News Flash

Posted on: December 6, 2023

Daniel Industries Power Equipment earns City beautification award

Group photo with KVB sign in front of a business with rocky flowerbed in the foreground

Keep Victoria Beautiful board members and Daniel Industries Power Equipment staff and leadership pose for a photo Dec. 5 at Daniel Industries Power Equipment, 1901 N. Main St. Daniel Industries Power Equipment received KVB’s beautification award...

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News Releases
Posted on: December 5, 2023

Civilian Police Academy offers hands-on experience of police work

A row of people at an outdoor shooting range fire guns

PHOTO #1: Residents participate in a shooting exercise at the Victoria Police Department firearms range during the 2019 Civilian Police Academy. Participants receive firearm safety training before visiting the shooting range.

The Victoria Police Department...

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News Releases
Posted on: December 5, 2023

Prosperity Bank joins Bicentennial Ball as title sponsor

Logo for the Bicentennial Ball presented by Prosperity Bank on April 13. Logo includes six flags.

The City of Victoria is seeking local partners to help make the Bicentennial Ball a special event—and a local bank has already stepped up to the plate.

Prosperity Bank has donated $10,000 to the event, becoming a sponsor at the “Empresa...

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News Releases
Posted on: December 5, 2023

Award winners announced for Christmas Parade of Lights

Lighted parade float featuring costumed Super Mario characters and surrounded by fake snow

PHOTO #1: Riverside Church won the award for Most Festive during the Christmas Parade of Lights on Dec. 2 in downtown Victoria.

PHOTO #2: Con Metal Contractors won the Spirit of Christmas award during the Christmas Parade of Lights on Dec. 2 in downtown Vi...

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News Releases
Posted on: December 5, 2023

City of Victoria celebrates lighting of H-E-B Christmas Tree

Santa Claus and a young woman prepare to throw a ceremonial light switch on a Christmas tree

Mayor’s Youth Council President Katie Jane Kopecky and Santa Claus, accompanied by Mayor Jeff Bauknight, light the H-E-B Christmas Tree during a lighting ceremony Dec. 1 at the City Hall courtyard. The 30-foot tree will remain on display at City...

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News Releases
Posted on: December 5, 2023

Communications hosts Citizens Academy Alumni luncheon

Large group of people seated at round tables watch a presentation by City Manager Jesús Garza.

PHOTO: City Manager Jesús A. Garza gives a presentation about City projects and initiatives during the Citizens Academy Alumni luncheon Nov. 30 at the Victoria Community Center annex.

About 50 former Citizens Academy participants were able to co...

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News Releases
Posted on: December 5, 2023

Municipal Court clerk earns Level I certification

Tara Tinney

Municipal Court Clerk Tara Tinney recently earned her Level I Clerk Certification from the Texas Court Clerks Association (TCCA) in conjunction with the Texas Municipal Courts Education Center (TMCEC), the Texas Municipal Courts Association (TMCA) and Tex...

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News Releases
Posted on: December 4, 2023

Candidate list finalized for mayoral special election

The mayor's chair sits empty at the City Council dais.

Victoria residents will have six candidates to choose from during the upcoming mayoral special election.

The following residents filed for candidacy before the Dec. 4 deadline:

  • Peter Brown – Project Manager
  • Robert “Bob” Constant...
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News Releases
Posted on: November 28, 2023

City of Victoria to kick off bicentennial with New Year’s Eve fireworks show

City of Victoria bicentennial logo against a fireworks background

The City of Victoria is starting our bicentennial year with a bang.

The City will host its inaugural New Year’s Eve fireworks show Dec. 31 at the Riverside Park Special Events Area (near Riverside Stadium).

“Victoria’s bicenten...

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News Releases
Posted on: November 28, 2023

City of Victoria celebrates completion of Laurent Street mural

Large group of people in safety vests cutting a ribbon in front of a mural featuring a kingfisher

The City of Victoria on Nov. 28 hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of the Laurent Street Underpass Mural Project. The ceremony was attended by City officials, UP Art Studio, contributing artists and others who participated in the...

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News Releases
Posted on: November 28, 2023

City lifts Stage III drought restrictions, returns to Stage II

The Guadalupe River flows past the boat ramp

PHOTO: The Guadalupe River flows past the Riverside Park boat ramp Nov. 27.

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 tim...

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News Releases
Posted on: November 22, 2023

City plans informational session as Council sets mayoral special election

City of Victoria Municipal Court

The City Council at its Nov. 21 meeting scheduled a special election for Feb. 3 to fill the role of mayor, and the City is inviting prospective candidates to an informational session to learn about the position.  

The special election is being cal...

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News Releases
Posted on: November 21, 2023

Victoria Public Library prepares for Gingerbread House Workshop

A young girl wearing a white hair bow carefully places M&Ms on a graham cracker gingerbread house.

PHOTO: Children will be able to decorate delicious and edible gingerbread houses at the Victoria Public Library’s Gingerbread House Workshop on Dec. 9 at the Victoria Community Center Annex.

The Victoria Public Library’s Gingerbread Hou...

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News Releases
Posted on: November 21, 2023

Economic Development director completes competitive leadership program

Danielle Williams

City of Victoria Economic Development Director Danielle Williams recently graduated from the 2023 Texas Women’s Leadership Institute. She was one of 20 executives statewide who were chosen to participate in a program designed to prepare and inspi...

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News Releases
Posted on: November 14, 2023

‘Yule Love Shopping Victoria!’ returns with new businesses, prizes

A woman and a child browse holiday decorations

The City of Victoria Convention & Visitors Bureau will launch its annual “Yule Love Shopping Victoria!” mobile promotion Nov. 16 at www.explorevictoriatexas.com, offering a chance to win prizes while exploring local shopping opport...

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News Releases
Posted on: November 14, 2023

City accepting applications for CDBG programs for low/moderate-income residents

Close up of someone using a power tool to install shingles on a roof

First-time homebuyers as well as residents who need assistance with home repairs or demolition can apply for the City of Victoria’s Community Development Block Grant programs that support homeownership and community development.

The City receives federal f...

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News Releases
Posted on: November 14, 2023

Court operations supervisor receives statewide service award

A woman accepts an award plaque from another woman in front of a TCCA backdrop

PHOTO: City of Victoria Municipal Court Operations Supervisor Maria Bell, left, accepts the Texas Court Clerks Association’s Distinguished Service Award from TCCA Vice President Jennifer Bozorgnia on Oct. 31 during TCCA’s conference in...

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News Releases
Posted on: November 13, 2023

City to consider a Feb. 3 mayoral special election

Jeff Bauknight

The City Council will consider at its Nov. 21 meeting whether to call for a Feb. 3, 2024, mayoral special election following news of Mayor Jeff Bauknight’s intent to run for state representative for District 30. 

To run for state office,...

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News Releases
Posted on: November 7, 2023

City to host Merry on Main in partnership with Mother Cluckers Downtown

A bounce house style inflatable that looks like a snowy cabin with snowmen

PHOTO #1: Merry on Main will feature winter-themed inflatables for children and inflatable obstacle courses for teens and adults.

PHOTO #2: Merry on Main will feature an open-air market hosted by Mother Cluckers Downtown.

PHOTO #3: Merry on Main will featur...

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News Releases
Posted on: November 7, 2023

City expands landfill, enters key industrial waste market

Heavy machinery is used to roll out wide, black plastic liner on a flat dirt surface.

PHOTO: A new half-cell at the Victoria landfill, 18141 FM 1686, is covered with a thick plastic liner to prevent contaminants from leaking into the environment.

The City of Victoria has secured permission from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality ...

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News Releases
Posted on: November 7, 2023

City earns state honors for video projects

Group photo of eight people. Three of them hold trophies.

PHOTO: The City of Victoria received four statewide awards from the Texas Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors (TATOA). From left are Communications Administrative Assistant Alvesa Odom, Public Safety Communications Manager Lauren Meaux...

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News Releases
Posted on: November 7, 2023

Keep Victoria Beautiful earns grants for waste diversion education

Expansive pile of brush and tree limbs, some with green leaves on them

PHOTO: Yard waste and tree limbs sit in a pile at the City’s compost facility after being collected from residents’ yards. These materials will be ground into chips, mixed with biosolids and left to decompose into compost, which will b...

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News Releases
Posted on: November 7, 2023

Parks & Recreation partners with port for 3rd annual youth hunt

Large group photo of kids and adults, many wearing orange safety vests for huntin.

PHOTO: The City of Victoria Parks & Recreation, the Port of Victoria, the Texas Youth Hunting Program, the Texas Wildlife Association and the National Wild Turkey Federation hosted a youth hunt for five local youth Nov. 3-5 at the Port of Victoria.

Fiv...

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News Releases
Posted on: November 7, 2023

Keep Victoria Beautiful and partners host Queen City cleanup

A group of children and adults walk through neighborhood holding trash bags and wearing safety vests

From left, Victoria Police Department Capt. Jason Turner and Victoria Housing Authority Public Housing Associate Jessica Ramos assist a group of volunteers Oct. 21 during the Queen City Neighborhood Cleanup hosted by Keep Victoria Beautiful. About 130 vol...

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News Releases
Posted on: November 7, 2023

Community involvement turns Keep Victoria Beautiful neighborhood cleanups into ‘resource fairs’

Two women pose for a photo outside

By Sam Hankins, City of Victoria communications specialist.

This article originally appeared in the November issue of Texas Town & City, published by the Texas Municipal League.

PHOTO: From left, City of Victoria Special Projects Manager Keisha Smith an...

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News Releases
Posted on: October 31, 2023

Victoria Police Department announces new deputy chief, more promotions

Three uniformed police officers pose for a photo

PHOTO: Three Victoria Police Department officers were promoted Oct. 27 during a private ceremony at the Victoria College Emerging Technology Complex. Shown from left are Sgt. Jacob Garza, Deputy Chief Clay Fetters and Lt. Jason Martin.

The Victoria Police ...

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News Releases
Posted on: October 31, 2023

City, AEP wrap up second phase of citywide lighting project

Technician in a cherry picker basket turns on a post top streetlight.

PHOTO: AEP street light technician John Velasquez installs a new LED post-top light at the entrance to the Waterstone neighborhood as part of the second phase of the citywide LED lighting project.

If you take your family out trick-or-treating tonight, you ...

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News Releases
Posted on: October 24, 2023

Retiring Deputy Chief Mark Jameson honored with walkout ceremony

Deputy Chief Mark Jameson walks down Bridge Street lined by rows of applauding officers

PHOTO #1: Victoria Police Department Deputy Chief Mark Jameson is surrounded by local law enforcement during his “walkout” ceremony in honor of his retirement Oct. 20 in the 300 block of South Bridge Street.

PHOTO #2: Victoria Police De...

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News Releases
Posted on: October 24, 2023

City assists The Texas Zoo with renovations, master plan

Jaguars lie in an enclosure near a large tractor tire

PHOTO: The Texas Zoo is renovating its jaguar exhibit with help from federal American Rescue Plan Act funding from the City of Victoria. In this photo, the jaguars are seen through the protective glass at the new viewing kiosk.

Visitors to The Texas Zoo ma...

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News Releases
Posted on: October 24, 2023

Fire Marshal’s Division honors winners of Fire Prevention Week poster contest

Four children holding handmade posters in front of a fire truck

PHOTO #1: The winners of the Fire Prevention Week poster contest hosted by the Victoria Fire Department Fire Marshal’s Division, from left, are Shealyn Carver, fifth grade, Mission Valley Elementary School; Luke Ortiz, fourth grade, Dudley Eleme...

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News Releases
Posted on: October 24, 2023

Keep Victoria Beautiful announces 2 beautification grant recipients

Group photo with giant check in front of young trees

PHOTO: Heritage Mark, 5606 N. Navarro St., received a $1,000 matching grant from Keep Victoria Beautiful to plant trees.

Keep Victoria Beautiful has awarded two matching grants to local organizations looking to spruce up their community by beautifying thei...

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News Releases
Posted on: October 19, 2023

Distinguished Citizens honored for completing City educational programs

Large group photo in Council chambers. Nine people hold plaques; a few wear Police or Fire uniforms

The City of Victoria recognized 10 Distinguished Citizens during the Oct. 17 City Council meeting. Residents can earn the title of Distinguished Citizen by completing the three educational programs offered by the City: Citizens Academy, hosted by Communic...

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News Releases
Posted on: October 19, 2023

TxDOT asks for input on long-range transportation strategies

Help TxDOT prioritize potential improvements. Visit www.connectingtexas2050.com to learn more.

The Texas Department of Transportation is seeking input on Connecting Texas 2050, a long-range plan that will guide transportation priorities in Texas through the year 2050.

Residents will have two opportunities to fill out a survey providing input on the ...

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News Releases
Posted on: October 17, 2023

Residents can take survey to improve transportation, earn rewards

Improve your community. Earn up to $50. Sign up at lonestartravelsurvey.com or call 1-844-755-8511.

PHOTO: The ETC Institute has been sending out postcards like the one shown here to invite residents to take the Household Travel Survey, also called the Lone Star Travel Survey, as part of a study conducted by the Texas Department of Transportation.

The Ho...

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News Releases
Posted on: October 17, 2023

City to begin water meter replacement program

A water meter with a blue lid on top. The side is cut open to show pipes and wiring.

PHOTO: The City of Victoria is partnering with Sensus Meters and Aqua-Metrics to replace residents’ water meters, like the one shown here, and their component parts as needed.

The City of Victoria Public Works is preparing to provide maintenance ...

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News Releases
Posted on: October 12, 2023

City seeks sponsorships for Bicentennial Ball

Logo featuring six flags and De Leon brand. Bicentennial Ball, April 13th, 2024

The City of Victoria will host a Bicentennial Ball to celebrate Victoria’s 200th anniversary, and sponsors are needed to help make it an evening to remember.

“With the community’s involvement, our bicentennial date will be an ...

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News Releases
Posted on: October 11, 2023

Residents are invited to Victoria’s yearlong bicentennial celebration

City of Victoria presents 2024 bicentennial celebration. Victoria turns 200. www.victoriatx200.com

The City of Victoria will turn 200 next year, and the City is inviting residents to celebrate the bicentennial by taking part in festivities all year long.

“This will be a once-in-a-lifetime event, and our City staff and local partners are workin...

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News Releases
Posted on: October 11, 2023

Mayor provides key project updates during State of the City address

Mayor Jeff Bauknight stands near a podium with a State of the City backdrop

PHOTO #1: Mayor Jeff Bauknight delivers his State of the City address during the Victoria Chamber of Commerce luncheon Oct. 11 at the Victoria Community Center.

PHOTO #2: Mayor Jeff Bauknight explains the City’s history of capital improvement pro...

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News Releases
Posted on: October 10, 2023

City, artists prepare for Laurent Street underpass mural painting

Mural design for two walls featuring flowers, mariachis, dancers, cattle, heron, armadillo

PHOTO: The Laurent Street underpass mural will feature imagery that celebrates Victoria’s heritage and identity. The two designs shown here will be painted on either wall of the underpass. Local photographers Janice Carriger, Ted Goris and Elias Rodriguez...

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News Releases
Posted on: October 10, 2023

Victoria Fire Department to host fire prevention show for VISD students

Banner with Sparky dog mascot. Cooking Safety Starts with You. Pay attention to fire prevention.

PHOTO: This image provided by the National Fire Protection Association highlights this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign: “Cooking safety starts with YOU. Pay attention to fire prevention.”

The Victoria Fire Department is p...

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News Releases
Posted on: October 3, 2023

Victoria Fire Department Chief Tracy Fox honored at retirement ceremony

Chief Fox walks away from a podium in front of a crowd of cheering people

PHOTO #1: Current and former City of Victoria staff, elected officials and state officials came together to celebrate the career of Victoria Fire Department Chief Tracy Fox during a retirement ceremony Sept. 27 at the Victoria Community Center. Fox is ret...

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News Releases
Posted on: October 3, 2023

Victoria Main Street Program offers grants for historic properties

The old federal building covered in scaffolding

PHOTO: The old federal building, 210 E. Constitution St., received a Façade Grant through the Victoria Main Street Program in fiscal year 2023.

Applications have reopened for two Victoria Main Street Program grant opportunities designed to help ...

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News Releases
Posted on: October 3, 2023

Victoria Fire Department, late councilman’s family dedicate tree in his honor

Group photo in front of a young tree. Five in fire department dress clothes, two in casual clothes

PHOTO: From left, Victoria Fire Department Interim Fire Marshal Jeff Cowan, Interim Fire Chief Shannon Martin and Assistant Chief Michael Belt; George Soliz; Victoria City Council member Josephine Soliz; and Victoria Fire Department Battalion Chief Dana W...

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News Releases
Posted on: September 26, 2023

Residents can help with transportation planning by taking survey

A crane and other construction equipment operate at the Loop 463 overpass on Houston Highway

PHOTO #1: The widening of Loop 463 at Houston Highway was one of the projects recommended by the Metropolitan Planning Organization in its 2045 Metropolitan Transportation Plan. The MPO is encouraging residents to take the Texas Department of Transportati...

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News Releases
Posted on: September 26, 2023

Keep Victoria Beautiful volunteers awarded for Fall Sweep efforts

Three young men pose with trash grabbers near a pile of trash bags

PHOTO #1: The University of Houston-Victoria teams who volunteered at the Keep Victoria Beautiful Fall Sweep, including the soccer team shown here, earned the Most Spirited award.

PHOTO #2: The volunteer team led by Jon Keene and Zach Cornwell earned the M...

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News Releases
Posted on: September 26, 2023

City partners with Victoria ISD to air district’s content on TV15

Two students sit in chairs in front of a Texas State backdrop. Another student works a sound board.

PHOTO #1: “Titan TV,” a TV show produced by Victoria East High School media production students, is part of Victoria ISD’s content that airs on the City of Victoria’s cable channel, TV15. In this still image from th...

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News Releases
Posted on: September 19, 2023

Application period opens for 2024 Citizens Academy

Woman stands in front of a classroom and gives a presentation

PHOTO #1: Communications Director Ashley Strevel welcomes participants during the 2023 Citizens Academy.

PHOTO #2: City Manager Jesús A. Garza teaches participants about the City’s structure and goals during the 2023 Citizens Academy.

PHOTO #3: Environmenta...

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News Releases
Posted on: September 19, 2023

Residents invited to share their memories during bicentennial year

City of Victoria presents 2024 bicentennial celebration. Victoria turns 200. www.victoriatx200.com

The City of Victoria will celebrate its bicentennial next year, and the City is inviting residents to help celebrate our history by sharing their memories of Victoria.

The City will display residents’ memorabilia at City Hall throughout the bicen...

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News Releases
Posted on: September 19, 2023

City of Victoria Communications earns national honor for social media use

A woman holds a small trophy, flanked by two other people

PHOTO #1: The City of Victoria Communications & Public Affairs accepted a Savvy Award in the Social Media – Best Campaign Use category during the 3CMA conference Sept. 6-8 in Orlando, Fla. Shown from left are 3CMA Executive Director Scott Le...

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News Releases
Posted on: September 12, 2023

Victoria Fire Department to host EMT training course, Fire Academy

Firefighters load a stretcher into an ambulance

Residents will have a chance to earn their emergency medical technician certifications close to home as the Victoria Fire Department partners with the Magnolia Beach Volunteer Fire Department to host an EMT-B training course.

The program will be 8 a.m.-5 p...

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News Releases
Posted on: September 12, 2023

Keep Victoria Beautiful hosts citywide Fall Sweep

A woman with a megaphone addresses a crowd of people in safety vests

PHOTO #1: Keep Victoria Beautiful Executive Director Christy Youker addresses a group of volunteers before the Keep Victoria Beautiful Fall Sweep on Sept. 9. Photo contributed by Susan Armstrong Cain.

PHOTO #2: Volunteers picked up 275 bags of trash during...

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News Releases
Posted on: September 12, 2023

Convention & Visitors Bureau honored for promoting local businesses

Two glass trophies, with a Yule Love Shopping shirt and Tacos and Margs tumbler and taco stress toy.

PHOTO: The City of Victoria Convention & Visitors Bureau earned two statewide awards for its “Yule Love Shopping!” and “Tacos & Margs!” promotions.

The City of Victoria Convention & Visitors Bureau earned...

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News Releases
Posted on: September 5, 2023

Explore Victoria Texas launches ‘Victoria TX Arts Trail!’ to promote the arts

Crosswalk painted with musical notes

PHOTO #1: The “Victoria TX Arts Trail!” will invite residents to explore arts-related locations in Victoria, including public art installations such as the downtown crosswalk art by Free Art Victoria.

PHOTO #2: The “Victoria T...

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News Releases
Posted on: August 15, 2023

Realtex announces The Victorian, an apartment complex for seniors

An apartment complex with multiple three-story buildings

PHOTO #1: Realtex Development Corporation is planning to build The Victorian at 901 John Stockbauer Drive.

PHOTO #2: The Victorian will be located at 901 John Stockbauer Drive.

Realtex Development Corporation is planning to build The Victorian, a 68-unit ap...

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News Releases
Posted on: July 26, 2023

City enters Stage 3 of drought contingency plan

A river bank with low water and weeds growing up through the bank

PHOTO: The Guadalupe River is unusually low for this time of year, which limits the City’s ability to pump water.

Residents must take additional steps to conserve water as the City enters Stage III of its drought contingency plan.

High atmospheric...

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News Releases
Posted on: July 25, 2023

City of Victoria launches in-house street sweeping with 2 new sweepers

A street sweeper with the City of Victoria Public Works logo

PHOTO #1: The City of Victoria has purchased two street sweepers for a new in-house sweeping program.

The City of Victoria has purchased two street sweepers for a new in-house sweeping program that will allow streets to be swept more often for a lower pric...

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News Releases
Posted on: June 27, 2023

City to begin De Leon Plaza expansion

A large permanent stage at DeLeon Plaza near the O'Connor building. People watch and mill around.

This news release was updated Nov. 17 to include updated conceptual renderings and to clarify the addition of a decorative water feature.

PHOTO #1: As part of the De Leon Plaza expansion project, the grassy seating area on the north side of the plaza will ...

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News Releases
Posted on: June 27, 2023

City, AEP begin 2nd phase of citywide lighting project

Two cherry-picker style trucks lift technicians to a streetlight mounted on a power pole

PHOTO #1: From top left, AEP service technician Albert Rodriguez and street light technician John Velasquez switch out HPS lights at Pine Street Park with new LED lights on Nov. 17, 2022. From bottom left, service technician Garret Easley and service crew...

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News Releases
Posted on: August 16, 2022

Developer announces new apartment complex for seniors

An outside view of the FishPond Apartments in Victoria

(Updated 8/9/2023 to include a current illustration of the apartment)

PHOTO #1: This illustration provided by FishPond Development LLC shows FishPond at Victoria, a new apartment complex for seniors.

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

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News Releases