[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 54 (Tuesday, March 25, 2025)]
[House]
[Pages H1227-H1228]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING JEKYLL ISLAND, GEORGIA

  (Mr. Carter of Georgia was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jekyll 
Island, Georgia, for being home to two of the South's best beach bars 
as highlighted by ``Southern Living.'' These beloved spots showcase 
Georgia's coastal charm, creating unforgettable experiences.
  The Wharf is located on the historic Jekyll Pier with breathtaking 
marsh views. This institution offers a relaxed, open-air setting, 
welcoming everyone who enters. Known for serving fresh, Lowcountry 
seafood, classic burgers, and craft cocktails, this bar is a go-to for 
locals.
  Tortuga Jacks is also recognized for being the only oceanfront, Tiki-
style restaurant on the Georgia coastline. It brings a true island 
feeling to Jekyll with a laid-back, pet-friendly atmosphere. It 
specializes in Baha Mexican-style cuisine and often hosts live music.
  These establishments highlight the essence of Jekyll Island with 
great food, lively entertainment, and a true coastal experience. I 
encourage everyone to stop by and enjoy what Jekyll Island has to 
offer.


                 Honoring the Legacy of Lydia Thompson

  Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the legacy 
of Lydia Thompson, a passionate conservationist, avid birder, and well-
known artist, affectionately known as The Bird Lady.
  Ms. Thompson was a passionate advocate for avian conservation, having 
traveled all 50 States in pursuit of her love for birding. She was also 
active in the Coastal Georgia Audubon Society, Georgia Shorebird 
Alliance, and the Georgia Coastal Artists Guild.
  Ms. Thompson was dedicated to protecting shorebirds on both St. 
Simons Island and Jekyll Island. She founded Operation Plover Patrol to 
recruit, educate, train, and manage volunteers to monitor shorebirds in 
their nesting habitat.
  In honor of Ms. Thompson, the Jekyll Island community installed two 
new spotting scopes behind the Jekyll Island Guest Information Center. 
Thanks to these new installments, Ms. Thompson's mission of 
appreciation, conservation, and education will continue to be part of 
the coastal salt marsh landscape she so dearly loved.


                     Recognizing Port of Brunswick

  Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
Port of Brunswick as the busiest port in the Nation for heavy equipment 
and auto shipments.
  Mr. Speaker, 2024 was a record year for the Port of Brunswick, 
handling more than 2 million tons of cargo, 600,000 tons of exports, 
and about 900,000 tons of roll-on, roll-off units of autos and heavy 
equipment.
  New infrastructure and strengthened partnerships contributed to the 
port's significant growth in many areas including upgraded storage 
capacity to allow for 160 percent increase in heavy equipment shipping.
  Georgia's ports promise auto manufacturers world-class service and 
long-term gains for their business.
  In addition to the growth already recorded, the Port of Brunswick is 
continuing to make improvements to keep up with the rise in 
manufacturing and growing population including an upgraded shipping 
channel to prepare Brunswick to handle larger vessels.
  The First District of Georgia is proud to be the home of the Nation's 
busiest port for heavy equipment and auto shipments, and I look forward 
to the continued excellence of the Port of Brunswick.


                          Honoring Brynn Grant

  Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, in honor of Women's History 
Month, I rise today to recognize Brynn Grant who recently was named 
Woman of the Year for Georgia by ``USA Today.''
  As a child, Brynn watched her father being sworn into a State-
appointed position by the late President Jimmy Carter, who was then 
Governor of Georgia. Brynn's career spans more than two decades at the 
Savannah Economic Development Authority, where she rose to the position 
of chief operating officer and vice president of the World Trade Center 
Savannah. She also served as president and CEO of the United Way of the 
Coastal Empire, guiding the organization through the challenges of the 
COVID-19 pandemic.

[[Page H1228]]

  As the chief executive officer of the Liberty County Development 
Authority, Brynn highlights the link between social and economic 
issues, advocating for holistic community development. Brynn advocates 
for collaborative services, embodying the belief that real progress is 
achieved only when everyone benefits.
  Brynn Grant's unwavering dedication and visionary leadership have 
deeply influenced the Coastal Georgia community, establishing a 
standard of excellence and compassion.
  Congratulations to Brynn Grant. We are so proud of her.

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