SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 404
         WHEREAS, Residents of Port Aransas are gathering in Austin
  on April 12, 2023, to celebrate Port Aransas Day at the State
  Capitol; and
         WHEREAS, In the early 1800s, Mustang Island was frequented
  by the famed buccaneer Jean Lafitte, and in 1855, an English
  sheep and cattle rancher named Robert A. Mercer built a cabin on
  the island; a community developed around the site, and the first
  post office was established in 1888; initially called
  Ropesville, the town was renamed Tarpon eight years later to
  highlight the island's fine fishing, and in 1911, it was
  officially designated as Port Aransas; and
         WHEREAS, The city has since become one of the most popular
  family destinations on the Texas Gulf Coast, and the superb beaches
  draw campers, swimmers, and surfers from across the Lone Star
  State; the town's launching ramps, lighted piers, and jetties
  enable anglers to catch a wide variety of fish, including red
  snapper, redfish, flounder, speckled trout, tuna, and more; and
         WHEREAS, Port Aransas is one of the top bird-watching
  locations in the country, and many areas afford fine
  opportunities to view local species such as herons and roseate
  spoonbills as well as the annual migrations of hummingbirds,
  flycatchers, orioles, and whooping cranes; additionally,
  visitors may delight in the town's art galleries, shops,
  restaurants, and locations of historical interest; and
         WHEREAS, Port Aransas boasts a thriving tourism industry,
  which is an important economic engine for the state, generating
  nearly $18 million in city and state hotel taxes and more than $15
  million in related sales taxes in 2022; and
         WHEREAS, The community is served by the Port Aransas
  Independent School District, which has consistently earned an A
  accountability rating from the Texas Education Agency, and it
  further benefits from the educational opportunities provided by
  The University of Texas Marine Science Institute, which supports
  sustainability and research in fields vital to the future of the
  Texas coast; and
         WHEREAS, Blessed with natural beauty and a colorful
  history, Port Aransas is one of the Lone Star State's great
  treasures, and its citizens may indeed take pride in their rich
  heritage and ongoing achievements; now, therefore, be it
         RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas 88th
  Legislature, hereby recognize April 12, 2023, as Port Aransas Day
  at the State Capitol and extend to the visiting delegation
  sincere best wishes for a meaningful and memorable stay in Austin.
 
  LaMantia
   
   
    ________________________________ 
        President of the Senate
     
        I hereby certify that the
    above Resolution was adopted by
    the Senate on April 12, 2023.
   
   
    ________________________________ 
        Secretary of the Senate
   
   
    ________________________________ 
         Member, Texas Senate