Community
Community news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
CommunityCemetery cleanup underway with Cameron Co. Sheriff's Office Prisoners at Work Program
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Cleanup efforts at cemeteries are underway as part of the Cameron County Sheriff's Office Prisoners at Work Program. Last week, prisoners began cleaning two cemeteries near the San Pedro area along FM 281, cutting down overgrown grass to help preserve the resting places within the community. "These efforts are part of an
CommunityThis Giraffe Went Missing and They Are Offering $5,000 for Her Safe Return
An unusual situation has drawn attention in South Texas: a giraffe is lost. According to the Real County Animal Rescue-Shelter, the giraffe, identified as 'Gracie,' escaped from a ranch in the Leakey area and has not been found. The last time she was seen was through a monitoring camera west of that community.
CommunityUnited Way NCC, TSTC, Matt's Supplies team up to build over 120 beds for students
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The United Way of Northern Cameron County, alongside Texas State Technical College and Matt's Building Supplies, held its annual Build-A-Bed event. The event helped provide more than 120 wooden bed frames to students in need across the Willacy and Cameron County school districts. According to the San Benito Consolidated Independent School District,
CommunityDemolition of original Queen Isabella Causeway completed
The demolition of the original Queen Isabella Causeway has been completed, nearly 74 years after its construction. The Texas General Land Office began tearing down the bridge in July 2025, leaving behind only rubble between South Padre Island and Port Isabel. The nonprofit Friends of the RGV Reef plans to use the concrete to create an artificial reef offshore. The causeway, which opened in 1952, was the first connection to South Padre Island and facilitated tourism and local access. Charles Nelson, who owns the property, intends to develop luxury condos and a marina in the area, along with a viewing site for SpaceX launches.
CommunityTxDOT survey asks Rio Grande Valley residents to report biking and walking gaps
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is inviting residents of the Rio Grande Valley to participate in an online survey aimed at identifying issues related to walking and biking in their neighborhoods. The survey, which includes an interactive map, seeks to gather insights on safety and connectivity challenges. TxDOT spokesperson Ray Pedraza emphasized the importance of community feedback to prioritize enhancements in specific corridors. Local business owner Jesus Mendiola highlighted the lack of bike lanes and connectivity, urging residents to voice their experiences. The survey will remain open until July 10, 2026, with a summary of responses expected next summer.
CommunityHarlingen named 2026 All-America City finalist
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The city of Harlingen was named a 2026 All-America City finalist. As a finalist, the city of Harlingen was invited to attend the All-America City Conference in Denver. Harlingen is the only city in Texas, and one of 20 cities nationwide, to be named a finalist. "We're so excited because the
CommunityFood Bank RGV hosts summer match campaign
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) —The Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley is on a mission to make meals accessible to children on summer break. This summer, the Food Bank RGV is hosting a match campaign with the Carl C. Anderson Sr. & Marie Jo Anderson Charitable Foundation. The foundation will match donations made to the
CommunityBrownsville to host community budget meeting, invites feedback
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The city of Brownsville is inviting residents to its community workshop to discuss the city's proposed fiscal year budget for 2027. The workshop will allow residents to provide direct feedback to Brownsville city leaders about the proposed budget. City officials will also review the results of a community survey. Brownsville City
CommunityThe Salvation Army to Unveil New Emergency Disaster Services Mobile Feeding Unit in McAllen, June 24th
The Salvation Army of McAllen and Hidalgo County will unveil its new Emergency Disaster Services Mobile Feeding Unit on June 24, 2026, at 3:00 PM. The ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place at their complex located at 1600 N. 23rd St., McAllen, TX. This mobile unit, funded by a donation from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, enhances local disaster relief capabilities. It is designed for rapid deployment during emergencies, providing hot meals and essential food assistance to affected families and first responders. Community members and leaders are invited to attend the event and learn about disaster response efforts.
CommunityAlton community gathers to honor victims in triple murder case
The Alton community came together on Sunday night to hold a vigil for three murder victims, Gaurav Chopra's father, mother, and grandmother. The gathering took place outside their family home, where residents placed flowers and black bows to honor the deceased. Chopra, 19, is charged with capital murder for allegedly shooting his family members and also attempted to shoot his brother, who was present at the vigil. The brother expressed his gratitude to the community for their support. Chopra is currently held without bond at the Hidalgo County Jail.
CommunityFood Bank RGV Launches $20,000 Match to Fight Summer Child Hunger
The Food Bank RGV is launching a $20,000 matching campaign to combat summer hunger for children in the Rio Grande Valley. The Carl C. Anderson Sr. & Marie Jo Anderson Charitable Foundation will match donations until the end of summer, allowing every dollar to provide up to 10 meals instead of 5. Many families struggle to provide meals during summer when children lose access to school lunches. The Food Bank RGV offers various programs, including Kid’s Café and mobile distributions, to ensure children have access to nutritious food. Donations can be made online or in person at their Pharr location.
CommunityBrownsville Workshop on FY 2027 Budget and Community Survey Results, June 23rd
The City of Brownsville is hosting a Community Workshop on June 23, 2026, at 5:30 PM at the Brownsville Events Center. This event, organized by the City Manager’s Office and the Brownsville City Commission, aims to present the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget and discuss results from the recent community survey. Residents will have the chance to ask questions and provide feedback, which will be crucial for shaping city service priorities and future investments. All residents, business owners, and stakeholders are encouraged to participate in this important discussion.
CommunityAbraham Ancer Brings Global Golf Success Back to Mission Through Cimarron Investment
Professional golfer Abraham Ancer announced the redevelopment of Cimarron Country Club at Mission's CEED Building, emphasizing its significance to the community. Raised in Reynosa, Ancer highlighted the project's potential to create a premier golf destination that will benefit future generations and contribute to the growth of Mission and the Rio Grande Valley. He expressed gratitude to local leaders and investors, stating that the project aims to revitalize the iconic course while preserving its legacy. Plans include modernizing facilities and supporting youth golf programs, with a vision to attract visitors and create jobs in the area.
CommunityWATCH LIVE: Sunday Mass, June 21, 2026
The Catholic Diocese of Brownsville will broadcast Sunday Mass live on June 21, 2026, at 11 a.m. Viewers can tune in on SOMOS EL VALLE Channel 5.2 or Cable 1240. This event offers an opportunity for the community to participate in the Mass from home. For those unable to watch the live stream, additional options may be available. Don't miss this chance to connect with the local Catholic community during the service.
CommunityFather's Day: How It Started and Why This Tradition Is Celebrated
Father's Day is celebrated on June 21 this year in the U.S. and many other countries, although some nations observe it on different dates. For instance, Honduras celebrates it on March 19, coinciding with the feast of St. Joseph, while Colombia celebrated it on June 15. The tradition began in the early 20th century when Sonora Smart Dodd initiated the holiday to honor her father, a Civil War veteran, after her mother's death. It became an official U.S. holiday in 1972. This year, Americans are expected to spend a record $27.9 billion on gifts, primarily cards, clothing, and special outings.
CommunityEdinburg first Black nurse honored at historic Restlawn Cemetery
Lenora White Callis, Edinburg's first African American nurse, is being honored by her family and community at Restlawn Cemetery. She worked at Grandview Hospital for over a decade during the 1950s, a time when the hospital was not segregated. Her son, Clarence Callis, shared memories of her caring nature, highlighting her compassion for patients and her community involvement. He recounted a time when she cared for an abandoned baby. Lenora passed away from cancer in 1968, the same year Grandview Hospital closed. Clarence hopes her legacy will inspire future generations.
CommunityThe right thing is not to kill them: Combes nonprofit relocating bee hives following recent rains
Recent rains in the Rio Grande Valley have created favorable conditions for honeybees, leading to increased swarming. A Brownsville resident, Tony Estrada, discovered a large hive on his roof and opted for relocation instead of extermination. He contacted the American Honey Bee Protection Agency in Combes, which specializes in relocating bees. Founder Walter Schumacher explained that the rain promotes flower growth, providing more nectar for bees. He cautioned homeowners to be careful while cleaning their yards, as they may encounter aggressive feral hives. Estrada's hive was successfully relocated, ensuring the bees have a new home.
CommunityCommunity gathers to learn about risk management, safety in McAllen
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The city of McAllen held its 12th Annual Risk and Safety Expo this week. The two-day conference focused on workplace safety, risk management, emergency preparedness and employee wellness. Workers from all fields — including risk management, safety, human resources, insurance, and the public sector — attended the conference to get the
Community'Take the risk always': Los Fresnos native performs at FIFA World Cup 2026 opening ceremony
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — From Los Fresnos to the FIFA World Cup 2026 opening ceremony, a Valley native is reaching new heights as a professional dancer. Raul Passamentt Jr., who was born and raised in Los Fresnos, always had a love for dancing and was a member of the Los Fresnos High School Folklorico dance team