The Island Moon Newspaper

08/20/2025

John Paul Jones or Yet another “Fishy” history lesson.
By Gene Saegert
Seems like Captain Jones, and avid fisherman, aboard the USS Bonhomme Richard along with his crew, had entered an international fishing tournament and was not faring well. Things got rather heated in the midst of the tourney. The British team, being really poor sports, began to make fun of the John Paul Jones crew and called them a bunch of little girly losers and that they should just drop their purses and give up because they knew nothing about fishing. As it turns out, not a wise statement for men in tights with red three cornered hats. At this point Captain John Paul Jones uttered his now famous words “I have not yet begun to fish!” Although badly outnumbered and in a heavily damaged ship, Captain Jones’s team did finally pull it off, and soundly defeated Captain Pearson and the crew of the Serapis with the heaviest stringer. When being presented with the trophy, he did say later off the record “Even though we were outnumbered and low on bait, I wasn’t about to lose that six pieces of eight and keg of rum entry fee!”
In other news, a man named Charlie, (I think he was an area local) was an avid fisherman. He did more fishing than working, so when Charlie unexpectedly passed away he didn’t leave much for his wife, except for some fishing equipment, which included a boat. Charlie’s wife wanted to put in a proper obituary, but had very little cash. She asked the local paper how much an obituary, plus a for sale ad would cost. When she realized that she couldn’t afford both, she kept it to the bare minimum and simply put in “Charlie’s dead, boat for sale.

08/20/2025

A shameless plug for our eye doctor Lauren Jensen and next door neighbor at the Island Moon offices. Come out and show your support for an awesome Island business and get a discount on frames!

👉 SPECIAL GUEST - Island Family Eyecare! ✨One Night Only – Wednesday, August 20 at 5:30 PM
Enjoy 20% off frames & sunglasses purchased at the event! 👓🕶️Designer Brands include: SALT., Costa, Arbor (Made in Texas - they plant a tree for each frame sold), BCBG + more!

Sip a glass of wine, explore the gallery, and shop stylish eyewear that’s as artful as it is functional.

08/20/2025

Christus Trinity Clinic on the Island is now open at their new/old location at 14202 S.P.I.D. Their hours are 8am until 5pm Monday through Friday. Doctors Tracy Snow Mills and Myriah Willborn along with Elsie Deleon and Dustin Merriman APRN, FNP-C will be staffing the office. Welcome back!

08/20/2025

Nueces County officials this week gave an update on the new Bob Hall Pier. The pier structure to support the pier is made up of 24-inch steel pilings and as the structure is built out to the D-shaped deck at the end larger, 48-inch steel pilings will be used for support.
Work on the new restaurant structure on the pier is expected to start by the end of 2025 with completion in early to mid-2026. The pier structure is on schedule to be finished by the end of 2025. When the pier is complete the temporary wooden trestle will be removed.

08/19/2025

Beachcombing Report
By Jace Tunnell
Snorkeling Paradise at the Jetties
This past week brought some of the best snorkeling conditions of the year to the jetties at North Padre Island and Port Aransas. With virtually no wave action and an incredible 15 to 20 feet of visibility, the Gulf transformed into a calm, clear aquarium — perfect for underwater exploration.
I took full advantage of the conditions, snorkeling along the rocks while filming an upcoming Beachcombing video focused on green sea turtles. These amazing creatures were everywhere — gliding effortlessly around the rocks and surfacing for air. Sharing the water with them was unforgettable.
The jetties were buzzing with life. I swam through shimmering schools of bay anchovies, their bodies flashing in the sunlight like a living curtain. Colorful fish such as mangrove snapper and sergeant majors darted in and out of rock crevices, while stone crabs clung to the shadows. A couple of spider crabs made an appearance, along with a sleek snook cruising by, making this one of the most vibrant snorkeling
experiences I’ve had all summer.
August is notorious for its hot, calm days and clear green water along the Texas coast. If you can time it right, snorkeling between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. during full sun gives you the best visibility and underwater color. The light hits directly overhead, illuminating the vibrant marine life and algae-covered rocks. Water temperatures are sitting around a balmy 86 degrees, so you can stay in the water for hours.
If you're planning to snorkel, be sure to follow safety precautions. Always bring a floating red dive flag to alert nearby boats to your presence. Barnacles on the rocks can be sharp, so tread carefully. Also watch out for lost fishing line — bring a small knife in case you need it to free yourself from any tangles.
These calm August weeks are a window into a different world just beneath the surface. Don’t miss your chance to experience the stunning green waters of the Gulf while they’re at their best. Keep an eye out for my video on green sea turtles — it’s coming soon!
Jace Tunnell is the Director of Community Engagement for the Harte Research Institute at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. His Beachcombing series appears on YouTube and you can follow Jace at harteresearch.org, or Facebook (facebook.com/harteresearch), Instagram () and X () (the platform formerly known as Twitter).

08/19/2025

A little Island history
Who was Briscoe King and how did the pavilion at Balli Park come to be named after him?

By Jim Atwill and Dale Rankin
It is a question often asked but so far at least never answered. Who was Briscoe King and how did the pavilion at Balli Park come to be named after him? There is very little on the written records in Nueces County that addresses that question so when long-time Port Aransas resident, former Justice of the Peace, and former owner of the Tarpon Inn Jim Atwill walked into the Island Moon office this week with an answer it was welcome information. Mr. Atwill actually knew the man who called himself R. Briscoe King – the R standing for Russell – and combining Mr. Atwill’s knowledge with what we could find from other sources here is what we know about R. Briscoe King.
The first thing to know is that his lineage is not connected to the famed King Ranch. His father was Judge James A. King in Austin who was appointed by Gov. William P. Hobby as State Tax Commissioner in 1919. Judge King was the author of a book “When Friends Become Foes, a story of the Civil War.” He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, and he also taught Sunday School at the First Methodist Church for ten years.
His son R. Briscoe King was born January 29, 1905 in Karnes City and attended elementary school in Floresville. After studying at the University of Texas he attended the University of Oklahoma Law School where he graduated in 1930 and passed the bar examinations in both Texas and Oklahoma that year. King was a practicing attorney in Corpus Christi from 1930 until his death and was active in political affairs. He was state executive committeeman for the 20th Senatorial District from 1960-1962 and in 1960 was Nueces County chairman for Gov. Price Daniel. He also served for a short time as special judge of 117th District Court. He was also the head of the Buccaneer Commission from 1961-1963.
He was the City Attorney of Corpus Christi from 1937 until 1942 when he joined the Navy for four years reaching the rank of Lieutenant Commander and serving as Military Governor of U.S. Opposition Forces in Sasabo, Japan. But it was his work he did shortly before leaving for World War II that arguably had the greatest impact on the history of Corpus Christi. Since the 1919 hurricane which devastated downtown the need for a seawall on Corpus Christi Bay was realized but as is often the case when it comes to Corpus Christi politics it was a contentious project and by the 1930s the project was still moving through the process and found its way into the courts and that is where Mr. King became involved. Throughout the 1930s as City Attorney he was involved with using eminent domain to claim the bay front land needed to build the seawall. Through his efforts the seawall was completed in 1941 when Mr. King left to join the Navy.
He returned to Corpus Christi and practiced law until becoming Nueces County Judge from October 3, 1969 after being appointed to succeed Noah Kennedy who left to become Judge of 148th District Court. Then in 1970 Judge King ran for judge of County-Court-at Law #2 and won the Democratic nomination by a majority of 4-1 and was elected without opposition in the General Election. He was to take office on January 1, 1971 but died before taking office.
So what does any of that have to do with Balli Park? Briscoe King served on the Board of Directors of the Nueces County Parks Board from 1964 until he was appointed County Judge in 1969. His wife died January 10, 1970 and R. Briscoe King followed on November 24, 1970 and was buried in Seaside Memorial Park. When and how the decision was made to name the pavilion at Balli Park after him presumably exists somewhere in the annals of Nueces County archives. But the fact that he was Nueces County Judge and a member of the Nueces County Parks Board for five years seems plenty of justification for putting his name on a building that is about to get $6 million in expansion.
And now you know who Briscoe King was.

08/14/2025

Around the Island
By Dale Rankin

In a place surrounded by salt water the talk across the city for the past six months is how to get the salt out so we can drink it. I have resisted going down that rabbit hole for the most part because the discussion has no specific relation to The Island except of course that we drink the water. But there is one exception that surfaced this week when the Executive Director of the Nueces River Authority John Byrum rose to speak at the Corpus Christi City Council and laid out a plan to build a desal plant on 30 acres of port-owned land on Harbor Island near Port Aransas to produce 100 million gallons per day of desal water to be fed out through an 84-inch pipeline. The Port of Corpus Christi would be responsible for permits and the selling of water rights and said that already 38% of the rights have been sold, all outside of Nueces County with another “28%-38% working through the system now.” The cost of the desal water is seven cents per gallon compared to the average world-wide cost of $10-$15 per 1000 gallons with the cost to municipal users at $24.44 per acre foot and $48.88 per acre foot for industrial users.
Byrum said the water is being sold for residential use to cities upstream, including San Antonio, with only one million gallons per day going to commercial use. He said the plant will launch by producing 12-14 mgd and can be scaled up to 450 mgd and offered to sell to the City of Corpus Christi. Under the rules of the contract Byrum said the River Authority can sell to a city for resale to residential users but cannot sell directly to residential customers. The plan described this week includes the sale of water to San Antonio and the construction of a pipeline to points west as yet undetermined.
The main objection to the Inner Harbor site for a desal plant at the port has been the outflow of brine into the bay system and the outflow from the Harbor Island plant will be offshore in 37 feet of water and the permits are expected in time to have water from the facility flowing by 2029. That seems to address the environmental concerns and also offers a long-term solution to the discharge problem that has become a political football.
What was surprising to me was that even after Byrum’s presentation a host of public speakers rose to speak, most in opposition to the Inner Harbor site, like they didn’t hear anything Byrum had to say. I realize that the opposition to desal is really not anything to do with water but rather opposition to industrial growth in and around the port and that is not going away. Byrum also said more than half a dozen potential port projects have been located elsewhere due to lack of guaranteed water supply. But the plan I heard Tuesday seems to me to redefine the argument over the Inner Harbor plant.
Water fights
All over South Texas of late we are seeing fights break out in small towns as they come to grips with their water future and also the money to be made in water. When God made Texas he made enough land for everybody but only enough water to fight over and from Beeville to Kingsville the water fight is on as delays from the Regional Water Supplier – the City of Corpus Christi – have left a vacuum that is being filled through a variety of ground water projects even as we swelter under continuing water use restrictions.
Fortunes are at stake and as I have watched the pushing and shoving going on among the political class of late I keep going back to a closing line in the movie about the fight over water rights in Los Angeles…forget it Jake it’s Chinatown.
And so it goes…

08/14/2025

This weeks The Island Moon Newspaper 🗞️ is now available online at islandmoon.com and on newsstands later today. Cheers to our Friday!

08/12/2025

Thank you to the Durrill family for investing in our beloved Island. What an awesome addition Brewster Street Icehouse - On The Island is. Cheers to many years 🎉🎉🎉

From Our Family to Yours – Welcome to Brewster Street On the Island 🌴

Today’s the day! At 11 AM, we’re opening our doors and welcoming the Coastal Bend community to our newest Brewster Street Icehouse location.

From our family to yours, thank you for letting us be part of your lives for so many years. We’re thrilled to bring the same menu you love, now with beautiful island views, a renovated patio bar, extended deck, and a brand-new Brewster’s playground for the little ones.

Whether you’re stopping in after the beach, meeting friends for live music, or bringing the whole family for dinner, we can’t wait to make new memories with you, right here on the island.

See you soon,

The Brewster Street Icehouse & Durrill Family

08/11/2025

Who Manages Billish Park?
It is all in the lease…

Billish Park is maintained under an agreement between Padre Isles Property Owners Association and the City of Corpus Christi, which is the property owner. The lease was approved on May 16, 2017 and is currently being renegotiated between the parties. It is an eleven-acre park located at 15601 Gypsy Street with the land deeded by the original Island developers to the City of Corpus Christi when Padre Island was annexed in the early 1980s.
As described in meetings of the PIPOA Board of Directors at the time the PIPOA initiated the talks that led to the signing of the lease after being informed by the City of Corpus Christi Park Department that the city crews would mow the grass at the park but would not perform additional maintenance such as trimming trees and irrigating. The agreement remains in effect on a year-to-year basis running with the city’s fiscal year and is subject to termination by either party by written notice at least three months prior to the commencement of any city fiscal year.
Under the agreement that “all plans (for amenities) must be submitted to the City Director of Engineering and Director of Parks and Recreation and allow for at least 30 days for final review and approval, which approval shall not be unreasonably denied.” According to the language in the agreement:
The Billish Park Improvements must include:
I. Installation of new irrigation; and
2. Improvement to the turf and landscaping.
C. The Billish Park Improvements may include:
I. Excavation and grading of a pond, including placement of spoils throughout Billish
Park in accordance with the plans and specifications;
2. Turf establishment on the pond slopes and embankments;
3. Suction pump at the pond for irrigation;
4. Concrete walkways adjacent to the pond; and/or
5. Playground equipment.
111. Construction Improvement.
A. The PIPOA agrees to contract for the construction of the Billish Park Improvements as
approved in the manner described above at its sole cost and expense.
IV. Transfer of Billish Park Improvements to City and Payment
A. Upon the completion of the Billish Park Improvements, the PIPOA shall execute a
special warranty deed conveying such improvements to the City for the purchase price
of $400,000 to be paid by the City.

Maintenance and Operation of Billish Park
The agreement reads as follows:
A. The PIPOA agrees to adopt, maintain, and repair Billish Park, including the Billish Park
Improvements upon completion of construction of the Billish Park Improvements, on a
year-to-year basis in accordance with terms and conditions described herein and subject
to adjustment from time to time based on agreement between the PIPOA and the City
Manager or designee.
B. The PIPOA agrees to maintain the multi-purpose sports field established at Billish Park
according to the following standards:
• Mow every 7 days during faster growing periods from March through October each year and every 14 days during the remainder of each year.
• Aerate on an annual basis.
• Fertilize on an annual basis.
• Irrigate with an automated or manual irrigation system.
• Apply pest control as needed.
• Pick up litter and empty receptacles on a weekly basis or more frequently as needed.
Maintain all remaining improvements on an as-needed basis.
C. For the remainder of Billish Park, the maintenance schedule shall be the same except the
mowing schedule may be reduced to approximately 21 times per year mowing every 14
days during months of March through October and every 28 days during the remainder
of the year.
The City agrees to trim the palm trees at Billish Park at least one time per year.
Each year, the City agrees to provide to the PIPOA $14,700.00 to defray a portion of the costs of mowing and maintaining the landscaping associated with Billish Park and the Billish Park Improvements, such amount to be paid on or before December I (or other mutually acceptable date) during each fiscal year subject to appropriation of funding and the City's annual budget process. The PIPOA shall be responsible for all other costs of mowing and maintenance of Billish Park.
The PIPOA agrees to comply with the City’s water conservation program.

08/11/2025

New swag from Brewster Street Island!

08/11/2025

Melissa Mitchell, Gallerist
Padre Island Art Gallery
14646 Compass Drive
http://www.padreislandartgallery.com
361.949.3314
I spotted a small, fluffy white dog the other day, panting as it walked alongside its person in the morning sun. It reminded me of home—not here on the Island - but my other home up in Northeast Texas, where I’ve owned a dog daycare and boarding facility for the past sixteen years. These days, my son manages it—but my heart is still right there with them. I handle the marketing and social media, which helps me feel connected—no matter the miles.
At Prancing Paws, we’ve spent plenty of long summers finding creative ways to keep tails wagging and temperatures down. Kiddie pools, plenty of shades, and the occasional “bobbing for strawberries” sessions are all part of the fun. We serve watermelon wedges and whip up doggy snow cones topped with a swirl of coconut cream. The messier the muzzle, the happier the pup.
Splash pads? Check. Even “Prancing Paws on Ice”—where we fill a kiddie pool with bags of ice and let them jump in and go wild. So simple, and so much fun.
And if you didn’t know: Padre Island Art Gallery is dog-friendly, too. Most of the pets who visit behave just as well as their people—and every time one trots through the door, I can’t help but smile.
Tips for Keeping Cool
Island life has its own rhythm, and so does pet care in the heat. Here are a few warm-weather habits we’ve embraced over the years to help dogs stay safe and happy—even on the hottest days:
Paw Check – A concrete heat test: if you can’t walk barefoot on it, neither should they. Early mornings or evenings are best for strolls, especially on the pavement.
Water Everywhere – One of our giveaways at the daycare is a collapsible water bowl paired with a bottle of water. Most pet parents keep one stashed in their bags or vehicles. Shade and hydration go a long way.
Frozen Favorites – Plain yogurt bites with a blueberry inside make the easiest pup popsicles. We’ve also frozen bone broth in ice trays—an instant hit.
Grooming Tips – While it’s tempting to shave down every fluffy dog, not all coats are meant for that. For double-coated breeds—like Huskies, Golden Retrievers, and Aussies—a good de-shedding (Furmination) session often works better than a buzz cut.
Know the Signs – If your dog’s panting hard, seems dazed, or unsteady, it’s time for a break. Better safe than overheated.
Now, Let’s Talk About Us
Humans can get cranky in the heat, too—especially when the breeze disappears and the sand starts to sizzle. Here are a few of my favorite rituals for keeping cool:
Mornings Are Magic – I like to walk early—before the sun gets serious. The quiet, salty air is the perfect way to reset for the day.
Frozen Obsessions – And when the sun is out in full-force? Coconut-lime shaved ice with cream on top? Yes, please. Bonus points if they serve a pup cup alongside.
Art & AC – Stepping into Padre Island Art Gallery is a favorite midday escape for many. The air conditioning is lovely, and so is the view—from sea turtles to seascapes, it’s a cool retreat in more ways than one.
Sips That Sparkle – I keep an insulated tumbler with me. My favorite beach drink? Sparkling ice water, fresh lemon and orange slices, and a sprig of mint if I’m feeling fancy. Delicious and healthy.
Summer on the Island is something special. And if you’ve got a four-pawed adventurer by your side, there’s no shortage of simple ways to savor it together.
So take the walk early, share the shaved ice, and if you’re near the gallery—stop in and say hello. We’ve got cool air, cold water, and art that’ll lift your spirits. And yes… well-behaved pets are always welcome.
Scavenger Hunt Clue—Padre Island Art Gallery

This week’s featured piece is a nod to seaside stillness and wagging tails.
Find the painting with boats on land—and a lone dog keeping watch in the sand.
Jot down the title and artist name, then swing by the front desk to claim your entry!
The Art of Island Life will return next week with more stories and inspiration from our coastal community. Have a story to share or an upcoming event? Reach out to me at [email protected].