HR252 - Recognizing March 5, 2025, as Port Aransas Day at the State Capitol.

      H.R. No. 252       R E S O L U T I O N          WHEREAS, Residents of Port Aransas are gathering in Austin on   March 5, 2025, 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 also 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 $19 million in city and state hotel taxes and more than   $15 million in related sales taxes per year; and          WHEREAS, The community is served by the Port Aransas   Independent School District, and over the course of its 112-year   history, it has demonstrated a long-standing tradition of   excellence and a commitment to helping students become responsible   citizens and reach their full potential; the area 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; now,   therefore, be it          RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas   Legislature hereby recognize March 5, 2025, as Port Aransas Day at   the State Capitol and extend a warm welcome to the visiting   delegation.     Hunter     ______________________________   Speaker of the House                 I certify that H.R. No. 252 was adopted by the House on March   5, 2025, by a non-record vote.     ______________________________   Chief Clerk of the House