89R26295 EME-D
By: Leo Wilson H.R. No. 965
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The City of Jamaica Beach is celebrating the 50th
anniversary of its founding on May 24, 2025; and
WHEREAS, Established in 1975, Jamaica Beach was initially
developed two decades earlier by a Houston company, the Jamaica
Corporation, which planned a subdivision with resort-style
amenities; more than 1,000 lots were sold, and by 1965 the
development within the City of Galveston's extraterritorial
jurisdiction encompassed more than 300 homes; recreational
facilities included a two-story marina with a restaurant, a beach
bathhouse building with a sundeck, a swimming lagoon, riding
stables, a baseball diamond, and the Karankawa Indian Museum; like
many other such postwar developments, however, the project
foundered during an economic downturn, and it went into bankruptcy;
and
WHEREAS, Despite the development's financial and legal
issues, homeowners did not give up on their community; they worked
together to solve problems created by the bankruptcy and persevered
in the face of fires, floods, and hurricanes; seeking independence
and stability, they decided to incorporate, and volunteers gathered
the necessary signatures on a petition; the Galveston Chamber of
Commerce supported annexation, however, and an ordinance of
annexation was adopted; Jamaica Beach residents subsequently
embarked on a long court battle, and in May 1975, 71 of 74
registered Jamaica Beach voters elected to incorporate; nearly a
year later, the court issued a summary judgment declaring the
incorporation valid; and
WHEREAS, Over the course of five decades, proud and tenacious
residents of Jamaica Beach have set an inspiring example through
their deep commitment to their community, and it is indeed a
pleasure to join in marking this significant milestone in the
history of their city; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas
Legislature hereby commemorate the 50th anniversary of the City of
Jamaica Beach and extend to all those participating in the
celebration sincere best wishes for a memorable and enjoyable
event.