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

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on April 12, 2023.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate