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
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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