by media | Jun 28, 2022 | Featured News, Information, Live, Media Releases, My Pharr, News, News

City of Pharr to Host Independence Day Festival on Saturday, July 2 @ 6pm
Pharr, Texas – Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., and City of Pharr officials are pleased to announce that the City of Pharr will host its annual Independence Day Festival on Saturday, July 2, 2022, at Allen & William Arnold City/School Park (615 W. Eldora Rd.) from 6 pm to 10 pm.
“We invite our Pharr families and community to join us as we celebrate the Fourth of July in the City of Pharr,” said Mayor Hernandez. “There will be plenty of family fun for everyone and we will have a spectacular fire works show to end the night, you don’t want to miss it,” he added.
The City of Pharr Independence Day Festival is free to the public and will include a variety of family-friendly activities and entertainment. There will be an array of tasty food vendors, a carnival, and plenty of events to keep everyone having a good time as we celebrate Independence Day. The evening will end with a spectacular fireworks show display starting at 9 pm.
Admission and parking are free, and we hope to see our Pharr families there. You won’t want to miss this celebration of our nation’s independence!
All media and the public are invited to attend.
DETAILS
WHAT: City of Pharr Independence Day Festival
WHEN: Saturday, July 2, 2022, from 6 pm to 10 pm
WHERE: Allen & William Arnold City/School Park (615 W. Eldora Rd., Pharr, TX 78577)

by media | Jun 27, 2022 | Featured News, Information, Live, Media Releases, My Pharr, News, News

Pharr Fire Department to Host Push-In Ceremony for New Pierce Enforcer Engine 1 on Tuesday, 6/28 @ 5 pm
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr Fire Department is hosting a “Push-In Ceremony” at 5 pm on Tuesday, June 28, 2022, at Pharr Fire Station #1 (1901 N. Knight St.) to commemorate the arrival of a new Pierce Enforcer Engine 1.
“The City of Pharr Fire Department has added a new state-of-the-art triple combination pumper to the fleet,” said Pharr Fire Chief Pilar Rodriguez. “This apparatus will help the department meet the increase in demand for service due to the tremendous growth in the city for residential, commercial, and industrial development,” he added.
The “Push-In Ceremony” has become a tradition within the Pharr Fire Department, and a ceremony is held every time a new engine is added to the department. The Pharr Fire Department will be celebrating its 100th anniversary on July 21st and this celebration marks the first of several upcoming festivities.
All media and the public are invited to attend.
DETAILS
WHAT: Pharr Fire Department to Host “Push-In Ceremony” for New Engine
WHEN: Tuesday, June 28, 2022 at 5 pm
WHERE: Pharr Fire Station #1 (1901 N. Knight St., Pharr, TX 78577)

by media | Jun 24, 2022 | Featured News, Information, Live, Media Releases, My Pharr, News, News

Pharr Fire Department to Host She’s My Hero Girls Summer Camp on June 25-26, 2022 from 8 am to 5 pm
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr Fire Department would like to cordially invite all media partners to witness the first-ever firefighters camp for girls in the Rio Grande Valley, “She’s my Hero.”
The camp will take place from Saturday, June 25 through Sunday, June 26 from 8 am to 5 pm at Pharr Fire Station #4 (10801 International Blvd., Pharr, TX).
“The goal is to introduce girls to firefighting,” said Pharr Fire Chief Pilar Rodriguez. “During this camp, we will introduce them to things like CPR, rescue, repelling, agility drills, arson investigation, and much more with the goal to inspire them from the time they are young girls to become firefighters in the future,” he continued. “This is our first-ever camp and we look forward to making it a successful endeavor,” he added.
Girls from 6 to 17 years old will be introduced to skills that firefighters exercise on a routine basis like agility drills, rescue operations, and CPR, to name a few. Participants are sure to have fun while learning the many duties, responsibilities, and skills of being a firefighter.
The camp will be taught entirely by female firefighters from the Pharr FD who will be able to provide the young campers with the real-world perspective of being a female firefighter.
All media are invited to attend.
DETAILS
WHAT: Pharr Fire Department to Host She’s My Hero Girls Summer Camp
WHEN: Saturday, June 25 – Sunday, June 26 from 8 am to 5 pm
WHERE: Pharr Fire Station #4 (10801 International Blvd., Pharr, TX)
Watch YouTube Video:
https://youtu.be/7DFd8fRHdh4
by media | Jun 21, 2022 | Featured News, Information, Live, Media Releases, My Pharr, News, News

City of Pharr and UTRGV will Co-Host 2023 WAC Swimming & Diving Championships

Pictured (L to R): City of Pharr Commissioner Dr. Ramiro Caballero, Pharr City Commissioner Daniel Chavez, Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., UTRGV President Dr. Guy Bailey, Pharr City Commissioner Eleazar Guajardo, and UTRGV Vice President and Director of Athletics Chasse Conque.
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Pharr, Texas – At a joint press conference held this morning, the City of Pharr and The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Department of Intercollegiate Athletics announced that they will be co-hosting the 2023 Western Athletic Conference (WAC) Swimming & Diving Championships which will take place February 22-25, 2023 at the City of Pharr Natatorium.
The City of Pharr Natatorium, which is located at 3001 N Cage Blvd., opened its doors in January 2022. The facility features an Olympic-size, eight-lane, 50-meter swimming pool that has 22 25-yard lanes and a separate diving pool that includes five platforms and four springboards—making it the perfect location to host the 2023 WAC Swimming & Diving Championships.

“This is a great opportunity for the City of Pharr, UTRGV, and our entire region as we prepare to welcome hundreds of collegiate athletes, coaches, and individuals to our community,” said Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “From the very beginning, we knew we were doing something very big in bringing this amenity to Pharr that we greatly needed for our local students, and UTRGV athletes,” continued Hernandez. “Now, we will be hosting one of the largest competitions here at our City of Pharr Natatorium,” added Hernandez.
According to a press release issued by UTRGV, the WAC Swimming & Diving Championships have a long tradition of taking place in Texas. The event was held in San Antonio from 1996-1998 and again from 2000-2015, as well as in Houston from 2016-2020 and again in 2022.
This will be the first time the WAC Swimming & Diving Championships will take place in the Rio Grande Valley. The City of Pharr Natatorium can seat 1,200 fans, has 444 parking spaces, and is equipped with two scoreboard and video boards, a visible running clock, and built-in areas to sell both concessions and merchandise. The brand-new state-of-the-art facility has ample space for both competitors and their fans.

In a release issued by UTRGV, Vice President and Director of Athletics Chasse Conque said, “The City of Pharr is a great partner for hosting this event and I want to thank Mayor Hernandez for his visionary leadership that led to the construction of this aquatic center. The City of Pharr Natatorium is one of the top swimming & diving facilities, not just in Texas, but in the country, which will allow us to both grow the sport in the Valley and continue to attract top competitions such as the WAC Championships.”
The 2023 WAC Swimming & Diving Championships will include competitors from institutions such as the Air Force, California Baptist, Grand Canyon, Idaho, Incarnate Word, New Mexico State, Northern Arizona, Northern Colorado, Seattle U, UNLV, Utah Tech, and Wyoming.
“We are thrilled to partner as co-hosts with UTRGV athletics to host this event, especially as we work together to inspire our local athletes and students to become involved in competitive swimming and diving,” said Hernandez.
Dr. Guy Bailey shared the same sentiment in the press release issued by UTRGV, “What hosting the WAC Championships does is shine the national spotlight on UTRGV, the City of Pharr, and the entire Rio Grande Valley. More importantly, it helps us to show our young people where swimming & diving can take them. If they work hard both in the classroom and the competition pool, they too can earn scholarships and compete in events like this in beautiful facilities such as the one here in Pharr.”
“Everyone is going to benefit from this,” stated Hernandez. “This will put the City of Pharr on the Map and bring positive economic opportunities for our local businesses, restaurants, and hotels as we prepare to welcome hundreds of people to the area for the championships,” he added.
“I would like to thank UTRGV President Dr. Guy Bailey and UTRGV Vice President and Director of Athletics Chasse Conque for their partnership with the City of Pharr as we work together to make this a premier event,” said Hernandez. “We look forward to hosting a great event and welcoming everyone to the City of Pharr Natatorium for the 2023 WAC Swimming & Diving Championships in February 2023.”

Pictured (L to R): City of Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. and UTRGV President Dr. Guy Bailey.
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by media | Jun 17, 2022 | Featured News, Information, Live, Media Releases, My Pharr, News, News

Pharr and UTRGV Athletics to Hold Press Conference Announcing their Selection as Co-Hosts of 2023 WAC Swimming & Diving Championships on Monday, 6/20 @ 11:30 am
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr and UTRGV Athletics will host a press conference to officially announce their selection as co-hosts of the 2023 Western Athletic Conference (WAC) Swimming & Diving Championships, which will take place at the City of Pharr and UTRGV Natatorium.
The press conference will take place at 11:30 am on Monday, June 20, 2022, at the City of Pharr and UTRGV Natatorium (3001 N. Cage Blvd.) in Pharr. Pharr City leaders and UTRGV officials will be available for interviews.
“This is an exciting and historic moment for the City of Pharr, UTRGV Athletics, and the Rio Grande Valley as we proudly announce that we have secured being hosts for the WAC Swimming & Diving Championships,” said Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D.
“Our state-of-the-art facility was specifically designed to be able to host such a prestigious competition, and we are thrilled to become the first city to host this caliber of an event in the Rio Grande Valley,” Hernandez continued.
“Hosting this championship will not only bring national attention to the Rio Grande Valley in the exciting world of college sports, but will also have a positive economic impact benefiting the entire region with attendees eating, sleeping, and shopping here. We look forward to welcoming the WAC to our community,” added Hernandez.
In 2022, the WAC Swimming & Diving Championships took place at the CRWC Natatorium on the campus of the University of Houston. This will mark the first time the event is held in South Texas at the new City of Pharr and UTRGV Natatorium.
All media and the public are invited to attend.
DETAILS
WHAT: Pharr and UTRGV Athletics to Hold Press Conference Announcing their Selection as Co-Hosts of 2023 WAC Swimming & Diving Championships
WHEN: Monday, June 20, 2022, at 11:30 am
WHERE: City of Pharr and UTRGV Natatorium (3001 N. Cage Blvd., Pharr, TX 78577)

by media | Jun 14, 2022 | Featured News, Information, Live, Media Releases, My Pharr, News, News

The Board of Commissioners of the City of Pharr met for a regular meeting on Monday, June 6, 2022, and considered an agenda that included the following highlights:
Commission Declares June 3, 2022 as National Gun Violence Awareness Day

The Pharr City Commission approved a proclamation declaring June 3, 2022, as National Gun Violence Awareness Day. In the wake of multiple tragedies, the fight to end gun violence continues. The City of Pharr joined cities across the nation in renewing its commitment to reduce gun violence and pledged to do all that they can to keep firearms out of the wrong hands and encourage responsible gun ownership to help keep our children safe. Lih-Lan Hu, Founder of RGV Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, accepted the proclamation.
Commission Proclaiming June 19, 2022 as Juneteenth Day

The Pharr City Commission approved a proclamation declaring June 19, 2022, as Juneteenth Day. Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery and Juneteenth is an official State of Texas and federal holiday to honor the legacy of Black Americans past and present. Alphonzo Gatling, Pastor of Mount Olive Worship Center in McAllen and Treasurer for Village of the Valley, accepted the proclamation and thanked the city commission for the recognition of Juneteenth. “We appreciate the support the City of Pharr has given us and the collaboration we have been able to do as of today and in the future,” said Gatling.
Pharr Commissioners, Police, Firefighters, and Leaders Visit Uvalde to Pay Respects and Leave Donations to Help Support Victims

On June 2, 2022, Pharr City Commissioners, Police, Firefighters, and leaders traveled to Uvalde, Texas to pay their respects, deliver donations, and lend their support to the grieving community. The Pharr Fire Department raised over $11,000 during their “Fill the Helmet” fundraising event and went to deliver the funds to the community to help victims and families. The Pharr Police Department also delivered donations and took their K9 therapy dog Ammo who was available to provide comfort, support, and love to the community. Pharr City Commissioners and leaders dropped off teddy bears and visited with city leaders and victims at the memorial site. “This is an incredibly difficult situation for the community, and we hope that we were able to provide some relief and support to those grieving and in need of assistance during this time, said City Commissioner Daniel Chavez. “They are a community just like ours, and we know a tragedy such as this would have such a huge impact on our livelihoods and especially on our children,” he added. The City of Pharr would like to extend our sincerest gratitude and thanks to everyone in our community who took the time to donate money, teddy bears, and other items to the Uvalde community.
Commission Approves Interlocal Agreement between City of Pharr and Hidalgo County Drainage District Number 1
The Pharr City Commission approved an Interlocal Agreement between City of Pharr and Hidalgo County Drainage District Number 1 for the East Las Milpas Road Stormwater Improvements Project. The Hidalgo County Drainage District Number 1 (County) is proposing a stormwater improvement project along East Las Milpas Road that will mitigate flooding along the road, as well as in the Las Haciendas Subdivision. The design is to replace the existing stormwater pipes with larger diameter pipes, and the project will take place within existing City of Pharr (City) right-of-way and easements. The County has already prepared the construction documents and they will procure the contractor as well as provide for one hundred percent of construction costs. The County will also keep the City involved throughout the construction phase to ensure that construction meets the City’s standards. As the project takes place on City-owned right-of-way and easements, an Interlocal Agreement is needed to grant the County permission to do the work. The Hidalgo County Drainage District Number 1 is responsible for one hundred percent of design and construction costs. Once the project is completed, the City of Pharr will be responsible for the costs of performing routine maintenance.
Commission Approves Policing Agreement between the City of Pharr and Vanguard Academy for School Resource Officers and Police K9 Services
The Pharr City Commission approved a Policing Agreement between the City of Pharr and Vanguard Academy for the “School Resource Officer Program” 2022-2023. This Memorandum of Understanding between Vanguard Academy and the Pharr Police Department will allow for collaboration in the creation of a School Resource Officer Program. This partnership is intended to assign Pharr Police Officers at Vanguard Academy Schools to provide policing services. Pharr Police Officers will conduct proactive patrols to ensure the safety and security of the students, parents, educators, and visitors of Vanguard Academy Schools. This item will not incur costs for the City of Pharr because Vanguard Academy will pay the officers for the services provided in the school year.
The Pharr City Commission approved a Policing Agreement between the City of Pharr and Vanguard Academy for Police K9 services. The Pharr Police Department is seeking to enter into an agreement with Vanguard Academy for K9 services on designated campuses. The agreement is necessary to identify areas of responsibility between both agencies. The Vanguard Academy will reimburse the City for the K9 team’s salary for time utilized.
Commission Authorizes City Manager to Execute Service Order with Smartcom Telephone, LLC for Data Network Connectivity at Vanguard Academy Van Gogh Campus for Police Department Staff
The Pharr City Commission authorized City Manager Andy Harvey to execute a service order with Smartcom Telephone, LLC for data network connectivity at Vanguard Academy Van Gogh campus for Police Department staff. Pharr PD staff is needing to occupy an office at Vanguard Academy Van Gogh campus and are needing network connectivity since wireless solutions were not feasible.
Featured Event: Park After Dark – Saturday, June 18, 2022 from 8:30 pm – 10:00 pm

Pharr Parks & Recreation Presents: “Park After Dark”
Come enjoy the Pharr/Vanguard Nature & Birding Center After Dark for FREE* and explore the world of our nocturnal creatures! (*Tickets required)
1025 S Richmond Dr, Pharr, TX 78577
Pick up tickets at the Pharr Civic Center (1101 W. Kelly Ave.) anytime between 8:30 am – 4:30 pm.