City of Pharr Hosts Annual Salute to Veterans Parade & Fireworks
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr held its annual Salute to Veterans Parade & Fireworks Show on Saturday, November 5, 2022, in Downtown Pharr. Pharr families and visitors from surrounding communities packed the downtown area to pay their respects to Veterans as they made their way down the parade route.
“The City of Pharr is proud to honor our Veterans and we express our deep gratitude and sincere appreciation for their brave and selfless service to our country,” said Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “We celebrate them today and every day and thank them for our freedom and peace,” he added.
Over 40 organizations and City of Pharr departments participated in this year’s Salute to Veterans Parade that honored all those who have served in the United States Military!
“Each year we work with our local community and Veterans’ organizations to make this a great event, and we are proud to recognize all our local veterans,” Hernandez said.
The community enjoyed the many festive floats including replicas of USS Navy ships, decorated vehicles, motorcycles, and performances by local school district bands, cheerleaders, and dancers all of which paid their respects to our local Veterans.
The festivities concluded with a Fireworks Show throughout Pharr on both the north and south sides of town for all to enjoy. The Pharr skylight was illuminated in red, white, and blue in honor of all Veterans.
The City of Pharr would like to thank all participants, sponsors, and Veterans for making this a special day for our community! We salute all Veterans and thank them for their service!
Pharr City Commissioners on the City of Pharr’s Veterans Day Float (L to R): Daniel Chavez, Ricardo Medina, Itza Flores, and Eleazar Guajardo.
The Board of Commissioners of the City of Pharr met for a regular meeting on Monday, November 7, 2022, and considered an agenda that included the following highlights:
City Proclaims November 2022 as Lung Cancer Awareness Month
The Pharr City Commission approved a proclamation declaring November 2022 as Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Lung Cancer Awareness Month is observed annually in November and highlights the need for more research to be conducted while cultivating a better understanding of the disease. Tragically, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in men and women worldwide. Staff from the DHR Lung Cancer Screening Center and Advance Care Center accepted the proclamation. They stressed the importance of early detection and annual screenings, especially for those who are over 50 and smoke. They also shared tips to help prevent lung cancer which included avoiding smoking, inhaling secondhand smoke, exercising, and eating healthy.
City Declares November 7, 2022, as Mayors’ Monarch Pledge Day
The Pharr City Commission approved a proclamation declaring November 7, 2022, as Mayors’ Monarch Pledge Day. The monarch butterfly is an iconic endangered North American species whose multigenerational migration and metamorphosis from caterpillar to butterfly have captured the imagination of millions of Americans and in order to continue to protect these beautiful species. Mayor Hernandez urges all Pharr citizens to join him in creating healthy habitats for these magnificent butterflies. Citizens of Pharr can make a difference for the monarch by planting native milkweed and other nectar plants to provide habitat for the monarch and pollinators in locations where people live, work, learn, play and worship. The City of Pharr has helped save the Monarch by dedicating a significant amount of park acreage to native fauna and flora. Hanna Marble, Urban Ecologist for Pharr Parks and Recreation, and Cynthia Castro, the Assistant Director for Pharr Parks and Recreation accepted the proclamation and urged all citizens to help protect the Monarch and create healthy habitats to support their conservation.
City Proclaims November 26, 2022, as Small Business Saturday
The Pharr City Commission approved a proclamation declaring November 26, 2022, as Small Business Saturday. The City of Pharr is proud to celebrate our local small businesses and the contributions they make to our local economy and community. According to the United States Small Business Administration, there are 32.5 million small businesses in the United States, small businesses represent 99.7% of firms with paid employees, small businesses are responsible for 62% of net new jobs created since 1995, and small businesses employ 46.8% of the employees in the private sector in the United States. The City of Pharr joins advocacy groups, as well as public and private organizations, across the country that have endorsed the Saturday after Thanksgiving as Small Business Saturday. Marcela Beas, President/CEO of the Greater Pharr Chamber of Commerce, and local business owners Maria Elena Guerra (The Glam Factor), Alma Cavazos (Vivant Beauty Spa), Rebecca Cruz (RERU Heavenly Crave), Lizette Espino (Espino’s Furniture & Appliances and Espino’s Tires), and Christa Gutierrez (Amor Events Center) accepted the proclamation and shared the importance of supporting local small businesses in Pharr.
City Authorizes Pharr PD to enter into a State and Local HIDTA Task Force Agreement with DEA
The Pharr City Commission authorized Pharr Police Department to enter into a State and Local HIDTA Task Force Agreement with the Drug Enforcement Agency. Entering into this agreement, the Pharr Police Department will assign a Pharr Police Officer to the task force which concentrates on disrupting illicit drug trafficking, including undercover operations. The assignment to the Drug Enforcement Agency allows increased levels of intelligence on drug trafficking in and around the City of Pharr, allows for a force multiplier when handling narcotic-related crimes, and includes drug seizures adopted by this department at our international bridge. The City of Pharr will compensate an assignment of (1) officers through city funds for salary and benefits. The D.E.A. Task Force will provide funding for overtime, office space, and training while assigned to the task force.
City Approves Service Agreement with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Center for Sign Language Interpreting Services
The City of Pharr approved a Service Agreement with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Center for Sign Language interpreting services. The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Center will be providing American Sign Language interpreters and Trilingual Interpreters for classes, meetings, and other interactions with residents who are deaf, hard of hearing, and low vision or deaf/blind. The Corpus Christi Area Council for the Deaf, Inc., d/b/a The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Center, is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization that has been providing quality interpreting services since 1978. Their services comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and provide and assign the most qualified interpreters available, based on the situation and the consumer’s needs and preferences. The contract is a one-calendar-year term and will expire on December 31, 2022. Services will be on an as-needed basis and will be billed accordingly.
Featured Events: Movies at the Park & Lighting of the Christmas Tree
City Celebrates Ribbon Cutting of Pharr ONE, a State-of-the-Art Facility
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr celebrated the Grand Opening and Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for the Pharr ONE facility located at 1121 E. Nolana Loop, Pharr, TX 78577 earlier this week.
The Pharr ONE Complex is a state-of-the-art facility custom designed to target the needs of our residents, community nonprofits, surrounding cities, and local school districts. The space lends itself to providing lecture hall instructional space and computer atmospheres for those entities offering educational training certificates, organizational workshops, and online access. The space has the ability to expand and accommodate numerous initiatives relative to health wellness and entrepreneurial innovation.
“It is a pleasure to celebrate the ribbon cutting of Pharr ONE, which is more than just a building,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “In the future, we plan to host performing arts at the amphitheater, educational courses and art exhibits in the facility, and other city events at the new park for our Pharr families to enjoy nature, peaceful outdoor fountains, and have fun together as a community,” he said. “The City of Pharr is committed to enhancing the arts and cultural experiences of Pharr and surrounding communities,” added Hernandez.
Aside from the main building structure, the site allows individuals to enjoy the array of green space available and gives those accessing the facility an outlet to continue working outside or transition from a classroom to an outdoor experience by naturally creating a calming and aesthetically pleasing environment.
“The french style garden, fountains, and reflecting pool all promote mental health and provide an escape to nature for Pharr residents,” said Nathaniel Perez, Senior Project Manager for The Warren Group Architects. “We wanted to help create an environment focused on relaxation, a place where people could come to relax and take in the sights and smells of the garden paired with the relaxation of the fountains and reflecting pools,” said Perez.
The final phase of Pharr ONE is found in the rear end of the site, and a community amphitheater with a circular jogging corridor will be constructed for public use. The outdoor amphitheater will be used for community health programs, as a live concert venue, along with community events. The center is currently housing artwork by local artists and the community is invited to stop by and view the work.
“Pharr ONE was made possible with the assistance of Senator Eddie Lucio, Jr. and the Valley Baptist Legacy Foundation who helped make this facility a reality for our Pharr community,” continued Hernandez. “We are grateful for your partnership and assistance in bringing this innovative multipurpose facility to our community,” he added.
Through Senator Eddie Lucio, the city lobbied and received $5 million from the Parks and Wildlife Department in the last 86th legislative session in Austin. Senator Lucio worked diligently to ensure that these funds were allocated for the city of Pharr and Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, through the Senate Finance Committee, helped shepherd these funds and ensure its finalization. Through the Valley Baptist Legacy Foundation, the city was awarded a health and wellness grant of $500,000 that will assist in expanding the city’s platform in all areas of community health-related interests.
The Pharr ONE complex is made up of 12,990 square feet and sits on 5 acres. The facility and gardens are open to the public.
Pharr ONE Ribbon Cutting recap video
Timelapse of Pharr ONE construction
Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. during the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The Board of Commissioners of the City of Pharr met for a regular meeting on Monday, October 17, 2022, and considered an agenda that included the following highlights:
City Announces Sales Tax Collection Report for October 2022
Pharr Interim City Manager Anali Alanis announced that the City of Pharr Sales Tax Collection Report for October 2022 shows an increase of 10.22% year-to-date true growth compared to the same period last year (2021) and 14.97% compared to last October 2021 payments.
City Proclaims November 7-11, 2022 as Municipal Court Week
The Pharr City Commission approved a proclamation declaring November 7-11, 2022 as Municipal Court Week. The City of Pharr joins municipal courts, city councils, and communities throughout Texas in showing appreciation for the dedicated municipal judges, court clerks, court administrators, prosecutors, bailiffs, and warrant officers who comprise the Texas municipal courts. The City of Pharr recognizes how much municipal courts do, and acknowledges the important role that local courts and their personnel play in the criminal justice system and the larger community. City of Pharr Municipal Court Judge Juan Villescas and municipal court staff were present to accept the proclamation.
City Declares October 17-21, 2022 as Chamber of Commerce Week
The Pharr City Commission approved a proclamation declaring October 17-21, 2022 as Chamber of Commerce Week. This week recognizes the more than 600 local chambers of commerce in Texas that provide a critical link in the communities they serve by fostering a vibrant business environment, promoting local projects, and paving the way for small businesses to thrive. The commission acknowledged the important role of the chamber to the local business community. Throughout the past year, the Greater Pharr Chamber of Commerce has hosted local and regional events, workshops and seminars, provided assistance to numerous businesses considering locating to our community, handled a variety of workforce-related issues, held job fairs, networking events, vendor markets, and more to promote small businesses, as well as educational events. The proclamation was accepted by Marcela Beas, President of the Pharr Greater Chamber of Commerce, along with board members and business members.
City Extends Interlocal Agreement for the PSJA
Tri-City Pedestrian Safety Improvements Project
The Pharr City Commission approved Amendment No. 1 to the Interlocal Agreement with the City of Alamo, City of San Juan, and Pharr-San Juan-Alamo (PSJA) Independent School District for the PSJA Tri-City Pedestrian Safety Improvements Project Phase I. The interlocal agreement (ILA) with the City of San Juan, City of Alamo and PSJA ISD expired on July 14, 2022. Amendment No. 1 extends the ILA for an additional three (3) years for a new expiration date of July 14, 2025.
City Renews Agreement with the Pharr Community Theatre FY2022-2023
The Pharr City Commission approved the renewal of the agreement between the City of Pharr and the Pharr Community Theatre for the Fiscal Year 2022-2023.
City Approves MOU between Hidalgo PD and Pharr PD over Jurisdictional and Interagency Support
The Pharr City Commission approved a Memorandum of Understanding between Hidalgo Police Department and Pharr Police Department over Jurisdictional and Interagency Support. This partnership is intended to outline each department’s responsibility regarding Valley View ISD Schools in both cities. The Hidalgo Police Department has agreed to provide School Resource Officers for Valley View Schools within Pharr jurisdiction. The Hidalgo Police Department has agreed to continue with jurisdiction of all areas outside of school property.
Our annual “Salute to Veterans” parade and fireworks show is approaching!
Registration is NOW OPEN for your business or organization to participate in this year’s parade!
Pharr Celebrates Start of the 2022-2023 Produce Season
Traditional Cutting of the Fruit – Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., and special guests including Texas State Senators Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa and Eddie Lucio Jr., Chairman of the Pharr International Bridge Board Edgar Delgadillo and board members, and Pharr Bridge Director Luis Bazan participate in the ceremonial cutting of the fruit.
Pharr, Texas – City of Pharr officials and Pharr International Bridge leaders celebrated the start of the 2022-2023 Produce Season by welcoming guests to this year’s themed event “A Taste of Trade” which featured an array of brightly displayed fresh fruits and vegetables and local chefs preparing meal samplings out of the displays of produce. The event was attended by elected officials, dignitaries, produce growers, importers, distributors, and consumers representing the United States and Mexico.
The Pharr International Bridge continues to be the #1 bridge for produce crossings in the nation, with over 65% of all produce from Mexico crossing through Pharr.
“We feed the world through our bridge,” said Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “Everything goes from this bridge throughout the United States from the East Coast, Midwest, and ultimately winds up in other countries such as Germany and we are so proud of that,” he continued. “Today we also recognize and celebrate the hard work of our bridge staff and board for the great success our port of entry continues to experience,” added Hernandez. “It takes a team and 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,” he said.
On average, the Pharr International Bridge crosses 200,000 produce shipments per year. Fresh fruits and vegetables including avocados, pineapples, mangoes, tomatoes, carrots, and more make their way through the bridge every day.
“Each year our annual event continues to grow and we are so proud to have the opportunity to showcase our trading power, highlight our bi-national partnerships, and celebrate our produce ranking amongst our many produce and logistic partners,” said Bazan. As part of our theme “A Taste of Trade”, we showcased several dishes prepared by local chefs and restaurants using fresh produce from our bridge,” he added. “This is something new we added this year, and we hope everyone enjoyed visually seeing just how many of our produce products cross through Pharr,” he continued.
The U.S. has consistently remained Mexico’s No.1 trading partner for produce and goods. Pharr’s ideal geographical location has resulted in a successful and fruitful partnership between the two countries and in the growth of their produce trading capacity which breaks new records year after year.
“Trade with Mexico supports almost 500,000 jobs,” said Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa during his remarks. “Texas could not be so strong economically without Mexico being a partner,” added Sen. Hinojosa.
The celebration concluded with the ceremonial cutting of the fruit and the distribution of fresh produce to guests.
Commission Proclaims October 5, 2022 as World Teachers’ Day
Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., and the Pharr City Commission approved a proclamation declaring October 5, 2022 as World Teachers’ Day. World Teachers’ Day is held annually on October 5 and acknowledges the work and contributions of teachers. Ana Gonzalez, Executive Director of Teach For America Rio Grande Valley, and Rey Perez from Vanguard Academy accepted the proclamation. The City of Pharr encourages members of our community to personally express appreciation to our teachers and display a light blue ribbon outside your homes or businesses during the week of October 5 as a symbol of support for our educators.
Commission Proclaims October 9-15, 2022 as Fire Prevention Week
Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., and the Pharr City Commission approved a proclamation declaring October 9-15, 2022 as Fire Prevention Week. The 2022 Fire Prevention Week theme, “Fire won’t wait. Plan your escape.” effectively serves to remind the citizens of Pharr that it is important to have a home fire escape plan. Pharr Fire Chief Pilar Rodriguez and members of the Pharr Fire Department accepted the proclamation. Chief Rodriguez reminded the public to plan and practice a home fire escape for Fire Prevention Week 2022 and to participate in the public safety activities that the Pharr Fire Department has planned throughout the week.
Commission Proclaims October 2022 as Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Month
Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., and the Pharr City Commission approved a proclamation declaring October 2022 as Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Month. The City of Pharr urges all residents to work toward ending domestic violence by empowering people to develop healthier relationships, assisting victims in accessing information and supportive services they need, and creating better and more resources for people in need to promote awareness and prevention of the threat caused by domestic and family violence. Members of the Pharr Police Department including Sergeant Danny Garcia, Domestic Violence Coordinator Alan Cantu, Crimes Victims Liason Mario Garza, and Human Trafficking Liason Nancy Gonzalez were on hand to accept the proclamation. Pharr PD would like to remind the public that they are always available and urge everyone to be vigilant and report domestic violence. The department will be holding a candlelight vigil in support of domestic violence victims on October 5, 2022.
Commission Proclaims October 2022 as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., and the Pharr City Commission approved a proclamation declaring October 2022 as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This October, as we display pink ribbons or wear pink clothing to raise awareness, we recognize breast cancer survivors, those currently battling the disease, friends, and families of diagnosed patients and applaud the efforts of our medical professionals and researchers working to find a cure. Mario Lizcano, Administrator of Corporate affairs for DHR Health, and members of the Advance Care Center Team accepted the proclamation and thanked the commission for their support. Mayor Hernandez reminded the public of the importance of annual screening.
Commission Proclaims October 2022 as National Cybersecurity Awareness Month
Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., and the Pharr City Commission approved a proclamation declaring October 2022 as National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. This year’s national campaign theme — “See Yourself in Cyber” — demonstrates that while cybersecurity may seem like a complex subject, ultimately, it’s really all about people, and is focused on providing information and resources to help educate the public, and ensure all individuals and organizations make smart decisions whether on the job, at home or at school – now and in the future! Pharr IT Director Jose J. Peña and staff accepted the proclamation.
Commission Proclaims October 2022 as Community Planning Month
Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., and the Pharr City Commission approved a proclamation declaring October 2022 as Community Planning Month. National Community Planning Month publicly recognizes the participation and dedication of the members of planning commissions and other citizen planners who have contributed their time and expertise to the improvement of the City of Pharr. Members of the Pharr Planning and Zoning Commission were in attendance to accept the proclamation. “We thank you for your dedication and service to our citizens and community,” said Mayor Hernandez.
Commission Proclaims October 2022 as The Start of the Produce Season Month
Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., and the Pharr City Commission approved a proclamation declaring October 2022 as The Start of the Produce Season Month. Pharr Bridge Director Luis Bazan with special guests Dante Galeazzi – CEO/President – Texas International Produce Association, Brenda O’Camp – representative of PickleMex, and Tony Godinez accepted the proclamation. As the number one produce bridge in the nation for over five years, the Pharr International Bridge continues to break import records for fresh produce grown in Mexico. In 2021, Pharr crossed nearly 200,000 shipments of fresh produce, which equals to over 30 percent of the produce imports monthly, that is over 60% for the state and over 30% for the nation on a yearly basis. This year’s annual Start of the Produce Season event, which is themed “A Taste of Trade” will take place on October 8, 2022.
Commission Approves Agreement with National Wildlife Federation
Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., and the Pharr City Commission approved an Agreement with the National Wildlife Federation for the donation of native seeds of various fauna species to be distributed at designated park areas throughout the City of Pharr.
Featured Event: Trail of Terror – October 21-22, 2022, from 7 pm to 10:30 pm
Trail of Terror RETURNS to the City of Pharr for an all-new haunt! Discover the horror that lies deep in the trails of the Pharr/Vanguard Nature & Birding Center this October! Admission is FREE!
Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. during the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
