by media | May 2, 2022 | Featured News, Information, Live, Media Releases, My Pharr, News, News
City of Pharr and PSJA ISD to host Victory Celebration for Winning It’s Time Texas Community Challenge on Wednesday, 5/4 at 11 am
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MONDAY, MAY 2, 2022
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr and PSJA ISD have been announced as winners in their respective categories for this year’s It’s Time Texas Community Challenge, a statewide competition sponsored by H-E-B that encourages citizens, communities, and organizations to live healthily.
To celebrate their victory, the City of Pharr and PSJA ISD, along with representatives from It’s Time Texas will be hosting a PSJA Tri-City Victory Celebration at 11 am on Wednesday, May 4, 2022, at the PSJA Stadium (703 E. Sam Houston) in Pharr.
“This is an extremely proud moment for our city, our school district, and our communities,” said Pharr Mayor Dr. Ambrosio Hernandez. “Each year we are proud to participate in the challenge and through our hard work, participants, and consistency, we earned 1st place this year and we could not be happier, especially to celebrate alongside PSJA ISD who also ranked at the top,” added Hernandez. “We invite everyone to join us for this celebration!”
The City of Pharr earned 1st place in the Medium Community category. While the City of Alamo earned 3rd Place and the City of San Juan 4th place in the Small Community Category, each with over a million points. PSJA ISD was named the winner of the Large School District Category, for the 4th consecutive year, with more than 3.3 million points collected by students, staff members, and families participating in the challenge.
The It’s Time Texas Community Challenge is an annual statewide competition that unites cities, school districts, businesses, and organizations with the common goal of transforming their community’s health. This year nearly 300 communities from across the State of Texas competed from January 3 to February 27.
The event will include remarks from the City of Pharr, PSJA ISD, and local leaders as well as an Awards Presentation led by It’s Time Texas recognizing these collective efforts.
All media and the public are invited to attend.
DETAILS
WHAT: City of Pharr and PSJA ISD to Host Victory Celebration for Winning It’s Time Texas Community Challenge
WHEN: Wednesday, May 4, 2022 at 11 am
WHERE: PSJA Stadium (703 E. Sam Houston, Pharr, TX)
MEDIA ADVISORY
Pharr Media Contact: Yuri Gonzalez
Phone: (956) 310-2139
Email: [email protected]
PSJA ISD Media Contact: Arianna Vazquez-Hernandez
Exec. Dir. Of Communications/Public Info
Phone: (956) 354-2027, (956) 279-9420
Email: [email protected]
It’s Time Texas Media Contact: Melissa Garcia
South Texas Regional Director
Phone: (956) 617-4446
Email: [email protected]
by media | Apr 22, 2022 | Featured News, Information, Live, Media Releases, My Pharr, News, News, Police Department, Police News
Pharr Appoints Chief Andy Harvey as City Manager
Pharr, Texas – There’s a new city manager in Pharr, and he is a familiar face. Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. and the City of Pharr are pleased to announce the appointment of Police Chief Andy Harvey as the city’s new City Manager. With his extensive leadership experience and background in public service management, Harvey is uniquely poised to transition into this new role. Harvey will remain Chief of Police as well.
“Having served for more than 26 years in local government has prepared me for this important leadership role of city manager,” said Harvey. “I am humbled by the opportunity and trust afforded to me by Mayor Hernandez and our Commission to lead the men and women that care for and serve our city every day,” Harvey continued. “Our future is bright and can’t wait to get going,” Harvey added.
“Chief Harvey is a progressive leader with innovative ideas and a proven track record of success, qualities that align perfectly with our vision to keep moving Pharr forward,” said Mayor Hernandez. “We are proud that he is taking on this new role as City Manager to continue steering Pharr in the right direction – towards the future,” Hernandez added.
Since becoming the Pharr Police Chief in July 2020, Harvey’s innovation and leadership has propelled the agency into a future-focused, 21st century police department. Under Harvey’s watch, the department added the first-ever Mental Health Unit and Horse Mounted Unit in the region, expanded the community outreach, and added a Motorcycle Unit to the fleet. The department has increased transparency by working with local media, enhancing our social media platforms, and recently aired the first-of-its-kind police department podcast called Police On Air.
Harvey’s leadership experience covers both military and law enforcement professions. After a distinguished military career with over 20 years of service, Harvey retired as the First Sergeant of the 136th Mission Support Group in Ft. Worth, Texas. Harvey led in crisis on two different occasions; in Kuwait at the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom and in New Orleans just days after the destruction of Hurricane Katrina. During his enlistment, Harvey attended several Air Force academies, including the Non-Commissioned Officer Academy and the First Sergeant Academy where he earned the Distinguished Graduate Award and the coveted Commandant’s Leadership Award, respectively.
Harvey also retired from the Dallas Police Department in 2017. His leadership assignments include patrol, investigations, community policing, and media relations. As a Patrol Watch Commander, Harvey implemented a policing model that places high value in team members’ contributions, promotes problem-solving, excellent customer service, a heightened sense of responsibility, and in developing team members to understand the big picture.
As the Dallas Police Media Relations Commander, Harvey implemented several programs including the creation of social networking services and a web video series called First Watch, both in English and Spanish. Harvey has been interviewed frequently on local and national news programs.
Harvey graduated from the University of North Texas with a Master of Science Degree in Criminal Justice. He is also a graduate of the Leadership Command College in Huntsville, Texas, the Caruth Police Institute in Dallas, Texas, and ILEA Police School of Supervision in Plano, Texas.
Harvey champions community policing having authored a book titled Excellence in Policing which has been presented to and read by police of all ranks around the country. In November of 2019, Harvey testified in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee about immigration and policing.
by media | Apr 21, 2022 | Featured News, Information, Live, Media Releases, My Pharr, News, News
Pharr City Manager Edward M. Wylie
Pharr, Texas – Pharr City Manager Ed Wylie announced on Thursday, April 21, that he is stepping down from his role as City Manager. The announcement comes after much reflection and consideration from Mr. Wylie who needed to make a permanent move to the city.
The City of Pharr’s City Charter requires that the city manager live within city limits – Mr. Wylie does not reside within the city.
Wylie, who has served as City Manager since 2019, said although he has loved his role as City Manager, he could not bear to disrupt his children’s lives or leave the home he’s established in order to meet the city charter’s criteria. Although he is stepping down from his role as City Manager, he will continue to work for The City of Pharr and take on his previous role as Deputy City Manager.
“Change is inevitable, and change is good – and I will continue working diligently for the city’s betterment,” said Wylie. “I would like to thank Mayor Dr. Ambrosio Hernandez and the Pharr City Commission for being so gracious and understanding as I took the time to evaluate this major decision,” he continued. “I look forward to having more time to visit with department leaders and their staff as we work together to move our city forward,” added Wylie.
Wylie has been with The City of Pharr for about 28 years and will continue to be involved in the city’s daily operations. He began his career in municipal government in 1990, serving as a volunteer firefighter with the Pharr Fire Department, while still a student at PSJA High School. As he began his professional career, he entered public service and has been employed with the City of Pharr in various capacities, including as Assistant Director of Planning, Planning Director, Assistant City Manager, Deputy City Manager, and for the past few years as City Manager.
He added, “I appreciate the trust that Mayor Hernandez and the Pharr City Commission placed in me to serve as City Manager.” “There’s no higher calling in terms of a career than public service and I have always served the public to the best of my ability,” he stated. “I know our next City Manager will do an exceptional job and I look forward to helping with the transition,” he said.
by media | Apr 21, 2022 | Featured News, Information, Live, Media Releases, My Pharr, News, News
Mayor Dr. Ambrosio Hernandez Receives Education Champion Award from Teach For America
Pharr, Texas – Mayor Dr. Ambrosio Hernandez, received the Education Champion Award from Teach For America – Rio Grande Valley and was honored for his impact on education at their annual Honor Roll Gala held on Friday, April 8 at Quinta Mazatlan in McAllen.
Mayor Hernandez was selected by Teach For America for this year’s Education Champion Award for his response to the pandemic by accelerating the city’s plans to roll out an affordable broadband network throughout the city to ensure that all residents of Pharr can have high-speed internet access flow at home and advance their education and career opportunities.
“I have always believed that education is the greatest equalizer and I am honored to instill that virtue in my work as the Mayor of Pharr,” said Hernandez. “It is critical that we collaborate with our communities to help expand educational opportunities, access to the resources that enhance learning, and set an example for our children by exemplifying the important role education plays in one’s life,” he added. “It is a true honor to be recognized by Teach For America and stand alongside the other honorees who are paving the way for a new generation of educational success and leadership in our communities,” continued Hernandez.
This year’s honorees also include The University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley, who was honored as an Institutional Catalyst, and Roberto Garza (Teach For America RGV ‘02), who was recognized with the Alumni Leadership Award.
“Thank you Teach For America for sharing in my vision and working to ensure that our communities have extraordinary teachers to lead by example,” added Mayor Hernandez.
Click here to see a recap of the event:
https://youtu.be/[kjMFqXfFyRo]
by media | Apr 21, 2022 | Featured News, Information, Live, Media Releases, My Pharr, News, News
City of Pharr Hosts Largest Hub Phestival to Date
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr held its largest Pharr Hub Phestival to date with over 15,000 attendees, more than 40 vendors, carnival rides, live musical performances, and plenty of family fun! Thank you to everyone who joined us for the festivities.
“The Pharr Hub Phestival is a yearly tradition aimed at celebrating and bringing our community together,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “Our staff does an incredible job each year accommodating for the event’s growth and planning to ensure that we have the best attractions, vendors, activities, and musical performances,” he added. “This year, we were incredibly proud to welcome over 15,000 attendees, the largest crowd to date,” said Hernandez.
The event also featured a car/bike show, a BBQ Cook-Off, a petting zoo, luchadores, and alpacas which were big hits among attendees. There were plenty of family-friendly activities to choose from.
The city had a great lineup of live entertainment for all to enjoy, featuring musical performances by Southern Ashes, Solido, Tejano legends La Mafia, and country music superstar Joe Nichols was featured as the headlining act.
“We want to thank everyone who attended our Pharr Hub Phestival for your support and joining us in celebrating Pharr,” stated Mayor Hernandez. “Next year we are aiming for an even bigger event and we hope you will join us again,” he said.
Watch a recap of the event here: https://www.facebook.com/[cityofpharr][videos][705779257336789]
Pictured at the event (l to r): City Commissioner Place 1 Eleazar Guajardo, Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., and City Commissioner Place 5 Ricardo Medina.
PRESS RELEASE
Media Contact: Yuri Gonzalez
Phone: (956) 310-2139
Email: [email protected]
by media | Apr 19, 2022 | Featured News, Information, Live, Media Releases, My Pharr, News, News
Texas GLO Homeowner Assistance and Reimbursement Programs (HARP) Open to Qualifying Pharr Residents
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr is working with the Texas General Land Office (GLO) to remind residents that funding is still available for the Homeowners Assistance and Reimbursement Programs (HARP). The program which opened one year ago was set up to help local residents impacted by the 2018-2019 flooding from storms that affected the Rio Grande Valley.
“This funding is important to help those affected by flooding in our community,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “If you had to make repairs to your home or are still living with the aftermath, please contact the GLO to start your application process today,” he added. “We want to make sure everyone gets the help they need before the funding runs out,” continued Hernandez.
HARP covers repairs or full reconstruction of a primary residence, as well as repayment of eligible out-of-pocket repair costs up to $50,000. An application must be submitted along with the required documents for consideration. HARP is on a first-come, first-served basis and all homeowners are encouraged to apply immediately as funds are estimated to run out by the end of the summer. Visit recovery.texas.gov/harp to apply today or call 1-844-893-8937.
PRESS RELEASE
Pharr Media Contact: Yuri Gonzalez
Phone: (956) 310-2139
Email: [email protected]
GLO Media Contact: Brittany Eck
Director of Communications, Community Development & Revitalization
Texas General Land Office
George P. Bush, Commissioner
(512) 463-5708 direct
(512) 963-7800 Cell
