Hot and Dry on the Island

Greetings from the island everyone. I hope that all of you are doing well and are surviving these miserable hot days that we have been experiencing. As I sit here out on my porch having coffee on the early morning of July 13, there is an unexpected refreshingly cool north breeze blowing, compliments of TS Barry that is about to make landfall in Louisiana. Prayers are for their safety, as this acts as a reminder that we are well underway of the “H” season. . . I prefer not to even say the word.

But as the day progresses into late morning and mid afternoon, the hot temps will return and the sun will be scorching down from above. Any outside activities that I might want to accomplish, best be done during the early morning or evening hours, otherwise it is simply too dang hot. I’m constantly having to remind myself to wear a cap and drink plenty of fluids as well. It’s summer time in South Texas, that’s simply part of living down here.

It’s amazing how often that a good rain is needed out here to keep everything going. About three weeks ago, in a two week span the island had 7 inches of rain, water was standing everywhere. In my mind I’m thinking that I won’t need rain for a month or so, but that’s never the case. The soil out here, especially in the area where I am, is very loamy and drains quickly, so it doesn’t take long for the ground to become very dry again. So I’m always thankful to get the occasional good shower from the clouds above.

The late start to my tomato plants has not turned out well at all. With the excessive early summer heat we have been having, the blossoms fell off and simply did not develop into baby tomatoes. . . I am so disappointed. That’s the issue with tomato plants when the temps remain at 90 degrees or higher for extended times. So for the first time in years out here, no homegrown island tomatoes will be sliced. I apologize to my friends for not being able to enjoy fried green tomatoes this year. I promise to do better next Spring.

Once again, POC had a very nice fireworks display to celebrate Independence Day. I went out on a boat with friends and we anchored up and watched the beautiful and colorful displays reflecting off the waters of Matagorda Bay. Thank you POC Chamber of Commerce for this great annual celebration of our country.

Well, that’s it from the island for now. Everyone take care, stay cool and have a wonderful day.

In Texas, constables are fully empowered peace officers with county-wide jurisdiction and thus, may legally exercise their authority in any precinct within their county. However, some constables’ offices limit themselves to providing law enforcement services only to their respective precinct, except in the case of serving civil and criminal process. Constables and their deputies may serve civil process in any precinct in their county and any contiguous county and can serve arrest warrants anywhere in the state. The duties of a Texas constable generally include providing bailiffs for the justice of the peace court(s) within his precinct and serving process issued there and from any other court. Moreover, some constables’ offices limit themselves to only these activities but others provide patrol, investigative, and security services as well. The Constable’s authority considerably overlaps with that of the County Sheriff, especially with respect to serving civil documents as well as criminal warrants.

Constable David J. Thomas and his family have had a house in Port O’Connor for over 20 years, making POC their permanent home 4 years ago. David was elected as precinct 5 constable in November 2018 and was sworn into office on January 1, 2019. David began his Emergency Service and First Responder career 16 years ago as a Volunteer Firefighter in Burleson County, Texas.

His love of public service has inspired his life of service to include serving as a Firefighter- Paramedic in Harris County and an adjunct instructor for the Texas A&M Fire Training School, as well as obtaining advanced certifications in rescue, firefighting, hazardous materials and industrial firefighting. As David progressed through his career, his interest began to shift towards the investigation aspect of firefighting and medical response.

David then expanded his public service career by putting himself through the Police Academy while maintaining a full-time emergency response career. At the conclusion of the yearlong training of the Capital Area Council of Governments (CAPCOG) Basic Texas Peace Officer Academy, David was commissioned a Texas Peace Officer as a Deputy Constable Reserve in Brazos County, Texas. David became a Calhoun County Sheriff Deputy Reserve in 2016. In 2018, David was elected to the position of Calhoun County Constable Precinct 5 and is honored to serve the citizens of Calhoun County. Since taking the office, David and the Constable’s Office have been audited by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement and given the highest marks possible of “Zero Deficiencies.” He has aided the United States Coast Guard as local Law Enforcement during narcotics and public safety investigations and is proud to work with all agencies as needed, as he serves the citizens of Calhoun County. David’s primary focus is the safety and security of the Sanctuary, those traveling on highways 185 and 1289 and the community of Port O’Connor.
David enjoys serving his community but is also an avid hunter and enjoys fishing and spending time with his family and godchildren. He is an excellent cook and enjoys grilling and cooking for family and friends. We are excited to welcome David as Constable of Precinct 5 and look forward to the work that he will do in service to our community.

When asked to recount his most outstanding achievements, he listed the following…

Selected Achievements:

David was selected as one of 2500 Peace Officers from around the country to serve as a United States Special Federal Deputy Marshal Presidential Protection Unit in Washington D.C., for the Inauguration of President Trump.

International Instructor for emergency services in Trinidad & Tobago, Mexico

Successful Business Owner

Career Response to over 3000 calls for service and counting

Multiple Responses to State Disasters and Emergencies such as Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Ike and Harvey, the Chemical Plant Explosion in West, Texas floods, and major Texas wildfires.

-Nancy Pomykal

BOOM!!!! WOW the Annual Fireworks Display was a fantastic show! So many people enjoyed this year’s show. The Chamber “THANKS” everyone that donated to make this event possible, every penny helped make this possible, the smallest to the largest donation counted. THANKS, to Donnie & Sheryl Haynes and their volunteers who give their all each year, to make this show spectacular.

The Chamber Scholarships went to Mitchell & Marshall Arlitt. Congratulations to these guys.

With things slowing down some, the Chamber is now going to get to work on searching for some playground equipment for King Fisher Beach Park.

New & Renewed members:
Steve Ferguson
Port O’Connor Rod & Gun
Port O’Connor RV Park
Bay Fishing Port O’Connor
Capt. John Wyatt

Next meeting August 12th, 6:30 p.m at the Port O’Connor Community Center.

“All Good Things Must Come to An End,” I’ve heard all my life. My mother taught us how to face disappointment by using that phrase quite often. I remember as a kid, I hated to hear her say those few words because it meant whatever we were enjoying at the moment would be ending soon and become a memory.

Back in 1969, fifty years ago this month, Walter Fondren and a group of Texas businessmen started the “POCO BUENO” fishing tournament and made Port O’Connor their tournament headquarters. For forty-nine years tournament week in Port O’Connor was celebrated by all who were in the area. We all looked forward to the third week in July as a time of celebration and fun. Port O’Connor’s economy was boosted by the participants and the followers alike. Many memories were made in the span of forty-nine years!

This year, after declining participation, the Fondren family chose to cancel POCO, indefinitely. Everyone who has ever experienced that special time in Port O’Connor was disappointed and truly hated to see it go. Although we hate to see the tournament canceled, we do understand but, it still feels like we have lost an old friend. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Fondren family and we wish them well in any future endeavors.

As a tribute to POCO BUENO and all of those who made it possible, both living and deceased, the Dolphin has agreed to reprint an article I wrote back in 2009 for the 40th birthday celebration of this amazing tournament.

As I sit here writing this article, I have decided that even though we won’t actually have the tournament here physically, it will always be a part of the Port O’Connor community in spirit and in our hearts. It now has been fifty years since that group of friends, business associates, and conservationists got together and saw their vision come true! That alone is a reason to celebrate. Let’s not cry because POCO is gone, but let’s smile because it happened and we had the opportunity to share the prestigious event all those years. So in closing, let’s raise our glass and salute those fine folks and wish them fair winds, tight lines and following seas! THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES. ‘Till we meet again!

Poco Bueno Celebrates 40th Birthday!
Dolphin Talk, July 24, 2009

And…………….. What a birthday it was! Beginning Wednesday night with the Calcutta, until Sunday morning when everyone said their “good-byes”, the fun and action never stopped.

Ninety offshore fishing yachts, a waiting list of several others, and a long list of in shore bay boats, entered this year’s tournament. Judging by the number of entries, and the amount of the Calcutta prize money ($851,000.00) , the slowing economy hasn’t effected these anglers. Fishing the tournament can be expensive, but the chance of winning big money is a tempting magnet.

The prestigious tournament hasn’t always been this large or well known. In 1969, a group of Texas businessmen and conservationist met and decided an offshore fishing tournament in Port O’Connor would be a challenging experience. Walter Fondren III, Joe Bright, Stewart Campbell and Bob Byrd agreed a small offshore tournament would afford them an opportunity to enjoy the sport and participate in a little friendly wagering. They all agreed they would have a “small, but good” tournament, thus the name “POCO BUENO”. The first year of this “little” tournament brought only 10 entries. Unfortunately, due to inclement weather, the boats never left the dock. With their spirits unhampered, the men made plans for the following year.

With each passing year, the tournament and prize money grew. During the 1980s it was not unusual to have more than a hundred boats participating in the tournament. As the economy slowed down, so did tournament entries. Now in its 40th year, attendance is going strong!
Invitations to POCO are coveted. Once an invitation is received, anglers scramble to meet the deadline to register.

Four decades of the tournament have had a profound effect on Port O’Connor. Local merchants, hotels, restaurants and service centers look forward to the third week in July each year. It is a festive time. POCO week is a special time for locals and visitors alike. It is a time to celebrate living on the Texas Coast and taking advantage of all the great things it has to offer. It is a time to enjoy a few drinks, watch the “weigh in” of some big fish, eat some good food and network with people who share a common bond of salt water fishing.

The winner of the offshore division this year with a 429 pound Blue Marlin, was the boat Seay Goddess. The first marlin brought in was landed by the boat La Fiera. Although the first marlin, at 353 pounds, weighed less than the winning fish, a prize of $30,000.00 was paid to them for bringing in the first marlin. The largest Wahoo, at 103.5 pounds, was brought in by Aqui Nomas; Gringo Honeymoon brought in a 77 pound Wahoo, and Stacy Le Anne a 62.5 pounder. Puro Carbon had the largest Dolphin at 24.5 pounds. The largest Tuna (177 pounds) was caught by Coyote; second was Rico Runner at 148.5 pounds. Congratulations fellows! Great Job! Other results from this year’s catch were not available at press time, we hope to have them in the next issue.

So………. In closing….. HAPPY BIRTHDAY POCO BUENO!!! You never looked so good!!! May you have many many more. Perhaps our grandchildren or great grandchildren will one day be celebrating your centennial. Thanks for making Port O’Connor your home. -Nancy Pomykal