SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 429
         WHEREAS, Proud residents of Port Aransas are gathering in
  Austin to celebrate Port Aransas Day at the State Capitol on
  March 19, 2019; and
 
         WHEREAS, The site of the town on Mustang Island was first
  inhabited by the Karankawa, and in the early 1800s, it was
  frequented by the famed buccaneer Jean Lafitte; the natural
  passage between the island and Saint Joseph Island was originally
  named Aranzazu, and it became known as Aransas Pass; and
 
         WHEREAS, In 1855, an English sheep and cattle rancher named
  Robert A. Mercer built a cabin on Mustang Island at the site that
  later became the town; Elihu Harrison Ropes started a project to
  dig a channel across the island in 1890, and the community that
  grew around the new post office was called Ropesville; in 1896,
  it was renamed Tarpon to highlight the island's fine fishing, and
  in 1911, the town was officially designated as Port Aransas; and
 
         WHEREAS, Since World War II, the city has become one of the
  most popular resort destinations on the Texas Gulf Coast; the
  superb beaches draw campers, swimmers, and surfers from across the
  Lone Star State, and the town's launching ramps, lighted piers, and
  jetties enable anglers to catch a wide diversity of fish, including
  red snapper, shark, sand trout, tuna, and bonito; and
 
         WHEREAS, Port Aransas is also one of the top bird-watching
  destinations in the nation, and many preserved venues afford fine
  opportunities to view such local species as herons and roseate
  spoonbills and to observe the annual migrations of hummingbirds,
  flycatchers, and orioles; and
 
         WHEREAS, The rich variety of sea life found along the Gulf
  Coast can be appreciated at The University of Texas Marine Science
  Institute; visitors also delight in the town's many fine art
  galleries, shops, seafood restaurants, and lodging accommodations,
  including the historic Tarpon Inn, which displays tarpon scales
  signed by such famous visitors as President Franklin Delano
  Roosevelt and movie star Hedy Lamarr; and
 
         WHEREAS, Port Aransas was faced with numerous challenges
  after Hurricane Harvey made landfall in August of 2017 and caused
  widespread and massive damage to homes, businesses, and city
  infrastructure; residents have demonstrated admirable resiliency
  and perseverance as they have worked steadfastly to rebuild, and
  throughout their recovery efforts, they have continued to welcome
  visitors and vacationers from across the state to their beloved
  hometown; and
 
         WHEREAS, Blessed with natural beauty and a colorful
  history, Port Aransas is one of the jewels of the Lone Star State,
  and its citizens may indeed take great pride in their heritage
  and ongoing achievements; now, therefore, be it
         RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 86th
  Legislature, hereby recognize March 19, 2019, as Port Aransas Day
  at the State Capitol and extend to the visiting delegation
  sincere best wishes for an enjoyable and informative visit to
  Austin.
 
  Kolkhorst
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
        President of the Senate
     
        I hereby certify that the
    above Resolution was adopted by
    the Senate on March 18, 2019.
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
        Secretary of the Senate
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
         Member, Texas Senate