Pharr Mayor Declares Local State of Disaster; Requests Assistance from Texas Gov. Abbott
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2025
Pharr, Texas – Following recent severe weather, including drenching rain, severe thunderstorms, and widespread flooding, City of Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. today declared a local state of disaster for the City of Pharr effective March 27, 2025.
This Declaration of Disaster was made pursuant to the Texas Disaster Act of 1975 and the Texas Government Code Section 418.108(a). The Texas Disaster Act of 1975 designates Mayor Hernandez as Emergency Management Director for the City of Pharr; the declaration allows him to activate the city’s emergency management plan.
Read the Disaster Declaration:
Mayor Hernandez also penned a letter to Texas Governor Greg Abbott, requesting that he declare a state of emergency for the City of Pharr and issue appropriate directives to deal with the emergency, including authorizing the use of all available resources of state government and of political subdivisions that are reasonably necessary to cope with and mitigate this disaster.
Pharr’s Women-Led She’s My Hero Camp Accepting Registrations, Limited Spots Available
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TUESDAY, MARCH 25, 2025
Pharr, Texas – The Pharr Fire Department is excited to host another She’s My Hero camp led by the women of Pharr FD. This initiative aims to educate young kids and teens about careers in the first responder field through hands-on activities.
The upcoming camp will focus on all first responder roles in the City of Pharr including Pharr Police Department, Pharr Public Safety Communications, and Pharr EMS.
She’s My Hero takes place on Saturday, April 5, 2025, from 9 AM to 4 PM at Pharr EMS Headquarters (3000 N. Cage Blvd.) Free registration is now open and can be done in-person only at Pharr City Hall, 3rd Floor. Limited spots remain in the 11 to 17 age group only.
Parents are encouraged to enroll both boys and girls to this camp. Lunch will be provided.
For more information, please contact Catherine Cadena at (956) 638-6067.
Media is welcomed to use attached b-roll for their newscasts.
DETAILS
WHAT: She’s My Hero Camp
WHEN: Saturday, April 5, 2025, from 9 AM to 4 PM
WHERE: Pharr EMS Headquarters (3000 N. Cage Blvd, Pharr, TX 78577.)
Pharr’s Holi Festival Returns! Celebrate Community, Culture, and the Arrival of Spring on Sat., 3/22 @ 11 AM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THURSDAY, MARCH 20, 2025
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr is excited to announce the return of the highly anticipated Holi Festival of Colors, celebrating the joyful arrival of spring.
This colorful event will be held on Saturday, March 22, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Allen & William Arnold City/School Park, located at 615 W El Dora Rd, Pharr, Texas 78577. Admission and parking are FREE!
The Holi Festival of Colors is a beloved tradition that brings together our diverse community in a celebration of unity and joy. Attendees can expect a day filled with cultural activities, delicious food, lively music, and, of course, the iconic color powders that make this event so memorable.
Come celebrate the arrival of spring with friends and family!
The public and media are invited to attend.
DETAILS
WHAT: Holi Festival of Colors
WHEN: Saturday, March 22, 2025 from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
WHERE: Allen & William Arnold City/School Park (615 W El Dora Rd, Pharr, Texas 78577)
Pharr Police Department Unveils New Patrol Unit Design
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 2025
Pharr, Texas – The Pharr Police Department is proud to unveil its newly designed police units, representing more than just an update to its fleet—it is a symbol of the department’s unwavering commitment to protecting and serving the community.
The new design reinforces our mission to uphold public safety while maintaining a strong connection with the residents of Pharr. This initiative would not be possible without the continued support of city leadership and the trust of the community.
“We are excited to introduce this fresh new look to our patrol units,” said Pharr Police Chief Juan Gonzalez. “These vehicles are more than just tools of law enforcement—they represent our dedication, vigilance, and readiness to serve. We sincerely thank the City of Pharr for their ongoing support and our community for placing their trust in us to protect their families and neighborhoods.”
Media outlets are invited to use the attached videos, photos, and a statement from Chief Juan Gonzalez for their newscasts.
Media Contact:
Michael L. Martinez
(956) 272-9803
michael.martinez@pharr-tx.gov
Pharr Police Department to Honor Young Cancer Survivor as Junior Officer, FRI 3/7 @ 10 AM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MONDAY, MARCH 3, 2025
Pharr, Texas – The Pharr Police Department is honored to host 6-year-old Zayn Ochoa, a brave young boy who has recently triumphed over leukemia and dreams of becoming a police officer. To celebrate his courage and resilience, Zayn will be named a Junior Police Officer by the Pharr Police Department.
The event is scheduled for Friday, March 7, 2025, at 10:00 AM at the Pharr Police Department (1900 S. Cage Blvd.).
During this special event, Zayn will ride in the department’s SWAT BearCat vehicle, tour the Pharr Police Station, receive special Pharr Police gear, and be officially sworn in as a Junior Police Officer.
“Zayn’s strength and determination are truly inspiring,” Chief of Police Juan Gonzalez said. “It is an honor for us to welcome him as part of our team and recognize his bravery. We hope this experience brings him joy and encouragement as he continues to pursue his dreams,” Gonzalez added.
We invite members of the media to join us in capturing this heartwarming moment as the Pharr Police Department makes Zayn’s dream come true.
To confirm your attendance or for additional information, please contact Michael Martinez (michael.martinez@pharr-tx.gov).
DETAILS:
WHAT: Special event honoring 6-year-old Zayn Ochoa as a Junior Police Officer
WHEN: Friday, March 7, 2025, 10:00 AM
WHERE: Pharr Police Department (1900 S. Cage Blvd., Pharr, TX 78577)
Media Contact: Yuri Gonzalez
Phone: (956) 310-2139
Email: yuri.gonzalez@pharr-tx.gov
City of Pharr Launches Alley Maintenance Project
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2025
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr is initiating the Alley Maintenance Project focused on improving public alleys throughout the city.
The project, spearheaded by the Public Works Department, will involve clearing debris, trimming overgrown grass and tree limbs, and leveling alleys with asphalt millings (recycled pavement material, also known as blacktop).
The work started on the south side of Pharr, and will then progress west, east, and finally conclude on the north side. A crew of 10 staff members is dedicated to the cleanup effort. This is an ongoing effort as all public alleys in the city will be addressed.
Residents are strongly encouraged to help maintain alley cleanliness by picking up debris and avoiding illegal dumping. The city urges residents to take an active role in keeping their alleys clean. Any concerns or questions can be directed to the Public Works Department at 956-402-4350.
Media is invited to cover this story. Interviews with our Public Works Department are available upon request.
