by media | Mar 3, 2021 | Featured News, Media Releases
Commissioners Proclaim March 2021 as “Theatre in Our Schools” Month
The Pharr City Commission approved a proclamation declaring March 2021 as “Theatre in Our Schools Month. March is designated as “Theatre in Our Schools” (TIOS) Month, a national movement where thousands of students and theatre educators join together in raising awareness about the impact of theatre education, drawing attention to the need for more access for all students, and supporting school theatre programs in need. The goal of TIOS Month is to not only raise awareness inside the school walls, but beyond and into the community; to share the story of the importance of school theatre with leaders, influencers, policymakers, and all community members. The proclamation was accepted by Mr. Alejandro Coronado, Fine Arts Director at Vanguard Academy in Pharr. “At Vanguard, we’ve always felt that Fine Arts, Dance, and Theatre have always been a strong foundation for the core classes and we have them available for all our students from Kindergarten all the way to Twelfth grade,” said Coronado. “These programs make for well-rounded students,” he added.
Commissioners Recognize City Attorney Patricia Rigney – Founding Vice-President of RGV Chapter of Texas City Attorneys Association
The Pharr City Commission recognized City Attorney Patricia Rigney for her appointment as the Founding Vice-President and Member of the Rio Grande Valley – City Attorneys Association (RGV-CAA). TCAA is an affiliate of the Texas Municipal League that was formed to promote, encourage, and advance the professional development of municipal attorneys throughout the State of Texas. TCAA currently has a membership of over 400 attorneys and continues to meet the needs, concerns, and problems of its members in a variety of ways. “We are excited and proud of Patricia,” said Pharr Mayor, Dr. Ambrosio Hernandez. “We know how dedicated she is to her craft and we know she will represent the Rio Grande Valley well,” added Mayor Hernandez. Congratulations to Patricia and the rest of the other local attorneys appointed to RGV-CAA!
City of Pharr Recognizes Jorge Piñon, Student Athlete at PSJA Southwest Early College High School
The Pharr City Commission recognized PSJA Southwest Early College High School senior #7 Jorge Piñon who accepted a football scholarship to play football for Buena Vista University Beavers of Storm Lake, Iowa. Jorge was awarded a Presidential and football Scholarship by the university and plans to excel in his academic and athletic career. “This is my dream and I know that not many kids get the opportunity to play football in college,” said Piñon. “I am honored, thankful, and strive to achieve great things in my future,” he added. “We are all so very proud of you and know that you can accomplish every goal you set your mind to,” said Mayor Hernandez. “Best of luck, Echale Ganas, and remember, you can be anything you want to be,” added Mayor Hernandez.
Commissioners Approve Ordinance amending Ordinance No. O-2006-47 Standards Manual Construction and Development Guide
Commissioners Approve Ordinance amending Ordinance No. O-2006-47 Standards Manual Construction and Development Guide. The City of Pharr has determined that the supplemental drainage policy is necessary to provide for the safety and welfare of the general public, mitigate flood and erosion-related damages to private and public property. The supplemental drainage policy requires on-site detention for any new residential and commercial development. The difference between the 50-year storm post-development runoff and the 10-Year PreDevelopment runoff shall be detained on-site and shall be situated in dedicated areas. In addition, the City recognizes that public roadways require a certain degree of continuity, capacity, and accessibility to adjacent land uses, and to address the transportation and mobility needs. As per the amended Ordinance, Local Right-of-Way (ROW) widths are now required to be a total of 50’ROW, 40′ B-B, as opposed to the current requirement of 34’B-B.
City of Pharr COVID-19 Interest Form Now Available
The City of Pharr is asking residents who are interested in receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, please visit: www.pharrvaccines.info and fill out the Vaccine Interest Form. This form WILL NOT register you to receive a dose. This will allow us to gather data on those who are interested in receiving the vaccine.
Featured Event: Movies at the Park Featuring “HOP” – Saturday, March 6, 2021, starting at 6 pm
Join us for our “Movies at the Park” event this Saturday! We will be showing “HOP” on Saturday, March 6, 2021, at the Pharr/Vanguard Academy Nature & Birding Center. The movie will start at 6:00 pm. We look forward to seeing you there!
Featured Event: 15th Annual St. Patrick’s Day 5k Run/Walk – Saturday, March 13, 2021
The City of Pharr is ready to host the 15th annual St. Patrick’s Day 5k Run/Walk on March 13, 2021! The city will be following COVID-19 guidelines to ensure everyone’s health and safety. We appreciate the commitment and overwhelming response to this year’s event!
If you already registered, you can pick up your packets from March 11-12, 2021, at the Pharr Parks and Recreation office located at 1011 W. Kelly Ave from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm.
by media | Mar 2, 2021 | Featured News, Information, Media Releases
Pharr EDC Foundation Launches, Founding Board Members Inaugurated
Pharr, Texas – The Pharr Economic Development Corporation (EDC) in partnership with the City of Pharr, is proud to announce that they have launched the newly created Pharr EDC Foundation and recently held an induction ceremony welcoming the Founding Board of Directors.
As the City of Pharr’s economic development arm, the Pharr EDC has always focused its efforts on creating direct pipelines for students, post-secondary education workforce development, entrepreneurship, and business development. These efforts will further be expanded through the Pharr EDC Foundation, with a special focus on education.
“This is an exciting moment for the Pharr EDC and something we have been working towards,” said Victor Perez, Executive Director of the Pharr EDC during the ceremony. “The Pharr EDC Foundation, through the dedication and assistance of its board members, plans to focus its efforts on providing scholarships, internship opportunities, and financial literacy education to students within the City of Pharr,” added Perez.
The foundation advisory board includes President, Victor Perez who is the Executive Director of the Pharr EDC; Vice-President Reynaldo Perez who is an Adjunct Professor at Vanguard Academy and South Texas College; and Treasurer, Dr. Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., Mayor of Pharr.
During the ceremony, the Founding Board of Directors were administered the oath of office by Pharr City Commissioner Dr. Ramiro Caballero.
Founding Board Members of the Pharr EDC Foundation take the oath of office administered by City Commissioner Dr. Ramiro Caballero during the Inauguration Ceremony.
The Pharr EDC Foundation Founding Board of Directors are Felix Chavez, Jr., President/Owner of Junior’s Supermarket, Edna De Saro, Executive VP & Marketing Director of Lone Star National Bank, Veronica Gonzales, VP of Governmental & Community Relations for UTRGV, Hans Humphrey, New Projects Director for CIL, Sara Lozano, Dean of Business, Public Safety, and Technology for South Texas College, Jerry Maddox, Owner of Fazoli’s Pharr, Dorian Madrigal, General Sales Manager for CAPA, Tony Martinez, Managing Member of Primo Trading Services, Alex Meade, Vice President of Economic Development & Public Finance for Texas Regional Bank, Dr. Annabelle Palomo, CEO/School Director of RGV College, Johnny Rodriguez, Director of Public Relations for Bert Ogden Auto, and Robert Tudor, Owner of Rapid Transport, United Truck Parts, and Dura Trucks. Stuart I.R. Haniff, MHA who is the Chief Executive Officer for The Food Bank RGV will serve as an Advisor to the Board.
As distinguished business owners, entrepreneurs, and career professionals, the Pharr EDC Foundation Founding Board Director’s expertise and business acumen will play a critical role in shaping the educational and economic future of students in Pharr.
“Through the Pharr EDC Foundation, we hope to foster relationships within our community to expand educational and workforce opportunities for students and individuals within Pharr, while supporting our economic growth,” said Mayor and Pharr EDC Foundation Treasurer, Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “Education is a critical key to workforce development and we are committed to advancing and supporting our future workforce by providing them with scholarships, internships, and resources, to set them on the path to success,” continued Hernandez.
The Pharr EDC Foundation is committed to supporting Pharr students’ achieve their educational and career dreams by helping them pay for college at all levels, whether it is for a trade or technical degree or a four-year university.
Pharr City Commissioners present the Pharr EDC Foundation with a $500,000 check for student scholarships (L to R): Commissioners Bobby Carrillo, Daniel Chavez, Ricardo Medina, Eleazar Guajardo, Itza Flores, Dr. Ramiro Caballero, Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., and Victor Perez, Pharr EDC Executive Director.
As part of this commitment, the Pharr City Commission presented the Pharr EDC Foundation with a $500,000 check during the ceremony. Mayor Hernandez announced during his remarks that funding for the foundation will come from revenues generated by the Pharr International Bridge and through fundraising efforts by the board.
The Pharr EDC Foundation plans to launch its website in the coming months, and scholarship applications will be made available shortly thereafter.
by media | Feb 25, 2021 | Featured News, Media Releases
Pharr EDC to Hold Inauguration Ceremony Celebrating New Foundation and Board TOMORROW, Thurs., 2/25 @ 6 pm
Pharr, Texas – The Pharr Economic Development Corporation (EDC) in partnership with the City of Pharr, is proud to announce that they will be hosting an Inauguration Ceremony to celebrate the new Pharr EDC Foundation and the induction of the Founding Board of Directors. The event will take place at 6 pm TOMORROW, Thursday, February 25 at the Pharr Economic Development Corporation (1215 S. Cage Blvd.) in Pharr.
“This is an exciting moment for the Pharr EDC and something we have been working towards,” said Victor Perez, Executive Director of the Pharr EDC. “The Pharr EDC Foundation, through the dedication and assistance of its board members, plans to focus its efforts on providing scholarships, internship opportunities, and financial literacy education to students within the City of Pharr,” added Perez.
As the City of Pharr’s economic development arm, the Pharr EDC has always focused its efforts on creating direct pipelines for students, post-secondary education workforce development, entrepreneurship, and business development. These efforts will further be expanded through the Pharr EDC Foundation, with a special focus on education.
“Through the Pharr EDC Foundation, we hope to foster relationships within our community to expand educational and workforce opportunities for students and individuals within Pharr, while supporting our economic growth,” said Mayor and Pharr EDC Board President, Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “Education is a critical key to workforce development and we are committed to advancing and supporting our future workforce by providing them with scholarships, internships, and resources, to set them on the path to success,” continued Hernandez.
All media are invited to attend.
DETAILS
WHAT: Pharr EDC to Hold Inauguration Ceremony Celebrating New Foundation and Board
WHEN: Thursday, February 25, 2021, at 6 pm
WHERE: Pharr Economic Development Corporation (1215 S. Cage Blvd., Pharr, TX 78577)
by media | Feb 18, 2021 | Featured News, Media Releases
City of Pharr to Hold Vaccination Clinic for Adult Daycare Clients TOMORROW, Friday 2/19 @ 9 am
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr and Hidalgo County Precinct 2 are partnering up to vaccinate clients from adult daycare centers located throughout the city. Over 850 vaccines will be administered at 9 am TOMORROW, Friday, February 19 at the Pharr Events Center (3000 N. Cage Blvd.) to individuals who have already pre-registered. This will be a closed point of distribution event.
“Our city and county leaders are working together to ensure that our elderly, who are most at-risk, have the opportunity to receive the coronavirus vaccination,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez. “The City of Pharr is proud to partner with Hidalgo County Precinct 2 and Commissioner Cantu to continue addressing this important population in our community,” added Hernandez.
Mayor Hernandez and Hidalgo County Precinct 2 Commissioner Eddie Cantu will hold a small press conference at 9 am sharp.
“Vaccinating our elderly population is our top priority right now for three reasons: (1) They are our most vulnerable; (2) Statistics show that they are most likely to die if infected; and (3) The elderly often get admitted into the hospital, which affects all of us,” said Commissioner Cantu. “If we can successfully vaccinate our elderly, death and hospital rates should drop by up to 80%,” he added.
We advise all media to arrive early to set up. Should you need more information regarding the event, please contact Michelle Lopez, Pharr Chief Communications Officer via email at [email protected].
All media are invited to attend.
DETAILS
WHAT: City of Pharr to Hold Vaccination Clinic for Adult Daycare Clients
WHEN: Friday, February 19, 2021, at 9:00 am
WHERE: Pharr Event Center (3000 N. Cage Blvd. Pharr, TX. 78577)
by media | Feb 18, 2021 | Featured News, Media Releases
City of Pharr and Vanguard Academy to Open Warming Shelter on THURSDAY, 2/18 at 7 pm
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr is once again partnering with Vanguard Academy to open a Warming Shelter ahead of the inclement winter weather forecasted for this evening.
The shelter, located at the Vanguard Academy Gymnasium (1200 E. Kelly Ave.) in Pharr will open at 7 pm TONIGHT, Thursday, February 18, and will close at 10 am on Friday, February 19, 2021.
“While we are relieved to hear that ERCOT has authorized AEP Texas to restore power, we know that the process will take a while and encourage anyone in the city who is still without power to stay overnight at our warming shelter,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “Temperatures are expected to drop and we want everyone to remain safe, healthy, and warm,” he added.
The City of Pharr will provide a cot to sleep. Those seeking shelter are encouraged to bring blankets, pillows, food/snacks, and any prescription medication they need. Pets are not allowed. Face masks are required. Space is limited and is on a first-come, first-served basis. COVID-19 safety protocols will be in place including screening for guests, temperature checks, expanded space to allow physical distancing, hygiene access, and increased sanitation guidelines.
While the restoration of electric services throughout the state is underway and Pharr citizens are expected to have their electrical service back soon, the city is asking those families without power or those in need of a warm place to make plans to stay at the shelter as temperatures are expected to drop this evening.
“We understand this has been a difficult situation for many in our community and we are glad to hear that services are being restored,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “At this moment, we join AEP Texas in asking that citizens who remain without power turn off electric systems to allow for a smooth transition as the grid is restored and those with power to practice energy conservation to help prevent new outages,” added Hernandez.
AEP Texas also reminds all customers to unplug any electronic devices from the wall such as computers and televisions. Once power is restored, you should switch the devices back on gradually over the following 30-to-45 minutes. Taking this step will help prevent new outages as service is restored in your area.
The City of Pharr urges all citizens to continue conserving energy as crews work to restore the system and to stay safe as extreme winter weather is expected to drops temperatures this evening.
DETAILS
WHAT: City of Pharr and Vanguard Academy to Open Warming Shelter
WHEN: February 18 at 7 pm through Friday, February 19 at 10 am
WHERE: Vanguard Academy Gymnasium (1200 E. Kelly Ave. Pharr, TX 78577)
by media | Feb 17, 2021 | Featured News, Media Releases
Update on the Mental Health Unit and Special Response Team Call Out for Person in Crisis
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr Police Department provides this update regarding the Mental Health Unit and Special Response Team that responded to a crisis earlier today:
At 7:44 a.m., Pharr PD received a call regarding a disturbance at the 900 block of E. Lucas Street. Responding Officer found a 38-year-old male standing in the front doorway carrying a rifle. The subject proceeded to aim the weapon in the direction of the Responding Officer and fired at least once. The Officer retreated and was not injured. Further investigation revealed the Responding Officer’s squad car was struck in the radiator in the front of the vehicle. The subject’s wife was outside of the house when this occurred and was not injured. The subject then barricaded himself inside of his house.
The Pharr PD quickly responded with our Special Response Team (SRT), Negotiators, and the Criminal Investigations Unit. When officers learned the subject may be experiencing a major life crisis, our Mental Health Unit (MHU) responded to assist as well.
Our MHU officer, who is also a trained negotiator, was able to communicate with the subject for over 2 hours. It became evident the subject was in fact having an emotional and mental crisis so the MHU Officer continued to maintain the open line of communication. During the time the subject was barricaded, he fired a weapon, later discovered to be a shotgun, inside of his home multiple times causing only property damage.
At one point the MHU Officer gained enough of the subject’s confidence to agree to come outside on his own. Our SRT team tactically engaged the subject at the front of his home. When the subjected began to retreat inside of his home, a member of the SRT Team fired a less than lethal weapon striking the subject in his leg. When a can of tear gas spray was thrown into the home, the subject exited the home where he was apprehended without further incident. The subject was treated and transported for further evaluation.
It is important to note that the intent of the Pharr PD, with the creation of the MHU, is to first provide anyone in crisis the appropriate help and resources they need. An investigation is still ongoing and criminal charges are pending. Another vital part of our MHU is to work with and assist the Hidalgo County’s District Attorney’s Office to help identify defendants with mental health issues in order to properly prosecute and help provide mental health treatment and resources as needed.
“I am grateful that today’s dangerous situation resulted in a peaceful outcome where there were no serious injuries to any officers, the subject, or any citizens. Our Pharr police officers responded quickly and their professionalism was displayed and had a positive outcome,” said Pharr Police Chief Andy Harvey.
*Due to the sensitive medical nature of the call and subject, the name will not be released at this time.
