City of Victoria Economic Development director completes training

City of Victoria Economic Development Director Danielle Williams recently completed Year 1 of the Texas Community Development Institute (CDI Texas), a three-year program designed to provide practical, interactive, and comprehensive training to meet the ne...

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Keep Victoria Beautiful honors volunteers with most pickups, unusual finds

PHOTO #1: A nine-person team led by Kayla Massey picked up 16 bags of trash during the Earth Day Trash-Off hosted by Keep Victoria Beautiful on April 22.

PHOTO #2: Volunteer James Chinowich found a plush toy, possibly a sheep, during the Earth Day Trash-Of...

Keep Victoria Beautiful earns Gold Star Affiliate status

PHOTO: Keep Victoria Beautiful volunteers pick up trash during the Earth Day Trash-Off hosted by Keep Victoria Beautiful on April 22. A total of 262 volunteers picked up 203 bags of trash and additional bulky items at 23 locations around Victoria.

Keep Vic...

Keep Victoria Beautiful earns HEB Community Investment Program grant

PHOTO #1: University of Houston-Victoria baseball players place debris in a trash bag during Keep Victoria Beautiful’s citywide Fall Sweep in 2022. KVB’s cleanups are funded in part by H-E-B’s Community Investment Program.

PHOTO #2: St. Joseph High School ...

Keep Victoria Beautiful receives $2,000 grant from LyondellBasell

PHOTO #1: The Kay Kerr Walker Memorial Garden at the University of Houston-Victoria was partially funded by a Keep Victoria Beautiful matching grant. The grant funding was paid as a reimbursement once the project was completed.

PHOTO #2: The new landscapin...

Environmental Services adds 2 trucks for trash, recycling collection

PHOTO: The City of Victoria Environmental Services recently purchased two replacement trucks for its fleet. Trucks are replaced on a routine basis as they reach the end of their lifespan.

The City of Victoria Environmental Services recently replaced two tr...

City plans mural for Laurent Street underpass

PHOTO #1: This concept rendering from UP Art Studio shows a proposed design for the Laurent Street underpass mural.

PHOTO #2: This concept rendering from UP Art Studio shows a proposed design for the Laurent Street underpass mural.

PHOTO #3: This concept re...

Keep Victoria Beautiful and partners host Queen City cleanup, resource fair

Community members gather in Queen City Park on March 4 before the Queen City neighborhood cleanup hosted by Keep Victoria Beautiful. About 200 volunteers helped residents move brush and bulky trash to their curbs during the cleanup. The City of Victoria E...

Keep Victoria Beautiful seeks volunteers for beautification event

Keep Victoria Beautiful is seeking volunteers to help with the organization’s first community-led beautification event since its revival and integration with the City earlier this year.

“We’d like to host these types of events on a regular basis going forw...

Environmental Services reschedules Monday pickups

PHOTO: A Solid Waste truck collects residential recycling in Victoria.

Residents who are normally scheduled for trash, recycling and yard waste collection Monday will have an adjusted schedule this week only. 

• Trash will be collected on Wednesday, ...

City of Victoria initiates beautification at water plant

PHOTO #1: The water tanks at Water Pumping Plant No. 3, located at Airline Road and Ben Jordan Street, recently were pressure-washed.

PHOTO #2: The water tanks at Water Pumping Plant No. 3, located at Airline Road and Ben Jordan Street, recently were dark-...

Starting Sept. 1, trash loads must be secured with tarps

PHOTO: City of Victoria Environmental and Beautification coordinator Tiffany Koenig and Victoria County Precinct 1 Constable Gary Smejkal appear in a promotional image for the “Tarp or Ticket” campaign, which encourages residents to properly secure garbag...

Community Appearance Division unveils new Welcome to Victoria sign

PHOTO #1: From left, Councilman Rafael De La Garza III, City of Victoria Mayor Rawley McCoy and Environmental Services Director Darryl Lesak stand in front of the newly renovated “Welcome to Victoria” sign on Bloomington Highway.

PHOTO #2: The City of Vict...

City selects Keep Victoria Beautiful board chair, officers

PHOTO: Keep Victoria Beautiful board chair Shannon Longoria stands May 22 outside the headquarters of the City’s Keep Victoria Beautiful program at the historic Hiller House, 3003 N. Vine St.

The City of Victoria Environmental Services revived its Keep Vic...

Golden Crescent Habitat for Humanity provides breakfast to Solid Waste staff

Golden Crescent Habitat for Humanity provided breakfast to City of Victoria Solid Waste staff May 14 as a way of saying thank you for their hard work. Solid Waste staff has been working throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, including during the “Stay Home – S...

Victoria Fire Department’s first civilian cadets train to earn certifications

PHOTO #1: The Victoria Fire Department’s new civilian cadets pose for a photo on their first day of training with the Victoria Fire Department’s in-house Fire Academy on Jan. 9 at the Victoria Fire Training Facility.

PHOTO #2: Fire Training Specialist Andr...

City of Victoria’s police and fire departments to host Lunch and Learn

PHOTO: Victoria Police Department Officer John Turner speaks during a Lunch and Learn event in 2022 at the Victoria Community Center.

The City of Victoria’s police and fire departments will host a monthly “Lunch and Learn” event at the Victoria Community C...

Victoria Fire Department marks 1 year of blood transfusions in the field

PHOTO: Victoria Fire Department Emergency Medical Services carries equipment, shown here, to provide blood transfusions to critically ill or injured patients.

Today marks one year since the Victoria Fire Department began providing whole blood transfusions ...

City of Victoria to provide no-cost flu shots to homeless and low-income residents

The Victoria Fire Department is partnering with local health care providers and nonprofits to provide a no-cost flu shot clinic for homeless and low-income residents 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Oct. 26-28 at Queen City Park.

The clinic will be funded by Community Devel...

Victoria Fire Department marks Fire Prevention Week with contest

Victoria Fire Department employees are producing a collection of videos to teach the public about fire safety, and residents will have the opportunity to vote for their favorites in honor of Fire Prevention Week.

“Normally at this time of year, we host our...

Victoria Fire Department employees achieve honors

Victoria Fire Department fire medic Luis Malone-Ordaz was named Fire Fighter of the Year by the Victoria Northside Rotary Club. Malone-Ordaz has been with the Victoria Fire Department since May 2015. Before that, he worked for Gemini Ambulance Service in ...

Victoria Fire Department to host livestreamed 9/11 ceremony

PHOTO #1: Members of the Victoria Fire Department pose for a photo at the San Antonio 110 9/11 Memorial Climb on Sept. 11, 2019. This year’s event will be hosted remotely at multiple locations, including Memorial Stadium in Victoria.

PHOTO #2: Co...

Victoria Fire Department swears in 8 recruits

From top left, firefighter/paramedic Leanna Richter, firefighter/EMT Madelyn Bishop, firefighter/EMT Rebekah Thompson, firefighter/EMT Ethan Strzelcyk, firefighter/EMT Angelo Stafford, firefighter/EMT Wyatt Andrews, firefighter/EMT Jalen Rangel and inspec...

2 engineers retire from Victoria Fire Department after more than 20 years

City of Victoria Fire Department engineers Joel Gomez and Raul Liendo, who will both retire this month, have been with the department long enough to remember when Fire and EMS were separate operations.

Gomez and Liendo both started as members of Victoria E...

Victoria Fire Department aids regional task force in testing nursing home patients

PHOTO #1: Firefighter paramedic Pamela Yanta with the Victoria Fire Department prepares May 21 to help test nursing home residents for COVID-19. In order to comply with Governor Greg Abbott’s May 11 order that all nursing home residents and staff be teste...

City’s fire department earns American Heart Association recognition

The City of Victoria’s Fire Department has earned the American Heart Association’s 2020 Mission: Lifeline EMS Gold Plus recognition for its efforts to improve care for patients suffering from an ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), a serious type o...

Victoria Public Library invites residents to summer kickoff

PHOTO #1: A girl reads to a Pet Partners therapy dog during the Victoria Public Library Summer Kickoff Celebration in 2022.

Readers of all ages are invited to the Victoria Public Library Summer Kickoff Celebration to get warmed up for a fun-filled summer o...

Victoria Public Library promotes new director

The new director of the Victoria Public Library is looking forward to helping write the next chapter of an institution she’s been helping to grow in one way or another for the last 22 years.

Jessica Berger has been promoted to Victoria Public Library direc...

Victoria Public Library to host family holiday festivities

PHOTO: Event attendees build a gingerbread house using graham crackers and milk cartons during the Victoria Public Library’s 2019 gingerbread house workshop.

The Victoria Public Library is inviting Victoria families to enjoy the holiday season safely durin...

Library partners with VISD to provide e-book access to students

PHOTO #1: Young adult e-books and audiobooks are available through the Victoria Public Library’s digital content provider, OverDrive.

The Victoria Public Library is collaborating with its digital content provider, OverDrive, and the Victoria Independent Sc...

Library partners with Meals on Wheels to deliver materials to seniors

PHOTO #1: A form created by the Victoria Public Library allows Meals on Wheels clients to indicate materials they would like to have delivered to them.

PHOTO #2: Joshua Bonorden poses with one of the tiny libraries he helped build for the Victoria County U...

Victoria Public Library shares live performances by local artists

PHOTO: Victoria singer/songwriter Jerry James plays the guitar during a performance July 31 that was livestreamed from the Victoria Public Library’s Bronte Room as part of the library’s VPL Jams series featuring local musicians.

Residents who enjoy listeni...

City leaders, community members read aloud to promote literacy

PHOTO: Hunter Follett, CEO of Tejas Production Services, reads aloud from a book in his office on July 30. The reading was filmed for part of a video series to promote National Book Lovers Day on Aug. 9.

The City of Victoria this week invites residents to ...

Day care honors Victoria Public Library staff member for outreach efforts

PHOTO: Rebecca Sevier, aka “Ms. Rebecca,” reads from a picture book during Story Time Live on May 20. Sevier was honored Friday at the Tiny Sprouts Academy graduation ceremony.

When COVID-19 stopped Victoria Public Library assistant Rebecca Sevier from vis...

Library forgives fines during closure, begins return to normalcy

PHOTO #1: Amelia Ripa decorates a window Wednesday during the Victoria Public Library’s Teen Area Window Painting event.

PHOTO #2: New carpeting was installed in the Victoria Public Library while the building was closed to the public.

PHOTO #3: Mary Jane Ri...

City of Victoria to host virtual lighting ceremony for Christmas tree

PHOTO: The H-E-B Christmas Tree stands in downtown Victoria on Nov. 23. The tree will be fully activated with lights and music after a lighting ceremony Dec. 4.

DeLeon Plaza will be all aglow with lighted decorations this holiday season, and the crown jewe...

City’s Victoria Main Street Program to host 1st Artisan Market

Residents will be able to shop for art and handmade creations while enjoying food and live music at the City of Victoria Main Street Program’s new monthly Artisan Market starting Nov. 21.

“We’ve had many requests for more art in downtown Victoria, and loca...

Main Street Program invites children to decorate ornaments for tree

Tiny tots can help the Victoria Main Street Program make downtown merry and bright by decorating ornaments for a giant Christmas tree.

The Main Street Program will kick off the Christmas season Dec. 4 by lighting a 30-foot Christmas tree at DeLeon Plaza. D...

Victoria Main Street Program, Welder Center partner for film series

Residents who want to enjoy the familiar pastime of a night at the movies can come to the Leo J. Welder Center for a safe, socially distanced experience while enjoying food from some of Victoria’s downtown restaurants.

The Victoria Main Street Program has ...

City adds hanging flower baskets at DeLeon Plaza

PHOTO #1: The City of Victoria’s Community Appearance Division hangs flower baskets Sept. 1 from the lampposts at the corners of DeLeon Plaza.

PHOTO #2: Flower baskets filled with sweet potato vines and mandevilla vines hang Sept. 1 from a lamppost at DeLe...

Victoria Main Street Program launches monthly newsletter

Victoria residents who want to stay informed about new business openings, events and other things happening downtown can do so by subscribing to the Victoria Main Street Program’s email newsletter.

The first edition of the newsletter was released July 17 a...

Victoria Main Street Program places banners downtown

PHOTO: One of the new Victoria Main Street Program banners displays the program’s logo downtown.

The Victoria Main Street Program last week finished placing 42 red, white and blue banners downtown that feature the program’s logo and add a splash of color t...

Victoria Main Street Program designated as Main Street America Affiliate

The Victoria Main Street Program has been recognized as one of 341 Main Street America Affiliate programs for 2020.

The Main Street Program has received this designation since 2012. The affiliate program recognizes Main Street Programs that subscribe to Ma...

City seeks volunteer applicants for Parks & Recreation Commission

PHOTO #1: Parks & Recreation Commissioner Ashley Magee comments on the Riverside Park boating access project during a March 13 meeting at the City Council chambers.

PHOTO #2: Parks & Recreation Commission Chair W. Lee Keeling speaks during a ground...

City seeks input on boating facilities for grant application

PHOTO: The boating exit area in Riverside Park is located behind The Pumphouse. The City of Victoria Parks & Recreation is seeking a Texas Parks & Wildlife grant to improve boating facilities in the park.

Residents are invited to share their input ...

2023 TAAF Winter Games draws 1,800 athletes to Victoria

Texas Blaze Coastal, of Victoria, won first place in the 12U division during the 2023 Texas Amateur Athletic Federation Winter Games softball tournament hosted Feb. 25-26 at the Victoria Youth Sports Complex during the second weekend of the TAAF Winter Ga...

City to break ground on Riverside Park dog park

PHOTO #1: The new dog park within Riverside Park will include exercise equipment, a walking trail and separate fenced areas for large and small dogs.

PHOTO #2: This map shows the location where the new dog park will be built in Riverside Park.

PHOTO #3: Dis...

City Council to consider dog park construction contract

The City Council will consider whether to approve a construction contract for the new dog park in Riverside Park at its Nov. 15 meeting.

If the contract with By Grace Floors & Construction is approved, construction will begin within a month. The projec...

City breaks ground on duck pond

PHOTO #1: This conceptual rendering shows the new design for the Riverside Park duck pond.

PHOTO #2: The City of Victoria hosted a ceremonial groundbreaking for the Riverside Park duck pond construction Sept. 12. Shown from left are City Manager Jesús A. G...

Riverside Golf Course superintendent earns regional recognition

City of Victoria Riverside Golf Course Superintendent Brian Woolard recently received the 2020 Golf Course Superintendent of the Year award from the Texas Gulf Coast Superintendents Association. He was nominated for this recognition by his peers within th...

Disc golf rentals now available at Riverside Park

PHOTO #1: Ashley Magee, owner of Flow Paddle Co, poses Nov. 14 at one of the disc golf baskets at Riverside Park with discs that are available to rent through her company. Contributed photo by Colby Calcote.

PHOTO #2: Dwayne Calcote plays disc golf Nov. 14...

Parks & Recreation to host ‘reverse Christmas parade,’ fireworks show

Victoria residents are accustomed to spending the first weekend in December sitting along the streets of downtown and watching a festive Christmas parade pass by, but this year, to ensure residents can enjoy the parade while keeping a safe distance from e...

Parks & Recreation adds pickleball at Victoria Community Center Park

PHOTO #1: Some of the volunteers who worked to convert the new pickleball courts at the Victoria Community Center Park, from left, are Nazmije Neziri, Jan Wendt, Katie Merriman, Dewayne Merriman, Wayne Pozzi, Danna Garland, David Peters, Buddy Breivogel a...

Parks & Recreation to host drive-thru trick-or-treat event at Riverside Park

Residents can put on their Halloween costumes and come to Riverside Park 5-7 p.m. on Oct. 24 for a drive-thru trick-or-treat experience hosted by the City of Victoria Parks and Recreation.

“We haven’t had a Halloween event in a couple of years, so I was ex...

Splash pads will safely reopen to the public Saturday

PHOTO: Children play at the Ethel Lee Tracy Park Splash Pad during the facility’s 2018 grand opening.

Victoria’s splash pads will reopen to the public Saturday and are scheduled to remain open seven days a week through Oct. 25.

The splash pads have been clo...

Parks & Recreation, Academy Sports + Outdoors give away gift cards

PHOTO #1: Laura Janis, first-grade teacher and after-school program director at Our Lady of Victory Catholic School, holds a $250 gift card provided by Academy Sports + Outdoors. Janis was the first-place winner in the back-to-school shopping spree giveaw...

City seeks applicants for Parks & Recreation Commission

PHOTO: From top left, City of Victoria Parks and Recreation Director Jason Alfaro; City Attorney Thomas Gwosdz; Parks and Recreation Commission Chairperson W. Lee Keeling; and commission members Gloria Rodriguez, Jesse J. Olivarez, Marc Hinojosa and Gail ...

City’s Parks & Recreation to host annual kayak clinic

PHOTO: Recreation coordinator Gabby Anglin paddles in the Stillwater Pool at Son Valley Ranch during Parks & Recreation’s kayak clinic in 2019. This year’s clinic will be Aug. 22. 

Residents will have a chance to learn the basics of kayaking b...

Parks & Recreation to host youth sports, establishes health guidelines

PHOTO: Academy Sports + Outdoors donated equipment to the City of Victoria Parks & Recreation as part of a sponsorship for the department’s youth flag football league.

The City of Victoria Parks & Recreation will host a Punt, Pass and Kick USA foot...

Parks & Recreation employees receive nationally recognized certification

City of Victoria Recreation Services Manager Jaymie Heibel and recreation coordinator Gabby Anglin on Wednesday passed the test to receive their Certified Park and Recreation Professional certifications, a nationally recognized designation conferred by th...

Parks & Recreation to host one-day soccer tournament

PHOTO: A soccer ball sits on the grass at Rippamonti Field in Riverside Park.

The City of Victoria Parks & Recreation will host a one-day soccer tournament July 11 at Lowe Field and Rippamonti Field in Riverside Park.

“Soccer is the most played sport ac...

Riverside Golf Course enjoying above-par conditions on greens

Longtime players at Riverside Golf Course tell Head Golf Professional Rolando Hernandez that the current course conditions are some of the best they’ve ever seen.

“Some of them have been playing at this golf course for 15 or 20 years,” Hernandez said. “So ...

Fireworks show will be drive-in celebration with new amenities, distancing

Parks & Recreation will host the City of Victoria’s annual Fourth of July fireworks show at the Victoria Community Center in a new drive-in format, allowing residents to park their cars to watch the patriotic show while keeping their distance from oth...

City’s Parks & Recreation partners with kayak business

The City Parks & Recreation has partnered with Flow Paddle Co and starting Monday, the company will rent kayaks, inner tubes and bikes and offer guided kayaking tours.

“We’re very excited to be able to partner with Flow Paddle Co to offer this service ...

City’s new online registration launches for summer sports leagues

The City of Victoria’s Parks & Recreation department has opened registration for its summer sports leagues through a new online system, and the public is encouraged to participate.

Participants will be able to register for the summer leagues using Comm...

New Parks and Recreation director is experienced master planner

The City of Victoria’s next Parks and Recreation director is a Victoria native with 17 years of experience in parks and recreation, including capital improvement projects, master planning and day-to-day operations of parks systems.

Jason Alfaro will begin ...

Victoria Police Department swears in 3 new officers

The Victoria Police Department swore in three new officers during a ceremony June 2 at City Council chambers, 107 W. Juan Linn St. Shown from left are new Officers Jessica Bellan, Brittney Keil and Noah Wyatt, and Senior Patrol Officer Justin Surber. All ...

Victoria Police Department K9s Maverick and Rogue have received donation of body armor

Press release from Vested Interest in K9s

PHOTO #1: K9 Rogue

PHOTO #2: K9 Maverick

Victoria Police Department K9s Maverick and Rogue have received bullet and stab protective vests thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest i...

Chuck Young sworn in as chief of Victoria Police Department

Chuck Young was sworn in as chief of the Victoria Police Department on May 15 during a ceremony at the Victoria Community Center. The event was attended by City of Victoria leadership, local law enforcement, government officials, family and friends. Young...

Residents invited to honor fallen officers during National Police Week

PHOTO: From left, Victoria County Sheriff Justin Marr and Victoria Police Department Deputy Chief Mark Jameson participate in a memorial ceremony honoring fallen law enforcement officers May 17, 2022, at DeLeon Plaza. 

The Victoria Police Departme...

Victoria Police Department K9s Maverick and Rogue to get donation of body armor

Press release from Vested Interest in K9s

PHOTO #1: Victoria Police Department K9 Maverick

PHOTO #2: Victoria Police Department K9 Rogue

Victoria Police Department K9s Maverick and Rogue will receive bullet and stab protective vests thanks to a charitable do...

Victoria Police Department launches new tool for collecting feedback

The Victoria Police Department is launching a new survey tool that will allow residents to provide the department with feedback after receiving emergency assistance.

The new survey software, AXON My90, is integrated with the department’s computer-aided dis...

City of Victoria’s police and fire departments to host Lunch and Learn

PHOTO: Victoria Police Department Officer John Turner speaks during a Lunch and Learn event in 2022 at the Victoria Community Center.

The City of Victoria’s police and fire departments will host a monthly “Lunch and Learn” event at the Victoria Community C...

Victoria Police Department to host COVID-safe ‘National Night In’

The Victoria Police Department is putting a new spin on its National Night Out this year with National Night In, replacing community meetups with safer methods of building camaraderie between neighbors and first responders.

“National Night Out is usually a...

City announces chief of police finalists

The City of Victoria’s search for a new chief of police has resulted this week in the selection of three finalists. 

“The chief of police holds one of the most important positions within the City,” City Manager Jesús A. Garza said. “Working closel...

Victoria Police Department earns trust by upholding core values

Recent high-profile incidents of police violence have led to a breakdown of trust in law enforcement. We have seen citizens rising up across the nation to demand accountability and have been stunned to see how some protests have turned violent.

The Black L...

Community says goodbye to Police Chief J.J. Craig

PHOTO #1: State Representative Geanie Morrison addresses attendees at a farewell gathering for outgoing Victoria Police Department Chief J.J. Craig on Monday at the Victoria Community Center. City employees and representatives of various community organiz...

City of Victoria Police receives $500,000 grant

The City of Victoria Police Department was awarded a $500,000 grant Tuesday from the Community Oriented Policing Services Hiring Program, which provides funding to law enforcement agencies to hire new personnel.

“We’re excited that the Victoria Police Depa...

This summer and all year long, the library is your space

This Saturday, the Victoria Public Library will be anything but quiet as we host a multitude of residents and community groups for the kickoff of our Summer Fun Fest.

This yearly kickoff, which fills our building with eager patrons picking up reading logs ...

New police chief brings multilayered approach to public service

I am truly humbled by the opportunity to serve Victoria as your police chief. Ever since my promotion was announced, I’ve received an outpouring of support from local leaders and from the community. I’m looking forward to leading this ...

No neighborhood left behind: Agencies revitalizing Queen City are stronger together

PHOTO #1: Volunteers paint the outside of a home during the March 4 Keep Victoria Beautiful cleanup in Queen City. The maintenance project was part of the Brush Up program, a partnership between Keep Victoria Beautiful and Golden Crescent Habitat for Huma...

Support, incentives open the door for new downtown businesses

Business is growing downtown, bringing with it an improved experience for residents and visitors.

There was a time when walking through downtown meant passing by empty storefronts; now, you can park at DeLeon Plaza and walk past a nearly continuous string ...

Victoria Housing Finance Corporation talks current, upcoming projects

PHOTO #1: Assistant City Manager Dr. Mike Etienne, right, updates the Victoria Housing Finance Corporation board—from left, Councilwoman Jan Scott, Councilman Rafael DeLaGarza and Councilman Dr. Andrew Young—about Golden Crescent Habit...

Help us create a safer transportation network for all modes of travel

As the City seeks to improve our transportation network, we want to make sure that we remember our residents who don’t drive.

The City of Victoria Development Services is developing our first active transportation master plan, and we encourage re...

Resilient infrastructure helps our community withstand disasters

Victoria has been through plenty of storms.

Whether it’s a regional threat like a hurricane or an unexpected event like a winter freeze, we’ve persevered through hazards that have tested our community—and our infrastructure&am...

A look at what the Municipal Court does (and doesn’t do)

Do you know what services your City court provides?

The City of Victoria Municipal Court has jurisdiction over Class C misdemeanor cases, which include traffic violations and similar minor offenses. However, residents who know us as the place to pay your s...

Understanding different types of emergency alerts

When trouble arises in Victoria—whether it’s something major like a hurricane or something more mundane like an unexpected road closure—our residents rightly expect to be informed about it. But who is in charge of sending the...

Traffic light tips: What to do when the lights aren’t working

PHOTO: This photo shows the inside of a traffic control cabinet in Victoria. A traffic control cabinet contains all of the electronics that keep street lights working.

Everyone knows that a red light means stop and a green light means go—but what do you do...

Economic Development department has many resources for small businesses

Many people dream of starting a business at some point in their lives, but navigating the process for the first time can seem like a daunting prospect. The City’s recently created Economic Development department is here to help residents make their small ...

Where does my trash go? Help us get rid of waste the right way

PHOTO #1: A cell under construction at the Victoria landfill, 18141 FM 1686, is covered with a thick plastic liner to prevent contaminants from leaking into the environment. Since January 2021, the landfill has received more than 365,000 tons of waste. Th...

Only rain down the drain: Keep pollutants out of our water system

When it comes to our storm drainage system, a helpful phrase to remember is “Only rain down the storm drain” – that is, nothing but stormwater should enter the system. 

What is stormwater?

Federal law defines stormwat...

No neighborhood left behind: Queen City revitalization guided by community collaboration, data

PHOTO: City of Victoria Special Projects Manager Keisha Smith, middle, shares the preliminary results of a survey that is being conducted in Queen City during a meeting of City departments and other local groups working to revitalize the neighborhood Dec....

Sports tourism grows with new and bigger events, helping whole community

A thriving sports tourism industry is a gift that keeps on giving.

As Victoria’s first sports tourism manager, my job is to collaborate with city staff and community partners to help showcase what Victoria has to offer in the area of sports&m...

City Corner Column: Victoria Sales Tax Development Corporation sets goals for prosperous future

My career has taught me about the type of environment businesses need to thrive. As the CEO of DeTar Healthcare System for nearly 30 years, I knew there were only two ways DeTar’s base of potential patients could grow: if the community grew or if we offer...

Let’s talk turkey: How to celebrate Thanksgiving during a pandemic

COVID-19 precautions like staying inside and staying apart may not fit most people’s idea of a Thanksgiving celebration, but with a few modifications, you can still enjoy the holiday while keeping your loved ones safe.

Curbing the spread of COVID-19 is esp...

City Corner Column: Victoria Fire Department expands public health role

When young kids say they want to be firefighters when they grow up, they may not imagine themselves providing flu shots to economically disadvantaged residents to keep hospitalizations low during a global pandemic—but for the Victoria Fire Department, it’...

Heat your home safely by keeping seasonal hazards in mind

The weather outside will be frightful before we know it—but before you light a fire in the fireplace or turn on your heating appliances, remember that fire safety is crucial even (and especially) during the colder months.

John Stary, fire inspect...

City Corner Column: Victoria Regional Airport helps whole community soar

Imagine flying into George Bush Intercontinental Airport late at night after a lengthy vacation or business trip. You’re tired and jet-lagged, and you want nothing more than to go home and rest. Would you rather spend another two hours driving home or fly...

As fiscal year begins, capital improvement projects steadily move forward

PHOTO: An image from a March 3 presentation to City Council shows the proposed new design for the duck pond in Riverside Park.

Fiscal year 2021 kicked off for the City of Victoria on Oct. 1, but whether you notice any changes may depend on where you look.

T...

PSA shares public health information with Victoria’s Spanish speakers

“La familia lo es todo,” Mayor Pro Tem Josephine Soliz implores the camera from her seat on the City Council dais, “y tenemos la responsabilidad de protegernos.”

Family is everything, and we have a responsibility to protect each other.

That’s the message be...

City Corner Column: Victoria Broadband Commission seeks ways to keep people connected

As society progresses, amenities like electricity and plumbing that were once luxuries for a privileged few become expected and necessary parts of life. In the house where I grew up, we couldn’t get cable TV because of our location relative to rail lines....

City Corner Column: Music industry professionals, how can we help you?

The Convention & Visitors Bureau is seeking volunteers to serve on the new Victoria Music Friendly Advisory Board, an unpaid board that will yield dividends for its members, the City and our community as we seek to harmonize our efforts to cultivate V...

Census deadline is almost here; here’s why you should respond

The window to take part in our nation’s once-in-a-decade head count closes Oct. 5.

As the deadline nears, we realize that residents who haven’t responded yet may have a variety of reasons for not doing so. Nevertheless, we want to emphasize that everyone c...

City Corner Column: Take a “Minute” to learn about the City

People like to say, “You learn something new every day.” I hope that’s true for Victoria residents, who have plenty of ways to learn about the many services and programs the City offers. 

When choosing where to eat, V...

Public Works in Action: City smooths out pothole repair process

PHOTO #1: Equipment operator Bryant Stamps repairs a pothole using one of the City of Victoria’s patch trucks.

PHOTO #2: Crew leader James Toth repairs a pothole using one of the City of Victoria’s patch trucks.

PHOTO #3: Crew leader Hen...

City Corner Column: With 2021 budget approved, residents can look forward to bright future

Last week, the City Council approved the budget for fiscal year 2021. The completed budget represents a culmination of efforts by City leadership to find the best ways to continue addressing the community’s needs and take the next steps toward b...

Complete Count Committee ramps up Census effort as deadline nears

PHOTO: From left, Celeste Menchaca, City of Victoria development coordinator; Ashley Strevel, City of Victoria director of Communications & Public Affairs; Bethany Castro, executive director of Perpetual Help Home; and Jodi Sandoval, community health ...

City Corner Column: Going virtual brings challenges, new possibilities

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced organizations of every stripe to rethink the way they do business, and the City of Victoria is no exception. As social distancing recommendations have guided us to limit the number of people in City-owned buildings, we&...

Certified Permit Technician uses love of code to assist residents

PHOTO: Development specialist Dora Gomez works at the front desk at the City of Victoria Development Center. Gomez holds a Permit Technician Certification from the International Code Council.

Spending hours a day researching building codes may not be most ...

City Corner Column: Victoria Public Library provides education, entertainment during pandemic

Recently I ran into someone I know while I was assisting with checkouts on a busy day at the Victoria Public Library. As I helped her check out, she thanked me and said, “This is helping me with my mental health.”

It was a reminder of t...

Census 2020: Why it matters; Reason #5: Census plays role in health care, pandemic recovery

Responding to the U.S. Census is a bit like washing your hands: It’s a simple action that won’t take too much of your time and will help to protect the health of your community.

The COVID-19 pandemic has provided a stark lesson about th...

City Corner Column: City works to bring you information wherever you are

Whether you’re scrolling through Facebook, Twitter or Instagram; checking email; listening to a podcast; turning on your TV; or picking up the newspaper, the City of Victoria’s Communications & Public Affairs will be there to provi...

#WeAreParksAndRec: Recreation services manager

To celebrate National Park and Recreation Month, the City of Victoria is spotlighting its Parks & Recreation employees who help make Victoria a great place to live, work and play.

PHOTO: Recreation Services Manager Jaymie Heibel, right, and recreation ...

City Corner Column: What’s in store for Parks & Recreation? It’s up to you

I’m excited to be back in my hometown directing Parks & Recreation. Victoria is a city with a lot of natural beauty, and we’ve got a great parks system with good bones and plenty of space for expansion and new amenities. Our recrea...

#WeAreParksAndRec: Head golf professional

To celebrate National Park and Recreation Month, the City of Victoria is spotlighting its Parks & Recreation employees who help make Victoria a great place to live, work and play.

When Head Golf Professional Rolando Hernandez tells people his job title...

City Corner Column: Building a better Victoria through new methods, ongoing projects

Public Works is taking an increasingly scientific approach to road repairs, gathering information that will help us to provide a pavement management report that will lead to more cost-effective maintenance programs for our streets.  

We’...

Victoria Police Department earns trust by upholding core values

Recent high-profile incidents of police violence have led to a breakdown of trust in law enforcement. We have seen citizens rising up across the nation to demand accountability and have been stunned to see how some protests have turned violent.

The Black L...

We’re prepared for hurricane season. Are you?

PHOTO: Environmental Services’ emergency procedures for hurricanes and other disasters are recorded in a yellow binder. The department recently finalized contracts with AshBritt, a debris management company, and TetraTech, a monitoring service c...

City Corner Column: Looking back, looking forward after 1 year in Victoria

It’s been a year since I came to Victoria to take on the role of city manager, and both the job and the city have been great. My wife and I love the fact that Victoria is a small enough community to feel family-oriented but big enough to have am...

Fun things to do in Victoria this summer

Summer is a time for relaxation, and this year we’ve definitely earned it. The kids have logged out of their virtual classes, and with some pandemic restrictions being lifted, it’s likely that you’re looking for a cure for yo...

City Corner Column: Maintenance, custodial staff keep City buildings safe throughout pandemic

When you come to City offices to apply for a permit or pay your water bill, you may not give much thought to the maintenance and custodial workers who keep the building running. Today, however, I’d like to commend my staff for their excellent re...

City Corner Column: Helping downtown thrive through COVID-19 and beyond

Danielle Williams, Victoria Main Street Program director and interim director of Parks and Recreation 

It seems like more and more people nowadays are visiting Victoria’s historic downtown after hours, stopping by to go for a jog or walk...

Lessons learned from disasters, part 2: Hurricane Harvey, COVID-19

In the second part of my interview with Chief Fox we cover Hurricane Harvey and COVID-19, both so impactful to Victoria in such different ways.

This blog post is the second in a two-part series about Fire Chief Robert Fox’s experiences with major...

City Corner Column: 2045 Metropolitan Transportation Plan outlines long-term goals for Victoria

Transportation planning is often a moving target. The City’s Development Services department uses the best data available on demographics and growth trends to plan far into the future, but these goals still must be revised and updated on a regul...

Lessons learned from disasters, part 1: 1998 flood

Ashley Scott, digital media specialist for the City of Victoria

During a person’s career there are always moments that stand out. For most these may be big projects or promotions. For a firefighter, though, these times may include natural disaste...

City Corner Column: Communication can be used for good during public health crisis

There’s a profound word picture in the Bible that depicts how we can become refined through trials, much like gold becomes when it is put through the fire. It’s a parallel to the process of character growth, a concept I’m sur...

Things you can do while you’re staying home, staying safe

Staying at home can be frustrating if you’re not used to it, especially if it’s just one of many challenges you’re facing during the COVID-19 situation. However, following the City and County “Stay Home – ...

City Corner Column: Coronavirus Liaison Team seeks out problems, solutions

The recommendation to wash your hands frequently for 20 seconds seems straightforward enough—unless you’re out on the street and don’t have ready access to soap and water.

That’s just one of the problems taken up by ...

Census 2020: Why it matters; Reason #4: Census will determine representation

They say everything’s bigger in Texas, and that includes our population.

During the last census 10 years ago, Texas’ population was clocked at 25,145,561, and the U.S. Census Bureau projects that our state grew more than 15% between the...

Support your community during COVID-19 situation

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Texas Governor’s Office and the White House are advising residents to avoid gatherings of 10 people or more in order to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus. As always, the City of Victoria...

Census 2020: Why it matters; Reason #3: Demographic data helps with retail recruitment

Do you want to see more shopping or restaurant options in Victoria? You can help by responding to the 2020 Census.

We’re all familiar with the excitement caused by the arrival of a favorite national retail chain in our city as well as the heartbr...

City Corner Column: Placido Benavides Drive helps design Victoria’s future

Take a drive along the newly opened Placido Benavides Drive from Navarro Street to Ethel Lee Tracy Park. As you do, look around at the wide-open fields and imagine the possibilities for this blank canvas – new neighborhoods, a Class A office spa...

Grant funding drives big changes in Victoria Transit system

If you were excited to see a sleek new bus stop being installed at the Victoria College Science Center, complete with a bike rack and solar-powered lighting, then get ready to see even more upgrades at a total of 48 Victoria Transit stops across the city....

City Corner Column: Are you helping us to keep Victoria beautiful?

If you’ve driven by Navarro and the Loop this past week, you’ve probably seen City crews chipping away at the litter in the drainage ditch near IHOP, doing their part to turn our public spaces into something we can all be proud of.

The ...

City Corner Column: Plan 2035: Victoria’s road map to success

Since coming to Victoria, I’ve had countless conversations with elected officials, business leaders and community stakeholders who’ve shared their ideas about what’s important to them and our city. Most of them want the same ...

Census 2020: Why it matters; Reason #2: Accurate count helps schools get resources they need

If school district officials receive funding to provide lunch for 50 children, one can imagine the last thing they would want is for 250 hungry students to show up when lunchtime rolls around.

Having an accurate head count in the 2020 Census impacts more t...

City Corner Column: Victoria Sales Tax Development Corporation: Promises made, promises kept

The clothes you just bought are helping to pay for road repairs, recreational facilities and a wide variety of other projects that help make Victoria a better place to live and work.

On Jan. 27, the Victoria Sales Tax Development Corporation will gather fo...

Census 2020: Why it matters; Reason #1: The 2020 Census determines federal funding

The 2020 Census is right around the corner, and with it comes an opportunity for Victoria to show the federal government just how much our city has grown. Maybe you already know that the census is used to gather data for representation and other purposes,...

City of Victoria to host job fair for multiple departments

PHOTO: The City of Victoria will host a job fair June 28 where residents can learn about job opportunities with Development Services, Environmental Services, the Municipal Court, Parks & Recreation, Public Works, the Victoria Public Library, the Victo...

Victoria Police Department swears in 3 new officers

The Victoria Police Department swore in three new officers during a ceremony June 2 at City Council chambers, 107 W. Juan Linn St. Shown from left are new Officers Jessica Bellan, Brittney Keil and Noah Wyatt, and Senior Patrol Officer Justin Surber. All ...

Ethel Lee Tracy Park splash pad closes for repairs

PHOTO #1: The Ethel Lee Tracy Park splash pad is closed for repairs.

The Ethel Lee Tracy Park splash pad is closed while Parks & Recreation works with the manufacturer to address a problem with the splash pad’s recirculation system.

Parks &...

Victoria Outpatient Clinic groundbreaking ceremony

From the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

South Texas Veterans Health Care System will host a groundbreaking ceremony at the new site of the Victoria Outpatient Clinic on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, from 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. at 311 Spring Gree...

Parks & Recreation to host Park Pals Outdoor Survival Summer Camp

PHOTO: Kids take part in a nature walk during Toddlers on the Trail hosted by Parks & Recreation at the Athey Nature Trail in 2022. Parks & Recreation is working to expand its nature-based programming based on feedback from residents.

Kids aged 8 a...

Municipal Court, Billy T. Cattan launch Court to Recovery Program

PHOTO: The City of Victoria and Billy T. Cattan Recovery Outreach partnered to create the Court to Recovery Program for people who commit Class C misdemeanors involving drugs or alcohol. Shown from left are BTCRO Recovery Coach Veronica Cox, Recovery Coac...

City seeks volunteer applicants for Parks & Recreation Commission

PHOTO #1: Parks & Recreation Commissioner Ashley Magee comments on the Riverside Park boating access project during a March 13 meeting at the City Council chambers.

PHOTO #2: Parks & Recreation Commission Chair W. Lee Keeling speaks during a ground...

City seeks input on sidewalks for grant application

PHOTO: The City of Victoria is applying for a Texas Department of Transportation grant to improve the sidewalks on Main Street and Stayton Avenue downtown.

Residents are invited to share their comments on sidewalk access downtown to help boost the City&...

City of Victoria employees complete leadership training

Five City of Victoria employees completed the Texas Municipal League’s Leadership Academy April 12-14 and May 17-19 in Georgetown. Shown from left are Communications & Public Affairs Director Ashley Strevel, City Secretary April Hilbrich, Hu...

Local government agencies, VISD to participate in emergency response training

Leer en español

The Victoria Office of Emergency Management will host a training exercise June 7 in collaboration with Victoria ISD, Victoria ISD Communications, the Victoria County Sheriff’s Office, the Victoria Police Department, the Victoria Fire Depart...

Agencias gubernamentales locales, VISD participarán en la capacitación de situaciones de emergencias

Read in English

La Oficina de Manejo de Emergencias de Victoria organizará un ejercicio de capacitación el 7 de junio en colaboración con el Distrito Escolar de Victoria (VISD), el Departamento de Comunicaciones de VISD, la...

City to host car seat inspection event at Children’s Discovery Museum

PHOTO #1: Kevin Lamprecht with the Victoria Fire Department reviews a checklist during a car seat inspection event hosted by the City of Victoria in 2022 at the Victoria Community Center.

PHOTO #2: The City of Victoria partnered with the Children&rsquo...

Victoria Public Library invites residents to summer kickoff

PHOTO #1: A girl reads to a Pet Partners therapy dog during the Victoria Public Library Summer Kickoff Celebration in 2022.

Readers of all ages are invited to the Victoria Public Library Summer Kickoff Celebration to get warmed up for a fun-filled summer o...

UHV students complete spring internships with City of Victoria

PHOTO #1: Shown from left are Assistant City Manager Mike Etienne, Assistant City Manager Darrek Ferrell, University of Houston-Victoria student intern Eunice Adu-Gyamfi, University of Houston-Victoria student intern Haley Roberts and City Manager Jes&...

Victoria Police Department K9s Maverick and Rogue have received donation of body armor

Press release from Vested Interest in K9s

PHOTO #1: K9 Rogue

PHOTO #2: K9 Maverick

Victoria Police Department K9s Maverick and Rogue have received bullet and stab protective vests thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest i...

Chuck Young sworn in as chief of Victoria Police Department

Chuck Young was sworn in as chief of the Victoria Police Department on May 15 during a ceremony at the Victoria Community Center. The event was attended by City of Victoria leadership, local law enforcement, government officials, family and friends. Young...

City to switch back to chloramines for water disinfection

The City of Victoria will switch back to its usual water disinfection process starting June 1, but most residents will not notice a difference.

The City will resume using chloramines for water disinfection. The City has been using chlorine for disinfection...

Residents invited to honor fallen officers during National Police Week

PHOTO: From left, Victoria County Sheriff Justin Marr and Victoria Police Department Deputy Chief Mark Jameson participate in a memorial ceremony honoring fallen law enforcement officers May 17, 2022, at DeLeon Plaza. 

The Victoria Police Departme...

Murdoch’s Ranch & Home Supply under construction for summer opening

PHOTO #1: Murdoch’s Ranch & Home Supply, 7508 N. Navarro St., is under construction.

The former Sears space at the Victoria Mall will soon be open to customers once again.

Murdoch’s Ranch & Home Supply announced last year that it...

Cimarron Junction earns City beautification award

Keep Victoria Beautiful board members and Cimarron Junction staff and leadership pose for a photo May 3 at Cimarron Junction, 7104 N. Navarro St. Cimarron Junction received KVB’s beautification award for the month of May. The award is given monthly to rec...

Explore Victoria Texas launches “Tacos & Margs!” to promote Mexican cuisine

Starting May 5, the City of Victoria Convention & Visitors Bureau (Explore Victoria Texas) will invite local diners and tourists to experience Victoria’s Mexican food and margarita options through the new “Tacos & Margs!&rd...

Keep Victoria Beautiful honors volunteers with most pickups, unusual finds

PHOTO #1: A nine-person team led by Kayla Massey picked up 16 bags of trash during the Earth Day Trash-Off hosted by Keep Victoria Beautiful on April 22.

PHOTO #2: Volunteer James Chinowich found a plush toy, possibly a sheep, during the Earth Day Trash-Of...

Keep Victoria Beautiful earns Gold Star Affiliate status

PHOTO: Keep Victoria Beautiful volunteers pick up trash during the Earth Day Trash-Off hosted by Keep Victoria Beautiful on April 22. A total of 262 volunteers picked up 203 bags of trash and additional bulky items at 23 locations around Victoria.

Keep Vic...

City of Victoria names Chuck Young as new police chief

Chuck Young has been named the sole finalist to become the police chief for the City of Victoria. Young currently serves as deputy police chief for the Victoria Police Department. 

“I am excited to have one of our own serve in this capacity,” City...

City unveils logo for bicentennial celebration

The City of Victoria today unveiled its bicentennial logo, which will be used to tie together events and initiatives in honor of Victoria’s 200^th birthday next year.

The logo, which was developed by City staff with input from the City Council, fe...

Keep Victoria Beautiful earns HEB Community Investment Program grant

PHOTO #1: University of Houston-Victoria baseball players place debris in a trash bag during Keep Victoria Beautiful’s citywide Fall Sweep in 2022. KVB’s cleanups are funded in part by H-E-B’s Community Investment Program.

PHOTO #2: St. Joseph High School ...

Municipal Court earns state traffic safety award for 3rd straight year

PHOTO #1: The City of Victoria Municipal Court has received the Texas Municipal Courts Education Center’s Municipal Traffic Safety Initiatives Award for the third year in a row

The City of Victoria Municipal Court has received the Texas Municipal ...

Mayor’s Youth Council collects donations for STCH Ministries

PHOTO #1: Members of the Mayor’s Youth Council and STCH Ministries Director of Homes for Families Theresa Klacman, left, pose for a photo with donated items that the students collected for STCH Ministries.

PHOTO #2: Members of the Mayor&rsquo...

Keep Victoria Beautiful receives $2,000 grant from LyondellBasell

PHOTO #1: The Kay Kerr Walker Memorial Garden at the University of Houston-Victoria was partially funded by a Keep Victoria Beautiful matching grant. The grant funding was paid as a reimbursement once the project was completed.

PHOTO #2: The new landscapin...

Action agenda update shows progress on 2035 Comprehensive Plan goals

PHOTO #1: The City finished Phase II of the Crestwood Drive reconstruction project in February and started Phase III in March.

PHOTO #2: About 200 volunteers helped residents move brush and bulky trash to their curbs during the Queen City neighborhood clea...

City to use smoke testing to check for sewer system defects

PHOTO #1: Harmless smoke will pass through the City’s sanitary sewer system as RJN Group begins testing for defects in the system. Photo provided by RJN Group.

The City of Victoria has hired RJN Group to use smoke to test for defects in the City&...

Environmental Services adds 2 trucks for trash, recycling collection

PHOTO: The City of Victoria Environmental Services recently purchased two replacement trucks for its fleet. Trucks are replaced on a routine basis as they reach the end of their lifespan.

The City of Victoria Environmental Services recently replaced two tr...

City promotes water conservation due to low rainfall upstream

The City of Victoria is asking residents to conserve water as the Guadalupe River falls below its normal level for this time of year due to low rainfall upstream.

Residents can help the City conserve water by following these tips:

• Do not over-water your law...

City announces finalists for police chief position

The City of Victoria has narrowed down its search for a new police chief to four finalists.

“Working closely with our executive recruitment firm, Mosaic Public Partners, we were able to attract an outstanding pool of candidates,” City M...

Victoria Police Department K9s Maverick and Rogue to get donation of body armor

Press release from Vested Interest in K9s

PHOTO #1: Victoria Police Department K9 Maverick

PHOTO #2: Victoria Police Department K9 Rogue

Victoria Police Department K9s Maverick and Rogue will receive bullet and stab protective vests thanks to a charitable do...

City of Victoria Economic Development director completes training

City of Victoria Economic Development Director Danielle Williams recently completed Year 1 of the Texas Community Development Institute (CDI Texas), a three-year program designed to provide practical, interactive, and comprehensive training to meet the ne...

City plans mural for Laurent Street underpass

PHOTO #1: This concept rendering from UP Art Studio shows a proposed design for the Laurent Street underpass mural.

PHOTO #2: This concept rendering from UP Art Studio shows a proposed design for the Laurent Street underpass mural.

PHOTO #3: This concept re...

City seeks input to improve services for residents who bike or walk

PHOTO: A pedestrian crossing signal at Azalea Street and Houston Highway.

The City of Victoria is seeking residents’ input on a new master plan that will help the City make improvements to its transportation system to better accommodate people wa...

City seeks input on boating facilities for grant application

PHOTO: The boating exit area in Riverside Park is located behind The Pumphouse. The City of Victoria Parks & Recreation is seeking a Texas Parks & Wildlife grant to improve boating facilities in the park.

Residents are invited to share their input ...

Victoria Housing Authority hires new executive director

The board of the Victoria Housing Authority has hired Tammy Emerson as its next executive director.

Emerson brings 19 years of professional experience in city and county public housing agencies of various sizes.

In her new role, she will promote the Victori...

City of Victoria recognized for effective budget presentation, transparency

PHOTO: The City of Victoria Finance office was recognized at a March 7 City Council meeting for receiving the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for fiscal year 2022. Shown from left are City Manager Jesús A. Garza, Assistant Finance Direc...

Victoria Public Library promotes new director

The new director of the Victoria Public Library is looking forward to helping write the next chapter of an institution she’s been helping to grow in one way or another for the last 22 years.

Jessica Berger has been promoted to Victoria Public Lib...

City of Victoria invites local nonprofits to apply for funding

PHOTO: Application forms for the 2023-2024 Community Development Block Grant Public Service Agency and Public Facility grants will be available starting March 31 at the Development Services Planning office and online at www.victoriatx.gov/cdbg

Local nonpro...

City launches new app for residents to request service

PHOTO: The new Victoria TX 311 app allows residents to add a location to a service request and keep track of updates.

Victoria residents can now request service from the City and track the status of requests using the City’s new app, Victoria TX ...

Victoria Police Department launches new tool for collecting feedback

The Victoria Police Department is launching a new survey tool that will allow residents to provide the department with feedback after receiving emergency assistance.

The new survey software, AXON My90, is integrated with the department’s computer...

Mayor’s Youth Council collects donations for Food Bank of the Golden Crescent

Members of the Mayor’s Youth Council delivered a donation of nonperishable food items to the Food Bank of the Golden Crescent, 801 S. Laurent St., on Feb. 28 after conducting food drives at their schools. The students collected 45 pounds of food...

2023 TAAF Winter Games draws 1,800 athletes to Victoria

Texas Blaze Coastal, of Victoria, won first place in the 12U division during the 2023 Texas Amateur Athletic Federation Winter Games softball tournament hosted Feb. 25-26 at the Victoria Youth Sports Complex during the second weekend of the TAAF Winter Ga...

Keep Victoria Beautiful and partners host Queen City cleanup, resource fair

Community members gather in Queen City Park on March 4 before the Queen City neighborhood cleanup hosted by Keep Victoria Beautiful. About 200 volunteers helped residents move brush and bulky trash to their curbs during the cleanup. The City of Victoria E...

City seeks property donations for infill housing program

The City of Victoria will forgive outstanding code enforcement fines for property owners who donate their abandoned properties to a new program that encourages private builders to turn eyesore vacant lots into modestly priced homes.

The City is partnering ...

Longhorn Steakhouse coming to Victoria

Longhorn Steakhouse is planning to open a new location in Victoria near Red Lobster. 

Construction is expected to begin in April.

The new steakhouse was selected by Hull Property Group, the developer that owns the Victoria Mall an...

City offers help with down payments, closing costs

As part of the City’s efforts to expand access to housing, Development Services is offering assistance with down payments and closing costs for qualifying first-time homebuyers.

The assistance is funded through the federal Community Development B...

City of Victoria’s police and fire departments to host Lunch and Learn

PHOTO: Victoria Police Department Officer John Turner speaks during a Lunch and Learn event in 2022 at the Victoria Community Center.

The City of Victoria’s police and fire departments will host a monthly “Lunch and Learn” eve...

Victoria Fire Department’s first civilian cadets train to earn certifications

PHOTO #1: The Victoria Fire Department’s new civilian cadets pose for a photo on their first day of training with the Victoria Fire Department’s in-house Fire Academy on Jan. 9 at the Victoria Fire Training Facility.

PHOTO #2: Fire Trai...

Juvenile case manager provides support, accountability for young defendants

PHOTO #1: Juveniles who are completing community service through the City of Victoria Municipal Court have the option of attending a class taught by Mid-Coast Family Services’ Youth Prevention Department once per month. The classes count toward ...

City and partners break ground on dog park within Riverside Park

PHOTO #1: From left, Councilman Duane Crocker, City Manager Jesús A. Garza, Parks & Recreation Commissioner Laurie Eder, Councilman Rafael DeLaGarza, Councilman Mark Loffgren, Victoria Sales Tax Development Corporation President Russell Dem...

City lifts Stage III drought restrictions, returns to Stage II

The City of Victoria is lifting some of its drought restrictions, but residents must continue to conserve water by limiting some types of nonessential water usage to the cooler times of day.

The City had entered Stage III of its drought contingency plan in...

City to break ground on Riverside Park dog park

PHOTO #1: The new dog park within Riverside Park will include exercise equipment, a walking trail and separate fenced areas for large and small dogs.

PHOTO #2: This map shows the location where the new dog park will be built in Riverside Park.

PHOTO #3: Dis...

City of Victoria hires Convention & Visitors Bureau assistant director

The new assistant director of the City of Victoria Convention & Visitors Bureau knows firsthand that residents often aren’t aware of the interesting attractions right in their backyards.

As the former executive director of the Children&rs...

City Council to consider dog park construction contract

The City Council will consider whether to approve a construction contract for the new dog park in Riverside Park at its Nov. 15 meeting.

If the contract with By Grace Floors & Construction is approved, construction will begin within a month. The projec...

City breaks ground on duck pond

PHOTO #1: This conceptual rendering shows the new design for the Riverside Park duck pond.

PHOTO #2: The City of Victoria hosted a ceremonial groundbreaking for the Riverside Park duck pond construction Sept. 12. Shown from left are City Manager Jes&ua...

Developer announces new apartment complex for seniors

PHOTO #1: This illustration provided by FishPond Development LLC shows a future FishPond apartment complex in Alice, Texas. FishPond is planning to build a similar three-story complex in Victoria.

PHOTO #2: This map shows the future location of FishPond at...