City of Pharr Makes Spirits Bright with Annual Lighting of the Christmas Tree
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr held its annual Lighting of the Christmas Tree on Monday, November 28th at the Downtown Park near city hall. The park was packed with excitement as city hall and the downtown main street lit up with lights in celebration of the Christmas holiday and festivities. The community was especially excited to welcome The Grinch back to Pharr.
Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., Pharr City Commissioners, and employees welcomed the community to the FREE event which featured a countdown to the lighting of the tree, musical performances, popular Christmas Characters such as The Grinch, Mickey Mouse, and more.
“Christmas is about joy, happiness, and love but most importantly, it is about FAMILY,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “Today, we celebrate the lighting of our tree and city as we prepare for the festivities of the Christmas season, and I am so proud to see our community gather together,” he continued.
After the welcoming remarks and invocation, Mayor Hernandez and City Commissioners gathered around a giant flip switch as the countdown began for the lighting of the tree. They were joined by children in the audience who helped them flip the switch.
Once the tree was lit and all the lights turned on, the community was invited to enjoy a walk around the Downtown Park and Pharr City Hall to view the spectacular Christmas decorations, listen to live Christmas music, and take photos with The Grinch and other Christmas characters.
“Our Tree represents light and this holiday season, I encourage each of you to spread light to those around you,” added Hernandez. “We wish you all a joyous Christmas season filled with hope, aspiration, and love,” he said.
Everyone is invited to enjoy the lights at Downtown Park throughout the holiday season. The City of Pharr will be hosting several upcoming family-friendly events in the area in celebration of Christmas. Stay informed of upcoming events on the city’s social media pages.
Pharr Bridge Hosts Global Entities Economic Partnership to Promote Growth and Trade with Mexico; Signs MOU to Promote Joint Initiatives
Pharr, Texas – The Pharr International Bridge held a luncheon workshop for the National Importers and Exporters Association of Mexico (ANIERM) on Thursday, November 17th at the Pharr Bridge Administration Building to discuss and promote growth and trade with Mexico. Elected officials, trade, export, produce, investors, and logistic personnel from both Mexico and the United States were in attendance including Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., and ANIERM President Dr. José Gerardo Tajonar Castro.
As part of the workshop, the City of Pharr and ANIERM leaders agreed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish a Global Entities Economic Partnership between the City of Pharr, Texas, and the ANIERM, México. The objective of the MOU is to formalize a bilateral relationship to promote growth and expand economic opportunities for both entities, through joint initiatives in trade, investment, innovation, and knowledge transfer.
“This partnership and agreement are important for The Pharr International Bridge because we are not only building the necessary infrastructure for the future, we are positioning ourselves strategically to capture in-demand trade, we invest in infrastructure, we invest in personnel, we invest in technology and process improvements, but we always keep in mind that it’s all about investing in business relationships to meet our objective of continuous improvement by listening to the voice of the customer.”
These initiatives will be conducted to increase business opportunities and strengthen the cultural, historic, and economic ties between the entities. This will help develop a strong infrastructure, partnerships, and long-term goals on both sides of the border which will benefit the binational partnership.
“We look forward to working together through our MOU to promote growth and expand economic opportunities on both sides of the border through joint initiatives at our port of entry,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “This is a historic step forward for both our countries and will help to solidify our binational relationship and presence as we collaborate to expand our international trading capacity,” he added. “There is so much to be done and we have already hit the ground running,” Hernandez said.
Attendees participated in a round table discussion focused on binational commerce, witnessed both Pharr and ANIERM leaders sign the MOU, learned about the City of Pharr’s role as the leader in the region for cross-border trade, the 3rd fastest growing land port in the state and the 7th ranked in the nation by value of goods crossed, networked with authorities and companies from both the United States and Mexico, and ended the meeting with a tour of the Pharr International Bridge projects under construction, local warehousing, and distribution facilities and trade routes. This will mark the first of many future forums and special meetings held between the two entities.
Shown together after the signing of the historic MOU (L to R): Luiz Bazan, Pharr Bridge Director, Ricardo Medina, Pharr City Commissioner, ANIERM President Dr. José Gerardo Tajonar Castro, and ANIERM representatives.
(L to R): Ricardo Medina, Pharr City Commissioner, and ANIERM President Dr. José Gerardo Tajonar Castro.
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!
Shown together after the signing of the historic MOU (L to R): Luiz Bazan, Pharr Bridge Director, Ricardo Medina, Pharr City Commissioner, ANIERM President Dr. José Gerardo Tajonar Castro, and ANIERM representatives.
(L to R): Ricardo Medina, Pharr City Commissioner, and ANIERM President Dr. José Gerardo Tajonar Castro.
Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. during the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
