SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 552

WHEREAS, Many proud residents of Bee County are gathering at the State Capitol to celebrate Bee County Day on March 17, 2011; and

WHEREAS, Officially organized on January 25, 1858, Bee County was named for Barnard E. Bee, Sr., a South Carolina attorney, soldier, and statesman who joined the Army of the Republic of Texas and served as secretary of war under Sam Houston; recovered artifacts indicate that the area was originally inhabited 6,000 to 10,000 years ago; the first permanent European settlers arrived in the early 19th century, and 11 Bee County landowners were among the signers of the Texas Declaration of Independence; and

WHEREAS, Located in the South Texas Plains vegetation region, Bee County covers 866 square miles that slope gently toward the Gulf Coast; with the region's open expanses of grasslands, the local economy is dominated by farming and ranching but also welcomes oil and gas extraction and agribusiness; in 1954, the first United States Navy all-jet base opened at the Naval Auxiliary Air Station in Beeville, the county seat, and still contributes a significant amount to the region's economy; other towns in the county include Skidmore, Blue Berry Hill, Pettus, Tuleta, Tynan, Pawnee, Normanna, and Mineral; and

WHEREAS, Bee County is blessed with an array of cultural and historical attractions for residents and visitors to explore; art enthusiasts may delight in the educational programs and exhibits of the Beeville Art Museum, which is funded by the Joe Barnhart Foundation and housed in the historic Esther Barnhart House; in addition, Beeville has successfully revitalized its downtown district and has been named a Texas Main Street City by the Texas Historical Commission; Coastal Bend College--Beeville offers occupational as well as academic classes for its students and has one of the only public, fully functioning glassblowing facilities in the state; and

WHEREAS, The residents of Bee County may take great pride in their heritage and contributions to the Lone Star State, and it is a pleasure to pay tribute to the county and its citizens on this special day; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 82nd Legislature, hereby recognize March 17, 2011, as Bee County Day at the State Capitol and extend to those visiting today sincere best wishes for an enjoyable stay in Austin; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared in honor of this special day. Zaffirini

________________________________

President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on March 17, 2011.

________________________________

Secretary of the Senate

________________________________

Member, Texas Senate