The Board of Commissioners of the City of Pharr met for a regular meeting on Monday, November 20, 2023, and considered an agenda that included the following highlights:
City Proclaims November 15th as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Day
Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., and the Pharr City Commission approved a proclamation declaring November 15, 2023, as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Day. It is a worldwide event that is dedicated to showing, teaching, and inspiring others about the importance of GIS and the role it plays in our lives. The City of Pharr GIS Division maintains updates and makes sure the city maps have the most current and accurate information for land development including zoning, utility lights (water, sewer, and storm drainage), roadways, properties, and and more. They also provide addressing services for the city which allow emergency services departments such as the fire department, police department, and EMS to locate addresses within the city when responding to an emergency. They also map geographical data analysis needed for the city such as TeamPharr.Net where they are able to count how many homes are connected. Ruben Alfaro, City Engineer, and his team including Miranda Garcia GIS Technician, and Jose Chavez, GIS Manager accepted the proclamation.
City Recognizes Pharr Leadership Development Program Graduates
Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., and the Pharr City Commission recognized city employees who graduated from the Pharr Leadership Development Program. The program consists of employees from different departments in the city who aspire to be leaders and supervisors. Individuals participated in a 7-week program which consisted of courses including leadership, followership, leadership in crisis, media relations, and a presentation. “This is a new program we have created for our city employees,” said Interim City Manager Dr. Jonathan Flores. He added, “We are so proud of our first cohort and their commitment and dedication to the City of Pharr, Congratulations!”
City Recognizes Pharr EMS Staff for Clinical Excellence Commendation
Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., and the Pharr City Commission recognized Pharr EMS staff for clinical excellence during a recent emergency case. Pharr EMS employees Oscar Lopez, EMT/Paramedic, and Mia Palacios, EMT were recognized with the Pink Stork Award and received a plaque for their heroic actions in safely delivering a 24-week-old baby while transporting a patient to the hospital. The baby remains in the NICU but is doing great. Mayor Hernandez, Commissioner Dr. Ramiro Caballero, and the city commission congratulated Lopez and Palacios, praising them for a healthy and safe delivery. This is yet another wonderful story of the great work Pharr EMS does every day to help save lives and respond to emergencies.
City of Pharr Office of City Communications and IT Departments Recognized for Winning State and National Awards
Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., and the Pharr City Commission recognized the City Communications and IT Departments for winning awards at the National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors (NATOA) Conference and at the Texas Association of Telecommunications Officers (TATOA) Conference. The Pharr Media team earned 3 Government Programming Awards and the Pharr IT Department earned the 2023 Community Broadband and Digital Equity Award for Community Broadband Project of the Year at the NATOA Conference. At the TATOA Conference, the Pharr Media Department was a finalist in 9 categories and won 4 Programming Awards. Yuri Gonzalez, City of Pharr News Director/PIO, and Jose Pena, City of Pharr IT Director, and their staff were recognized by the city commission for their hard work and dedication.
Police Chief Juan Gonzalez Announces Pharr Crime is Down
In his presentation to Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., and the Pharr City Commission on Uniform Crime Reporting, Chief Gonzalez announced that the crime rate in Pharr is down. Presenting the statistics, he stated that the overall crime rate in 2020 was 19.6% in 2021 it was 18.9%, and in 2022 it was 17.9%. “We have steadily decreased at about 1% the last three years and we are proud to continue to lower the rate and strive to continue to meet this goal,” he added. “Our Pharr PD is dedicated to keeping our citizens and community safe,” said Chief Gonzalez. In his report, Chief Gonzalez also announced that Pharr PD expects to continue to see a 1-2% decrease in crime for 2023.
City of Pharr Announces it will Host the 2023 RGV Coastal Expo
City of Pharr Urban Ecologist, Hanna Marble announced during the city meeting that Pharr will be hosting the 2023 RGV Coastal Expo in December. RGV Coastal Expo is a field trip opportunity for children in grades 1 – 6 across the valley to come and learn about coastal ecology and outdoor adventure. This event is a partnership between the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. UTRGV students who are interested in environmental sciences, conservation, and wildlife biology could also use this as an opportunity to learn about the outreach that people with careers in these fields do. A variety of activities will be viable at this event for volunteers to assist with. These include small table programs with local nature sites to help someone learn how to catch a fish for the first time! For more information, please contact Hanna Marble at (956) 497-0715 or via email at [email protected].
Further details about the event are as follows:
Date(s) – Thursday, December 7th & Friday, December 8th
Featured Event: REMINDER – City of Pharr Presents Winter Wonderland – Friday, December 1, 2023, from 6 pm to 11 pm in Downtown Pharr
The City of Pharr’s Winter Wonderland is coming to Downtown Park Friday, December 1st! Kick off the holidays with us and witness the annual Lighting of the Christmas Tree!
We’ll have plenty of food, games, market vendors and more! Mark your calendars!
City of Pharr to Giveaway 200 Boxed Meals to Families Ahead of Thanksgiving
We’d like to emphasize that this giveaway is not open to the public. Families have been chosen through school counselors and have been given vouchers.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2023
Pharr, Texas – In the spirit of gratitude and giving back to the community, the City of Pharr is excited to announce its Annual Thanksgiving Food Giveaway spearheaded by Pharr Fire Department, Pharr Police Department and Pharr EMS. This event aims to provide a full Thanksgiving meal to 200 families including a turkey, traditional sides, dessert, rolls, canned corn, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, and more. These families have been pre-selected and given vouchers.
This event takes place Tuesday, November 21, 2023, from 10 am to 2 pm at Pharr EMS Headquarters (3000 N. Cage Blvd. Pharr, TX).
City of Pharr staff, including city administration, will be at the giveaway helping load food boxes into cars.
Media is invited to attend.
*Attached is the video from last year’s event that may be used as b-roll.
DETAILS
WHAT: City of Pharr Thanksgiving Food Giveaway
WHEN: Tuesday, November 21, 2023, from 10 AM – 2 PM
WHERE: Pharr EMS Headquarters (3000 N. Cage Blvd.)
City of Pharr to Unveil Veterans Wall of Honor inside City Hall
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2023
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr is proud to announce the unveiling of the Veterans Wall of Honor, a new display paying tribute to our city’s employees who have served in our nation’s military.
The unveiling will take place on Thursday, November 9, 2023, at 10 AM in the City Commissioners’ Room, located on the 2nd Floor inside of Pharr City Hall (118 S Cage Blvd., Pharr, TX 78577).
“We are indebted to our military men and women for the unyielding dedication and selfless sacrifice they have made for our nation,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “This wall will forever pay gratitude to our very own City of Pharr veterans, the heroes who continue their service through the outstanding work they provide on a daily basis for our city and its residents,” he added.
This meaningful event provides an opportunity for the City of Pharr to recognize and express its gratitude to our employees who have selflessly served in the military, safeguarding our nation’s freedom.
We look forward to seeing you at this momentous event as we honor those who have served our great nation and the City of Pharr.
Media invited to attend.
DETAILS
WHAT: Veterans Wall of Honor Unveiling
WHERE: City Commissioners’ Room, Pharr City Hall 2nd Floor (118 S Cage Blvd, Pharr, TX 78577)
WHEN: Thursday, November 9, 2023, 10 AM
City of Pharr to Host Veterans Parade and Fireworks on Saturday
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2023
Pharr, Texas – In honor of all Veterans who served in our United States military and armed forces, the City of Pharr is proud to host and celebrate Veterans Day with a Salute to Veterans Parade and Fireworks!
The festivities will take place in Downtown Pharr (200 S. Cage Blvd.) on Saturday, November 4, 2023, beginning with a parade at 5:30 pm followed by The HUB Market taking place at 7:00 pm, and concluding with a fireworks show at 8:00 pm.
Fireworks will be displayed by Pecina Rd. and Cage Rd. in South Pharr. Citizens are encouraged to find a safe location to watch the fireworks show.
“Pharr is proud to salute all Veterans in our community, and we honor the many brave men and women who have served in the armed forces to protect our freedom and our country,” said Mayor Hernandez. “On behalf of the entire Pharr City Commission, we invite the public, our citizens, and all our veterans to come and enjoy the festivities,” he added.
City of Pharr officials invite all Pharr residents and families to attend and show their support as we honor the men and women who have served and who are currently serving in the United States military.
This event is FREE and open to the public. All media and the public are invited to attend.
DETAILS
WHAT: City of Pharr Salute to Veterans Parade & Fireworks
WHEN: Saturday, November 4, 2023, from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm
WHERE: Downtown Pharr (200 S. Cage Blvd, Pharr, TX 78577)
Pharr Police Department Invites the Community to Annual Trunk or Treat Event
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2023
Pharr, Texas – The Pharr Police Department is thrilled to invite the community to join us for our annual Trunk or Treat event, a safe and fun-filled Halloween experience for families in Pharr and surrounding communities.
Trunk or Treat takes place Tuesday, October 31, 2023, from 6 PM to 9 PM at the Pharr Police Department (1900 S. Cage Blvd.) Admission is FREE.
At this drive-thru event, officers will be handing out treats to kids in their cars. This means parents and kids won’t need to exit their vehicles, ensuring a secure and enjoyable Halloween celebration.
“Our annual ‘Trunk or Treat’ event is a great opportunity for families to come together, have fun, and create bonds with our police officers,” Police Chief Juan Gonzalez said. “We’ve worked hard to ensure this event is not only fun but also safe, with our officers on hand to help everyone have a fun time,” Chief Gonzalez added.
In the spirit of Halloween, the Pharr Police Department would also like to remind parents to keep a watchful eye on their children as they go out and trick-or-treat. Please take a moment to review our attached Halloween Safety Public Service Announcement (PSA) for important tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable Halloween.
We look forward to celebrating Halloween with you at the Pharr Police Department’s Trunk or Treat event. Let’s make it a night of spooky fun and lasting memories for the entire family!
For additional details about this event or to make candy donations, please contact Officer Chris Hernandez at (956) 402-4700.
The public and all media are invited to attend this FREE event.
DETAILS:
WHAT: Pharr Police Department Trunk or Treat
WHEN: Tuesday, October 31, 2023, 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
WHERE: Pharr Police Department (1900 S. Cage Blvd., Pharr, TX)
Fresh on the Border: Pharr Celebrates 10th Annual Start of the Produce Season and Avocado Festival
Nearly 7,000 thousand people attend inaugural Avocado Festival
Traditional Cutting of the Fruit – Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., and special guests including Texas State Senators Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa and Mayor of Reynosa Carlos Victor Peña Ortiz, Chairman of the Pharr International Bridge Board Edgar Delgadillo and board members, and other dignitaries participate in the ceremonial cutting of the fruit.
Avocado Festival – A mother and her son enjoy the festivities at the City of Pharr’s inaugural Avocado Festival.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2023
Pharr, Texas – As part of its Fresh on the Border initiative, the City of Pharr recently celebrated its 10th Annual Start of the Produce Season and its inaugural Avocado Festival. These events are part of the city’s focus on the importance of the produce industry for both the industry stakeholders and the families of the City of Pharr and the Rio Grande Valley.
The events kicked off with City of Pharr officials and Pharr International Bridge leaders celebrating the start of the 2023-2024 Produce Season by welcoming guests to this year’s themed event “Making History” which celebrated the event’s 10th year and featured an array of brightly displayed fresh fruits and vegetables in addition to the 2nd Annual “A Taste of Trade” where local restaurants and businesses showcased delectable offerings crafted with the very produce that crosses our bridge. The event was attended by elected officials, dignitaries, produce growers, importers, distributors, and consumers representing the United States and Mexico.
The Pharr International Bridge (PIB) continues to be the #1 bridge for produce crossings in the nation, with over 60% of all produce from Mexico crossing through Pharr. This is distributed to our local, regional and national supermarkets as we are the logistics produce gateway for America. The bridge also has a long-standing legacy in the produce industry encompassing both the distribution and supply chains.
“Each year, millions of pounds of produce, worth over $6 billion, cross the Pharr International Bridge, traveling from the East Coast and Midwest to the other parts of the country, and ultimately wind up in other countries, and we are so proud of that,” said Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “As our demand continues to increase, we have been working diligently with many partners to ensure that our bridge continues to have the infrastructure, resources, and funding to meet our future needs,” continued Mayor Hernandez. “In addition, we are proud to have recently launched new initiatives, such as our inaugural Avocado Festival, which celebrates the importance of produce to our city, our region, and our nation,” he added.
The yearly average of produce shipments from Mexico to the U.S. through Pharr is 200,000, ranking this bustling border crossing as the number 1 in the nation for fresh produce. Fresh fruits and vegetables including avocados, pineapples, mangoes, tomatoes, carrots, and more make their way through the bridge every day.
“We are proud to highlight the vital role and economic impact produce has on both sides of our border and these events bring more knowledge and understanding of their importance to our region,” Hernandez added. “Everyone loves avocados, and as one of the staples of the Superbowl, many are not aware just how many of their avocados cross through our bridge to their grocery stores and eventually to their tables, that is why our new Avocado Festival is so important, it brings more awareness,’ he said. “We had a great event with a whopping 7,000 attendees participating in the festivities,” stated Hernandez.
The first-ever Avocado Festival, which was hosted in partnership with the Greater Pharr Chamber of Commerce, is part of our Fresh on the Border featured events that celebrate and recognize the monumental achievements of the Pharr International Bridge and the communities it serves.
“The Greater Pharr Chamber of Commerce is profoundly grateful to all the people who attended the 1st Annual Avocado Festival,” said Sonia Falcon, Treasurer of the Pharr Greater Chamber of Commerce. “We remain committed to our great City of Pharr and its businesses and citizens,” continued Falcon. “The Avocado Festival highlighted the importance of our Pharr International Bridge and its role in crossing 80% of the total volume of fresh avocados from Mexico into Texas to feed America,” she added.
The event featured avocado-themed contests, savory food vendors, lucha libre, vendors, and a performance by a Selena tribute band that brought the iconic Tex-Mex sounds to life.
“The chamber would like to thank all our sponsors and the great leaders at the City of Pharr, the Pharr International Bridge, and the Pharr EDC for believing in our vision,” stated Falcon, “We are already planning the 2nd Annual Avocado Festival for 2024. Looking forward to seeing all of you next year!”
The City of Pharr will continue highlighting Fresh on the Border initiatives and is thankful for a great turnout at both events which goes to show the vitality of the produce industry and the Pharr International Bridge.
