MEDIA ADVISORY
Media Contact: Kenia Gomez
Phone: (956) 769-1006
Email: [email protected]
Exclusive Museum of South Texas History Exhibit Created for Pharr to Open September 2
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2026
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr invites the community and members of the media to attend the opening ceremony of Pharr: Packed with History, a new museum exhibit created in special collaboration for the first time ever, with the Museum of South Texas History (MOSTHistory). The exhibit will be officially unveiled on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at the Pharr Memorial Library, giving attendees the first opportunity to experience the exhibit and view historic Pharr artifacts and archival materials preserved by the museum.
The unveiling marks a significant milestone for both organizations. Pharr: Packed with History is the first exhibit MOSTHistory has curated exclusively for a city, bringing together artifacts, archival images, historical materials, and museum storytelling to explore Pharr’s transformation from its agricultural beginnings to its growing role in international commerce and trade.
Led by MOSTHistory’s development and exhibits team in close collaboration with the Pharr Memorial Library, the exhibit is the result of months of research, planning, design, and preparation. The collaboration brings a museum-quality experience directly to the Pharr community while highlighting the people, industries, and connections that helped shape the city.
Pharr: Packed with History traces the city’s journey from its agricultural roots to its growing role in international trade. Visitors will have a rare opportunity to view Pharr artifacts and archival materials preserved by MOSTHistory, including historic photographs, early produce crate labels and designs, citrus-related artifacts, and images documenting the growth of the Rio Grande Valley. The exhibit also explores the expansion of cross-border commerce and the role of the Pharr International Bridge in connecting the region to international markets.
The exhibit offers residents, students, families, and visitors an opportunity to experience museum-level interpretation and see pieces of Pharr’s past right in the heart of their community.
The main exhibit and presentation will be located in Galleria 121, with additional artifacts and materials displayed in the Pharr Memorial Library’s Rotunda Area. Following the September 2 opening ceremony, Pharr: Packed with History will remain on display every day through Sunday, December 13, 2026, during regular library hours. Admission is free and open to the public.
Library hours are Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m.–8:45 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 9:00 a.m.–5:45 p.m.; and Sunday, 1:00–5:45 p.m.
All visitors will enter a drawing to win a family pack for a fun-filled experience at the Avocado Festival on October 10th and free entrance to the Museum of South Texas History.
DETAILS
WHAT: Unveiling of MOST Exclusive Exhibit for City of Pharr, Pharr: Packed with History
WHEN: Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
WHERE: Pharr Memorial Library (121 E. Cherokee Ave., Pharr, TX 78577)
Pharr City Manager Dr. Jonathan B. Flores Earns Prestigious Public Leadership Credential from Harvard Kennedy School
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MONDAY, AUGUST 24, 2026
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr is proud to announce that City Manager Dr. Jonathan B. Flores has successfully completed the Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) Public Leadership Credential (PLC), a comprehensive program designed for professionals committed to strengthening leadership and improving public policy.
The Public Leadership Credential consists of six courses and a capstone assessment focused on critical areas of public leadership, including evidence-based decision-making, policy design, and leadership ethics. Through the program, Dr. Flores engaged with Harvard faculty, case studies, and simulations designed to equip public leaders with the tools to address complex challenges and build safer, more just, and prosperous communities.
As part of the program, Dr. Flores joined a global network of public leaders and changemakers dedicated to addressing complex challenges through effective and adaptive leadership.
“The PLC experience has equipped me with practical frameworks to bridge theory with real-world impact,” said Dr. Flores. “I look forward to applying these new, adaptive leadership tools to foster positive change in local municipal government.”
By completing the credential, Dr. Flores is now part of the Harvard Kennedy School Professional and Lifelong Learning alumni network.
Pharr Police Department Earns Prestigious State Accreditation
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr is proud to announce that the Pharr Police Department has earned Accreditation Status through the Texas Law Enforcement Accreditation Program, a prestigious distinction that recognizes law enforcement agencies demonstrating the highest standards of professionalism, accountability, and operational excellence. The achievement, presented by the Texas Police Chiefs Association (TPCA), reflects the department’s successful compliance with Texas’ Gold Standard in Law Enforcement Accreditation following a rigorous evaluation process.
This accreditation places the Pharr PD among an elite group of law enforcement agencies across Texas, with fewer than two percent of agencies statewide having earned this recognition. Additionally, Pharr PD is now only the fourth accredited agency in the Rio Grande Valley and the third in Hidalgo County to achieve this significant milestone.
The Texas Law Enforcement Accreditation Program evaluates agencies against comprehensive best practices covering policies, procedures, training, leadership, accountability, and professional standards. Achieving accreditation requires a significant commitment from every member of the organization and demonstrates a department’s dedication to continuous improvement and providing the highest level of public safety services.
“This accreditation reflects the culture of excellence we strive to uphold in the City of Pharr every day,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “Our residents deserve a police department they can trust, and this achievement demonstrates the professionalism, integrity, and commitment our officers and staff bring to serving our residents,” he continued. “We are incredibly proud of Chief Gonzalez and the entire department for earning this distinguished recognition.”
Police Chief Juan F. Gonzalez credited the accomplishment to the dedication of the entire department and its commitment to serving the community with excellence.
“Accreditation is not earned by the efforts of one person or one division; it is the result of the professionalism, dedication, and commitment demonstrated by each member of our agency every day,” said Chief Gonzalez. “Earning accreditation is a reflection of who we are as a department. It demonstrates our commitment to professionalism, transparency, continuous improvement, and excellence in law enforcement, and it reinforces the trust that our community places in us every day,” he continued. “I would like to thank all the men and women of the Pharr Police Department for their service and hard work. I am proud of our team, and this recognition represents countless hours of hard work, accountability, and a shared commitment to providing exceptional service to our community,” Gonzalez added.
The Pharr Police Department is honored to receive this prestigious accreditation and will continue striving for excellence through innovation, transparency, and a steadfast commitment to protecting and serving the Pharr community.
PRESS RELEASE
Media Contact:
Michael L. Martinez
(956) 877-5716 [email protected]
Pharr Police Department Invites Community to Pharr Night Out 2026 – FREE School Supplies, Activities & More
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2026
Pharr, Texas – The Pharr Police Department, in partnership with the City of Pharr, invites members of the media and the community to attend Pharr Night Out 2026, an evening dedicated to strengthening relationships between law enforcement and the community while promoting neighborhood unity and public safety.
Pharr Night Out will take place on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM at the Pharr Town Center – Main Event Parking Lot ( 500 N. Jackson Rd.) in Pharr.
This free, family-friendly event will feature live music, food, market vendors, FREE school supplies while they last, children’s activities, and opportunities for residents to meet and interact with members of the Pharr Police Department and other City departments.
Pharr Night Out serves as a celebration of community partnerships and encourages residents to work together in creating safer, stronger neighborhoods.
The media and public are invited to attend.
DETAILS:
WHAT: Pharr Night Out 2026
WHEN: Tuesday, August 4, 2026, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
WHERE: Pharr Town Center – Main Event Parking Lot (500 N. Jackson Rd., Pharr, Texas)
Pharr EDC to Host Groundbreaking for New Commercial Development on Nolana Loop
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 2026
Pharr, Texas – The Pharr Economic Development Corporation, in partnership with Impulso Developments and NAI STX, will host a Groundbreaking Ceremony for a new commercial retail development that will add to the continued growth and expansion taking place across Pharr.
The groundbreaking will take place on Friday, July 31, 2026, at 11:30 AM at 705 W. Nolana Loop in Pharr.
Strategically located adjacent to Highway 69C within an established retail corridor, the new development will be situated next to Dollar Tree and directly across from the newly built Monarch Apartments, providing immediate access to a growing customer base and strong daily traffic in one of the City’s most active commercial areas.
“This project is another exciting investment in the future of Pharr and reflects the continued confidence developers and businesses have in our community,” said Victor Perez, President/CEO of the Pharr Economic Development Corporation. “As our city continues to grow, developments like this help create new opportunities, expand services for residents, and strengthen our local economy,” he added.
Members of the media are invited to attend and cover the event.
DETAILS
WHAT: Groundbreaking for New Commercial Development on Nolana Loop
WHEN: Friday, July 31, 2026, at 11:30 AM
WHERE: 705 W. Nolana Loop, Pharr, TX 78577
NEWS – City of Pharr Receives Inaugural Balanoff Good Government Award
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MONDAY, JULY 27, 2026
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr has been recognized with the inaugural Balanoff Good Government Award, a statewide honor presented by the Texas Certified Public Manager (CPM) Program and the Hobby Center for Public Service at Texas State University. The award recognizes Texas municipalities that demonstrate exceptional governance and a steadfast commitment to serving their communities with integrity, innovation, and accountability.
The award was presented during the CENTEX ASPA Public Service Recognition Awards Luncheon on Saturday, July 18, 2026, in San Marcos, Texas. Hilda Pedraza, Assistant City Manager, accepted the award on behalf of the City of Pharr.
The City of Pharr was one of only two Texas municipalities selected to receive the inaugural award, joining the Town of Ransom Canyon. Recipients were evaluated based on the Ten Texas Traits of Good Government, which recognize municipalities that are Respectful, Responsive, Effective, Transparent, Competent, Ethical, Lawful, Innovative, Economical, and Accountable.
The Balanoff Good Government Award was established to recognize municipalities that make good government more than an aspiration—it is a daily practice. Named in honor of Dr. Howard Balanoff and Marilyn Balanoff, the award celebrates organizations that strengthen public trust through ethical leadership, effective governance, and a commitment to excellence in public service.
“We are so honored to receive this award because it reflects the values we work hard to demonstrate every day at the City of Pharr,” said City Manager Dr. Jonathan B. Flores. “Good government is built through the everyday decisions we make, the way we serve our community, and our willingness to continuously improve,” he continued. “I am incredibly proud of our team and grateful for their dedication,” added Dr. Flores.
The Texas Certified Public Manager Program, housed at the Hobby Center for Public Service at Texas State University, is a nationally accredited management development program dedicated to improving organizational performance in government and nonprofit organizations.
This recognition further reflects the City of Pharr’s ongoing commitment to delivering transparent, innovative, and citizen-focused government while setting a high standard for public service across Texas.
