Media Contact: Yuri Gonzalez
Phone: (956) 310-2139
Email: [email protected]
MEDIA EVENT – Pharr Connect to Launch Fiber Broadband for Multi-Family Communities on Tue., 12/2 @5:30 PM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2025
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr is excited to announce a major milestone in its ongoing effort to expand high-quality broadband access to more residents. Pharr Connect, the city’s fiber-optic internet service, is now expanding its service into multi-family living areas, including apartment complexes, 55+ communities, Winter Texan mobile home parks, and other private multi-family developments throughout Pharr.
The kickoff celebration will take place on Tuesday, December 2, at 5:30 PM at WinterHaven MHP (1015 W. Sam Houston Blvd.) in Pharr.
Pharr Connect is the City of Pharr’s solution to closing the digital divide. The city offers reliable, fast fiber internet and next-generation WiFi technology, connecting all devices in homes and businesses. While previously available to residential and business customers, service had not been extended to private areas of multi-family properties until now.
Through this effort, thousands of residents living in multi-dwelling units will now have access to Pharr Connect, strengthening digital access, opportunity, and connectivity across the community. The City of Pharr is proud to bring this service to even more families.
The growth of Pharr Connect will bring affordable broadband to even more residents. In addition, families with a child enrolled at PSJA ISD receive the service at no cost.
This event is exclusively for media to attend; city officials will be available for on-site interview opportunities. To RSVP your outlet’s attendance, please email [email protected] by 5 pm on Monday, December 1, 2025.
DETAILS
WHAT: Pharr Connect to Launch Fiber Broadband for Multi-Family Communities
WHEN: Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at 5:30 PM
WHERE: WinterHaven MHP (1015 W. Sam Houston Blvd), Pharr, TX
Media Contact: Yuri Gonzalez
Phone: (956) 310-2139
Email: [email protected]
City of Pharr Hosts Annual Turkey Distribution for Families in Need
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2025
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr Fire Department held its annual Thanksgiving Turkey Distribution on Tuesday, November 25th. This year, the City of Pharr proudly provided turkeys and all the traditional Thanksgiving sides to 100 families, ensuring they have everything needed to enjoy a complete holiday dinner.
For nearly 20 years, the Pharr Fire Department, with the assistance of the Pharr Police Department, has come together to make a meaningful impact during the holiday season. Through generous donations from community members and local businesses, the departments work tirelessly to bring joy to local families who may be struggling to afford a Thanksgiving meal.
To identify families most in need, the City of Pharr partners with local school districts, including PSJA ISD, Valley View ISD, Hidalgo ISD, IDEA Public Schools, and Vanguard Academy. Through food and monetary donations from numerous local businesses, the Pharr Fire Department gathers the resources needed to assemble and distribute the holiday meal packages.
“We are proud to continue this long-standing tradition,” said City Manager Jonathan Flores. “Thanks to the generosity of our community and our dedicated first responders, we can ensure that families across Pharr have a warm and joyful Thanksgiving meal.”
The effort highlights the spirit of unity and generosity that defines the Pharr community, especially during this time of year. All selected families have already picked up their Thanksgiving packages at the Pharr Fire Department.
The City of Pharr is grateful to every donor and volunteer who came together to support this year’s distribution.
Media Contact: Yuri Gonzalez
Phone: (956) 310-2139
Email: [email protected]
City of Pharr to Host Magical Winter Wonderland Celebration and Tree Lighting on Fri., 12/5 @ 6 PM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2025
Pharr, Texas –The City of Pharr invites families to step into an enchanted evening as it celebrates the magic of the season, transforming Downtown Pharr into a Winter Wonderland, complete with sparkling lights, joyful holiday decor, and festive Christmas cheer for all ages.
The celebration will take place on Friday, December 5, from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM in Downtown Pharr (118 S. Cage Blvd.), with the Lighting of the Christmas Tree beginning at 7:00 PM.
The celebration will feature live music, food and market vendors, a drone show, and plenty of family-friendly activities throughout the evening. Winter Wonderland is one of Pharr’s most cherished holiday traditions, bringing neighbors together to celebrate community, joy, and the spirit of Christmas.
All media and the public are invited to attend.
DETAILS
WHAT: City of Pharr’s Winter Wonderland & Tree Lighting
WHEN: Friday, December 5, 2025, from 6:00 PM -10:00 PM
WHERE: Downtown Pharr (118 S. Cage Blvd, Pharr, TX 78577)
The Board of Commissioners of the City of Pharr met for a regular meeting on Monday, November 17, 2025, and considered an agenda that included the following highlights:
Pharr Declares November 2025 as Children’s Grief Awareness Month
The Pharr City Commission approved a proclamation declaring November 2025 as Children’s Grief Awareness Month, recognizing the many challenges children face after losing a loved one. The proclamation, which encourages the community to wear blue and participate in local events, was accepted by Noelynn Llaso, Administrative Manager for the Children’s Bereavement Center Rio Grande Valley. “Here in the Rio Grande Valley, so many children are growing up with the loss of a parent and managing grief. Our mission is to make sure no child has to grieve alone,” Llaso shared. The Children’s Bereavement Center will host a Candlelight Vigil of Remembrance and Hope on Thursday, November 20 at 6:00 p.m. at 104 S. 12th St. in McAllen. Residents are invited to join for an evening of reflection, connection, and remembrance, bringing a photo of their loved one and wearing blue in honor of grieving children and families. The City of Pharr is dedicated to creating a nurturing environment where every child feels safe, supported, and encouraged on their journey of healing.
Pharr Celebrates September Trailblazers of the Month
The Pharr City Commission proudly recognized two outstanding employees as Trailblazers of the Month for their exceptional work ethic and dedication. The first honoree was Joselyn Ontiveros, Office Manager for the Office of City Communications. “She joined the organization in 2015 and has served the City of Pharr in several roles before joining our team in 2021,” shared City Communications Director and Public Information Officer Yuri Gonzalez. “Joselyn is an example of an employee who has grown professionally, personally, and she is truly the glue to our office.” Grateful for the honor, Ontiveros thanked the city and her team for their support. The Commission also recognized Alexis Mata, Administrative Assistant for Pharr EMS. “We are proud of Alexis and all that she does not just for Pharr EMS, but for the city,” said Pharr EMS Chief Danny Ramirez. Mata, who has served Pharr in several capacities over the years, continues to demonstrate a strong commitment to enhancing service for the community. She expressed her appreciation, thanking leadership for the recognition and for the opportunities that have contributed to her growth.
Pharr Recognizes Office of City Communications for Earning Eight TATOA Awards
The Pharr City Commission proudly recognized the Office of City Communications for earning eight awards and two honorable mentions at the 2025 Texas Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors Conference. This statewide organization celebrates excellence in government communications, video production, and digital storytelling, and Pharr’s achievements stood out among cities of all sizes across Texas. The Office of City Communications manages all city messaging in-house, producing events, city meetings, videos, and public awareness campaigns that keep residents informed, connected, and engaged with their local government. City Communications Director and Public Information Officer Yuri Gonzalez and her team were honored before the Commission for their outstanding work and their role in putting Pharr on the map. “We competed against cities of all sizes in Texas, and I am so proud to have our work recognized as among the best in the state as we highlight, advocate, and inform the public about everything the City of Pharr is accomplishing,” Gonzalez shared. Mayor Dr. Hernandez and the City Commissioners praised the team for their professionalism, creativity, and dedication to transparency and community engagement. Congratulations to the Office of City Communications for this well-deserved recognition!
Learn more about the awards: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=34veVoAxj6w&t=2s.
Pharr Honors 2025 Salute to Veterans Parade Winners
The Pharr City Commission and City Manager Dr. Jonathan B. Flores recognized the winners of the 2025 Salute to Veterans Parade during the city meeting. The City of Pharr hosted its annual Salute to Veterans Parade and Fireworks Celebration on Saturday, November 8, in Downtown Pharr, where the community came together to honor the brave men and women who served our nation. Families, organizations, schools, and local groups filled the streets with pride and unity, showing heartfelt appreciation for local heroes. The evening concluded with a vibrant fireworks show celebrating service, sacrifice, and community spirit. City of Pharr Special Events Director Abel Molina announced this year’s community winners: 1st Place: Mr. Leonel Morales, Korean War Veteran, 2nd Place: Liberty Middle School Cheerleaders, and 3rd Place: PSJA Southwest High School Band. Representatives from each of the winning organizations attended the meeting to proudly accept their recognition. Thank you to all the veterans and organizations who participated and helped make this celebration meaningful for our entire community!
Commission Confirms Reappointments of City Clerk and Assistant City Clerk
The Pharr City Commission approved a resolution, as required every two years, reappointing Imelda Perez, TRMC, as City Clerk and Alessandra Garcia as Assistant City Clerk.
Pharr City Commission Votes for Appraisal District Board Nominee
The Pharr City Commission approved a resolution to cast its votes for the Hidalgo County Appraisal District Board of Directors for the 2026–2029 term. The Commission unanimously voted to appoint David Moreno to the position.
Featured Event: Pharr’s Winter Wonderland & Lighting of the Christmas Tree – Friday, December 5, 2025, from 6 PM – 10 PM
The City of Pharr invites you to our annual Winter Wonderland & Lighting of the Christmas Tree
Date: Friday, December 5, 2025 Time: 6 PM – 10 PM | Lighting of the Christmas Tree is 7 PM Location: Downtown Pharr (200 S. Cage Blvd., Pharr, TX 78577)
Enjoy live music, great food, local market vendors, and family fun.
Don’t miss the lighting of the Christmas Tree at 7 PM —be sure to get there early and enjoy the holiday spirit with the community.
Media Contact: Yuri Gonzalez
Phone: (956) 310-2139
Email: [email protected]
City of Pharr Office of City Communications Earns Eight State Awards at 2025 TATOA Annual Conference
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2025
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr is proud to announce that its Office of City Communications earned a total of eight awards and two honorable mentions at the 2025 Texas Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors (TATOA) annual conference, held in The Woodlands, Texas.
TATOA is a statewide organization that recognizes excellence in government communications, video production, and digital storytelling among municipalities and public agencies across Texas.
“I am incredibly proud and grateful to celebrate these recent awards with our media team,” Director of the Office of City Communications Yuri Gonzalez said. “They are extremely talented; every idea, edit, story and creative passion made this possible,” Gonzalez added.
The Office of City Communications is a twelve-member team of skilled video journalists, media specialists, and graphic designers. Serving as the central hub for all citywide communications, marketing, and video production, the department manages every aspect of communications entirely in-house. From covering community events to producing city meetings and launching public awareness campaigns, the department is dedicated to keeping residents informed, connected, and engaged with their local government.
“I am extremely proud of our Office of City Communications and the tremendous work they do to help tell our Pharr story,” Pharr City Manager Dr. Jonathan Flores said. “Under the direction of Yuri Gonzalez, our media team continues to set the industry standard for innovation in media relations. These awards are a true testament to their dedication, creativity, and commitment to excellence,” Flores added.
Pharr received awards across multiple categories, showcasing outstanding creativity, production, and storytelling:
The Board of Commissioners of the City of Pharr met for a regular meeting on Monday, November 3, 2025, and considered an agenda that included the following highlights:
City of Pharr Declares November 3, 2025 as Mayors’ Monarch Pledge Day
The Pharr City Commission proudly approved a proclamation declaring November 3, 2025, as Mayors’ Monarch Pledge Day, reaffirming the city’s dedication to environmental stewardship and pollinator conservation. Through the pledge, the City of Pharr joins hundreds of cities across North America committed to creating habitats for the Monarch Butterfly and other pollinators, whose populations have declined due to habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change. Remy Vargas, Urban Ecologist for the City of Pharr, accepted the proclamation on behalf of the city and emphasized the ecological and cultural importance of the monarch. “The Monarch Butterfly symbolizes resilience, perseverance, and the ability to overcome adversity,” said Vargas. “These incredible butterflies travel over 3,000 miles each year from Canada to Mexico, and the City of Pharr serves as an important stop along their migration.” By participating in the Mayors’ Monarch Pledge, Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez and the Pharr City Commission continue to champion sustainability and biodiversity through education, native planting initiatives, and community engagement, ensuring Pharr remains a welcoming habitat for monarchs and pollinators for generations to come.
City Commission Proclaims November 2025 as Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness and Family Caregivers Month
The City of Pharr proclaimed November 2025 as Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness and Family Caregivers Month, recognizing the millions of individuals, families, and caregivers impacted by Alzheimer’s disease. The proclamation acknowledges the growing need for awareness, early detection, and continued support for those living with the disease, as well as the dedication of caregivers who provide invaluable care and compassion. Maxine Vieyra, South Texas Alzheimer’s Program Manager for the Alzheimer’s Association, accepted the proclamation on behalf of the organization. “Thank you to the City of Pharr for partnering with us on educating the community during this month,” said Vieyra. “I am thrilled that we have officially entered the era of treatment. Several therapies have already been approved by the FDA, and we continue to see new opportunities for healing,” she added. Vieyra also encouraged residents to seek support and stay informed about the latest research and resources available to families navigating Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
Commission Recognizes Ricardo Dominguez with Trailblazer Award
The Pharr City Commission and City Manager Dr. Jonathan B. Flores recognized Engineer Fire Investigator Ricardo Dominguez with the city’s Trailblazer Award for his outstanding dedication and exemplary service to the community. The award was presented by Pharr Fire Chief Pilar Rodriguez, joined by members of the Pharr Fire Department, who commended Dominguez for his exceptional work ethic and positive attitude. “Ricardo is part of our Fire Prevention team and has proven himself to be outgoing, outstanding, and very engaged with the public,” said Chief Rodriguez. “He is an example to the rest of the department for his ‘can do’ and work-hard attitude that we expect of our employees.” Dominguez expressed his gratitude for the recognition, stating, “Thank you to the City of Pharr for this honor. I have enjoyed the past seven years here and look forward to a continued career of growth.” Congratulations, Ricardo!
City of Pharr Earns 2025 Scenic City People’s Choice Award
The Pharr City Commission proudly announced that Pharr was awarded the 2025 Scenic City People’s Choice Award by Scenic Texas. The Development Services Department presented the award during the city commission meeting and shared the exciting news with the community. The honor is given to one certified Scenic City each year, selected through public voting based on efforts to enhance the city’s visual environment. This award celebrates the city’s commitment to visual appeal, thoughtful planning, and civic pride. With more than 100 certified Scenic Cities across Texas, this recognition stands as a testament to Pharr’s ongoing dedication to creating inviting spaces, improving visual quality, and fostering a more vibrant, livable, and scenic community for all.
City of Pharr Announces Partnership with the Museum of South Texas History to Preserve and Celebrate Heritage
The Pharr City Commission proudly announced a new partnership with the Museum of South Texas History (MOSTHistory), marking an important step toward preserving and celebrating the city’s cultural and historical legacy. The partnership was formally approved through a resolution by the City Commission and will focus on educational programming, guided tours, community outreach, and historical research that highlight Pharr’s unique story within the broader history of the Rio Grande Valley. Dr. Francisco Guajardo, Chief Executive Officer of MOSTHistory, attended the announcement along with staff members Debbie Gomez, Development Officer; Melissa Peña, Archivist; and Jenarae Bautista, Curator of Exhibits and Collections. “We are proud to partner with the City of Pharr to share, preserve, and educate the community on its origin story while engaging residents on its past and present,” said Dr. Guajardo. Melissa Peña added, “Thank you for this impactful partnership, which will serve as a model for collaboration and leadership across the region.” Through this initiative, Pharr residents and students will receive discounted admission to MOSTHistory (with proof of ID or utility bill) and enjoy access to dynamic programming, including curriculum-based workshops, public exhibits, lectures, and interactive learning experiences. The agreement, effective October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026, will also support research and data collection efforts to document Pharr’s historical and cultural evolution.
Pharr Police Chief Reports Significant Decrease in Crime Rates
The Pharr City Commission received an update from Police Chief Juan F. Gonzalez on the Pharr Police Department’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Statistics, showing a steady and encouraging decline in both violent and property crimes over the past three years. Chief Gonzalez reported that violent crimes, including aggravated assault, robbery, rape, and homicide, have decreased from 212 incidents in 2022 to 179 in 2024. Property crimes, including arson, motor vehicle theft, theft-larceny, and burglary, have also dropped significantly, from 1,219 cases in 2022 to 919 in 2024, reflecting a citywide decrease of 23.3 percent among Pharr’s population of roughly 80,000 residents. “I want to thank the community and our business partners who have done a great job throughout the years in helping us develop plans that focus on areas with the highest crime,” said Chief Gonzalez. He also noted that traffic accidents have decreased by 20 to 30 percent each month since the completion of construction at the interchange. It has been a process, but we are now seeing fewer accidents and safer roadways in Pharr.
Pharr City Commission Approves Ordinance Establishing New Golf Department
The Pharr City Commission adopted, on one reading, an ordinance creating the City of Pharr’s new Golf Department, marking an important step toward strengthening recreational programming and promoting golf as a community asset. The new department will oversee the daily operation, management, and maintenance of the Pharr Golf Course and its related facilities, including the clubhouse, pro shop, and practice areas. It will also manage tournaments, memberships, and community golf events, ensuring high-quality service and standards that align with the Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) guidelines.
City Commission Approves Certificates of Obligation for City Improvements
The Pharr City Commission approved, on one reading, an ordinance authorizing the issuance of the City of Pharr, Texas Combination Tax and Revenue Certificates of Obligation, Series 2025. This ordinance allows the city to fund key public projects such as street and drainage improvements, public safety enhancements, park upgrades, and the expansion of the Pharr International Bridge, including new lanes and related infrastructure.
Pharr City Commission Approves Bridge Revenue Bonds
The Pharr City Commission approved, on one reading, an ordinance authorizing the issuance of the City of Pharr International Toll Bridge System Revenue Bonds, Series 2025. These bonds will help fund the expansion and improvement of the Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge and related infrastructure.
Featured Events:
Pharr’s Winter Wonderland & Lighting of the Christmas Tree – Friday, December 5, 2025, from 6 PM – 10 PM
The City of Pharr invites you to our annual Winter Wonderland & Lighting of the Christmas Tree
The City of Pharr invites you to our annual Winter Wonderland & Lighting of the Christmas Tree
Date: Friday, December 5, 2025
Time: 6 PM – 10 PM | Lighting of the Christmas Tree is 7 PM
Location: Downtown Pharr (200 S. Cage Blvd., Pharr, TX 78577)
