by media | Jul 15, 2024 | Featured News, Information, Live, Media Releases, My Pharr, News, News
Attention Media Friends:
Those attending are encouraged to bring a coat as this event will be held at a cold storage facility. Thank you!
City of Pharr to Host “Fresh on the Border Week” Press Conference on Tue., 7/16 @ 10 am
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr is thrilled to announce the upcoming 2024 Fresh on the Border Press Conference! This highly anticipated event will highlight our deep roots in the produce industry. Fresh on the Border promises an exhilarating experience with signature events tailored for industry stakeholders and the families of the City of Pharr and the Rio Grande Valley. Join us as we celebrate our rich traditions, thriving economy, and get a behind-the-scenes peak at all things produce!
The press conference is scheduled for Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at 10 am at 1101 W. Capote Central Ave. in Pharr.
In collaboration with the Pharr International Bridge, the Pharr Economic Development Corporation, and the Greater Pharr Chamber of Commerce, the City of Pharr is thrilled to announce this year’s festivities and community events under the Fresh on the Border initiative. Also being unveiled at the press conference are the official logo, artist lineup, and headliner for the 2024 Avocado Festival. The City of Pharr is excited to continue this tradition showcasing our economic vitality and bringing our community together to celebrate our city’s rich history in the produce industry!
The Pharr International Bridge (PIB), renowned as the leading produce crossing point with over 60% of the nation’s produce passing through it, has a rich legacy in the produce industry, covering both distribution and supply chains. At Fresh on the Border, attendees will get an exclusive preview of the upcoming celebrations and learn about the important role PIB plays in Pharr.
All media are invited to attend. Please wear cold weather gear or bring a jacket, as the press conference will be held inside a cold storage unit.
We invite you to join us at Fresh on the Border as we unveil our exciting plans and get a FRESH look at what’s on the horizon in Pharr!
DETAILS
WHAT: Fresh on the Border Press Conference
WHEN: Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at 10 am
WHERE: 1101 W. Capote Central Ave., Pharr, TX 78577
by media | Jul 10, 2024 | Featured News, Information, Media Releases, My Pharr, News, News, Police News
City of Pharr to Host Signing Ceremony for Police & Fire Unions Collective Bargaining Agreements on Thurs., 7/11 @ 11 am
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr is proud to announce that it has successfully negotiated collective bargaining agreements with both Fire and Police Unions, and will host a Signing Ceremony for the Police and Fire Unions Collective Bargaining Agreements this week.
The event will take place at 11 am on Thursday, July 11, on the 2nd Floor Mezzanine Area of Pharr City Hall (118 S Cage Blvd.) in Pharr.
“We are committed to prioritizing public safety in our community, and we are proud of the dedicated work of our law enforcement officers and fire department personnel who work to keep our city safe every day,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “These agreements will ensure continued job satisfaction for employees as well as the safety, security, and protection of our Pharr residents,” he added.
All media and the public are invited to attend.
DETAILS
WHAT: Signing Ceremony for Police & Fire Unions Collective Bargaining Agreement
WHEN: Thursday, July 11, 2024, @ 11 am
WHERE: 2nd Floor Mezzanine Area of Pharr City Hall (118 S. Cage Blvd.) in Pharr
by media | Jul 10, 2024 | Featured News, Information, Media Releases, My Pharr, News, News
City of Pharr Celebrates Dr. Jonathan B. Flores’ First Anniversary as City Manager
Dr. Jonathan B. Flores, Pharr City Manager
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WEDNESDAY, JULY 10, 2024
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr is proud to celebrate the first anniversary of Dr. Jonathan B. Flores serving as City Manager from July 10, 2023, to July 10, 2024. In his first year, Dr. Flores has made significant strides in improving the city’s operations, fostering community engagement, and implementing innovative programs. His leadership and dedication have led to numerous accomplishments that have positively impacted the City of Pharr and its residents.
Dr. Flores has implemented new programs and achieved many notable accomplishments and highlights throughout the past year including:
- Created the Office of Professional & Ethical Standards: Ensuring transparency and ethical conduct in all city operations.
- Established the Public Health Department: Enhancing public health services and response capabilities.
- Implemented the Leadership Pathway Program: Developing future leaders within the city’s workforce.
- Introduced Telework Capabilities: Providing flexibility for city employees and ensuring continuity of services.
- Compressed Work Schedule: New hours of operation are now Monday-Friday, 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, improving service accessibility.
- Published Quarterly City Manager’s Newsletter: Keeping staff informed about city initiatives and developments.
- Unveiled the Employee Veteran’s Wall of Honor: Recognizing the contributions of veteran employees with a dedicated parking space at City Hall.
- Added Fuel Station: Implemented for the city garage, with a policy to ensure city staff utilize this for cost savings.
- Began Golf Course Renovations: Started the design phase and approved upgrades for the driving range and irrigation system.
- Repurposed Vacant Positions: Added Special Events staff to better serve the community.
- Hosted 1st Annual Avocado Festival: Successfully launched a new community event.
- Established City Manager Mentorship Program: Established to mentor city directors.
- Reclassified Positions: Analyzed vacancies and internal positions to improve organizational efficiency.
- Initiated Christmas Caroling Initiative for Nursing Homes: Bringing holiday cheer to the community’s elderly.
- Purchased Pharr Housing Authority Building: Expanding city infrastructure.
- Received Alzheimer’s Association Healthy Brain Initiative Award: Recognized for efforts in promoting brain health.
- Organized “Night Under the Stars Candlelight” Concerts: Creating unique cultural experiences for residents.
- Conducted Departmental Salary Reviews: Addressed and corrected salary disparities.
- Won It’s Time Texas Community Challenge 2024: Demonstrating commitment to community health.
- Appointed the 3rd Assistant City Manager: Enhancing administrative support.
- Dedicated Veteran’s Memorial Park: Serves to honor veterans.
- Started Pharr Internship Initiative: Providing valuable work experience for local students.
- Held 1st Annual Men’s Health Week: Promoting men’s health awareness.
- Appointed to the Texas Quality Foundation Board of Directors: Reflecting his commitment to excellence in public service and his leadership within the broader Texas community.
In his first year as City Manager, Dr. Flores has fostered a strong sense of community among residents and city staff alike, while introducing innovative programs that have set Pharr on a path toward a brighter future. His ability to combine visionary leadership with practical solutions has greatly improved the quality of life in Pharr and positioned the city for continued success. In addition, he has played a critical role in fostering professional development and leadership among city employees.
Pharr Mayor Dr. Ambrosio Hernandez expressed his enthusiasm and support of Dr. Flores, stating, “I am incredibly proud to congratulate Dr. Jonathan B. Flores on his first anniversary as City Manager of Pharr. His innovative approach and unwavering dedication have brought about transformative changes in our city.”
From enhancing public health services to fostering community engagement and ensuring organizational efficiency, Dr. Flores’ accomplishments over the past year have been remarkable.
“His leadership has not only improved the quality of life for our residents but also set a strong foundation for future growth and success,” continued Mayor Hernandez. “We are fortunate to have such a visionary leader guiding our city, and I look forward to many more years of progress under his stewardship!”
The City of Pharr continues to thrive as Dr. Flores sets new standards for municipal excellence and community engagement. The city looks forward to many more years of his innovative and dedicated leadership.
Congratulations, Dr. Flores!
by media | Jul 8, 2024 | Featured News, Information, Live, Media Releases, My Pharr, News, News
MEDIA ADVISORY
Media Contact: Yuri Gonzalez
Phone: (956) 310-2139
Email: yuri.gonzalez@pharr-tx.gov
RESCHEDULED – City of Pharr to Host Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for DAP 15 Projects on Mon., 7/29 at 10 AM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MONDAY, JULY 8, 2024
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr is excited to announce that it will host a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for two highly-anticipated projects at the Pharr International Bridge — the Northbound Lane Expansion and the 2nd BSIF Exit. These projects are part of the Donations Acceptance Program (DAP) 15, a program under the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in which Pharr collaborated with federal partners to implement innovative solutions to trade and travel facilitation and enforcement challenges.
The Ribbon Cutting Ceremony will be held at 10 am on Monday, July 29, 2024, at the Pharr International Bridge (9900 S. Cage Rd.) in Pharr. See highlighted information below for attendance requirements.
The City of Pharr has been proactive in infrastructure investment and development at the Pharr International Bridge. In collaboration with U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the U.S. General Services Administration, Pharr was the first port of entry to be part of the DAP, which allows city-owned ports of entry to donate a monetary value inside the federal footprint allowing infrastructure projects to be expedited and therefore increasing the amount of commercial truck output for all ports of entry. DAP is authorized to accept donations of real property, personal property, and non-personal services from private sector and government entities; through this program, these projects will help to foster enhanced and more efficient border crossings at the Pharr International Bridge.
“Our administration has long prioritized infrastructure improvements and developments at the Pharr International Bridge, and we are proud to achieve these exciting milestones and see such proactive and innovative projects come to fruition,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “By fostering true collaboration and innovative solutions such as DAP, and investing in port of entry infrastructure, we can provide greater efficiency of cross-border movement and better accommodate future growth,” stated Hernandez.
About the DAP 15 Projects:
- Two Commercial Entry Lanes/Booths:
The expansion of the roadway leading to the Mexico customs export lot, along with the entry booths on the U.S. side will help expedite the flow of commercial traffic from Mexico to the U.S., allowing for more capacity on the bridge and the ability to inspect more trucks at one time. Additionally, it will create a direct passage for secure, certified and empty trucks, also known as gate-to-gate; dedicated FAST Certified Cargo and Pre-Certified Empties.
- Two Commercial Exit Lanes/Booths:
The exit booth expansion and relocation will help expedite the flow of traffic inside the port, all while providing a more efficient connectivity to the new BSIF to complete the truck inspection process and get the cargo from its origin to its destination on time. Additionally, it will create a direct passage for secure, certified and empty trucks, also known as gate-to-gate; dedicated FAST Certified Cargo and Pre-Certified Empties.
Media is invited to attend. Attendees must RSVP by 3 pm on Wednesday, July 10, by calling Yuri Gonzalez at (956) 310-2139 or Michael Martinez at (956) 272-9803 and are required to submit a copy of their valid identification to victoria.brewster@pharr-tx.gov to be screened for credentialing.
DETAILS
WHAT: DAP 15 Projects Ribbon Cutting
WHEN: Monday, July 29, 2024, at 10 am
WHERE: Pharr International Bridge (9900 S. Cage Rd.) Pharr, TX
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by media | Jul 8, 2024 | Featured News, Information, Live, Media Releases, My Pharr, News, News, Police Department, Police News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MONDAY, JULY 8, 2024
Pharr Police Department Concludes Heightened Patrols for 4th of July Holiday Period
Pharr, TX – The Pharr Police Department announces the conclusion of its heightened patrols during the 4th of July holiday period. We extend our gratitude to those community members who were diligent in ensuring responsible driving throughout the celebrations.
The Pharr Police Department reminds everyone that drinking and driving is illegal and can lead to not only costly penalties but also deadly consequences. Our commitment to deterring drinking and driving incidents remains steadfast through year-round enforcement of DWI laws and public education efforts. The Pharr Police Department works hand in hand with the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) every year on initiatives like these to ensure the safety and well-being of our community.
We thank the community for their cooperation and support in making our roads safer. Together, we can continue to prevent accidents and save lives.
