[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 3]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 3571]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




               A TRIBUTE TO SUNSET BEACH, NORTH CAROLINA

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                           HON. MIKE McINTYRE

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 13, 2013

  Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay special tribute to 
Sunset Beach, North Carolina as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of 
its founding.
  After Hurricane Hazel struck Southeastern North Carolina in 1954, 
only a small area called Bald Beach remained unscathed. Mannon C. Gore 
purchased the small island of Bald Beach and a 500-acre section of the 
mainland across from the Intracoastal Waterway. In the following years, 
Mr. Gore built a pontoon swing bridge, a one-of-a-kind bridge that 
served the town until October, 2010. These areas established the 
foundation for the future Town of Sunset Beach.
  On March 26, 1963, the North Carolina General Assembly ratified the 
incorporation of the Town of Sunset Beach. From a population of 30 in 
1963, Sunset Beach is now home to more than 3400 permanent residents 
and a booming tourism industry. Unique among Barrier Island communities 
in North Carolina, Sunset Beach encompasses both a mainland and an 
island. Nearby Bird Island is a 1300-acre State Preserve barrier island 
home to unique species of birds and turtles.
  From the natural beauty of the Intracoastal Waterway to the pristine 
beaches, small-town atmosphere, golf courses, and wildlife, Sunset 
Beach offers a family-friendly destination for thousands of tourists 
every year. Although Sunset Beach has grown significantly since 1963, 
it retains the small-town charm that has led thousands of North 
Carolinians to call it home.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Town of Sunset Beach, 
North Carolina, as it celebrates 50 years. I am fortunate to represent 
this beautiful coastal town, to have a place to spend time there with 
my family, and to enjoy the friendship of its residents.
  May God continue to bless this place which is so special not only to 
its citizens and to families like mine, but also to those who travel to 
this wonderful destination indeed, a beautiful part of God's creation!

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