The Board of Commissioners of the City of Pharr met for a regular meeting on Monday, February 5, 2024, and considered an agenda that included the following highlights:
City Declares February 2024 as Black History Month
Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. and the Pharr City Commission approved a proclamation declaring February 2024 as Black History Month. Each year, February is designated as Black History Month to remember and reflect on the tribulations faced by the Black community while learning from the vibrant culture and history and celebrating its many invaluable contributions. The 2024 national theme for the observance is “African Americans and the Art.” This theme acknowledges the legacy of digital, literary, visual, and performing arts of Black trailblazers and innovators who revolutionized their fields, often transforming them by pioneering new techniques and styles of art. Accepting the proclamation was Imayo York, Secretary for Village in the Valley (ViVa), which is a local organization dedicated to elevating and uniting the black community while connecting cultures in the Rio Grande Valley. “We thank the City of Pharr for recognizing Black History Month and the contribution of blacks to the Rio Grande Valley, including their support of Viva on many occasions,” said York. She also announced that as part of Black History Month, ViVa will be hosting its first Digital Literacy Master Class in conjunction with a grant awarded from Prairie View University at the Pepe Salinas Recreation Center in Pharr on Friday, February 23, 2024. For more information visit the Village in the Valley RGV website or their social media.
City of Pharr Awarded Healthy Brain Initiative Grant to Address Brain Health
During Monday’s City Commission Meeting, the Pharr City Commission was informed that it has was selected as the only recipient in Texas for the Healthy Brain Initiative Grant by the Alzheimer’s Association and the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) for the Healthy Brain Initiative (HBI) Road Map. Through this initiative, the City of Pharr will designate a part-time HBI Road Map Strategist, a systems change agent working to advance brain health equity. Working in support and coordination with public health partners across the community, the Road Map Strategist will conduct a public health needs assessment, train local officials and key community partners, and lead the implementation of public health action on dementia, guided by strategies from the Healthy Brain Initiative State and Local Road Map for Public, 2023-2028. The initiative will allow the City of Pharr to enhance its capacity to address cognitive health and dementia for the citizens of Pharr and will serve as a national model to follow. Maxine P. Vieyra, South Texas Alzheimer’s Program Manager, and Gregory Sciuto, Region 7 Leader and Executive Director, San Antonio & South Texas, presented the grant to the city commission. Dr. Cynthia Gutierrez, the Director of Public Health for the City of Pharr’s newly created Public Health Department spoke about the importance of the project and her role in securing the grant. “I am proud to be working with the Alzheimer’s Association and other national grant awardees as we strategize on initiatives to educate, bring awareness to, and delay dementia in our communities, as well as to serve as a national and state model for other communities to replicate in the future,” she added. “Thank you to the Alzheimer’s Association for allowing the City of Pharr to take the lead on this initiative, we look forward to a great outcome for our city and all our residents as we work to fight against Alzheimer’s,” Dr. Gutierrez added.
City of Pharr to Host Job Fair: 50 Open Positions Available Across Various Departments
The City of Pharr is excited to announce a Job Fair aimed at filling approximately 50 open positions in various departments throughout the city. We are actively seeking highly motivated and career-driven individuals to join our dynamic team and contribute to the continued growth and success of our community.
The City of Pharr Job Fair takes place Thursday, February 15, 2024, at Pharr EMS (3000 N. Cage Blvd, Pharr, TX 78577).
The City of Pharr offers a range of positions across different departments, providing diverse opportunities for individuals seeking fulfilling careers. Positions include but are not limited to:
Assistant Director of the International Bridge
EMT/Advanced EMT
Police Officer
Wastewater Treatment Operator
Laborer
Helpdesk Specialist
Toll Collector
Qualified candidates are invited to participate in on-site interviews. Dress to impress, bring multiple copies of your resume, and be prepared to discuss how your skills and experience align with the needs of the City of Pharr. Candidates may undergo background checks and physical examinations as part of the hiring process.
Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a vibrant and growing organization. Join us at the City of Pharr Job Fair, where your future career awaits!
The public and media are invited to attend.
The City of Pharr is an equal-opportunity employer.
DETAILS:
WHAT: City of Pharr Job Fair
WHERE: Pharr EMS (3000 N Cage Blvd, Pharr, TX 78577)
WHEN: Thursday, February 15, 2024, from 9 AM to 4 PM
Featured Events: Say “I Do” and 18th Annual St. Patrick’s Day 5K Walk & Run
Ready to say “I Do”? Let the City of Pharr and Judge Jerry Muñoz host a FREE wedding ceremony for you and your special person this Valentine’s Day!
Ceremonies will take place at our scenic French Garden at Pharr ONE on E. Nolana.
Marriage licenses must be obtained 72 hours in advance.
Call (956) 787-1986 for more information.
REGISTER TODAY!
Get ready for our 18th annual St. Patricks Day 5k Run/walk presented by the City of Pharr Parks & Recreation, happening March 2nd
MEDIA ADVISORY
Media Contact: Yuri Gonzalez
Phone: (956) 310-2139
Email: [email protected]
City of Pharr to Host Job Fair: 50 Open Positions Available Across Various Departments on THU., 2/15 @ 9 am
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2024
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr is excited to announce a Job Fair aimed at filling approximately 50 open positions in various departments throughout the city. We are actively seeking highly motivated and career-driven individuals to join our dynamic team and contribute to the continued growth and success of our community.
The City of Pharr Job Fair takes place Thursday, February 15, 2024, at Pharr EMS (3000 N. Cage Blvd, Pharr, TX 78577).
The City of Pharr offers a range of positions across different departments, providing diverse opportunities for individuals seeking fulfilling careers. Positions include but are not limited to:
Assistant Director of the International Bridge
EMT/Advanced EMT
Police Officer
Wastewater Treatment Operator
Laborer
Helpdesk Specialist
Toll Collector
Qualified candidates are invited to participate in on-site interviews. Dress to impress, bring multiple copies of your resume, and be prepared to discuss how your skills and experience align with the needs of the City of Pharr. Candidates may undergo background checks and physical examinations as part of the hiring process.
Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a vibrant and growing organization. Join us at the City of Pharr Job Fair, where your future career awaits!
The public and media are invited to attend.
The City of Pharr is an equal-opportunity employer.
DETAILS:
WHAT: City of Pharr Job Fair
WHEN: Thursday, February 15, 2024, from 9 AM to 4 PM
WHERE: Pharr EMS (3000 N Cage Blvd, Pharr, TX 78577)
City of Pharr Awarded Healthy Brain Initiative Grant to Address Brain Health
City of Pharr Awarded HBI Grant (Pictured L to R):Commissioner Bobby Carrillo, Commissioner Dr. Ramiro Caballero, Commissioner Michael Pacheco, Mayor Dr. Ambrosio Hernandez, Maxine P. Vieyra, South Texas Alzheimer’s Program Manager, Gregory Sciuto, Region 7 Leader and Executive Director, San Antonio & South Texas, Dr. Cynthia Gutierrez, the Director of Public Health for the City of Pharr, Commissioner Daniel Chavez, and Commissioner Ricardo Medina.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2024
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr was selected by the Alzheimer’s Association and the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) for the Healthy Brain Initiative (HBI) Road Map Strategists. The announcement and grant presentation was made during the City of Pharr’s Commission Meeting on Monday, February 5, 2024.
Maxine P. Vieyra, South Texas Alzheimer’s Program Manager, and Gregory Sciuto, Region 7 Leader and Executive Director, San Antonio & South Texas, presented the grant to the city commission. Dr. Cynthia Gutierrez, the Director of Public Health for the City of Pharr’s newly created Public Health Department accepted the grant on behalf of the city and spoke about the importance of the project and her role in securing the grant. The initiative will allow the City of Pharr to enhance its capacity to address cognitive health and dementia for the citizens of Pharr.
“We are grateful for this amazing opportunity to work closely with our citizens and community to address brain health in our community,” said Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “Our goal is to help make a difference and work towards educating, informing, and creating healthy habits for Alzheimer’s awareness,” he added. “It is an honor to be the only city chosen in Texas and we look forward to being a model for our local, regional, and national communities on this project,” continued Hernandez.
Through this initiative, the City of Pharr will designate a part-time HBI Road Map Strategist, a systems change agent working to advance brain health equity. Working in support and coordination with public health partners across the community, the Road Map Strategist will conduct a public health needs assessment, train local officials and key community partners, and lead the implementation of public health action on dementia, guided by strategies from the Healthy Brain Initiative State and Local Road Map for Public, 2023-2028.
“We are proud to partner with the Pharr Department of Health on the Healthy Brain Initiative. Everyone deserves a life with the healthiest brain possible. Together, we take on the important work of increasing public knowledge about brain health, risk factors for dementia, and the benefits of early detection and diagnosis, all while advancing equity in our community,” said Gregory Sciuto, Region 7 Leader and Executive Director, Texas Alzheimer’s Association San Antonio & South Texas.
The City of Pharr was one of ten grantees in the cohort. Other recipients included:
Panhandle Public Health District (Nebraska)
Lamar County Health Department (Georgia)
Oneida County Health Department (Wisconsin)
Waukesha County Public Health (Wisconsin)
Nelson-Griggs District Health Unit (North Dakota)
Northeast Tri County Health District (Washington)
Kitsap Public Health District (Washington)
Clay County Health Department (Illinois)
Davis County Health Department (Utah)
People living with dementia and their family caregivers require support as cognitive, behavioral, and physical functioning changes over time. A strategic public health response is needed to mitigate this impact on all communities, and the addition of the HBI Strategist will help to improve the City of Pharr’s response.
“In 2022, there were more than 1 million unpaid caregivers who provided care to Texans with Alzheimer’s, most of whom were family members,” said Emilie Prot DO MPH, Regional Medical Director, Public Health Region 11 Texas Department of State Health Services. “I want to congratulate the City of Pharr Health Department for their grant award,” she continued. “Their important initiative will bring awareness and educate our community about Alzheimer’s Disease to understand the burden and connect families to resources,” Dr. Prot added.
The number of Americans living with Alzheimer’s is growing — and growing fast. More than 6 million Americans of all ages have Alzheimer’s.
An estimated 6.7 million Americans age 65 and older were living with Alzheimer’s in 2023. Seventy-three percent are age 75 or older.
About 1 in 9 people age 65 and older (10.7%) has Alzheimer’s.
Almost two-thirds of Americans with Alzheimer’s are women.
Older Black Americans are about twice as likely to have Alzheimer’s or other dementias as older Whites.
Older Hispanics are about one and one-half times as likely to have Alzheimer’s or other dementias as older Whites.
MEDIA ADVISORY
Media Contact: Yuri Gonzalez
Phone: (956) 310-2139
Email: [email protected]
City of Pharr Announces FREE Valentine’s Day Wedding Ceremonies with Judge Jerry Muñoz, WED 2/14 @ 2 PM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2024
Pharr, Texas – Love is in the air, it’s time to say “I Do!”. The City of Pharr is delighted to offer FREE wedding ceremonies on Wednesday, February 14, 2024, from 2 pm to 5 pm at the enchanting Pharr ONE French Garden located at 1121 E. Nolana Loop.
Couples looking to tie the knot on this special day are invited to participate in the ceremony officiated by Judge Jerry Muñoz.
To be part of this memorable event, interested couples must obtain a marriage license 72 hours in advance. Marriage licenses can be secured at the Hidalgo County Clerk’s Office, located at 100 N. Closner, Edinburg, TX 78539.
As an added bonus, all couples who participate in the free wedding ceremonies will have the opportunity to showcase their love with a photo on a digital billboard.
Couples can reserve their spot by calling (956) 787-1986.
The public and media are invited to attend ceremonies.
DETAILS
WHAT: City of Pharr to Offer FREE Valentine’s Day Wedding Ceremonies with Judge Jerry Munoz
WHEN: Wednesday, February 14, 2024 from 2 pm – 5 pm
WHERE: Pharr ONE French Garden (1121 E. Nolana Loop, Pharr, TX 78577)
PRESS RELEASE
Media Contact:
Michael L. Martinez
(956) 272-9803 [email protected]
Pharr Police Department Announces Decrease in Pharr Crime Rates
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TUESDAY, JANUARY 23, 2024
Pharr, Texas – Chief Juan Gonzalez of the Pharr Police Department announced a reduction in the city’s crime rates based on the Uniform Crime Reporting system. Chief Gonzalez presented statistics outlining the positive trend in crime reduction.
Key Statistics: 2020 Crime Rate: 19.6%
2021 Crime Rate: 18.9%
2022 Crime Rate: 17.9%
Chief Gonzalez emphasized the department’s consistent success in steadily decreasing the crime rate by approximately 1% annually over the last three years. “We are proud to report this positive trend and remain committed to further lowering the crime rate to enhance the safety of our citizens,” stated Chief Gonzalez.
Looking ahead, Chief Gonzalez shared the department’s expectations for 2023, anticipating a continued decrease in crime by 1-2%. Detailed figures for 2023 will be released later this year.
The Pharr Police Department acknowledges the collaborative efforts of law enforcement personnel, community members, and partners in achieving this notable decrease in crime rates.
“Our Pharr PD is dedicated to keeping our citizens and community safe,” Chief Gonzalez affirmed.
Anyone in the City of Pharr can report crime or suspicious activity by calling the Pharr Crime Stopper hotline at (956) 787- 8477, or by using the City of Pharr 311 App.
MEDIA ADVISORY
Media Contact: Karina Lopez
Phone: (956) 402-4332
Email: [email protected]
Pharr EDC to Host Wall Raising Ceremony for Ocotillo Capital Partners TODAY, 1/23 @ 10 am
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TUESDAY, JANUARY 23, 2024
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr Economic Development Corporation (PEDC) will host a Wall Raising Ceremony to celebrate Ocotillo Captial Partners’ newest expansion, Capote Building H. This will now be the eighth building in the Capote International Business Park!
The event will take place at 10 am TODAY, Tuesday, January 23, 2024, at 1201 E. Capote Central Ave. in Pharr, Texas.
“We are excited about the opportunity to deliver another building to the Pharr market in conjunction with the Capote International Business Park,” said Nick Dyer, Principal, Ocotillo Capital Partners. “Warehouse space is sorely needed in the Pharr-McAllen market and we hope to be able to fill some of that need,” he continued. “We recognize that cross-border trade is a major part of the growth story of the Rio Grande Valley and we feel privileged to be able to contribute to that growth,” stated Dryer.
This new construction is a Class A Industrial building with an unmatched location adjacent to the Pharr International Bridge (primary commercial crossing for the McAllen MSA). The building will be a 160,000 SF concrete tilt wall building that will be divisible and features will include 36’ clear height, ESFR fire protection, abundant dock doors with pit levelers at each door, a full 180’ wide truck court for trailer storage, and a secured truck court. It is expected to be completed in June 2024.
“With the Pharr International Bridge continuing to be one of the top ports of entry, the demand in the City of Pharr for more facilities like this one continues to increase,” said Victor Perez, Pharr EDC President/CEO. “Developers such as Ocotillo Capital Partners are helping to fill the gap for logistics, cold storage, distribution, and other international trade facilities that are needed,” added Perez. “We are here to facilitate opportunities and provide resources for all interested businesses,” he said.
All media and the public are invited to attend.
DETAILS
WHAT: Wall Raising Ceremony
WHEN: Tuesday, January 23, 2024, at 10 am
WHERE: 1201 E. Capote Central Ave., Pharr, Texas 78577
