MEDIA ADVISORY
Media Contact: Kenia Gomez
Phone: (956) 769-1006
Email: [email protected]
City of Pharr to Host Annual Easter Eggstravaganza with Over 18,000 Eggs on Sat., 3/28 @ 9 AM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2026
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr invites families across the community to join in the fun at its annual Easter Eggstravaganza. There will be plenty of Easter festivities for the entire family, including the popular Egg Scavenger Hunt.
The event will take place on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at Allen & William Arnold City/School Park (615 W. Eldora Rd.) in Pharr. Registration begins at 9:00 AM, and the Egg Hunt starts at 10:00 AM.
Grab your baskets and get ready, this year’s celebration will feature over 18,000 eggs, along with carnival rides, moon jumps, a petting zoo, prizes, snacks, and a special appearance by the Easter Bunny.
All media and the public are invited to attend.
DETAILS
WHAT: City of Pharr Easter Eggstravaganza
WHEN: Saturday, March 28, 2026
WHERE: Allen & William Arnold City/School Park (615 W. Eldora Rd., Pharr, TX 78577)
MEDIA ADVISORY
Media Contact: Kenia Gomez
Phone: (956) 769-1006
Email: [email protected]
City of Pharr to Host S.A.F.E.R. Home Initiative Focused on Fire Prevention and Emergency Preparedness on Mon., 3/30 @ 10 AM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2026
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr Fire Department, in collaboration with the Pharr Public Health Department and the Valley Association for Independent Living (VAIL), will host the S.A.F.E.R. Home Initiative on Monday, March 30, 2026, at the Jose “Pepe” Salinas Memorial Recreational Center, located at 1011 W. Kelly Ave., in Pharr, Texas.
The seminar, titled S.A.F.E.R., is an acronym for Safety Awareness, Fire prevention, and Emergency Readiness. It is designed to equip residents with the knowledge and tools to stay safe and prepared.
This initiative aims to strengthen community preparedness by providing valuable information and resources, with a particular focus on assisting elderly, homebound, and individuals with special needs. Attendees will learn practical steps to reduce fire risks in the home, develop emergency plans, and better understand available support services within the community.
Media representatives will have the opportunity to capture visuals, engage with organizers, and learn more about how this program supports vulnerable populations.
For more information, call the Pharr Public Health Department at (956) 402-4652.
Registration is encouraged but not required. Register here.
DETAILS
WHAT: S.A.F.E.R. Home Initiative
WHEN: Monday, March 30th, 2026, from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
WHERE: Jose “Pepe” Salinas Memorial Recreational Center (1011 W. Kelly Ave., Pharr, Texas)
City of Pharr Honors Women’s Leadership and Impact at Annual International Women’s Day Celebration
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2026
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr recognized International Women’s Day with its annual Women’s Day Celebration, embracing this year’s theme, “Give to Gain,” and honoring the invaluable contributions of women across the city and community.
The celebration began with a meaningful act of service, as City of Pharr employees donated women’s clothing to support members of the local community. This initiative reflected the spirit of giving and unity that continues to define the City’s workforce and the powerful role women play in uplifting others.
The event featured a distinguished panel discussion highlighting women of distinction from across the community. Moderated by KRGV News Anchor Kristine Galvan, the conversation offered meaningful insight into the panelists’ own experiences, leadership perspectives, and professional journeys across diverse industries. Panelists included Natasha del Barrio, CEO of Bert Ogden and Fiesta Auto Group; Edna Posada, Owner of Spa La Posada; Cynthia Garza-Reyes, Deputy City Manager for the City of Pharr; and Dori Contreras, Retired Chief Justice of the Texas Thirteenth District Court of Appeals.
The luncheon concluded with the announcement of the City of Pharr’s 2026 Woman of the Year, Cynthia Garza-Reyes. With more than a decade of service with the City of Pharr and over 20 years in public service, Garza-Reyes has led and supported transformative initiatives that continue to shape the City of Pharr, including the expansion of the Pharr International Bridge and the development of Pharr Connect. Her leadership has not only advanced critical infrastructure and innovation but has also opened doors and set a standard of excellence for women in public service.
“Cynthia Garza-Reyes represents the very best of leadership in the City of Pharr,” said City Manager Dr. Jonathan B. Flores. “Her vision, dedication, and commitment to our residents have been a catalyst for growth and expansion in Pharr,” he added. “She has made a lasting impact on our organization and continues to inspire women across our workforce and community. We are proud to recognize her as our Woman of the Year.”
This year’s International Women’s Day Celebration was a great success, and the City of Pharr extends its sincere appreciation to all panelists and those who helped make the luncheon both meaningful and inspiring. The City of Pharr is committed to empowering women across our community and fostering a culture of growth, opportunity, and inclusion.
City of Pharr Announces Leadership Transition in Office of City Communications
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2026
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr announces a leadership transition within its Office of City Communications, as two valued team members rise into new leadership roles. This advancement reflects the city’s ongoing commitment to fostering professional development while strengthening communications and operational excellence.
Yuri Gonzalez, who led the Office of City Communications since 2021, is taking on a new role as Director of International Commercial Development. Having already collaborated with the Pharr Economic Development Corporation and the Pharr International Bridge on multiple projects, Gonzalez will continue to strengthen international partnerships and drive commercial growth.
With over 15 years of experience in radio, news, and municipal government communications, including leading city government media campaigns, this new role represents an exciting opportunity for professional growth. It allows her to further contribute to the city’s economic development efforts and international initiatives.
“I’m incredibly grateful to our city leadership for the trust and opportunity to serve as Director of International Commercial Development,” said Gonzalez. “I’m excited to build on our momentum, strengthen international partnerships, and help position our city for continued economic growth and international impact.”
Stepping into the role of Director in the Office of City Communications is Kenia Gomez, who joined the organization as Assistant Director in 2025. She brings nearly 10 years of experience in local news and municipal government communications, with expertise in media relations and strategic communications.
“I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to take on this role and keep our community informed and engaged,” said Gomez. “It’s a privilege to highlight the important projects happening across the City of Pharr, and I look forward to continuing to work alongside our exceptional communications team.”
“It is incredibly rewarding to see Yuri and Kenia step into these new roles,” said City Manager Dr. Jonathan B. Flores. He added, “Their dedication, resilience, and commitment to serving the City of Pharr exemplify the leadership culture we strive to build. I am proud of their achievements and excited to watch them continue to thrive.”
The City of Pharr looks forward to this exciting transition, celebrating Yuri Gonzalez’s new role as Director of International Commercial Development and welcoming Kenia Gomez as the new Director of the Office of City Communications.
All media inquiries should be directed to Kenia Gomez.
Pictured are (L to R): Kenia Gomez, Director of City Communications
and Yuri Gonzalez, Director of International Commercial Development
MEDIA ADVISORY
Media Contact: Kenia Gomez
Phone: (956) 769-1006
Email: [email protected]
Pharr Public Health to Host Ribbon Cutting for New Breast Milk Donation Site & Wellness Room on Wed., 3/4 @ 11 AM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2026
Pharr, Texas – The Pharr Public Health Department will host a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Wednesday, March 4, at 11:00 AM at Pharr ONE (1121 E. Nolana Loop) to celebrate the opening of a new Breast Milk Donation Site in partnership with Mothers’ Milk Bank at Austin, along with the launch of its new wellness room.
The new milk depot provides a convenient local drop-off site for approved donors, making it easier for local mothers to donate extra breast milk to help premature, sick, and medically fragile infants. Mothers’ Milk Bank at Austin supplies pasteurized donor human milk to hospitals across Texas and nationwide, ensuring vulnerable babies receive lifesaving nutrition when their mother’s own milk is unavailable. Women interested in becoming donors may call 1-877-813-6455 or visit milkbank.org. All screening costs are covered by Mothers’ Milk Bank at Austin.
In addition, Pharr ONE will unveil its new wellness room, a dedicated space designed to support mental and emotional well-being, lactation and milk donation support, stress reduction, and caregiver and community care.
The Wellness Room features:
Dimmable lighting for sensory comfort
Waterfall feature and calming sound machine
Aromatherapy
Meditation and guided breathing tools
Creative arts for stress relief
Movement and light exercise equipment
Self-monitoring health station
The space is designed to provide families with a calming environment to relax, reset, and recharge. The wellness room will be available Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM by appointment at (956) 402-4652.
Media is invited to attend.
DETAILS
WHAT: Ribbon Cutting for New Breast Milk Donation Site & Wellness Room
WHEN: Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at 11 AM
WHERE: Pharr ONE (1121 E. Nolana Loop, Pharr, TX 78577)
Pharr City Manager Dr. Jonathan B. Flores Receives National Public Service Award
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2026
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr proudly announces that City Manager Dr. Jonathan B. Flores has been selected as a recipient of the National Public Service Award (NPSA), one of the nation’s highest honors for career public servants.
Presented by the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) in partnership with the National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA), the National Public Service Award recognizes individuals across local, state, federal, and international government who have made sustained and significant contributions to public service.
Award recipients are selected from all levels of government and nonprofit service organizations. Winners are not chosen by category but based on the depth and impact of their public service careers. Honorees must demonstrate long-term leadership that improves service delivery, strengthens democratic governance, advances social equity, achieves measurable fiscal responsibility, and develops future public sector leaders.
Dr. Flores was recognized for his sustained record of transformational municipal leadership and measurable impact on the City of Pharr.
During his tenure as City Manager, Dr. Flores has:
Strengthened the City’s financial position, increasing reserves and enhancing long-term fiscal sustainability
Advanced major infrastructure initiatives, including international trade and transportation improvements
Championed strategic planning and performance management reforms
Promoted leadership development programs that cultivate the next generation of public servants
Advanced equity-focused initiatives designed to improve the quality of life for residents
Fostered a culture of innovation and continuous improvement across municipal departments
“I am deeply honored to receive the National Public Service Award,” said Dr. Flores. “Public service is a lifelong calling. This recognition reflects the extraordinary work of our City Commission, leadership team, and the dedicated employees who serve the residents of Pharr each day. Together, we are building a stronger, more resilient, and more equitable community.”
The National Public Service Award honors career public servants who, on a sustained basis, have:
Made a profound difference in improving service to the public
Taken calculated risks to achieve meaningful change
Fostered a more democratic society
Served as champions of social equity
Transformed governmental operations to better achieve results
Achieved substantial savings in government
Developed and mentored future public leaders
Dr. Flores’ recognition places him among a distinguished group of national leaders whose careers exemplify integrity, innovation, and impact in public administration.
“We are grateful for Dr. Flores’ leadership, which continues to move our city forward,” said Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., Mayor of Pharr. “His commitment to fiscal responsibility, innovation, and service to our residents is evident in the progress we see every day,” he continued. “This national honor is well deserved and a proud moment for the entire Pharr community.”
The City of Pharr congratulates Dr. Flores on this prestigious national honor and celebrates his continued commitment to excellence in public service.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
