PRESS RELEASE
Media Contact:
Michael L. Martinez
(956) 877-5716 [email protected]
Pharr PD Mental Health Unit to Host 5th Annual “Stick by Me” Suicide Prevention Awareness Fair on Fri., 9/12 @ 7 PM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2025
Pharr, Texas – The Pharr Police Department’s Mental Health Unit invites the community and media to the 5th Annual “Stick by Me” Suicide Prevention Awareness Fair on Friday, September 12, 2025, from 7:00 – 9:00 PM at the Pharr Vanguard Academy Nature & Birding Center (1025 S. Richmond Drive) in Pharr.
This event supports suicide prevention and awareness, aiming to break the stigma surrounding mental health, and offers community members education, resources, and connection in a compassionate environment.
According to the CDC, the age-adjusted suicide rate in Texas was approximately 14.4 per 100,000 people in 2022.
“The Stick by Me Fair is about more than awareness; it’s about letting people know they are not alone,” said Pharr Police Chief Juan Gonzalez. “Mental health is just as important as physical health, and by coming together as a community, we can break the silence, provide hope, and support those who may be going through a difficult time.”
“Stick by Me” will feature mental health resource booths, guest speakers, a glowstick vigil, and a guided trail walk offering supportive activities to engage the community.
For more information, please contact Officer Nick Perez at [email protected].
Admission is free and open to the public.
DETAILS
WHAT: 5th Annual “Stick by Me” Suicide Prevention Awareness Fair
WHEN: Friday, September 12, 2025, 7:00 – 9:00 PM
WHERE: Pharr Vanguard Academy Nature & Birding Center 1025 S. Richmond Drive, Pharr, TX 78577
MEDIA ADVISORY
Media Contact: Yuri Gonzalez
Phone: (956) 310-2139
Email: [email protected]
Greater Pharr Chamber of Commerce & BMW of Pharr to Hold Check Presentation for the 2025 Avocado Festival on Wed., 9/10 @ 10 AM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2025
Pharr, Texas – The Greater Pharr Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that BMW of Pharr has joined as the Presenting Sponsor for the highly anticipated 2025 Avocado Festival, contributing a generous $25,000 donation in support of this community tradition.
A special check presentation ceremony will take place on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at 10 AM at the Bert Ogden BMW dealership located at 6001 N. Cage Blvd., Pharr, TX 78577. Media, community members, and partners are invited to join this celebratory moment as BMW of Pharr demonstrates its commitment to community engagement and to supporting the success of the city in the produce industry.
“We are deeply humbled and grateful to BMW of Pharr for stepping up as our Presenting Sponsor,” said Carlos Sanchez, President of the Greater Pharr Chamber of Commerce. “Their $25,000 donation is not only an investment in the Avocado Festival but also in the families, businesses, and traditions that make our Pharr community thrive.”
The 2025 Avocado Festival, set for Saturday, October 11, 2025, will once again transform Downtown Pharr into a vibrant celebration of food, music, art, and family fun. This year’s event is expected to draw thousands of visitors from across the Rio Grande Valley and beyond, spotlighting Pharr’s culture, hospitality, and community spirit. Headlining the live music entertainment is Easton Corbin, bringing his signature country hits to the festival stage.
The Avocado Festival continues to grow each year with more than 20,000 attendees in 2024. The event was created to celebrate the importance of the produce industry and highlight the Pharr International Bridge, which has been recognized as the #1 produce bridge in the United States for over a decade. In fact, 70% of the avocados consumed nationwide cross through Pharr, making it the gateway for one of America’s most beloved fruits. The festival also kicks off the produce season and boosts local commerce and tourism, thanks to the support of partners like BMW of Pharr.
For more information about the 2025 Avocado Festival, please contact the Greater Pharr Chamber of Commerce at (956)420-4240 or visit www.avocadfest.com.
All media are invited to attend.
DETAILS
WHAT: Check Presentation for Avocado Festival Announcing BMW of Pharr as Presenting Sponsors
WHEN: Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at 10 AM
WHERE: BMW of Pharr (6001 N. Cage Blvd., Pharr, TX 78577)
Media Contact: Yuri Gonzalez
Phone: (956) 310-2139
Email: [email protected]
City of Pharr Awarded $1.18 Million Community Greening Transformation Grant from Texas A&M Forest Service
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THURSDAY, AUGUST 14, 2025
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr is proud to announce that it has been awarded a historic $1,181,666 Community Greening Transformation Grant from the Texas A&M Forest Service. This award underscores Pharr’s commitment to investing in green spaces, expanding its tree canopy, and enhancing the quality of life for residents.
The grant will fund the planting and distribution of 6,000 native trees in areas most impacted by flooding, heat, and lack of shade over the next three years. These trees will be distributed during community workshops and planting events, where residents will also receive tree care training to help maintain and grow Pharr’s tree canopy for years to come.
“This grant was created to help communities expand their tree canopy growth in vulnerable areas most impacted by flooding, heat, and places with a lack of shade,” said Remy Vargas, Urban Ecologist for the City of Pharr. “This grant allows us to invest in Pharr’s environmental future and will help us improve the quality of life for our residents,” he added.
The Community Greening Transformation Grant is one of the largest categories within the 2025 Community Forestry Grants program, which awarded $4 million across 18 Texas municipalities to support projects that enhance urban forests, green spaces, and community engagement.
Pharr Mayor Dr. Ambrosio Hernandez emphasized the city’s longstanding commitment to environmental stewardship, noting recent beautification projects, park enhancements, and tree planting efforts.
“This is a historic investment in Pharr’s environmental future,” said Mayor Hernandez. “Pharr is a city that plans for the next generation, and these funds will allow us to expand our green spaces, create healthier neighborhoods, and strengthen our resilience against flooding and extreme heat. We are proud to lead the way in sustainability, and this grant will leave a lasting impact for decades to come.”
The grant application was the result of a collaborative effort between Pharr Grants Management and Community Development (GMCD), Pharr Parks & Recreation, and the Keep Pharr Beautiful Committee. Using Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping, the team identified neighborhoods most in need of tree canopy based on factors like flooding risk, extreme heat exposure, and limited shade.
“This project truly reflects the power of collaboration,” said Elizabeth Diaz, Director of Pharr Grants Management and Community Development. “By working closely with Parks & Recreation, the Keep Pharr Beautiful Committee, Texas A&M Forest Service, and leveraging GIS technology, we were able to strategically pinpoint areas where new trees will have the greatest impact for our community.” She added, “These funds will allow us to expand planting beyond schools and directly at our parks and neighborhoods across the city.”
Carlos Garcia Patlan, Community Ecologist with the Texas A&M Forest Service, added, “We are very happy to be working on these projects with the City of Pharr, and we look forward to continuing to collaborate as the city rolls out this new initiative.”
The City of Pharr thanks the Keep Pharr Beautiful Committee, Pharr Parks & Recreation, the Grants Management and Community Development Department, Texas A&M Forest Service, and the entire community for their dedication to keeping Pharr green, beautiful, and resilient for generations to come.
For more information about the Texas A&M Forest Service Community Forestry Grants, or to view the press release, click here.
The Board of Commissioners of the City of Pharr met for a special called meeting on Monday, August 11, 2025, and considered an agenda that included the following highlights:
Pharr Awarded Community Greening Transformation Grant from Texas A&M Forest Service
The Pharr City Commission proudly approved a resolution accepting the Community Greening Transformation Grant from the Texas A&M Forest Service, awarding the City of Pharr Parks & Recreation $1,181,666. “This grant was created to help communities expand their tree canopy growth in vulnerable areas most impacted by flooding, heat, and places with a lack of shade,” said Remy Vargas, Urban Ecologist for the City of Pharr. “This grant allows us to invest in Pharr’s environmental future and will help us improve the quality of life for our residents,” he added. Through the grant, Pharr will receive 6,000 native trees to plant and distribute throughout the community during workshops and planting events. Residents will also be provided with tree care training to help maintain and expand the canopy on their properties. “We are very happy to be working on these projects with the City of Pharr, and we look forward to continuing to collaborate as the city rolls out this new initiative,” added Carlos Garcia Patlan, Community Ecologist with Texas A&M Forest Service. The Community Greening Transformation Grant is one of the largest categories within the 2025 Community Forestry Grants program, which awarded grants across six categories to address community needs by expanding and maintaining the tree canopy. This initiative aims to create lasting environmental benefits, enhance green spaces, and promote community engagement in forest management. “It is such an honor to accept this grant, especially knowing how impactful this will be to our community and future generations,” shared Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. Thank you to the Keep Pharr Beautiful Committee, Pharr Parks & Recreation, the Grants Management and Community Development Department, and our entire community for championing and supporting Pharr’s green initiatives!
The Board of Commissioners of the City of Pharr met for a regular meeting on Monday, August 4, 2025, and considered an agenda that included the following highlights:
Pharr Recognizes UTRGV’s 10th Anniversary
The Pharr City Commission celebrated the 10th Anniversary of the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) with a special proclamation. Since opening its doors in 2015, UTRGV has awarded more than 60,000 degrees and expanded its academic offerings with 42 new programs. The university has also seen a 600% increase in research expenditures and continues to break records in enrollment, retention, and graduation rates. UTRGV is recognized for its contributions to medical education with the opening of the region’s only School of Medicine in 2016 and the state’s first School of Podiatric Medicine in 2022. It is also planning the opening of the region’s first academic cancer and surgery center in 2025 and the state’s second School of Optometry in 2027. The university will make history once again this fall as it kicks off its inaugural Division I football season, the first of its kind in the Rio Grande Valley. “We are deeply grateful to the City of Pharr for the strong and meaningful partnership we’ve built over the years,” said Gonzales. “From the Pharr Global Business Hub, which strengthens binational economic development, to hosting the WAC Swimming Championship Conferences at the Pharr Natatorium, and so many other initiatives, your continued support has been instrumental as we grow and move forward,” she continued. UTRGV is ranked the #1 university in Texas by Washington Monthly and The Wall Street Journal. The City of Pharr congratulations UTRGV on this milestone as it continues to drive academic excellence, healthcare innovation, and economic impact in the region. Go Vaqueros!
Pharr City Commission Recognizes Pharr Initiative Summer Interns
The Pharr City Commission recognized 24 students who completed the 2025 Pharr Initiative Summer Internship Program. The four-week paid internship, held from July 7 to August 1, offered high school juniors, seniors, and early college students an in-depth opportunity to explore careers in municipal public service. Students were placed in departments that aligned with their interests, including administration, public works, human resources, media, and IT, where they gained valuable hands-on experience and professional skills. More than just job shadowing, the program was immersive with interns participating in staff meetings, collaborating on real city projects, and delivering final presentations to Pharr’s leadership team to showcase what they learned through their experience. “At the City of Pharr, we believe in the power of community and in giving our young leaders opportunities to learn, grow, and gain real-world experience,” said Dr. Jonathan B. Flores, City Manager. “We hope this experience inspires them as they explore and pursue their future careers.” The City of Pharr remains dedicated to empowering youth and shaping the next generation of leaders by providing meaningful, real-world experiences through programs like the Pharr Initiative, which is designed to inspire, educate, and prepare our future workforce.
City Recognizes Cynthia Garza-Reyes on Her Promotion as Deputy City Manager
The Pharr City Commission and City Manager Dr. Jonathan B. Flores proudly recognized Cynthia Garza-Reyes on her well-earned promotion to Deputy City Manager. Over the past decade, Garza-Reyes has played a vital role in driving the city’s growth, including leading major initiatives that secured millions in federal and state funding, improved transportation and bridge infrastructure, launched Pharr Connect, and enhanced the quality of life for residents. Mayor Dr. Ambrosio Hernandez and the entire city commission joined in praising her outstanding leadership and unwavering dedication. “I want to thank you for allowing me to have this incredible opportunity,” Garza-Reyes shared. “Every day, I’m inspired to come to work, serve our community, collaborate with our talented staff, and push for meaningful, transformative change that moves our city forward.” Congratulations, Cynthia!
Pharr Earns “Best Place for Working Parents” Designation
The Pharr City Commission proudly celebrated the City of Pharr’s newest achievement: earning the Best Place for Working Parents designation. This national recognition highlights the City’s commitment to supporting its employees through family-friendly policies that also strengthen workplace productivity and satisfaction. The designation is awarded to organizations that positively impact employee attraction, retention, and performance. Congratulations to Pharr’s Human Resources team for providing the tools, benefits, and support that help our employees thrive while serving our community!
Featured Events:
Sneaker Phest – Saturday, August 16, 2025, from 11 AM – 6 PM
SneakerPhest = Heat on feet. Drip on deck. Collectibles in hand.
Date: Saturday, August 16, 2025 Time: 11 AM – 6 PM Location: Jose “Pepe” Salinas Recreation Center (1011 W. Kelly Ave., Pharr, TX 78577)
Pharr Police Department to Host Pharr Night Out 2025 Featuring Family Fun, Food, and School Supply Giveaways
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2025
Pharr, Texas – The Pharr Police Department is excited to host Pharr Night Out 2025 tonight, August 5, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM at the Pharr Town Center, Main Event Parking Lot, located at 500 N. Jackson Rd.
This annual community event is part of the nationwide National Night Out initiative, which aims to build stronger relationships between local law enforcement and the community they serve.
Pharr Night Out is a free, family-friendly evening filled with music, food, market vendors, and fun activities for all ages. Attendees will enjoy interacting with Pharr police officers, city staff, participating in fun games and activities, and receiving school supplies.
For more information, please contact Officer Steven Guerrero at (956) 899-6729 or Officer David Treviño at (956) 369-4625.
The public and media are invited to attend.
DETAILS
WHAT: Pharr Night Out 2025
WHEN: Tuesday, August 5, 2025, from 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
WHERE: Pharr Town Center, Main Event Parking Lot – (500 N. Jackson Rd, Pharr, TX 78577)
Date: Saturday, August 16, 2025
Time: 11 AM – 6 PM
Location: Jose “Pepe” Salinas Recreation Center (1011 W. Kelly Ave., Pharr, TX 78577)
Want to be a vendor?
For more info, call Pharr Parks & Recreation:
Get ready for an epic showdown!
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