TITLE: Recognizing the City of South Padre Island on the occasion of its 50th anniversary.

SUMMARY: Recognizing the City of South Padre Island on the occasion of its 50th anniversary.

FULL TEXT:
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 Jos  Ball ; 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 State of Texas, 88th 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 from the Texas Senate. LaMantia President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on May 1, 2023.