups. Their spawning takes place in shallow, high salinity water, so the fish are typically found from the fourth sandbar inward towards the shore. I have personally witnessed them running in the first gut in calf deep water! Having this many fish congregated together can present an almost effortless day of fishing, or should I say hooking up. Fighting a redfish of this size is anything but effortless. From the moment you set the hook, it is a constant battle that will test the strength and stamina of the best anglers. Be prepared for a line pulling, drag screaming good time! While many surf fishermen would consider landing one or two good size bull reds in a given trip a success, given the sheer number of fish present during the run, it is possible to catch between 10 and 15 fish in just a few short, hectic hours. There are thousands of fish in the surf this time of year, and I’m willing to bet that the shoreline between Sabine and Rollover Pass presents the best bull red fishing on the Gulf Coast. GET IN ON THE ACTION: No need for a boat during this run! Grab your heavy tackle and head to the beach. Best to leave the trout gear at home! Some people will kayak out to the action and anchor off while others will paddle or wade their lines out to make a long cast. Either way seems to be an effective method that should produce several big bulls. In my opinion, cut mullet equipped with a two-ounce sand digger weight is the best setup for picking up these giants. Large mullet are an easy target with a cast net in the shallow waters of the coast. Once your lines are set, kick back with a cold beverage and wait for the drag to start screaming! Here very soon, the spawn will begin and anglers from all over will come to take part. This is a perfect time of year to head to Bolivar and see if you can catch your personal biggest fish. Find a spot on the beach, throw out your line and when you see your rod bend over, you better hold on! tL t DAVE ROBERTS is an avid kayak fisherman, writer, and photographer who travels the Texas coast documenting his experiences along the way. For more information, visit his blog at texaskayakchronicles.com
September/October 2017
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September/October 2016
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local. FEATURE
The thousand-mile miracle story by vince brach, ph.d.
V
isitors driving to the Bolivar Peninsula via Hwy 124 to Hwy 87 must cross a magnificent bridge as they leave Chambers County and enter Galveston County en route to High Island. At its peak, travelers are rewarded with a sweeping vista of cord grass marshlands dotted with pools and inlets that are home to countless ducks, egrets, and roseate spoonbills. Winding its way through the center and passing out of sight into the east and west is a segment of the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway or GICW. This spectacular feat of engineering, originally suggested by Thomas Jefferson, took over 140 years of sporadic, tradeand defense-driven enterprise and political maneuvering to become what it is today. As historian Lynn Alperin wrote, the GICW is virtually a “thousand-mile miracle.�
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In the early 1800s, Thomas Jefferson and several of his appointees envisioned a system of internal waterway transportation for America. These visionaries saw that this would involve cooperation among private concerns and state and federal governments, as the capital and labor required for such as undertaking would be vast. The Gulf Intracoastal Waterway may have been conceived in a vision, but its realization was accomplished only through successive fits and starts of activity. The waterway covers approximately 1,000 statutory miles from Brownsville, Texas to Fort Myers, Florida. Slightly over 40% of it, or 426 miles, occurs in Texas. The actual surveying, dredging, and construction of the GICW began in Florida and gradually worked its way west. However,
during much of the 1800s and early 1900s, privately-owned to raising funds and support for an ambitious canal project that railroads vigorously competed against water transportation for would span the entire Texas coast. In 1909, Teddy Roosevelt the nation’s business, allowing only smaller, localized projects authorized the crucial canal surveys that would begin the to be done until after World War II. project, to be constructed by the Army Corps of Engineers. The potential worth of a coastal canal system connected to Wartime concerns greatly impacted the construction of America’s major rivers was rarely in dispute. With it, “lightthe GICW. During World War I, it was recognized that Texas draft vessels” such as barges that cannot stand needed a far more efficient transportation the battering of ocean waves and currents were system for its petroleum exports. During able to cheaply deliver massive cargos to port World War II, German submarines attacked ...the Gulf cities. From raw agricultural products such as over two dozen merchant ships in the Gulf Intracoastal cotton, molasses, and naval stores, these cargos of Mexico. This raised national concern to Waterway offers an provide safe inland coastal transportation began to change to steel and other construction enhancement materials, petroleum and petroleum products, for war supplies such as petroleum products to the lives of and other industrial goods after the discovery of and steel, as well as highlighting the material the Spindletop oil fields near Beaumont in 1901. needs of manufacturers. The combined action many ordinary A series of congressional acts—the Rivers and of wartime and post-war construction brought Texans Harbors Acts from 1873 through 1935—were essential completion to the Gulf Intracoastal enacted to authorize specific segments of the Waterway in 1949. In 1975, the State of Texas proposed canal up to and including New Orleans. However, for assumed sponsorship of the Texas portion of the GICW via the Texas, some championing organization was needed. In 1905, Texas Coastal Waterway Act. over 200 delegates representing Texas politics, finance, and Today’s modern commercial shipping along the Texas business met at an opera house in Victoria to launch the Texas coast, made possible through the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, Inland Waterway League (now the Gulf Intracoastal Canal is staggeringly huge. Over 335 million tons of cargo move Association). This grassroots organization publicly committed through Texas ports every year. Thanks to modern innovations
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in boat design and containerization, barges weighing more than 2,000 tons—often chained together in “strings”—are able to glide through the GICW with the help of tugboats. In Texas alone, the GICW serves nine ports ranging from the second busiest (Houston) to the 73rd busiest (Victoria). Also, all of the work boats supporting the hundreds of offshore oil rigs gain access to the Gulf of Mexico through the GICW, not to speak of the countless fishing and shrimping boats and private pleasure craft. The advantage of being a port city is so great that even Dallas once tried to make itself a connection to the Gulf of Mexico by straightening and dredging the debris-filled Trinity River. Although this project was eventually abandoned, one famous ship, the steam-powered H.A. Harvey Jr., made the voyage in 1893. Traces of construction remain in Dallas: straightened, cement-lined portions of the Trinity River can be seen from several freeways.
As a happy side-benefit to improved industry, the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway offers an enhancement to the lives of many ordinary Texans. All up and down the Texas coast, small-craft sailors can launch their boats and enjoy the ocean in waters far safer than those offshore. In the 1950s as the GICW construction was nearing its end, a channel was opened across Padre Island which gave Port Mansfield its own outlet to the Gulf. In addition to boosting Port Mansfield’s industry, this lowered the salinity in the bay adjacent to the cut, greatly improving the coastal fisheries. The stupendous achievement of our nation’s visionaries, engineers, and businessmen in the construction of the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway impacts all Texans. Perhaps it is most affecting to those of us lucky enough to sit on a deck or in a restaurant along the canal and watch the enormous barges plying their way to their ports. For some, it is the wonderful bird watching, fishing, and crabbing produced by the GICW’s wetlands enhancement. A fine tribute to it was given by GICW historian Lynn Alperin in 1983: “The 1,000-mile ‘ditch’ that is the GICW has profoundly affected regional and national economies. The many facets of its input defy enumeration, much less precise measurement…Now that it is there and adaptable, the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway promises a future that should be fully as fascinating as its past.” tL
VINCE BRACH is a teacher, naturalist, and writer from Tyler. His articles feature in dozens of publications including Texas Highways, Texas Parks & Wildlife, and Highlights for Children. He has vacationed on Bolivar Peninsula for over 30 years. Contact him at vbrach@sbcglobal.net
GOOD TO KNOW Printable, handy pocket guides to the geography of the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway called BookletCharts, as well as the official navigational maps required by law for commercial vessels, can be obtained at NOAA.gov. BookletChart 11323 for example, gives the sailor a useful picture of the contours and depths of the GICW segment from Port Bolivar to Crystal Beach.
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September/October 2017
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local. BEACH VIBES
H
ave you ever wanted to tag along with a local and scour the beach for whatever treasures may have washed ashore, but didn’t know what to look for, or where to start? Fall is arguably one of the best times of year for beachcombing, a popular past time that serves to uncover treasures of the sea, some with intriguing stories all their own. In this guide, we’ll provide insider tips that will have you combing the peninsula like a local in no time, so get ready, an ocean of possibility awaits.
HOW TO
WHAT YOU’LL NEED:
- comfortable shoes, if any! - bucket for collecting your finds - sunscreen and appropriate clothing - camera PREFERRED CONDITIONS:
- early morning - off-season - less inhabited areas of the beach - after a storm - during low tide
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Beachcomb like a local story by destiny martin with contributions by donna singer, heather mcclelland, and bolivar beachcombers
photo by Chelsea Ann-Marie Shipp
SHARK TEETH Did you know that sharks have four rows of teeth and loose hundreds of them every day? When you find a shark’s tooth on the beach, you’ve discovered your very own fossil. As sharks loose their teeth, new ones take their place. The old teeth fall to the ocean floor where they become buried in sediment and begin to fossilize. Over time, minerals in the sediment actually replace the original material of the tooth, turning it into a fossil. The fossilization process takes nearly 10,000 years to complete, so hold on tight to that tooth, it’s valuable! WHAT TO LOOK FOR: Shark teeth come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. A good rule of thumb for beginners is to seek out very black, triangular shapes in the sand. Remember, though there are lots of different species of sharks—nearly 400 in the world—so not all shark teeth look the same. Bolivar Beachcomber Millie McFarland suggests looking for the shape of a whale’s tail, and keep an eye out for a variety of colors, like gray, beige and brown. WHERE TO SEARCH: With an ever-growing collection of over 1,000 teeth, shark tooth enthusiast Donna Singer recommends the best place to find teeth is along the water’s edge, where the water washes lightly over the sedimentary rock beds. “Sometimes you’ll actually see a tooth rolling in the water over the bed. You have to be fast,” she says. It is not uncommon to find teeth in the drier sand, too, so don’t forget to blanket an area completely before moving on. September/October 2017
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SEA GLASS
+
POTTERY SHARDS green, or amber, these are less common and likely trace back to soda, whiskey, or medicine bottles from the late 19th to early 20th centuries. Lavender is rare but thought to date back to WWI, when a chemical used to turn glass white or clear could no longer be added. Instead, manganese was used in its place and over time, the glass turned lavender. Cobalt blue is another rare find, but it is likely these were once Noxema, Milk of Magnesia, or Vick’s Vapor Rub bottles used by these companies in the mid-1950s to package their products. Even more rare colors consist of gray and pink (thought to be Depression glass), black, yellow, orange and red. These are found once in 10,000 to 20,000 pieces found. WHERE TO SEARCH: Just like shark teeth, sea glass can be readily found near the water’s edge, though it is not uncommon farther up the beach closer to the dunes (which can also be a great spot for finding odd-and-end trinkets).
photo by Jessica Renae, opposite page by Johnny Hernandez
Probably one of the easiest treasures to beach comb for on the Bolivar Peninsula is sea glass, but don’t let the ease of strolling across these little beauties deceive you. Sea glass, along with broken pottery shards, has some fantastical originations, and if you happen to find a piece with text on it, you may even be able to trace the history of your find! A piece of glass found on the beach is labeled “sea glass” when it has a visible patina created by its prolonged exposure to salt water. The edges of the glass fragment are smooth to the touch, and its coloration takes on an opaque, frosted appearance. If you come across a piece that is not “ready,” toss it back into the ocean to give it some more time at sea. WHAT TO LOOK FOR: Because of its stark contrast in color and texture, sea glass is fairly easy to spot. The most common colors are brown, white (or clear), and green, likely derived from old beverage bottles. If you come across colors like soft blue, teal, lime
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September/October 2017
new
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SEA BEANS Chances are you’ve probably come across a sea bean or two while strolling the shoreline, but if you’ve ever picked up one of these prized seeds, you may not have known what it was. Sea beans are seed pods and fruits of tropical plants, possibly originating in Africa and Central America, that can drift for up to fifteen years in the ocean, eventually making their way to land. There are dozens of varieties of sea beans, but those most commonly found on Texas beaches are sea heart, sea purse, hamburger beans, nickernuts, and black pearls. They are thought to be good luck in some civilizations! WHAT TO LOOK FOR: Sea beans come in all shapes and sizes, but those most likely found here will be dark in color, round, and have a smooth veneer or finish. Hamburger beans look like miniature hamburgers on a bun. Sea hearts take on the shape of a rounded heart, while the sea purse has distinct attenuations coming from its four corners. Nicker nuts are gray and may be harder to spot in the sand, though they look similar to pebble. WHERE TO SEARCH: Wrack lines are the best place to search for sea beans. They tend to drift amongst marine debris like seaweed and driftwood, but because they are light in weight, they are generally found atop the rubbish. Portuguese man o’wars on the beach are a good indicator of sea drifts, so it’s likely you can find sea beans during this time, too.
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September/October 2017
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DRIFTWOOD At first glance, driftwood in its natural state might not seem all that appealing to collect. When you find it, it’s usually damp, discolored, and it might even smell funny, too. But with a cleaning process tested by one of our own contributors Heather McClelland, you can turn your found driftwood pieces into unique home decor that will forever remind you of the coast. Heather says that of all the items she enjoys combing the beach for, driftwood seems to be the most elusive. “I have found that the cooler months yield the best driftwood finds, particularly right after a good rain.” WHAT TO LOOK FOR: Depending on what size remnants you’re hunting for, this one is pretty self-explanatory: pieces of wood that have visible wearing from the salt water. WHERE TO SEARCH: Heather recommends looking for driftwood in and around the dunes, where pieces may have become lodged in the vegetation due to a high tide during a storm. HOW TO sanitize your driftwood for indoor use: “It’s hard to tell how a piece of driftwood will clean, but I treat all of my pieces this way before I ever bring them indoors. First, throw them into a large container, an outdoor trash can works great, and soak in a bleach bath consisting of 2 cups of bleach per gallon of water. Weigh down any ‘floating’ pieces to prevent them from rising above the water level; you want the pieces completely submerged so that they process evenly. If your driftwood is too large, you can flip it around every day or so, adding more water and bleach as needed. After a week, lay the cleaned pieces out in the sun to dry. If they stay spongy, they’re no good. Once they dry solid to a bright natural wood color, your driftwood is ready to bring inside and display in your home for years to come.” tL
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September/October 2017
Bolivar Beachcombers S H AR E T H E IR FAVORI TE FI N DS W I TH THE LOCAL
Brian
rie Shipp a Ann-Ma
Chelse
Byro
m
Linda Tarr
tenot
Jennifer Rop
Tasha Fon
er Squyers
Tracy Tindall Barne
tt
(a.k.a Margaret B . the Quee udro Lind n of J o unk C w ollect ions
)
s
Frank Hobbs
Larry a finds Big Carlis Cole $20 bill he finds a
September/October 2017
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THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTE FOR EXPERIENCE.
Over forty years of building exceptional homes on Bolivar Peninsula.
NEW CONSTRUCTION – REMODELING PROJECT MANAGEMENT CONTACT TYLER COCO 409.651.6004 COBB HOME BUILDERS
NATURAL, CASUAL, AND ALWAYS PRACTICAL
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BLIND FACTO R Y
SHUTTERS | RO LLER SHADES | ROMAN SHADES | WOVEN WOO DS | BLINDS Call: 409.866.4055 Toll Free: 877.281.9717 Address: 7396 College St. Beaumont, TX 77707
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September/October 2017
GOODBYE ATM FEES. Hello money freedom. Use any ATM nationwide and get free withdrawal fee refunds* with a Kasasa checking account from Texas First Bank.
www.texasfirst.bank/kasasa
*Up to $42 a month. Must have a Kasasa Cash or Cash Back checking account and meet monthly qualifications to receive refund. Visit www.texasfirst.bank for more information.
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local. BUSINESS
SKY’S THE LIMIT Local WISP reaches new heights, connecting more residents to the world wide web story by destiny martin
3
rd Coast Internet recently hit a milestone, acquiring over 1,000 customers since their inception in 2015. The Local Magazine sat down with founders (and active owners) Cody and Tina Landrum to congratulate them on their success and learn how they are changing the climate for residents and small businesses at the beach and beyond.
Q What inspired you to launch your business on the Bolivar Peninsula?
No tower too high: this one installed by 3rd Coast Internet soars up to 2,000 feet in the air (courtesy Keith Gross)
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Cody Landrum: Two years ago, my wife and I were both working in tech support for an O&G company in Houston. We had the autonomy to work from home, so we decided to move to the beach full-time, fully expecting that we would be able to continue working remotely. When we got here though, we discovered there were no reliable internet options. We tried everything and after some very expensive cell phone bills, I began doing some research to learn how to become a Wireless Internet Service Provider (WISP). People do this elsewhere, but the peninsula was pretty much one of the last places where there was no infrastructure in place to support wireless internet.
3rd Coast Internet 1698 Hwy 87 Crystal Beach 409.684.7021 3rdcoastinternet.com
from it because they no longer use dial-up for their credit card machines. Owner Dick Lambing said that he used to have customers who would leave as a result of the long lines because the machines couldn’t process multiple payments at once. Now that his business is internet-based, he has the ability to increase sales. Beyond that, local establishments now offer WiFi to their customers, and places like Hardheads and Ship’s Wheel use digital jukeboxes that offer a world of music at your fingertips.
Q On a basic level, can you tell me how 3rd Coast
Q Beyond high speed internet, what other features
supplies faster, more reliable internet?
does 3rd Coast offer consumers?
CL: It’s fiber optic internet. We use microwave signals to deliver the fiber optic lines to the towers, and then to the homes. Major cell phone companies have been using this type of data transmission with LTE for the past decade because it is the fastest form of broadband technology out there.
CL: Security cameras for residents and second homeowners, which weren’t really feasible prior to this because slow satellite internet speeds made it difficult to view footage on demand. We also do pre-wires for new construction, and surround sound, if someone wants it.
Q How do you feel like 3rd Coast is changing the climate
Q I understand 3rd Coast is growing exponentially.
for residents and small businesses at the beach?
How is your business preparing for the future?
CL: We get numerous calls from potential residents – people who are looking to make the move to the beach, but can’t do it without reliable internet. They want to know how it works and how reliable it is. People tell us all the time they are here more often or for longer periods of time because they are able to telecommute. As far as businesses go, the Pyro Shack has seen tremendous benefit
CL: We’re looking to expand into new markets, rural places where we can duplicate the process that we’ve created here at the beach. One area we’re currently targeting is HamshireFannett, Texas. We have one tower installed there now, with more to come. Our ultimate goal is to bring our customers up to speed with the rest of the world. tL September/October 2017
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local. COOKING
crab cake bites with lemon remoulade BAKED CRAB CAKE BITES
10 oz lump crab meat, picked clean cup red onion, fine chopped cup green bell pepper, fine chopped 1 tbsp Creole mustard 1 tbsp mayo 1 egg, beaten 1 ½ cups Ritz cracker crumbs 3 tbsp milk ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped 3 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese 1 tsp lemon zest 2 tbsp lemon juice 1 tsp seafood seasoning, such as Old Bay salt and pepper to taste Canola oil spray
LEMON REMOULADE
1 cup mayo 1 tbsp Creole mustard 1 tsp honey juice of half a lemon 1 tsp lemon zest ¼ cup dill pickles, minced ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped 1 tbsp hot sauce salt and pepper to taste
DIRECTIONS
1. Make the remoulade by combining all the ingredients, and allow it to set up in the fridge while you make the crab cakes. 2. Preheat oven to 375° F. 3. In a small pan, saute the chopped onions and peppers, just until they are tender, but have not lost their color. Set them aside to cool. 4. Combine all of the crab cake bite ingredients, then chill the mixture for 1 hour in the refrigerator. 5. After the mixture has chilled, form 1 tablespoon-sized balls and lay them onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spray lightly with Canola oil spray. 6. Bake the crab bites for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. You can broil them for a few minutes towards the end to brown the tops, if needed. 7. Serve the crab cake bites with lemon remoulade and lemon wedges.
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RÉMOULADE
Remoulade is a condiment invented in France that is traditionally mayonnaise-based. Though it's similar to tartar sauce, ingredients like sweet honey and sour dill pickles help to form a complex flavor profile that results in a creamy and surprisingly bright sauce which pairs well with seafood.
recipe adapted from delishdlites.com / photo by destiny martin
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local. EVENTS
September-October SAVE THE DATE FOR THESE LOCAL HAPPENINGS Send upcoming events to destiny@thebolivarlocal.com
SOCIAL
Adult Night Tuesdays in September
Fun Town Water Park Enjoy a relaxing evening floating the lazy river at Fun Town Water Park where every Tuesday night after 7 pm is adults only. A perfect spot to watch the sun go down! BYOB. For more info, call (409) 466-1262.
COMMUNITY
Adopt-A-Beach Coastwide Fall Cleanup September 23 Crystal Beach Fire Department
COMMUNITY
HARDHEADS Bolivar Rig Run September 3 Barrels 54-56 Head down to the beach for a panoramic event that celebrates the gusto of open ocean sailing. Sponsored by Hardheads Ice House and the Bolivar Yacht Club. To register, contact Jim Denys at (281) 541-0114.
Sponsored by the Texas General Land Office. Volunteers can sign up online and take part in a fun-filled day at the beach that makes a difference. Each volunteer will be given data cards, gloves, pencils and trash bags. All volunteers are advised to wear closed-toe shoes, bring sunscreen and plenty of drinking water. Check-in at 8:30 am Crystal Beach Volunteer Fire Department, 930 Noble Carl Drive. For more information or to volunteer, go to texasadoptabeach.org or contact Brenda Flanagan at (409) 291-9092.
BENEFIT
Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament September 30 Crystal Beach Community Golf Course The Bolivar Peninsula Chamber of Commerce is asking for your support of their annual Scholarship Golf Tournament to be held on September 30, 2017. All proceeds will be placed in the Chamber’s Scholarship Fund, a deserving student receives a $4,000 scholarship from the Chamber annually. To become a sponsor or to register for this event, contact the Chamber of Commerce office at (409) 684-5940. September/October 2017
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grand slam Flounder Tournament 2017
BENEFIT
Grand Slam Flounder Tournament October 21 Bolivar Yacht Basin Get ready to wet a hook at the first annual Grand Slam Flounder Tournament hosted by Peninsula Sports Park at the Bolivar Yacht Basin Bait Camp on October 21. Proceeds from this fundraising event will help to support the Little League baseball park in Port Bolivar. Anglers from all over are invited to visit Bolivar Peninsula and fish our local waters during the highlyanticipated Fall Flounder Run for a chance to win great prizes and support a worthy cause! For more info, contact Delino Comeaux at (409) 392-6002.
BENEFIT
Bike Around The Bay October 21-22 Galveston Bay Join the Galveston Bay Foundation for our 11th annual Bike Around the Bay, a two-day 170-mile fully supported ride around Galveston Bay. This unique cycling event takes riders in a complete loop around the largest estuary in Texas (and one of the biggest in North America)! All proceeds from this signature fundraising ride directly benefit the Galveston Bay Foundation and its mission to preserve and protect the Bay. Visit galvbay.org for more information.
COMMUNITY
CPR Classes On-going Sponsored by PEMSI and Texas Crab Festival Charities, this hands-on CPR course is free for residents and property owners of the Bolivar Peninsula. Space is limited, locations vary. To register, call (409) 684-2005 Monday through Friday, 9 am to 2 pm.
EVENT
Ghost on the Coast Trunk or Treat Have an event you’d like to put in The Local? Email us at info@thebolivarlocal.com to publish your upcoming event in our calendar. Please include date, time, and location of your event as well as contact information.
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October 28 The Big Store The annual Trunk or Treat and Ghost On The Coast spookhouse will be held at the Big Store on Saturday, October 28 from 6-8 pm. Decorate your car or golf cart and come join in on the fun. Dress up in your best Halloween apparel and enter the Costume Contest. Bring your decorated pumpkin, they will be judged by the public. Don’t miss the action, it’s a real HOOT!
Come Join Me Living the Dream in Crystal Beach LUZ LUZ GRAY GRAY 409-457-6280 409-457-6280 As seen On HGTV Beach Front Bargain Hunt Beach Homes for all Budgets Land for Sale Rental Properties for Sale Free Sunsets
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local. COMMUNITY
GALVESTON COUNTY—Regardless of what season it
Fight the bite Protect yourself, your family and community from Zika Virus with the 3-Ds
by dr. philip keiser galveston county local health authority
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is, we Texans know that the warm temperatures of our coastal region will continue to linger well after the first school bell has rung. Even though fall is right around the corner, don’t let down your guard when it comes to a common and potentially dangerous pest – mosquitoes. That’s why we at the Galveston County Health District (GCHD) want to make sure you know the best ways to protect yourself, your community and family from mosquito-borne illness, including Zika. The key is simple; avoid mosquito bites. We recommend the “3-Ds” method. DEFEND: Apply EPA-approved insect repellent when outside to defend against mosquitoes. If you’ve recently traveled to an area with active Zika transmission, it’s important to use repellent every time you go outside for at least three weeks to avoid infecting mosquitoes here at home. Use screens or close windows and doors to help keep mosquitoes out of your home. The annoying pests don’t like cool air, so using air-conditioning helps, too. DRESS: If you’re going to be spending time outside, dress in pants and long sleeve shirts. Yes, it may be
A MESSAGE FROM THE GALVESTON COUNTY HEALTH DISTRICT
Although there is currently no evidence local mosquitoes are infected with Zika, Texas has a long mosquito season and many people travel to places where Zika is active. This means there is a very real possibility of travelers who come into contact with Zika spreading it to their loved ones here.
uncomfortable in the heat but it helps reduce the amount of exposed skin mosquitoes can attack. You could also to treat your clothes with permethrin spray, an insect repellent. DRAIN: Mosquitoes breed in water, even the smallest of amounts. Removing standing water from around your home will help reduce breeding grounds. Take a walk around your property, look for anything that holds water and drain it. Flower pots, trashcans and buckets are common culprits. When it rains, do it again. About 80% of people who are infected with Zika do not have symptoms but those who do may experience fever, rash, joint pain and red or pink eyes. If you have these symptoms you should see your doctor, especially if you’ve recently traveled to an area with active Zika transmission. Most people recover from the infection in less than a week. The main threat with Zika virus is its
Apply EPA-approved insect repellent with DEET in it
Use screens or close windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out
Wear pants and long-sleeve shirts, especially at dawn and dusk
Remove standing water around your home
devastating effects on pregnancies. The virus can be spread from mother to child if the mother is infected with Zika during pregnancy. Zika has been linked to birth defects such as microcephaly, a condition where a baby’s head is much smaller than expected and can cause developmental delays. Those who are pregnant or considering becoming pregnant need to be sure to take precautions against infection. There is also evidence Zika can be transmitted sexually. Women who have sex partners who’ve traveled to areas with active Zika transmission should properly use condoms or avoid sex during pregnancy. We urge people who fall into these categories to consult with their doctor. You’ll soon start seeing our “Fight the Bite with the 3-Ds” messages in many places including local movie theaters, newspapers and billboards. The idea is to get the message in front of as many eyes as frequently as possible. We also have a wealth of resources available at www.gchd. org/zika. Together we can help greatly reduce the risk of local Zika transmission here in our community.
The Galveston County Health District (GCHD) is the local public health agency for Galveston County, Texas. GCHD provides services and programs that protect the everyday health and well-being of Galveston County.
Cover trash cans or containers where water can collect
September/October 2017
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BOATING RULE #4:
don’t run at night without the proper light
dependable nav lights. uscg approved. POLIGHT eliminates the need for a manually inserted rear navigation light on your boat. Our product incorporates the back light onto your shallow water anchor. No more fumbling in the dark, or wondering if your light is going to work when you plug it in. POLIGHT is there, ready to go when you need it. Approved by the US Coast Guard, POLIGHT is more visible to other boaters than most nav lights on the market, therefore making it safer and more dependable.
409.790.4048 | polightnav@gmail.com CONTACT US TODAY ABOUT OUR INTRODUCTORY PRICING Proudly made in the USA
THE CURE FOR ANYTHING IS
saltwater — S W E AT, T E A R S , O R T H E S E A .
September/October 2017
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sea
be seen
Untitled by Eva Heller
Gotcha! by Cody Martin
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September/October 2017
Puffer Fish by Aimee Chesson
Bottle Stopper by Jaylynn Lavergne
Untitled by Kimber Huber
Share your LOCAL scene.
Send us photos of your favorite places, people and past times on the peninsula. Submit high resolution (300 dpi) images to info@ thebolivarlocal.com for a chance to be featured in an upcoming Sea & Be Seen feature. Best Day Ever! by David Lambert September/October 2017
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