by media | Aug 3, 2022 | Featured News, Information, Live, Media Releases, My Pharr, News, News, Police Department, Police News

Pharr City Manager Chief Andy Harvey Named New LEITF Co-chair
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr is proud to announce that earlier today, the Law Enforcement Immigration Task Force (LEITF) named City Manager Chief Andy Harvey as the new LEITF Co-chair.
The announcement was made in the following press release:
Chief Andy Harvey Named New LEITF Co-chair
PHARR, TEXAS — Chief Andy Harvey of Pharr, Texas — on the border with Reynosa, Mexico — is a new co-chair of the Law Enforcement Immigration Task Force.
Harvey currently serves as Police Chief and City Manager of Pharr and has been outspoken about the need for better border and immigration policies, including in testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee about policing and immigration in 2019.
He assumes his leadership role at a pivotal moment for border and immigration reforms. In polling earlier this year, about 4 in 5 respondents said they would support “Republicans and Democrats working together on immigration reforms that strengthen border security, create a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants who came to the United States as children, and ensure a legal, reliable workforce for America’s farmers and ranchers.”
“What’s actually occurring in our local communities is important to the larger conversation surrounding immigration. We are all less safe without commonsense immigration reforms and practical, effective border security. Let’s work together to make our nation safer,” said Chief Andy Harvey of Pharr, Texas.
“Chief Harvey’s more than 26 years of public service and leadership experience, spanning positions in law enforcement, the military, and city government, as well as his expertise in immigration are welcome assets as he joins the task force’s leadership,” said Sheriff Ed Gonzalez of Harris County, Texas.
Chief Harvey’s fellow co-chairs are Sheriff Ed Gonzalez (Harris County, Texas) and Sheriff Margaret Mims (Fresno County, California).
View the release in its entirety here: https://leitf.org/[2022][08][harveycochair][].

by media | Aug 2, 2022 | Featured News, Information, Live, Media Releases, My Pharr, News, News

REMINDER – City of Pharr to Host Pharr Night Out TODAY, Tuesday, 8/2 @ 5pm
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr and the Pharr Police Department will be hosting Pharr Night Out in celebration of building police and community partnerships to prevent crime.
The event will take place TODAY, Tuesday, August 2, 2022, from 5 pm – 10 pm at the Pharr Aquatic Center (1000 Fir St.) in Pharr.
“This event is a celebration of our community partnerships and our emphasis on building healthy community relationships with our police department,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “The City of Pharr is proud of the partnerships our Pharr Police Department continues to foster with the community, local agencies, and organizations,” he added. “We invite everyone to join us for an evening of family fun, and activities,” said Hernandez.
“We believe in lifting our city,” Chief Andy Harvey said. “Adding value to our kiddos is one way we do that. This is true community in action.”
Pharr Night Out is a family-friendly event for the entire community! The parking area will be filled with vendors who will be giving away school supplies and other goodies. Make plans to join us, have a good time, and BUILD COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS!
Parking will be available at the PSJA Stadium and Liberty Middle School. Guests with bracelets will be allowed into the Aquatic Park, in 2-hour increments, due to space regulations.
All media and the public are invited to attend.
DETAILS
WHAT: Pharr Night Out
WHEN: TODAY, Tuesday, August 2, 2022 from 5 pm – 10 pm
WHERE: Pharr Aquatic Center (1000 Fir St., Pharr, TX 78577)

by media | Jul 26, 2022 | Featured News, Information, Live, Media Releases, My Pharr, News, News

The Board of Commissioners of the City of Pharr met for a regular meeting on Tuesday, July 19, 2022, and considered an agenda that included the following highlights:
Commission Proclaims July 2022 as Parks and Recreation Month

Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., and the Pharr City Commission approved a proclamation declaring July 2022 as Parks and Recreation Month. This month is a time to recognize the importance of parks and recreation in establishing and maintaining the quality of life and in contributing to the physical, economic, and environmental well-being of communities. It is also a time to recognize all the professionals and volunteers who build strong, vibrant, and resilient community programs for our children through the power of Parks and Recreation. Pharr Parks and Recreation Director Sergio Alanis along with his staff accepted the proclamation. “We have about 15,000 kids from throughout the Pharr community who participate in our camps, programs, sports, and after-school programs year-round,” said Alanis. “We thank the city commission for your recognition and all the volunteers, parents, and children who take part in making our programs so successful,” he added.
Commission Recognizes Pharr Parks & Recreation Girls’ Pony League All-Stars

The Pharr City Commission recognized the Pharr Parks & Recreation 14 youth All-Star girls’ team. Parks and Recreation Director Sergio Alanis introduced the team and the coaches. He also announced that the team earned 3rd place in the league. Coach Marco Antonio Snell thanked the city commission and parents for their support and his team for their dedication and hard work. “I’m honored to teach this amazing team of girls and am proud of how far they have gone on to compete throughout the season,” said Coach Snell. Mayor Hernandez and commissioners each thanked the coaches, parents, and team for their outstanding performance throughout the season.
City Manager Announces Sales Tax Report for July

City Manager Andy Harvey announced that the Sales Tax Collection Report for July showed an increase of 8.34% Month-to-Month compared to last year (July 2021) and overall 12.72% growth compared to last year’s collections.
Commission Introduces New City Engineer and Public Works Director
The Pharr City Commission and City Manager Andy Harvey introduced and recognized the city’s new City Engineer Ruben Alfaro and Public Works Director Rodrigo Davila. “Ruben comes to us from TxDOT and previously worked for the City of Pharr and Rodrigo comes to us from the City of Harlingen,” said City Manager Andy Harvey. “We are proud to welcome you both to the City of Pharr and look forward to the great work you will contribute to our Team Pharr family,” he added.
Commission Approves MOU between the City of Pharr/Pharr International Bridge and South Texas College for Certified Customs Specialist Program
The Pharr City Commission approved a Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Pharr/Pharr International Bridge and South Texas College for a Certified Customs Specialist (CCS) Program. On April 28, 2022, the Pharr International Bridge held a BridgeConnect Session for Certified Customs Specialist Program in conjunction with South Texas College, which sparked an interest in the trade community. After several meetings, the Pharr International Bridge was informed by STC that a total of 6 students applied for the program and would like to form a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the City of Pharr / Pharr International Bridge. The Certified Customs Specialist (CCS) Program is designed to assist trade professionals involved in the import industry to become experts in the current import regulations.
by media | Jul 12, 2022 | Featured News, Information, Live, Media Releases, My Pharr, News, News

The Board of Commissioners of the City of Pharr met for a regular meeting on Tuesday, July 5, 2022, and considered an agenda that included the following highlights:
Commission Approves Proclamation Declaring the Week of July 18-22, 2022 as the 100th Anniversary of the Pharr Fire Department

The Pharr City Commission approved a proclamation declaring the week of July 18-22, 2022 as the 100th Anniversary of the Pharr Fire Department. The Pharr Fire Department is one of the oldest serving fire departments in Hidalgo County, Texas. It started as an all-volunteer fire department in July 1922 and today it operates as a combination department with 83 career full-time staff and 20 volunteer members. Pharr Fire Chief Pilar Rodriguez and members from the department accepted the proclamation during the city meeting. “We thank you for recognizing our service to the citizens of Pharr over the past 100 years and our dedication to preserving life and protecting property,” said Chief Rodriguez. The Pharr Fire Department will be hosting a Centennial Celebration on July 21, 2022 from 6 pm to 10 pm at the Pharr Downtown Park (200 S. Cage Blvd) next to Pharr City Hall.
Commission Recognizes Pharr Parks & Recs Pony League All-Stars


The Pharr City Commission recognized the Pharr Parks & Recreation Pony League All-Star boys and girls teams who are currently competing in the All-Stars. Pharr Parks & Recs. Director Sergio Alanis thanked the players, coaches, parents, volunteers, and community for their support. He announced that the boy’s team placed first in the region and the girls placed third.
Commission Recognizes SB 250 Bike Ride from McAllen to San Antonio

The Pharr City Commission and Pharr EMS recognized Casey Swanson and his nonprofit, Suzannah Smiles, for their work in coordinating and hosting the SB-250, a 2 day fully supported group ride from McAllen to San Antonio that raises funds for Spina Bifida Texas. This is the 11th year undertaking this event – in the past 9 years, almost 500 cyclists have completed the trek collectively raising over $194,500 in the first 9 years for Spina Bifida Texas. This year over $55,000 was raised. Pharr EMS is proud to serve as a sponsor and participates on-site to provide emergency care to participating cyclists.
Commission Reappoints Judge Rudy Martinez as Alternate Municipal Judge
The Pharr City Commission approved an ordinance reappointing Judge Rudy Martinez as Alternate Municipal Judge. The current term of the Alternate Municipal Judge was set to expire on July 6, 2022.
Commission Authorizes City Manager to execute an Investigator-Initiated Study Agreement with BFLY Operations, Inc.
The Pharr City Commission authorized City Manager Andy Harvey to execute an Investigator-Initiated Study Agreement between BFLY Operations, Inc. and the City of Pharr / Pharr EMS. This agreement will allow Pharr EMS to participate in a DHR Research study with BFLY Operations.
Featured Event: Pharr Fire Department 100th Anniversary Celebration – Thursday, July 21, 2022, from 6 pm to 10 pm

The Pharr Fire Department will be hosting a Centennial Celebration on July 21, 2022, from 6 pm to 10 pm at the Pharr Downtown Park (200 S. Cage Blvd) next to Pharr City Hall. Everyone is invited to join us!
by media | Jul 5, 2022 | Featured News, Information, Live, Media Releases, My Pharr, News, News

Courtesy Notice on Behalf of the Hidalgo County Regional Mobility Authority
Pharr, Texas – The Hidalgo County Regional Mobility Authority (HCRMA) has announced that a temporary road closure will take place beginning July 5, 2022, through July 19, 2022, along South San Juan Road/Hi Line Road Intersection. This closure shall impact travel along Hi Line Road from South Veterans Road to South Stewart Road.
Pulice Construction, Inc., who is the prime contractor, will be installing bridge overpass drill shaft foundations at the intersection of San Juan Road and Hi Line Road.
The designated route shall be appropriately marked with detours for the motoring public.
The HCRMA and Pulice Construction, Inc., appreciate the public’s cooperation as they work together to construct this project in a timely manner.
For more information on this project, visit www.HCRMA.net or contact the HCRMA Construction Office at 956-402-4763 or the Administrative Office at 956-402-4762.


by media | Jun 30, 2022 | Featured News, Information, Live, Media Releases, My Pharr, News, News

City of Pharr and GLO Partner to Host HARP Funding Presentation for Community TODAY, 6/30 @6 pm
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr and the Texas General Land Office’s (GLO) Homeowner Assistance and Reimbursement Program (HARP) have partnered to host an informational presentation for Pharr residents who may be eligible to apply for assistance. The program was set up to help local residents impacted by the 2018-2019 flooding from storms that affected the Rio Grande Valley.
The informational presentation will take place TODAY, Thursday, June 30, 2022 at the Pharr Development and Research Center (850 W. Dicker Rd) in Pharr from 6 pm to 7 pm. All Pharr homeowners are invited to attend the presentation to learn more about how HARP may be able to help them.
“The GLO is seeking applications from homeowners for assistance rebuilding homes and reimbursement of repairs,” said Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “If your home was damaged by the 2018-2019 flood disasters, you are potentially eligible for assistance,” he continued. “As your Mayor for the City of Pharr, I encourage you to join us for this informational presentation and learn more about the program to see if you or your family may qualify,” Hernandez added.
HARP covers repairs or full reconstruction of a primary residence, as well as repayment of eligible out-of-pocket repair costs up to $50,000.
“Homeowners in Southeast Texas and the Rio Grande Valley have faced repetitive damage from devastating flooding,” said Texas General Land Office Commissioner George P. Bush. “Through the Homeowner Assistance and Reimbursement Programs, the Texas GLO will help thousands of homeowners to rebuild their homes and livelihoods, he added.”
Please contact the Texas General Land Office directly at 512-992-0634 for more information and all questions you may have about HARP.
All media and the public are invited to attend.
DETAILS
WHAT: City of Pharr and GLO to Host HARP Funding Presentation for Community
WHEN: Thursday, June 30, 2022 from 6 pm – 7 pm
WHERE: Pharr Development and Research Center (850 W. Dicker Rd, Pharr, TX 78577)

