City Celebrates Ribbon Cutting of Pharr ONE, a State-of-the-Art Facility
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr celebrated the Grand Opening and Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for the Pharr ONE facility located at 1121 E. Nolana Loop, Pharr, TX 78577 earlier this week.
The Pharr ONE Complex is a state-of-the-art facility custom designed to target the needs of our residents, community nonprofits, surrounding cities, and local school districts. The space lends itself to providing lecture hall instructional space and computer atmospheres for those entities offering educational training certificates, organizational workshops, and online access. The space has the ability to expand and accommodate numerous initiatives relative to health wellness and entrepreneurial innovation.
“It is a pleasure to celebrate the ribbon cutting of Pharr ONE, which is more than just a building,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “In the future, we plan to host performing arts at the amphitheater, educational courses and art exhibits in the facility, and other city events at the new park for our Pharr families to enjoy nature, peaceful outdoor fountains, and have fun together as a community,” he said. “The City of Pharr is committed to enhancing the arts and cultural experiences of Pharr and surrounding communities,” added Hernandez.
Aside from the main building structure, the site allows individuals to enjoy the array of green space available and gives those accessing the facility an outlet to continue working outside or transition from a classroom to an outdoor experience by naturally creating a calming and aesthetically pleasing environment.
“The french style garden, fountains, and reflecting pool all promote mental health and provide an escape to nature for Pharr residents,” said Nathaniel Perez, Senior Project Manager for The Warren Group Architects. “We wanted to help create an environment focused on relaxation, a place where people could come to relax and take in the sights and smells of the garden paired with the relaxation of the fountains and reflecting pools,” said Perez.
The final phase of Pharr ONE is found in the rear end of the site, and a community amphitheater with a circular jogging corridor will be constructed for public use. The outdoor amphitheater will be used for community health programs, as a live concert venue, along with community events. The center is currently housing artwork by local artists and the community is invited to stop by and view the work.
“Pharr ONE was made possible with the assistance of Senator Eddie Lucio, Jr. and the Valley Baptist Legacy Foundation who helped make this facility a reality for our Pharr community,” continued Hernandez. “We are grateful for your partnership and assistance in bringing this innovative multipurpose facility to our community,” he added.
Through Senator Eddie Lucio, the city lobbied and received $5 million from the Parks and Wildlife Department in the last 86th legislative session in Austin. Senator Lucio worked diligently to ensure that these funds were allocated for the city of Pharr and Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, through the Senate Finance Committee, helped shepherd these funds and ensure its finalization. Through the Valley Baptist Legacy Foundation, the city was awarded a health and wellness grant of $500,000 that will assist in expanding the city’s platform in all areas of community health-related interests.
The Pharr ONE complex is made up of 12,990 square feet and sits on 5 acres. The facility and gardens are open to the public.
Pharr ONE Ribbon Cutting recap video
Timelapse of Pharr ONE construction
Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. during the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The Board of Commissioners of the City of Pharr met for a regular meeting on Monday, October 17, 2022, and considered an agenda that included the following highlights:
City Announces Sales Tax Collection Report for October 2022
Pharr Interim City Manager Anali Alanis announced that the City of Pharr Sales Tax Collection Report for October 2022 shows an increase of 10.22% year-to-date true growth compared to the same period last year (2021) and 14.97% compared to last October 2021 payments.
City Proclaims November 7-11, 2022 as Municipal Court Week
The Pharr City Commission approved a proclamation declaring November 7-11, 2022 as Municipal Court Week. The City of Pharr joins municipal courts, city councils, and communities throughout Texas in showing appreciation for the dedicated municipal judges, court clerks, court administrators, prosecutors, bailiffs, and warrant officers who comprise the Texas municipal courts. The City of Pharr recognizes how much municipal courts do, and acknowledges the important role that local courts and their personnel play in the criminal justice system and the larger community. City of Pharr Municipal Court Judge Juan Villescas and municipal court staff were present to accept the proclamation.
City Declares October 17-21, 2022 as Chamber of Commerce Week
The Pharr City Commission approved a proclamation declaring October 17-21, 2022 as Chamber of Commerce Week. This week recognizes the more than 600 local chambers of commerce in Texas that provide a critical link in the communities they serve by fostering a vibrant business environment, promoting local projects, and paving the way for small businesses to thrive. The commission acknowledged the important role of the chamber to the local business community. Throughout the past year, the Greater Pharr Chamber of Commerce has hosted local and regional events, workshops and seminars, provided assistance to numerous businesses considering locating to our community, handled a variety of workforce-related issues, held job fairs, networking events, vendor markets, and more to promote small businesses, as well as educational events. The proclamation was accepted by Marcela Beas, President of the Pharr Greater Chamber of Commerce, along with board members and business members.
City Extends Interlocal Agreement for the PSJA
Tri-City Pedestrian Safety Improvements Project
The Pharr City Commission approved Amendment No. 1 to the Interlocal Agreement with the City of Alamo, City of San Juan, and Pharr-San Juan-Alamo (PSJA) Independent School District for the PSJA Tri-City Pedestrian Safety Improvements Project Phase I. The interlocal agreement (ILA) with the City of San Juan, City of Alamo and PSJA ISD expired on July 14, 2022. Amendment No. 1 extends the ILA for an additional three (3) years for a new expiration date of July 14, 2025.
City Renews Agreement with the Pharr Community Theatre FY2022-2023
The Pharr City Commission approved the renewal of the agreement between the City of Pharr and the Pharr Community Theatre for the Fiscal Year 2022-2023.
City Approves MOU between Hidalgo PD and Pharr PD over Jurisdictional and Interagency Support
The Pharr City Commission approved a Memorandum of Understanding between Hidalgo Police Department and Pharr Police Department over Jurisdictional and Interagency Support. This partnership is intended to outline each department’s responsibility regarding Valley View ISD Schools in both cities. The Hidalgo Police Department has agreed to provide School Resource Officers for Valley View Schools within Pharr jurisdiction. The Hidalgo Police Department has agreed to continue with jurisdiction of all areas outside of school property.
Our annual “Salute to Veterans” parade and fireworks show is approaching!
Registration is NOW OPEN for your business or organization to participate in this year’s parade!
Pharr Celebrates Start of the 2022-2023 Produce Season
Traditional Cutting of the Fruit – Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., and special guests including Texas State Senators Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa and Eddie Lucio Jr., Chairman of the Pharr International Bridge Board Edgar Delgadillo and board members, and Pharr Bridge Director Luis Bazan participate in the ceremonial cutting of the fruit.
Pharr, Texas – City of Pharr officials and Pharr International Bridge leaders celebrated the start of the 2022-2023 Produce Season by welcoming guests to this year’s themed event “A Taste of Trade” which featured an array of brightly displayed fresh fruits and vegetables and local chefs preparing meal samplings out of the displays of produce. The event was attended by elected officials, dignitaries, produce growers, importers, distributors, and consumers representing the United States and Mexico.
The Pharr International Bridge continues to be the #1 bridge for produce crossings in the nation, with over 65% of all produce from Mexico crossing through Pharr.
“We feed the world through our bridge,” said Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “Everything goes from this bridge throughout the United States from the East Coast, Midwest, and ultimately winds up in other countries such as Germany and we are so proud of that,” he continued. “Today we also recognize and celebrate the hard work of our bridge staff and board for the great success our port of entry continues to experience,” added Hernandez. “It takes a team and we have been working diligently with many partners to ensure that our bridge continues to have the infrastructure, resources, and funding to meet our future needs,” he said.
On average, the Pharr International Bridge crosses 200,000 produce shipments per year. Fresh fruits and vegetables including avocados, pineapples, mangoes, tomatoes, carrots, and more make their way through the bridge every day.
“Each year our annual event continues to grow and we are so proud to have the opportunity to showcase our trading power, highlight our bi-national partnerships, and celebrate our produce ranking amongst our many produce and logistic partners,” said Bazan. As part of our theme “A Taste of Trade”, we showcased several dishes prepared by local chefs and restaurants using fresh produce from our bridge,” he added. “This is something new we added this year, and we hope everyone enjoyed visually seeing just how many of our produce products cross through Pharr,” he continued.
The U.S. has consistently remained Mexico’s No.1 trading partner for produce and goods. Pharr’s ideal geographical location has resulted in a successful and fruitful partnership between the two countries and in the growth of their produce trading capacity which breaks new records year after year.
“Trade with Mexico supports almost 500,000 jobs,” said Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa during his remarks. “Texas could not be so strong economically without Mexico being a partner,” added Sen. Hinojosa.
The celebration concluded with the ceremonial cutting of the fruit and the distribution of fresh produce to guests.
Commission Proclaims October 5, 2022 as World Teachers’ Day
Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., and the Pharr City Commission approved a proclamation declaring October 5, 2022 as World Teachers’ Day. World Teachers’ Day is held annually on October 5 and acknowledges the work and contributions of teachers. Ana Gonzalez, Executive Director of Teach For America Rio Grande Valley, and Rey Perez from Vanguard Academy accepted the proclamation. The City of Pharr encourages members of our community to personally express appreciation to our teachers and display a light blue ribbon outside your homes or businesses during the week of October 5 as a symbol of support for our educators.
Commission Proclaims October 9-15, 2022 as Fire Prevention Week
Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., and the Pharr City Commission approved a proclamation declaring October 9-15, 2022 as Fire Prevention Week. The 2022 Fire Prevention Week theme, “Fire won’t wait. Plan your escape.” effectively serves to remind the citizens of Pharr that it is important to have a home fire escape plan. Pharr Fire Chief Pilar Rodriguez and members of the Pharr Fire Department accepted the proclamation. Chief Rodriguez reminded the public to plan and practice a home fire escape for Fire Prevention Week 2022 and to participate in the public safety activities that the Pharr Fire Department has planned throughout the week.
Commission Proclaims October 2022 as Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Month
Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., and the Pharr City Commission approved a proclamation declaring October 2022 as Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Month. The City of Pharr urges all residents to work toward ending domestic violence by empowering people to develop healthier relationships, assisting victims in accessing information and supportive services they need, and creating better and more resources for people in need to promote awareness and prevention of the threat caused by domestic and family violence. Members of the Pharr Police Department including Sergeant Danny Garcia, Domestic Violence Coordinator Alan Cantu, Crimes Victims Liason Mario Garza, and Human Trafficking Liason Nancy Gonzalez were on hand to accept the proclamation. Pharr PD would like to remind the public that they are always available and urge everyone to be vigilant and report domestic violence. The department will be holding a candlelight vigil in support of domestic violence victims on October 5, 2022.
Commission Proclaims October 2022 as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., and the Pharr City Commission approved a proclamation declaring October 2022 as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This October, as we display pink ribbons or wear pink clothing to raise awareness, we recognize breast cancer survivors, those currently battling the disease, friends, and families of diagnosed patients and applaud the efforts of our medical professionals and researchers working to find a cure. Mario Lizcano, Administrator of Corporate affairs for DHR Health, and members of the Advance Care Center Team accepted the proclamation and thanked the commission for their support. Mayor Hernandez reminded the public of the importance of annual screening.
Commission Proclaims October 2022 as National Cybersecurity Awareness Month
Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., and the Pharr City Commission approved a proclamation declaring October 2022 as National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. This year’s national campaign theme — “See Yourself in Cyber” — demonstrates that while cybersecurity may seem like a complex subject, ultimately, it’s really all about people, and is focused on providing information and resources to help educate the public, and ensure all individuals and organizations make smart decisions whether on the job, at home or at school – now and in the future! Pharr IT Director Jose J. Peña and staff accepted the proclamation.
Commission Proclaims October 2022 as Community Planning Month
Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., and the Pharr City Commission approved a proclamation declaring October 2022 as Community Planning Month. National Community Planning Month publicly recognizes the participation and dedication of the members of planning commissions and other citizen planners who have contributed their time and expertise to the improvement of the City of Pharr. Members of the Pharr Planning and Zoning Commission were in attendance to accept the proclamation. “We thank you for your dedication and service to our citizens and community,” said Mayor Hernandez.
Commission Proclaims October 2022 as The Start of the Produce Season Month
Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., and the Pharr City Commission approved a proclamation declaring October 2022 as The Start of the Produce Season Month. Pharr Bridge Director Luis Bazan with special guests Dante Galeazzi – CEO/President – Texas International Produce Association, Brenda O’Camp – representative of PickleMex, and Tony Godinez accepted the proclamation. As the number one produce bridge in the nation for over five years, the Pharr International Bridge continues to break import records for fresh produce grown in Mexico. In 2021, Pharr crossed nearly 200,000 shipments of fresh produce, which equals to over 30 percent of the produce imports monthly, that is over 60% for the state and over 30% for the nation on a yearly basis. This year’s annual Start of the Produce Season event, which is themed “A Taste of Trade” will take place on October 8, 2022.
Commission Approves Agreement with National Wildlife Federation
Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., and the Pharr City Commission approved an Agreement with the National Wildlife Federation for the donation of native seeds of various fauna species to be distributed at designated park areas throughout the City of Pharr.
Featured Event: Trail of Terror – October 21-22, 2022, from 7 pm to 10:30 pm
Trail of Terror RETURNS to the City of Pharr for an all-new haunt! Discover the horror that lies deep in the trails of the Pharr/Vanguard Nature & Birding Center this October! Admission is FREE!
Pharr to Host Celebration to Initiate the Start of the 2022-2023 Produce Season on Thursday, 10/6 @ 10 am
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr and the Pharr International Bridge will host a special event “A Taste of Trade” to initiate the start of the 2022-2023 Produce Season and will celebrate the occasion alongside produce growers, importers, distributors, and consumers from the United States and Mexico.
The annual “Start of the Produce Season” event will take place at 10 am on Thursday, October 6, 2022, at the Pharr International Bridge (9900 S. Cage, Blvd., Pharr, TX 78577).
“The Pharr International Bridge continues to remain the #1 Produce gateway in the nation,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “We are proud of the outstanding work our bridge director, board, and staff continue to do in working with all our partners to continue to expand growth and access through our bridge and we look forward to another record-setting season,” Hernandez added.
Pharr city officials, as well as special guests, dignitaries, and other notable representatives from the produce industry on both sides of the border, are expected to attend. The event will be followed by the annual cutting of the fruit and a “Taste of Trade” sample tasting.
The Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge is among the nation’s largest land ports for fruits and vegetables. Currently, the Pharr International Bridge crosses more than 65% of all the fresh produce from Mexico through Texas, including avocados, strawberries, blueberries, pineapples, tomatoes, oranges, grapefruits, asparagus, and more. Imports of produce topped more than $700 million in January.
View Start of the Produce Season preview video here:
DETAILS
WHAT: Celebration to Initiate the Start of the 2022-2023 Produce Season
WHEN: Thursday, October 6, 2022, from 10 am to 12 pm
WHERE: Pharr International Bridge (9900 S. Cage, Blvd., Pharr, TX 78577)
Registration is Now Open for the City of Pharr Salute to Veteran’s Parade & Fireworks Show
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr has announced that registration is now open for the city’s annual Pharr Salute to Veteran’s Parade and Fireworks Show. The parade will take place at 4:30 pm on Saturday, November 5, 2022, in Downtown Pharr (200 S. Cage Blvd.) and the Fireworks Show will begin at 8 pm.
If you have a business or organization and would like to participate in this year’s parade you are encouraged to register as soon as possible.
Come out and show your gratitude to the men and women who have served our nation. Sport your stars and stripes with pride and bring out the red, white, and blue in you!
Don’t forget to watch our spectacular firework show as night falls! Fireworks will be launched from (North Display) N Raider Drive and (South Display) W Las Milpas Rd.
Veterans Parade Registration Form
Scan this QR code to Register TODAY!!!
Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. during the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
