Captains, officers and students of the Texas Maritime Academy, part of Texas A&M University at Galveston, recently departed for the first of two training cruises in the Gulf of Mexico this summer.
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The Galveston Island Beach Patrol has island-wide beach flag status with safety information, live beach cameras, and educational ocean safety materials for Galveston Island and the broader Coastal Texas Community.
Michael Stuart's insight:
Mothers Day brought lots of families to the beaches and it was great to see everyone out there. Also great to see was how well the Gay Splash Day event went at East Beach. We had very few problems for such a large crowd. Lt. Pete Alcocer of the Galveston Police Department heads up the Park Board funded Beach Security Detail and really managed the event well along with an excellent crew of cops from the GPD, Galveston Sheriff Office, and other local groups. The Galveston Island Beach Patrol is a state certified, first response agency employing over 80 lifeguards, senior guards, and supervisors. Each of the nine units is staffed by at least one person who has a minimum of an EMT-B certification. The units are equipped with trauma kits, spinal immobilization equipment and oxygen, as well as water rescue equipment. We have a rescue boat which, a rigid hull inflatable, that will hold up to five people and can be launched off the beach. Three personal watercraft are also used for patrol and rescue. Delete the scoop?
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Funds Coming From Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Plea Agreements, In Texas, those agencies are Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and Texas General Land Office.
Michael Stuart's insight:
exas will receive $203 million over a five-year period to restore Gulf coast natural resources impacted by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) has announced. NFWF will administer the Gulf Environmental Benefit Fund involving $2.544 billion from plea agreements resolving certain criminal cases arising from the 2010 explosion and oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. With the announcement, NFWF also outlined procedures and criteria for selecting projects for funding in the Gulf Coast states of Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. As mandated in the plea agreements, NFWF has begun consulting with natural resource management agencies in each of the five Gulf States and with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. In Texas, those agencies are Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and Texas General Land Office. The input of these agencies will be the primary means through which project selection under the Gulf Fund will be coordinated with actions of the Deepwater Horizon Natural Resource Damage Assessment trustees and the RESTORE Council.
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City Council has approved an ordinance that allows owners of NEVs to operate their vehicles on city streets with speed limits of 35 miles per hour or less.
Michael Stuart's insight:
San Antonio is ready offer motorists a greener mode of transportation called neighborhood electric vehicles. The City’s Office of Sustainability says San Antonio residents and visitors will now have the option of traveling about the area in environmentally-friendly neighborhood electric vehicles (NEVs). City Council has approved an ordinance that allows owners of NEVs to operate their vehicles on city streets with speed limits of 35 miles per hour or less. NEVs emit no tailpipe emissions, are relatively quiet and do not depend on imported oil. Because of their environmental benefits, drivers of NEVs will be eligible to participate in a program that allows them to park these vehicles for free in metered spaces. Neighborhood electric vehicles provide a clean and inexpensive travel option, along with their environmental benefits, NEVs are designed to operate safely on low-speed public streets. These smaller electric cars meet the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s standard for low-speed vehicles. ref:http://www.bizjournals.com/sanantonio/blog/2013/05/san-antonio-is-promoting-neighborhood.html Delete the scoop?
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If you haven’t been to Galveston Island lately, you might want to make plans this Sunday as the island celebrates Texas Tourism Week by offering a 50 percent discount on many of its attractions.
Michael Stuart's insight:
Texas Tourism Week coincides with National Travel & Tourism Week, which will be held May 4-12, 2013. Tourism is one of the top industries on Galveston Island, drawing more than 6 million visitors and $800 million annually. Participating attractions offering discounts include:
These offers are only valid on May 5 and may not be combined with any other offers, discounts or previously purchased tickets. To take advantage of this special discount, participants must print the Texas Tourism Week coupon at www.galveston.com/texastourismweek Delete the scoop?
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The community of Port Aransas is invited to an open house this evening to discuss proposed improvements to Highway 361.
Michael Stuart's insight:
The proposal impacts Highway 361 from Avenue G to just south of Beach Access Road 1. That's right along the main drag before you get into the heart of Port Aransas while heading into town from Corpus Christi. According to TxDOT, the following improvements are under consideration:
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It’s time to clean up the beaches on South Padre Island and the public’s chance to help is this Saturday. Delete the scoop?
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With more than 600 miles of coastline and the longest undeveloped barrier island in the world, Texas has plenty of space to soak up the sun and surf. It’s also the best spot for bird watching.
Michael Stuart's insight:
Get out of the cold and into Texas. With more than 600 miles of sparkling coastline, we have plenty of space to stretch out on the sand and soak up the sun. We’re also home to the longest undeveloped barrier island in the world and the best bird watching imaginable. We’re also home to the longest undeveloped barrier island in the world. It’s true. So if you’re looking for a stretch of beach to soak up the sun and the surf, we have a “little” room for you here. The beach is just the beginning. Hit the ocean and take the family jet skiing, sea kayaking, sailing, big game fishing and more. To start planning your Texas Beach adventure, visit http://www.traveltex.com/things-to-do/beaches/ Delete the scoop?
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Many public health impacts have been predicted for climate change, but there has been relatively little exploration of ways to minimize the risks and develop long-term adaptation strategies.
Michael Stuart's insight:
Adapting to the anticipated weather extremes arising from climate change has two main thrusts: reducing exposure and managing health risks. Reducing heat exposure often means having access to air conditioning, but widespread use of air conditioning can overburden the electrical grid to the point of large-scale outages. It can also further pollute the atmosphere as power plants increase output to meet electricity demands. Reliance on air conditioning could be reduced through better building design and use of materials that reflect heat or insulate against it in new construction and renovations. These methods could be incorporated in urban planning that also encompasses green spaces (trees and open areas) and other measures known to mitigate the tendency for urban areas to trap and retain heat. Health risks might be mitigated to some degree through real-time health data surveillance, which would enable officials to detect crises early and warn the public accordingly. Public health researchers also recognize that solutions to climate-related problems may also benefit health—for instance, a community designed so that residents can safely walk and bike to shop and work not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions but offers the cardiovascular benefits of physical exercise, which in turn may further protect individuals against extreme heat. Such multibenefit solutions might ultimately prove the most cost-effective, but they need to be better understood and quantified before they can be enacted. Delete the scoop?
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A study found people who take a vacation a year were 30 percent less likely to die from a heart-related cause.
Michael Stuart's insight:
Got some vacation time built up? Forget whatever excuses you've been using for not taking it, and plan a mini holiday. Right now! Research shows that regular getaways may increase longevity by preventing heart disease. In fact, men in a nine-year study who took at least one vacation per year were almost 30% less likely to die from a heart-related cause compared with the men who kept their noses to the grindstone.
Regardless of the men's overall health and income, their risk of dying from heart disease was clearly connected to their willingness to take a break. Researchers suspect that vacation-takers may have better heart health because time off helps reduce stress -- one of the biggest contributors to heart disease. Vacation time also provides opportunities to do other good-for-your-health things, like reconnecting with family and friends, and pursuing fulfilling interests.
So coast to the Texas coast - it's a short drive to better health. Delete the scoop?
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A German research team finds that walking by the water exerts measurable positive health effects.
Michael Stuart's insight:
According to researchers at the University of Bonn in Germany, if you want to get the most health benefits from your walk, make sure it includes a stroll by some water. Water has become one of the most important landscape elements in urban areas to promote harmony and balanced mental health. It’s no secret that children are immediately cheered by the prospect of splashing in a pool or fountain. The same is true for adults, according to the German researchers—although without all that splashing. To boost your health, all you need to do is walk along a promenade beside some water—whether it’s a natural river, lake, or manmade stream. According to the researchers, the need for recreational or “healthy” places, like water promenades, in cities is increasing. Unfortunately, most current urban planning is conducted without taking the beneficial health effects of water into account. The researchers decided to study two “therapeutic landscapes:” one promenade on the river Rhine in Cologne; and one similar water path in Dusseldorf. The researchers used a complex series of tests to determine the health benefits of promenade walking. Results showed that water promenades are a favorite place to spend leisure time and to engage in recreational activities, in addition to providing restoration from everyday stresses. Water was a strong predictor of positive emotions and experiences in the urban dwellers studied. The next time you’re feeling a little stressed, a little under-the-weather, or have a case of the blues, head outside and go for a walk near some water. Repeat this activity as much as you can until you start to feel healthier and happier. Delete the scoop?
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The world-famous country music song “Galveston” made popular by Glen Campbell in 1969 has been remade once again – this time in a marketing campaign for the Texas beach town the song was named after.
Michael Stuart's insight:
The Galveston Island Convention & Visitors Bureau has purchased the rights of the song for use in its upcoming summer tourism promotions with hopes it will encourage travelers to not only “dream of Galveston” as the lyrics say – but visit. The Galveston song is so iconic world-wide, and to many people, it is already considered an anthem for the island, said Galveston CVB Marketing Director Melody Smith. With Galveston re-emerging as a top travel and cruise destination, we thought it only fitting to draw on our roots and embrace this song within our marketing efforts.
View the video: http://youtu.be/laD-l-9hOM4 Delete the scoop?
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At Island Moorings Marina In Port Aransas, an injured pelican has found a new home after a worker at a local marina rescued the bird and nursed him back to health.
Michael Stuart's insight:
In Port Aransas, an injured pelican has found a new home after a worker at a local marina rescued the bird and nursed him back to health. That was three months ago, and since then, the pelican who's been named Pete has not left the side of his new best friend. Bill Churchwell reports. Richard Dunn, a dock worker at the Island Moorings Marina in Port Aransas says it was three months ago when he first met Pete the Pelican. He was hurt and needed help.
You could say the pelican has adopted the dock worker. Pete goes wherever Richard goes, eating out of his hands, and even riding in a golf cart. Pete won't walk up to just anyone, he's flies away from strangers, but not Richard. Their new found friendship has visitors at the marina doing a double take.
Pete has quite the fan club now. You could say he's a new mascot of sorts at the marina. Pete comes and goes as he pleases, but he always comes back. He roams the docks in search of the person who saved his life. See the Marina at: http://www.IslandMoorings.com Watch the video at: http://www.kiiitv.com/story/21791465/pelican-adopts-marina-worker-as-his-new-best-friend?autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=8708747 Delete the scoop?
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Looking for some tools to help you save money while traveling? Check out a few work for travel sites - Or just drive to the Texas coast.
Michael Stuart's insight:
Granted, they do depend in part on the type of travel you're planning. Some are great if you're looking to crash for free or find last-minute rooms; others are more ideal for long-term trips where you'll be working for the roof over your head. You can try one, two or a combination of them all — it's a win-win regardles. CouchSurfing.org is a hospitality sharing platform that's been around since 2003. Its goal is exactly what it sounds like: to set you up with a couch to "crash" on. To use it, you need to register and fill out a basic profile, with your name, location, hobbies, etc. Once your profile's public, you can indicate how many travelers you're willing to accommodate (it's a rule that you need to be open to hosting if you'll be surfing.) it's a website that connects you to participants abroad who are willing to provide food and accommodation in return for work. Similar to WorkAway, the World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF) is an exchange program that pairs volunteers with hosts in different parts of the world. The niche here is "organic farm," which is where you'll be working. Similar to the previous two, HelpX is an online platform that connects travelers to hosts willing to provide food and board for work. Use it to find hostels and book beds at the last minute wherever you're traveling. Once you check in, you can use it to meet other travelers who are staying at the hostel as well. Or just drive to the Texas coast and have it all! Delete the scoop?
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Texas joined other Gulf states suing BP for environmental damage caused by the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill.
Michael Stuart's insight:
The exas suit seeks natural resources damages, economic damages and civil penalties. Louisiana and Alabama sued initially, while Florida and Mississippi sued last month around the three-year anniversary of the disaster. Texas officials said in a statement their filing “follows years of work with Texas’ sister Gulf states and the federal government, as well as BP, to resolve damages associated with harm caused to the Gulf.” Texas said it filed the suit in federal court in Beaumont to preserve its claims because “the parties to date have been unable to fully resolve claims.” The state expects its case to be consolidated with the case already underway in federal court in New Orleans. Don't mess with Texas - especially the coast. Delete the scoop?
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The southern coastal area of the Texas coast is among the safest coastlines in the country for hurricanes, according to the New York Times.
Michael Stuart's insight:
The southern coastal area of the Texas coast is among the safest coastlines in the country for hurricanes, according to the New York Times. This includes Port Aransas Mustang Island and South Padre Island. Weather disasters and quakes: who’s most at risk? The analysis below, by Sperling’s Best Places, a publisher of city rankings, is an attempt to assess a combination of those risks in 379 American metro areas. Risks for twisters and hurricanes (including storms from hurricane remnants) are based on historical data showing where storms occurred. Earthquake risks are based on United States Geological Survey assessments and take into account the relative infrequency of quakes, compared with weather events and floods. Additional hazards included in this analysis: flooding, drought, hail and other extreme weather. Download the PDF at: http://graphics8.nytimes.com/packages/pdf/weekinreview/05012011-natural-disaster-risk-map.pdf Delete the scoop?
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Defying its troubled reputation, Mexico is becoming an economic power. Will Americans notice? South Padre Island's economy is heavly influenced by mexican second home owners and visitors.
Michael Stuart's insight:
In the last year, however, Mexico’s image has witnessed a dramatic transformation. In the eyes of U.S. media and policy-making elites, the country’s gone from being the next Afghanistan to the next China. The new narrative crescendo-ed with the swearing-in last December of President Enrique Peña Nieto. Journalists covering the event learned, among other things, that years of effective economic policies and an embrace of free trade are turning Mexico into a solidly middle-class society. The Financial Times called Mexico, whose economy grew 3.9 percent in 2012, an “Aztec tiger.” No relationship is of greater importance to the U.S.’s well-being than that with Mexico. Two decades since the signing of the North American Free Trade Agreement, the cross-border partnership has yet to reach its true potential, even though manufacturers already view the U.S. and Mexico as a single market for production purposes. Mexico, with all its challenges, represents a success story in global terms. After the 1995 peso crisis roiled international markets, Mexico started practicing what Washington only preaches: living within its means. South Texas and the Texas coast's South Padre Island economy is heavily influenced by Mexican second home owners and visitors. Also see: Mexico May Finally Get a Modern Oil Industry at http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2012-07-12/mexico-may-finally-get-a-modern-oil-industry Delete the scoop?
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While lawmakers may not pass legislation to help legalize casino gambling in Texas this legislative session, senators proposed a resolution for a constitutional amendment to legalize gambling beyond horse track racing, bingo and state lottery.
Michael Stuart's insight:
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The Gulf of Mexico's red snapper management has long been a contentious issue for recreational anglers lamenting severe restrictions based on faulty data.
Michael Stuart's insight:
Short seasons in federal waters not only limit recreational enjoyment of the resource, but also the economic impact on bait/tackle shops, charter services, marinas and the hospitality industry. Rick Perry (Texas), Bobby Jindal (Louisiana), Phil Bryant (Mississippi) and Rick Scott (Florida) are asking Congress to transfer the Gulf red snapper management to a partnership of Gulf States representatives. Pointing to flawed data collection practices, the recreational sector has in recent years sought a loosening of federal regulations. In a jointly signed letter to U.S. House and Senate leadership, the governors stated: With a stock that is recovering steadily, our recreational anglers are being allowed to fish less and less, and there is no hint of willingness from NOAA Fisheries to deviate from this present, unsatisfactory course. As governors of Gulf States, we believe this confusing management is just the latest evidence of a federal management system that is irretrievably broken. We seek to establish a better fishery management approach for Gulf red snapper. Delete the scoop?
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It’s time to clean up the beaches again and the public’s chance to help is on Saturday.
Michael Stuart's insight:
Join the Keep SPI Beautiful Committee on the Adopt-A-Beach Spring Cleanup on Saturday, April 20, 2013 at the City Beach Access #3 from 9AM to 12 PM. Please come out and join them to keep SPI beautiful and debris free. Thousands of Adopt-A-Beach volunteers remove an average of 500 tons of trash each year from Texas beaches. Through two large scale cleanups, and a number of smaller ones, Texans arrive by the thousands to show their dedication to keeping Texas beaches clean. Since 1986, more than 439,000 volunteers have removed 8,400 tons (more than 17 million pounds) of trash from Texas beaches and estuaries. For more information the Texas Gulf Coast cleanups visit: http://www.glo.texas.gov/adopt-a-beach/cleanups/participate.html Download information: http://www.glo.texas.gov/adopt-a-beach/pdfs/aab-faqs-cleanups.pdf Delete the scoop?
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Scientists reveal new insights into how the Gulf of Mexico's natural processes degraded oil-related compounds after the Deepwater Horizon spill.
Michael Stuart's insight:
Researchers reporting at the American Chemical Society conference revealed details of a cascade of micro-organisms that spring into action to degrade oil. Research has also outlined how chemical "dispersants" used in clean-up efforts actually frustrate these processes. However, the long-term effects of the weeks of oil exposure remain unknown. And concern was expressed about the ultimate resilience of the Gulf. In a sense, it is no surprise that the seas should host oil-hungry microbes; natural seeps from the ocean floor have been releasing oil into the world's waters for millions of years. The new finding is about methanotrophs, which feed on methane - among the last compounds to be degraded. All of a sudden the methanotroph populationsgo up to really high densities and they're fat and happy - and then the methane is gone.
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In a time where smartphones have taken control of the cellular market, more than five million people now play a game called “Geocaching” worldwide.
Michael Stuart's insight:
Geocaching began in 2000 as a test of the accuracy of publicly accessible Global Positioning Satellites by Dave Ulmer, a computer consultant. He originally called it “The Great American GPS Stash Hunt,” which would later be called Geocaching. "The challenge rotates regions every year and Port Aransas was on the list of possible places,” said Mike Lovelace, the association’s South Texas representative and head coordinator for the challenge. It’s by the beach and there are plenty of things for people who aren’t participating in the main event to do. Geocaching is about going green and staying green. We hope the challenge keeps going and other states and communities try something like this. Read more at: www.geocaching.com or texasgeocaching.com Delete the scoop?
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Port Aransas isn't just home to a great beach. It's also home to great dining and relaxation.
Michael Stuart's insight:
Readers voted the coastal community the best tourist destination spot in the area.
Ann Vaughan, chief executive officer and president of the Port Aransas Chamber of Commerce, said it is because there is something for everyone.
"There is such a wide variety of things, whether on a limited budget or an unlimited budget," she said.
Port Aransas also won for best beach, which is one of the community's highlights.
Birding along that part of the coast brings in people from all over the world, she said.
Also, the community has several festivals and celebrations throughout the year, like a whooping crane celebration, Texas Sand Fest and many fishing tournaments.
"In Port Aransas, there is something for almost anyone," she said.
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I’m reminded of so many things that we miss when we head to the Texas coast — the things we haven’t learned about yet or the things we take for granted.
Michael Stuart's insight:
MySA expanded Travel pages in the Express-News covered the popular places/activities on the Texas Gulf Coast including hitting the beach and entertaining a family in Port Aransas and a couple’s getaway to Corpus Christi
The topics: birders’ paradise in Rockport and Corpus Christi, family entertainment on any budget at South Padre Island and Galveston’s trees killed by Hurricane Ike turned into an artsy sculpture tour by three artists.
That should give you plenty of ideas for fun in the sun — whether for a couple, a family or a bigger group that wants to explore nature, art, science or the unique treasures that dot the Texas coast.
Here are links to stories about Port Aransas, Rockport, Galveston and South Padre Island:
Port Aransas: http://www.mysanantonio.com/life/travel/article/Beach-the-star-in-Port-Aransas-4374276.php
South Padre http://www.mysanantonio.com/life/travel/article/South-Padre-on-any-budget-4392894.php
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Captains, officers and students of the Texas Maritime Academy, part of Texas A&M University at Galveston, recently departed for the first of two training cruises in the Gulf of Mexico this summer.
the academy is one of only six state maritime academies in the nation that prepares students for practical experience in seamanship, navigation, and engineering operations. Each summer, the captain and crew of the General Rudder, train 50 cadets who are university students and Texas A&M Corps of Cadets members.
Friends, family and others will be able to follow the ship’s journey through the Texas Maritime Academy Facebook page www.facebook.com/pages/Texas-Maritime-Academy-Parents-Association/122633727795351.
With the departure of the General Rudder from Galveston,
For more information about the cruise, contact Colonel Richard Mallahan, Deputy Superintendent of the Texas Maritime Academy at (409) 740-4933 or go to www.tamug.edu/corps/index.html or contact Cathy Cashio-Bertrand, media relations contact at (409) 740-4830.