SR176 - Recognizing March 5, 2025, as Port Aransas Day.

          SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 176          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 Senate of the State of Texas, 89th   Legislature, hereby recognize March 5, 2025, as Port Aransas Day   at the State Capitol and extend a warm welcome to the visiting   delegation.     Hinojosa of Nueces                 ________________________________          President of the Senate               I hereby certify that the     above Resolution was adopted by     the Senate on March 5, 2025.                 ________________________________          Secretary of the Senate                 ________________________________           Member, Texas Senate