88R25948 BPG-D
By: LaMantia S.R. No. 497
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The City of South Padre Island is celebrating the
50th anniversary of its founding in 2023; and
WHEREAS, Situated at the southernmost tip of Padre Island in
Cameron County, the City of South Padre Island is located in the
vicinity of the Rancho de Santa Cruz de Buena Vista, settled in the
early 19th century by the island's namesake, Padre JosĂ© BallĂ; it
became a resort during the mid-19th century, and a ferry later began
serving the island; in the 1920s, civic leaders tried to attract
more tourists by building several seaside hotels on wooden piers;
and
WHEREAS, Development finally gained momentum following the
completion of the Queen Isabella Causeway in 1954; nearly two
decades later, dedicated citizens launched a campaign to
incorporate; they filed an application with Cameron County Judge
Ray Ramon in February 1973, and the election was conducted a month
later; on April 10, the judge counted 128 out of 158 ballots in
favor of incorporation; the board of aldermen held its first
meeting that June; and
WHEREAS, The community's population surpassed 300 by 1978 and
then more than tripled within a decade; growth proceeded apace as
tourism flourished, and in 2009, the town became the City of South
Padre Island with the adoption of a home rule charter; under its
council-manager form of government, voters elect a city council
composed of the mayor, five district members, and three at-large
members; the council appoints the city manager; and
WHEREAS, Tourism remains the major engine of the economy,
with more than 9 million people annually drawn by the sandy beaches
and subtropical landscape; city staff works with an extensive
volunteer network of committees, task forces, boards, and
commissions to preserve this lovely setting and support world-class
conservation efforts, including the protection of the Kemp's Ridley
sea turtle and an artificial reef; the South Padre Island Birding
and Nature Center, located on a major migratory route, educates
visitors about the more than 300 avian species in the area, as well
as other native flora and fauna; and
WHEREAS, Over the course of a half century, the City of South
Padre Island has distinguished itself as a community characterized
by natural beauty, livability, prosperity, and an active, engaged
citizenry; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the 88th Texas Legislature
hereby congratulate the City of South Padre Island on the 50th
anniversary of its founding and extend to its residents sincere
best wishes for the future; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for the city as an expression of high regard by the Texas
Senate.