The GITX High School Kids lost to Kiowa Bay 34-35 on Friday night. Quarterback Josh Farmer (212 yards passing, 2 TD) gave Goat Island a 6 point lead when he scored on a 9 yard run with 3:03 remaining. The Warriors nearly turned the ball over on the very next play, but John Treat dropped what would have been a game sealing interception. Kiowa Bay then marched down the field and scored the game winning touchdown with 22 seconds remaining. The loss dropped The Kids record to 1-2 for the season, including 0-1 in Coastal Bend League play. It was also the 17th consecutive road loss for Goat Island. The Kids will return home on Friday night when they host St. Marks at Rogers Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00PM
**********
A group of Goat Island merchants and property owners have formed an exploratory committee to explore the possibility of building a bridge/causeway between the Island and the mainland. Similar attempts have been made in the past, but have never gained much support from local citizens and business owners. Richard Worton is the owner of the Green Mermaid Inn and chairman of the exploratory committee. “This island still has plenty of potential for economic growth. But that potential can’t be tapped into if we continue to make it hard for people to get here.” The committee will hold and question and answer session on Monday night in the Green Mermaids main ballroom. All are invited to attend.
**********
The Goat Island Signal is published each Thursday by Coastal Media, LLC, which also owns and operates KGTX 108.1.
Around the island is a ongoing feature that profiles a bar, restaurant, or other establishment on Goat Island.
Place – The Poppy Pelican
Address –501 Rogers
Type of Establishment - Bar & Restaurant
History – The Poppy Pelican opened in 1941, occupying the site of on old marine tackle shop. It’s gone through three owners since then, but it’s basic traditions have remained the same. Cheap food and drinks, 24 hour service, and a complete disregard for outsiders accompanied by a dingy appearance. It’s loved by locals and avoided by all but the drunkest of tourists.
Happy Hour – In comparison to it’s regular prices, the Pelican may have the worst Happy Hour on Goat Island, but that’s only because its regular prices are so low. “Besides,” said Manager Art Hayes“Good Happy Hours attract people. We’re trying to keep the tourists out.”
About – The Poppy Pelican is one of two Goat Island establishments that stay open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. In addition to having the cheapest drinks on the island, it also boasts a great menu, all of it freshly prepared on the ancient griddle. The Pelican is also a tourist free zone. Outsiders who stumble into the bar are usually ignored until they leave, but its not uncommon for taunts and even threats to be received by tourist's who don’t leave quickly.
After last weeks brush with Tropical Storm Hermine GITX officials would like to remind the public about the islands strict polices for dealing with tropical weather. Goat Island has a two tiered system for safely evacuating all non-residents, along with any citizens who wish to leave in advance of storms. The tiers are as follows.
Tropical Storm Watch – Non-residents are no allowed access to the Island. Non-residents who are on Goat Island at the time a watch is issued should make preparations to leave in case a Warning is issued. They are also encouraged to vacate the island voluntarily. Both residents and non residents are free to leave GITX at anytime, although ferry operations may be stopped at any time due to rough seas.
Tropical Storm Warning – All Non-residents are required to leave the Island within 8 hours of a Tropical Storm Warning being issued. All ferry operations will cease 16 hours after a TS Warning is issued, if not earlier. Residents who wish to evacuate should be prepared to leave the ASAP once a warning is issued.
Officials also want to remind the public that they are not responsible for the safety of anyone who chooses to stay on Goat Island during tropical storm or hurricane like conditions. Rescue attempts will not be made if someone chooses to stay on the island and finds themselves in harms way.
In short everyone on Goat Island should keep an eye on all tropical systems, and be prepared to react to them on short notice. We are all on an island that is connected to the mainland by a ferry. Even a glancing blow by a weak tropical storm can cut GITX off from the rest of Texas for an extended period of time.
Questions or concerns should be directed to Goat Island Sheriffs Department at City Hall.
(GITX Spotlight is an ongoing series that features a different Goat Island musician, band, or entertainer in each edition.)
Name – Bar Tab
Members – Keith Cussler (Lead Vocals, Electric Guitar), Max Browning (Keyboard, Vocals), Bennie Weinberg (Acoustic Guitar, Vocals)
About - Bar Tab is the long standing house band at the Coughing Dog Saloon. Known for their wide ranging catalog of material they are a GITX institution that has gone on for more than 20 years and has endured numerous personal changes. They play 5 nights a week in the summer and 4 nights a week during the winter months.
Biography – Bar Tab was founded in 1987 by Coughing Dog owner Sheldon Jackson and local musician Joe Torres. Jackson was looking for a house band and Torres was looking for a steady gig. They rounded up a couple of other players and the rest is history. Torres fronted the band until his retirement in 2004, although he still sits in on occasion. Keith Cussler has served as Bar Tab’s lead singer and band leader since then. 11 musicians have spent significant time with band over its 23 year history, and more than 100 different performers have set in with the band.
The current lineup claims to know over 1,000 songs on demand, with another 500 readily available with the help of a overstuffed song book. They constantly work the crowd for tips and have been known to challenge patrons to drinking contests. With a catalog that covers Rock, Country, and numerous other genres they are sure to play something for everybody.
Quotable – “We’ll play just about anything if somebody is willing to tip us for it.” – Keith Cussler.
“I never imagined this little band we formed to play the Saloon would become so famous. People come to see them like their Bruce Springsteen or Willy Nelson. Best business decision I ever made.” – Sheldon Jackson.
