News Flash

Posted on: March 21, 2023

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

Pedestrian crossing signal near HEB Rio Grande

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...

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News Releases
Posted on: March 21, 2023

City seeks input on boating facilities for grant application

A boating ramp with metal stairs leading down to a black rubber or plastic floating ramp

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 ...

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News Releases
Posted on: March 21, 2023

Victoria Housing Authority hires new executive director

Tammy Emerson

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...

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News Releases
Posted on: March 21, 2023

Victoria Parks & Recreation to host Toddlers Dance Party

A clown wearing face paint and rainbow clothes poses with kids holding balloon animals

PHOTO #1: Ziggy’s Fun Zone will provide face painting and balloon animals at the Toddlers Dance Party hosted by Parks & Recreation on April 1 at Ethel Lee Tracy Park.

PHOTO #2: Foamed Up will provide music and foam at the Toddlers Dance Party...

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News Releases
Posted on: March 21, 2023

City to host American Junior Golf Association tournament

A young golf player hits a golf ball toward a hole while an adult watches

PHOTO: A young golfer watches his shot at Riverside Golf Course in 2017.

Nearly 100 young golfers from around the world will come to Victoria to test their skills when the City of Victoria hosts the Victoria Texas Preview, an American Junior Golf Associati...

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News Releases
Posted on: March 14, 2023

City of Victoria recognized for effective budget presentation, transparency

Group photo of four people at Council chambers. One holds a plaque.

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...

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News Releases
Posted on: March 13, 2023

Victoria Public Library promotes new director

Library Assistant Director Jessica Berger

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...

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News Releases
Posted on: March 8, 2023

Main Street Animal Hospital earns City beautification award

Group photo in front of Main Street Animal Hospital with KVB sign

Keep Victoria Beautiful board members and Main Street Animal Hospital veterinarian Dr. Travis Schaar pose for a photo March 7 at Main Street Animal Hospital, 2306 N. Main St. Main Street Animal Hospital received KVB’s beautification award for th...

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News Releases
Posted on: March 7, 2023

City of Victoria invites local nonprofits to apply for funding

Development Services Planning office

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...

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News Releases
Posted on: March 7, 2023

Victoria Police Department to host secure document disposal event

A man in a blue work shirt and a uniformed police officer load boxes into a pickup truck

PHOTO #1: From left, Victoria Police Department Deputy Chief Chuck Young and Prosperity Bank Chairman John Zacek help unload documents from a resident’s vehicle during the Shred-it secure document disposal event April 23, 2022, at Prosperity Ban...

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News Releases
Posted on: March 7, 2023

City launches new app for residents to request service

Image of a phone with an app logo. Text reads Download the App. Search Victoria TX 311.

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 ...

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News Releases
Posted on: March 7, 2023

Victoria Police Department launches new tool for collecting feedback

Closeup of a hand selecting something on a phone touchscreen

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...

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News Releases
Posted on: March 7, 2023

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

Group picture of mayor and several teenagers holding cans in front of a food bank backdrop

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...

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News Releases
Posted on: March 7, 2023

2023 TAAF Winter Games draws 1,800 athletes to Victoria

Preteen softball team holding a championship banner and showing their championship rings

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...

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News Releases
Posted on: March 7, 2023

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

Large group of people in a park wearing orange and yellow work vests with trash bags and grabbers

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...

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News Releases
Posted on: February 28, 2023

Assistant City Manager Mike Etienne earns Credentialed Manager designation

Mike Etienne, Assistant City Manager

Victoria Assistant City Manager Mike Etienne recently earned his Credentialed Manager designation from the International City/County Management Association. He is one of about 1,400 local government management professionals worldwide who are curr...

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News Releases
Posted on: February 28, 2023

City of Victoria Environmental Services promotes new assistant director

Portrait of Christy Youker

The new assistant director of the City of Victoria Environmental Services is no stranger to combining waste disposal management and financial considerations with community and employee engagement.

Christy Youker was recently promoted from community appeara...

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News Releases
Posted on: February 28, 2023

Residents graduate from 2023 Citizens Academy, earn recognition

Group photo of five people. The three in the middle hold certificates.

PHOTO: 2023 Citizens Academy graduates who have also completed the Civilian Police Academy and the Civilian Responder Program received the Distinguished Citizen Award during the 2023 Citizens Academy graduation ceremony Feb. 23 at the Victoria College Eme...

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News Releases
Posted on: February 28, 2023

City seeks property donations for infill housing program

A residential home

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 ...

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News Releases
Posted on: February 14, 2023

Longhorn Steakhouse coming to Victoria

Steaks on a grill

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...

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News Releases
Posted on: February 14, 2023

Victoria Public Library receives statewide excellence award

Three women wearing face masks setting up video equipment in a room with a colorful carpet

PHOTO #1: From left, Victoria Public Library assistants Rebecca Sevier, Alexandria Torres and Daisy Garcia—also known as Ms. Rebecca, Ms. Alex and Ms. Daisy—set up lighting and video equipment in 2021 to film the library’s virtual storytime livestream, St...

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News Releases
Posted on: February 14, 2023

Texas Zoo Welcomes New Executive Director William Baker

The Texas Zoo exterior with sign featuring a wolf silhouette

Press release from The Texas Zoo

VICTORIA, TEXAS – The Texas Zoo Board of Directors has chosen William K. Baker Jr. as their new executive director.

Baker brings 23 years of zoological management experience and 30 years of experience within the fi...

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News Releases
Posted on: February 7, 2023

City employees get moving, raise funds with Crossroads Heart & Stroke Walk

Group photo in front of American Heart Association backdrop

Thirty-seven City of Victoria employees signed up to participate in the Crossroads Heart & Stroke Walk, of which the City was a co-sponsor, Feb. 4 at the University of Houston-Victoria/Victoria College campus. The walkers raised $775 for medical resea...

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News Releases
Posted on: February 7, 2023

Action agenda update shows progress on 2035 Comprehensive Plan goals

The front parking lot of an apartment complex. People are gathered under a white canopy.

PHOTO #1: The City hosted a ribbon cutting Oct. 25, 2022, for Enchanted Gardens, 4601 N. Ben Jordan St.

PHOTO #2: The City hosted a ceremonial groundbreaking Dec. 7, 2022, for the new Riverside Park dog park. Shown, from left, are  Councilman Duan...

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News Releases
Posted on: January 31, 2023

Victoria Fire Department honored for medical response during event

Group photo of several people, some in firefighter dress shirts, in front of an ambulance.

PHOTO: The Victoria Fire Department was recognized by the Department of Public Safety’s Chief Executive Protection Bureau for its response to two medical emergencies during an Oct. 27 campaign visit from Governor Greg Abbott. Shown from left, wi...

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News Releases
Posted on: January 24, 2023

City creates review process for housing developers seeking formal support

Stock image of apartment building

As part of the City of Victoria’s efforts to expand budget-friendly housing options, developers who plan to apply for the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs’ competitive Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program may request ...

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News Releases
Posted on: January 24, 2023

Planning administrator earns nationwide planning certification

Maggie_Bergeron

City of Victoria Metropolitan Planning Organization Administrator Maggie Bergeron recently earned her American Institute of Certified Planners certification. To earn this nationally recognized certification, a candidate must have a relevant combination of...

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News Releases
Posted on: January 17, 2023

Municipal Court to host outreach dockets to help residents resolve cases

Five people stand behind a table with a City of Victoria Municipal Court tablecloth and laptops.

PHOTO: The City of Victoria Municipal Court has been hosting outreach dockets at local nonprofits for the past year. Shown at a May 2022 docket at Mid-Coast Family Services, from left, are Municipal Court Administrator Tiffany Totah, Assistant City Attorn...

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News Releases
Posted on: January 17, 2023

City offers help with down payments, closing costs

A residential home

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...

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News Releases
Posted on: January 17, 2023

Victoria Police Department’s K9 Hummer has received donation of body armor

Police K9 Hummer wearing a protective vest

Press release from Vested Interest in K9s

Victoria Police Department’s K9 Hummer has received a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.  K9 Hummer’s vest was embroid...

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News Releases
Posted on: January 17, 2023

City hosts visiting athletes for 1st weekend of 2023 TAAF Winter Games

Team of wheelchair basketball players display their medals

The Corpus Christi Rimz won first place in the wheelchair basketball tournament hosted Jan. 14-15 at Victoria East High School as part of the first weekend of the 2023 TAAF Winter Games of Texas. About 1,000 amateur athletes from across Texas and around t...

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News Releases
Posted on: January 10, 2023

Civilian Police Academy now accepting applications

In a parking lot, a uniformed police officer shines a light into a car while a small group watches

PHOTO #1: Senior Police Officer Lee Peters gives a demonstration of a traffic stop during the 2022 Civilian Police Academy.

The Victoria Police Department Community Engagement Unit is now accepting applications for the Civilian Police Academy. 

Wha...

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News Releases
Posted on: January 10, 2023

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

Several people sit at round tables at the community center dome watching two speakers

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...

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News Releases
Posted on: January 10, 2023

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

Seven people in fire department shirts stand in front of a fire truck

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...

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News Releases
Posted on: January 3, 2023

Juvenile case manager provides support, accountability for young defendants

A classroom with long tables in a square and a whiteboard

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 ...

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News Releases
Posted on: December 27, 2022

Victoria Police Department Deputy Chief Mark Jameson named interim chief

Mark Jameson

Deputy Chief Mark Jameson will serve as the interim police chief for the Victoria Police Department while the City seeks a permanent replacement for Chief Roberto Arredondo.

The City announced in November that Arredondo was leaving the City to begin a new ...

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News Releases
Posted on: December 27, 2022

Juvenile case manager completes higher education

Elizabeth Montes

City of Victoria Municipal Court Juvenile Case Manager Elizabeth Montes recently earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Houston-Victoria. Students who graduate from this program have a profound psychological understand...

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News Releases
Posted on: December 8, 2022

City and partners break ground on dog park within Riverside Park

Group of people dig shovels into a pile of dirt with heavy machinery in the background

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...

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News Releases
Posted on: December 6, 2022

City lifts Stage III drought restrictions, returns to Stage II

A hose-end sprinkler on a bright green lawn.

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...

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News Releases
Posted on: December 6, 2022

City to break ground on Riverside Park dog park

Overhead view of dog park with two separate fenced areas and agility equipment for dogs

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...

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News Releases
Posted on: December 6, 2022

City of Victoria hires Convention & Visitors Bureau assistant director

Liz Tise

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...

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News Releases
Posted on: November 29, 2022

Victoria’s police chief to begin new role in Carrollton

Roberto Arredondo Jr. in police uniform

Roberto Arredondo Jr., Victoria’s police chief, will be leaving the City of Victoria to begin a new job as police chief for the City of Carrollton.   

Arredondo joined the City of Victoria Police Department Nov. 30, 2020, and hi...

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News Releases
Posted on: November 15, 2022

City Council to consider dog park construction contract

A dog sits in a grassy fenced area

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...

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News Releases
Posted on: November 1, 2022

City partners with Bad News Chairs to expand adaptive sports opportunities

Two men in a parking lot, one in a wheelchair one standing, with a wagon of hula hoops and footballs

PHOTO #1: From left, Bad News Chairs founder Danny Camacho and Parks & Recreation coordinator Alex Aguero pose for a photo with the footballs and hula hoops that were used for an adaptive Punt Pass Kick competition Oct. 22 outside the Challenged Athle...

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News Releases
Posted on: November 1, 2022

City’s Main Street Program offers downtown building improvements grant

An empty building with brick walls, plywood surrounding door frame and bare ceiling

PHOTO #1: The interior of 213 S. Main St. is being remodeled in preparation for reopening as 5D Tavern.

PHOTO #2: The interior of 117 S. Main St., which was once a general store, is being converted into an apartment building.

Qualified occupants of downtown...

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News Releases
Posted on: October 18, 2022

City Council to consider design contract for public safety headquarters

Map showing new public safety headquarters on empty land on Main Street

PHOTO: An undeveloped tract at Main Street and Airline Road was chosen as the site of the new public safety headquarters based on its central location, citywide growth projections and compatibility of nearby development.

The City Council will consider whet...

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News Releases
Posted on: October 4, 2022

City remains in Stage III of drought contingency plan

A dry riverbed with patches of green water and plants growing

PHOTO: The Guadalupe River is in a state of low flow due to a long period of low rainfall upstream.

The City of Victoria is reminding residents to conserve water while Victoria is in Stage III of its drought contingency plan.

At the Oct. 3 City Council Meet...

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News Releases
Posted on: September 12, 2022

City breaks ground on duck pond

A conceptual rendering of the new Riverside Park duck pond. What was once two ponds is now one.

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...

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News Releases
Posted on: August 16, 2022

Developer announces new apartment complex for seniors

A multi-story apartment complex with small balconies

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...

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News Releases