News Flash

2021 Bootfest lineup includes big names, local favorites

This year’s Bootfest will bring together country, Tejano, variety and rock performers from around the Crossroads and the nation for two nights of music and festivities Oct. 1-2 in downtown Victoria.

Bootfest is Victoria’s largest free f...

City to allocate funding for child safety programs

PHOTO: Flyers at the Victoria Police Department building feature information about school bus safety, family violence prevention and other subjects related to child safety.

Local nonprofit representatives who are interested in receiving funds for child saf...

Keep Victoria Beautiful to host citywide Fall Sweep

PHOTO #1: Residents gather cleaning supplies July 17 at Lone Tree Creek Park at the start of a cleanup hosted by Keep Victoria Beautiful.

PHOTO #2: Residents pick up trash July 17 at Lone Tree Creek Park during a cleanup hosted by Keep Victoria Beautiful.

P...

Victoria Police Department hires second deputy chief

PHOTO #1: Charles “Chuck” Young II, right, is sworn in as a Victoria Police Department deputy chief by City Secretary April Hilbrich, left, during a private ceremony Aug. 2 at 700 Main Center. Young is accompanied by his wife, Natali Y...

City of Victoria attracts developer for workforce housing project

Realtex Development Corporation will begin construction Aug. 2 on Enchanted Gardens Apartments, a new affordable workforce housing development that will be built on land that was sold July 21 by the City of Victoria to expand housing options for working i...

Josephine E. Soliz elected to Texas Municipal League office

Victoria City Council member and mayor pro tem Josephine E. Soliz was elected second vice president of Region 11 of the Texas Municipal League, a statewide group that promotes interests in city government, during the organization’s quarterly meeting July ...

Ashley Strevel earns Certified Public Communicator designation

City of Victoria Communications & Public Affairs Director Ashley Strevel was honored July 22 for earning her Certified Public Communicator certification from Texas Christian University’s Bob Schieffer College of Communication - Strategic Communication...

City seeks volunteers for Tourism Advisory Board

The City of Victoria is seeking volunteers to fill two unexpired terms on the Tourism Advisory Board, and residents are encouraged to apply by 5 p.m. Aug. 20.

The Tourism Advisory Board is made up of volunteers who represent the arts, historic preservation...

Developers invited to learn about federal incentive program

Residents can learn how to leverage federal tax incentives by investing in low-income areas throughout Victoria when the City of Victoria hosts an opportunity zone workshop 8-10:30 a.m. at the Leo J. Welder Center for the Performing Arts, 214 N. Main St.

D...

Metropolitan designation to help City keep federal funding

The City of Victoria is in a better position to keep millions of dollars in federal funding after the federal Office of Management and Budget on July 13 elected not to change the Metropolitan Statistical Area population threshold.

The OMB defines a Metropo...

City’s Victoria Broadband Commission seeks to expand broadband options with Sparklight partnership

City officials are pleased to announce Sparklight, a nationally recognized internet provider, will build a state-of-the-art fiber optic network in Victoria that will provide another option for fast and reliable high-speed internet.

The multimillio...

City of Victoria public notification for wastewater discharge

The City of Victoria’s water supply was not affected when increased rainfall caused stormwater to overflow from the City’s wastewater collection system July 7-9 because the wastewater collection system is not connected to the water dis...

City landfill extends restriction on trailers

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

Due to increased rainfall, Victoria’s landfill will remain closed Thursday to all vehicle...

City landfill to temporarily restrict trailer access

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

Due to increased rainfall, Victoria’s landfill will close Wednesday to all vehicles pulli...

Applications open for hotel occupancy tax funds

Local organizations that help to bring tourism to Victoria can begin applying for hotel occupancy tax (HOT) funds for 2022.

Under Texas law, the City of Victoria collects a hotel occupancy tax from hotels, bed-and-breakfasts and other lodging facilities. T...

City seeks residents’ feedback on forthcoming internet initiative

Residents can submit information about their broadband internet needs by July 28 to help with a new study to improve internet accessibility, reliability and affordability in the Victoria community.

Civil engineering company CobbFendley is launching a feasi...

City seeks volunteers for Victoria Public Library Advisory Board

PHOTO: Attendees participate in an art activity hosted June 4 at the Victoria Public Library during the Downtown Victoria Art Walk.

The City of Victoria is seeking to fill an unexpired term on the Victoria Public Library Advisory Board, and residents are e...

Parks & Recreation closes areas of Riverside Park, schedules further closures

The City of Victoria Parks & Recreation will close areas of Riverside Park in stages during the weekend as the Guadalupe River rises.

As of Friday, the following areas of the park are closed to vehicular and pedestrian traffic:

• The boat ramp
• Access to Pe...

City landfill, compost site to close temporarily Saturday

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

Due to increased rainfall, Victoria’s compost site will close Saturday, and the landfill ...

City Secretary’s Office earns statewide recognition

PHOTO: The City Secretary’s Office was recognized at a July 6 City Council meeting for receiving the Municipal Clerk’s Office Achievement of Excellence Award from the Texas Municipal Clerks Association. Pictured, from left, are City Ma...

Vela Farms earns City beautification award

Vela Farms, 221 S. Main St., received the Keep Victoria Beautiful Business Beautification Award for the month of July. The award is given monthly to recognize businesses that help to beautify the Victoria community through property upkeep, landscaping and...

Municipal Court to teach traffic safety at Children’s Discovery Museum

PHOTO #1: A DWI simulator managed by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension is set up at the Children’s Discovery Museum on July 6. Visitors to the museum will be able to use the simulator during an educational event hosted by the City of Victoria Mun...

Victoria Police Department swears in 5 new officers

From left, Ever Sanchez, Paul Higdon, Aaron Baylor, Henry Ybarra and Sampson Holt were sworn in June 29 as new Victoria Police Department officers during a ceremony attended by Victoria Police Department officers and family members at the Victoria Communi...

Fourth of July event to include livestream of fireworks

The City of Victoria will welcome residents back to the Victoria Community Center on Sunday for an in-person Fourth of July fireworks show, but residents who prefer to watch the fireworks from home can do so through the City’s Facebook page.

New ...

City of Victoria extends hours for splash pads

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

The days are getting longer, and now Victoria kids can spend even more sunlight hours splashing at the City of Victoria Parks & Recreation s...

Victoria Police Department policies earn gold-standard recognition

PHOTO: The Victoria Police Department was recently recognized again under the Texas Police Chiefs Association Foundation’s Law Enforcement Agency Best Practices Recognition Program. Shown, from left, are Officer Jeffrey Lehnert, Police Chief Rob...

Development Services assistant director appointed to international code committee

City of Victoria Assistant Director of Development Services Rick Madrid has been appointed to the International Code Council’s Residential Energy Code Consensus Committee for a three-year term. In this role, he will contribute to the development...

City of Victoria adds birding deck near Riverside Park

PHOTO #1: The City of Victoria Convention & Visitors Bureau on June 15 unveiled the Athey Nature Sanctuary Birding Deck at the historic Hiller house, 3003 Vine St., home to the headquarters of Keep Victoria Beautiful. The observation area features fee...

Municipal Court moves to hybrid model for scheduled hearings

PHOTO: A Zoom video feed is displayed on the projector screens at the Municipal Court courtroom, 107 W. Juan Linn St., allowing defendants to appear remotely during an in-person court session.

The City of Victoria Municipal Court will host its first hybrid...

Victoria Main Street Program designated as Main Street America affiliate

PHOTO #1: Visitors view artwork by local artist Robyn Cox at the Leo J. Welder Center for the Performing Arts, 214 N. Main St., during the June 4 Downtown Victoria Art Walk hosted by the Victoria Main Street Program.

PHOTO #2: Artwork by local artist Trent...

City seeks input on how to spend federal COVID-19 aid

The City of Victoria has received millions in federal aid to help the Victoria community recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and protect itself against future disasters, and residents can have a say in how the money is spent.

The City will receive $14,508,2...

City to switch back to chloramines for water disinfection

The City of Victoria will change its water disinfection process starting Wednesday, June 30, but most residents will not notice a difference.

The City will resume using chloramines for water disinfection. The City previously used chlorine during t...

Public Works hires traffic control manager

The City of Victoria Public Works has hired David De La Rosa as the City’s traffic control manager. In this role, he will oversee the maintenance and operation of traffic signals; school flashers; roadway illumination; the City’s sign ...

Renters hurt by pandemic can apply for aid through state program

PHOTO: Application forms for the Texas Emergency Rental Assistance Program are available at the City of Victoria Planning and Development Services office, 700 Main St., Suite 129, or online at www.victoriatx.gov/covidassist.

The City of Victoria Developmen...

City seeks volunteer applicants for Planning Commission

PHOTO: The proposed site of Phase II of The Ranches at TerraVista, a residential subdivision, is displayed as part of a presentation during the Planning Commission’s May 20 meeting.

The City of Victoria is seeking three members of the public to s...

New Rodeo restaurant earns Keep Victoria Beautiful Business Beautification Award

New Rodeo restaurant, 407 E. Rio Grande St., received the Keep Victoria Beautiful Business Beautification Award for the month of June. The award is given monthly to recognize businesses that help to beautify the Victoria community through property upkeep,...

Parks & Recreation Fourth of July fireworks show returns

The City of Victoria Parks & Recreation will host its annual Fourth of July celebration, featuring a free live concert and a fireworks show synced to music, at the Victoria Community Center grounds.

“We’re excited to bring this event back because we kn...

Library to kick off summer reading program with fun-filled celebration

PHOTO: Residents visit a City of Victoria Environmental Services activity booth during the Victoria Public Library Fun Fest Kickoff Celebration in 2019.

Kids can kick off the summer with live performances and fun activities featuring a variety of familiar ...

Bootfest is back: Music festival to return in 2021

PHOTO #1: The Hot Attacks performs at Bootfest on Oct. 5, 2018, at DeLeon Plaza.

PHOTO #2: Reckless Kelly performs at Bootfest on Oct. 6, 2018, at DeLeon Plaza.

After COVID-19 put Bootfest on hold last year, Victoria residents will once again be able to tap...

Victoria Fire Department honors lifesaving firefighter/EMTs

Victoria Fire Department employees eat breakfast while Fire Chief Tracy Fox, back left, and Battalion Chief Tim Hunter, back right, share statistics about the Victoria Fire Department’s treatment of cardiac arrest patients during an EMS Life Saving Awards...

Most of Riverside Park reopens

The City of Victoria Parks & Recreation on Friday reopened most of Riverside Park after the park had been closed because of flooding along the Guadalupe River.

Some areas of the park are still closed because of a buildup of dirt and debris from the flo...

City receives $621,000 grant to repair duck pond

PHOTO #1: The Riverside Park duck pond is seen in this 2014 file photo. 

PHOTO #2: This preliminary new design for the Riverside Park duck pond was approved by the Victoria City Council on March 3. The final design will include a sidewalk that ext...

Riverside Park to close Wednesday

Riverside Park will close Wednesday as the Guadalupe River rises.

The Children’s Park near the Vine Street entrance will remain open because it is a safe distance from the river.

The following areas of the park are closed as of Tuesday:

• Grover&...

Rainfall upstream ends drought conditions in Victoria

The City of Victoria is no longer under Stage One of its drought contingency plan after recent rainfall along the Guadalupe River caused the City of Victoria’s water supply to swell.

The City of Victoria in April asked residents to conse...

City of Victoria closings for Memorial Day observance

All nonemergency offices at the City of Victoria will close Monday, May 31, in observance of Memorial Day.

The Victoria Public Library will be closed.

The compost site will be closed. The landfill will close early at 4 p.m.

Garbage, curbside recycling, yard ...

City partners with TxDOT for future beautification on Loop

PHOTO #1: A concept rendering shows the proposed design for new landscaping on Loop 463 near Navarro Street.

PHOTO #2: An upcoming TxDOT beautification project on Loop 463 will extend from 0.02 miles west of U.S. Highway 77 (Navarro Street) to 0.7 miles ea...

City treats mosquito larvae, will resume spraying next week

The City of Victoria Parks & Recreation is once again working to exterminate as many mosquito larvae as possible before they grow into biting adult insects.

Today, Parks & Recreation began using larvicide briquettes to treat standing water on City-...

Facial coverings no longer required at City facilities

PHOTO #1: A sign at the City of Victoria Development Center states the office’s occupancy limit.

PHOTO #2: A sign at the City of Victoria Planning office reminds visitors of best practices that can help to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The City ...

Residents asked to report storm impacts; Guadalupe River expected to flood

The Victoria Office of Emergency Management is collecting information on storm-related damages to help emergency response officials understand the impact to the community.

City and county residents who experienced damages because of the heavy rainfall that...

City of Victoria Fire Department celebrates EMS Week

PHOTO: DeTar Hospital Navarro provided complimentary donuts to EMS workers May 17 in celebration of National EMS Week. Citizens Medical Center and DeTar Healthcare System will provide meals and snacks for EMS workers throughout the week. Shown from left a...

Municipal Court earns national award for remote services

PHOTO: The City of Victoria Municipal Court received a Tyler Excellence Award from Tyler Technologies for its innovative use of Tyler’s Incode software during the pandemic.

The City of Victoria Municipal Court has added many new resources to help residents...

Victoria Police Officers Association paints curbs to aid emergency response

PHOTO #1: From left, Victoria Police Department Officer Nathaniel Arnold and Senior Police Officer Francisco Reyes, volunteers with the Victoria Police Officers Association, paint address numbers on a curb May 8 in the Tuscany neighborhood. The VPOA, an a...

Parks & Recreation sprays for mosquitoes, will treat whole city twice

PHOTO: A Parks & Recreation vehicle sprays for mosquitoes in this 2019 file photo.

The mosquitoes that were spawned after the heavy rainfall May 1 have reached adulthood, and Parks & Recreation is doubling down on the pesky insects.

Parks & Recr...

Historic downtown properties receive grant funding for improvements

PHOTO #1: Fossati’s Delicatessen received a $10,000 grant from the City of Victoria Main Street Program’s Downtown Façade Grant Program to install a new roof. Shown Wednesday, from left, are Main Street Program Director Dani...

City of Victoria employees donate blood

PHOTO #1: A South Texas Blood & Tissue Center mobile blood donation unit is parked April 30 outside the City of Victoria offices at 700 Main Center. The City of Victoria hosts an on-site blood drive about once per year to give employees an opportunity...

Victoria Fire Department swears in new employees, honors achievements

PHOTO #1: From left, Firefighter/EMT John Lewis and EMT trainees Nicholas Barnes, Kyle Crowder, Dakoda Drabek, Jeffrey Mosmeyer, James Richards, Mathew Sheffel and Oscar Torres are sworn into the Victoria Fire Department on Friday by administrative assist...

Parks & Recreation closes areas of Riverside Park as river rises

PHOTO: Mud and debris float on the Guadalupe River near the Riverside Park Boat Ramp on Monday. The boat ramp is closed due to dangerous conditions on the river.

The skies may have cleared after this weekend’s rainfall, but dangerous conditions r...

Riverside Golf Course, local clubs to host City Championship tournament

PHOTO #1: Bryce Martinez prepares to hit his tee shot June 18, 2020, at Riverside Golf Course.

PHOTO #2: Head Golf Professional Rolando Hernandez poses for a photo June 18, 2020, at Riverside Golf Course.

Riverside Golf Course’s improved greens wi...

Victoria Police Department announces retirement, military commission

Sgt. Herschel Buck retired from the Victoria Police Department on April 28 after a 23-year career in law enforcement. Buck graduated from the Victoria College Police Academy as class president and valedictorian in 1998 and began his career with the Yoakum...

Bridge Street to be reduced as generator construction begins

A portion of Bridge Street between Juan Linn Street and Church Street will be reduced to one lane of traffic beginning April 28 so that Austin Generator Service can complete excavation for a new concrete pad for an emergency generator.

The lane reduction w...

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’s Development Services announces promotions

Aubree Fatland recently was promoted from geographic information systems (GIS) analyst I to GIS analyst II. In this role, she will take on increased responsibilities and play a role in the implementation of improved processes as she works to coll...

Summer sports league registration opens Monday

PHOTO #1: Participants compete April 7 in the City of Victoria Parks & Recreations’ spring adult kickball league at the Adult Softball Complex, 510 Proctor St.

PHOTO #2: Participants compete April 8 in the City of Victoria Parks & Recreat...

Splash pads to open 7 days a week

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

Families with young kids looking to beat the heat are invited to enjoy the new extended hours at the City of Victoria Parks & Recreation spl...

City of Victoria recognized for financial transparency, ethical accounting

PHOTO: The City of Victoria Finance office received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for fiscal year 2019 and was found to be in compliance with state accounting standards for fiscal year 2020.

The City of Victoria recei...

Police volunteer group launches curb-painting service project

PHOTO: Members of the Victoria Police Officers Association pose April 2 with Easter baskets that they delivered to children in local hospitals and foster care. The VPOA is a volunteer group of Victoria Police Department officers who give back to the commu...

Summer street dances return as Parks & Recreation announces 2021 dates

PHOTO: Joel Nava & the Texas Border performs May 4, 2019, during a Parks & Recreation street dance at DeLeon Plaza. Parks & Recreation and Glazer (formerly Hartman Distributing) will host four street dances this year featuring live music at De...

Victoria Fire Department concludes at-home vaccination program

PHOTO: Team leader Brandy Marek with the Victoria Fire Department administers a dose of the COVID-19 vaccine Feb. 5 to a Victoria Meals on Wheels client.

The Victoria Fire Department is no longer accepting registrations for its COVID-19 vaccination program...

Friends of the Library book sale returns with new health measures

PHOTO: Victoria residents browse gently used books at the Friends of the Library book sale in May 2019. 

Victoria residents will once again be able to browse the Bronte room for bargain-priced books when the Friends of the Library hosts its first ...

City announces road reduction, next phase of Crestwood Drive project

PHOTO #1: Crestwood Drive from Ben Jordan Street to Laurent Street is blocked with traffic cones and barricades April 6 during Phase One of the Crestwood Drive reconstruction project. The road will reopen fully April 8.

PHOTO #2: Traffic cones line the nor...

Keep Victoria Beautiful launches Business Beautification Award

PHOTO: Winners of Keep Victoria Beautiful’s monthly Business Beautification Award will receive a traveling yard sign to display in front of their businesses.

Residents who’d like to recognize Victoria businesses that go the extra mile t...

Keep Victoria Beautiful invites residents to clean up highway

PHOTO: City of Victoria employees and community members pick up trash along Loop 463 during an Adopt-a-Highway cleanup Feb. 8, 2020.

Residents can play a role in keeping Victoria beautiful by signing up for the City of Victoria/Keep Victoria Beautiful Adop...

Municipal Court to host Java with the Judge meet-and-greet

PHOTO #1: Municipal Court Judge Vanessa Heinold, middle, visits with members of the public during Java with the Judge on Nov. 6, 2020. Residents will have a chance to meet with Municipal Court personnel and ask questions when the court hosts its second Ja...

Utility Billing Office resumes normal billing practices after winter storm

The City of Victoria Utility Billing Office is lifting its emergency billing policies that were put in place to accommodate residents who were impacted by the February winter freeze.

Starting April 1, the Utility Billing Office will resume charging its usu...

Municipal Court honored for impaired driving prevention

PHOTO #1:  City of Victoria Municipal Court Judge Vanessa Heinold addresses Trinity Episcopal School eighth-grade students during a mock trial Nov. 5, 2020, at the Municipal Court. The court received an award March 30 for its efforts to teach stu...

Registration opens for high school, adult summer sports leagues

PHOTO #1: The Cuero softball team were the champions of the City of Victoria’s 2020 high school softball league.

PHOTO #2: Participants in the City of Victoria’s spring coed volleyball league play volleyball March 25 at Riverside Park.

R...

Riverside Golf Course upgrades irrigation system

PHOTO #1: Riverside Golf Course’s new irrigation pump station is located in a shed on the golf course.

PHOTO #2: Riverside Golf Course’s new irrigation pump includes variable frequency drive motors that speed up and slow down based on d...

Parks & Recreation to host master plan open houses

PHOTO #1: A pavilion is one of the amenities offered at Ethel Lee Tracy Park. Parks & Recreation is preparing to host two open houses to engage with residents on its forthcoming master plan, which will include conceptual renderings of Ethel Lee Tracy ...

COVID-19 vaccine registration opens for homebound residents

PHOTO: Team leader Brandy Marek with the Victoria Fire Department administers a dose of the COVID-19 vaccine Feb. 5 to a Victoria Meals on Wheels client.

Victoria County residents who are homebound because of a medical condition and who are at least 18 yea...

Residents graduate from 2021 Citizens Academy, earn recognition

PHOTO #1: From left, City Manager Jesús A. Garza, Mayor Pro Tem Josephine Soliz, Citizens Academy participant Debbie Pilsner and Communications & Public Affairs Director Ashley Strevel pose for a photo March 18 at the final 2021 Citizens Ac...

City of Victoria employees complete higher education

City of Victoria Municipal Court clerk Elizabeth Montes earned the title of Certified Court Clerk II on March 17 from the Texas Court Clerks Association in conjunction with the Texas Municipal Courts Education Center, the Texas Municipal Courts Associatio...

City invests $2.7M in streets, infrastructure projects

The Victoria City Council during the past month approved projects totaling more than $2.7M to rehabilitate streets and utilities in the North Heights subdivision, design a drainage and street repair project in the Lone Tree Acres subdivision, place a seal...

Municipal Court prepares to host virtual jury trials

PHOTO: The City of Victoria Municipal Court’s virtual kiosk is available to defendants without access to attend virtual court sessions. The kiosk is disinfected between uses.

The City of Victoria Municipal Court plans to start conducting virtual ...

Grant funds Victoria Public Library hotspot program, other remote services

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 March 16 to film Story Time Live at the Vi...

Parks & Recreation to host summer cornhole, washers leagues

PHOTO: Participants compete in the City of Victoria Parks & Recreation’s cornhole league June 10, 2020, at Aero Crafters. Registration opens March 22 for the 2021 cornhole and washers summer leagues.

Residents can register starting Monday, Ma...

Victoria Police Department swears in 2 new officers

PHOTO #1: From left, Daniel Ruiz and J.T. Smith were sworn in March 11 as new Victoria Police Department officers during an outdoor ceremony at the City Hall courtyard, 105 W. Juan Linn St. The new officers now begin a 16-week field training program along...

City asks for input about storm drainage, infrastructure

Residents will have a chance to share feedback about their experiences with drainage in Victoria and provide direction for the forthcoming storm drainage master plan by responding to a brief survey.

The City is in the process of updating its storm drainage...

Parks & Recreation pop-up park brings fun to residents

PHOTO #1: Recreation coordinators Gabby Anglin, left, and Alex Moore pose Feb. 6 with the City of Victoria Parks & Recreation’s new pop-up park trailer Feb. 6 at the Son Valley Ranch Family Outdoor Expo.

PHOTO #2: Residents play with yard games and oth...

City of Victoria Public Works announces certifications, promotions

City of Victoria utility crew chief Lorenzo Guerra and utility equipment operator Jefferson Lemmons earned their water distribution Class C licenses from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. The Class C license is an occupational license certify...

City of Victoria will keep requiring masks in municipal buildings after mandate ends

PHOTO: A sign at the Victoria Public Library reminds visitors to wear facial coverings.

The City of Victoria will continue to require visitors and employees to wear facial coverings at City-operated facilities after the statewide mask mandate is lifted Wed...

Residents can discuss thoroughfare master plan at open houses

The City of Victoria Development Services will host two virtual open houses so that residents can provide input on the forthcoming thoroughfare master plan.

The open houses will be hosted March 4, one at 12 p.m. and one at 5 p.m. Residents will be able to ...

Parks & Recreation installs new plaques at Memorial Rose Garden

PHOTO #1: Two memorial plaques were installed Feb. 24 at the Memorial Rose Garden in Riverside Park, bearing the names of approximately 1,400 people whose family members and loved ones dedicated roses to them.

PHOTO #2: One of the plaques at the Memorial R...

City of Victoria offers financial relief to residents affected by storm

PHOTO #1: The City of Victoria Utility Billing Office, 700 Main St., Suite 110.

PHOTO #2: The City of Victoria Development Center, 700 Main St., Suite 128.

The City of Victoria has temporarily amended some of its financial policies to accommodate residents ...

City delivers bottled water, helps with food bank distribution

PHOTO #1: City of Victoria employees load water onto a flatbed trailer Sunday at the Parks & Recreation office in Riverside Park. The City received more than 1,500 cases of water from the Texas Division of Emergency Management’s State Operations Cente...

Victoria Fire Department honors employees during ceremony

The Victoria Fire Department swore in two new employees, honored five recently promoted fire engineers and recognized an employee who completed her probationary period during a ceremony at the Victoria Community Center annex Friday. Shown from left are ne...

City seeks input on conceptual renderings for 3 parks

PHOTO #1: The Grover’s Bend Pavilion is located in Riverside Park, one of the parks that will receive a conceptual rendering as part of the City of Victoria’s forthcoming Parks & Recreation master plan. 

PHOTO #2: An amphitheater is one of the...

Environmental Services schedules make-up recycling pickup Sunday

The City of Victoria Environmental Services will collect recycling Sunday for residents whose recycling collection was scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 16.

Although Environmental Services collected recycling on Tuesday, many residents did not leave out their re...

City restores water pressure, begins process to remove water boil notice

The City has restored adequate pressure to its water system to be able to send water samples for testing, a crucial step in the process of removing the water boil notice.

City officials provided an update about water service during a virtual press briefing...

City of Victoria Development Center to reopen today

The City of Victoria Development Center will open 12-5 p.m. today so that the City can begin issuing permits and performing inspections for residents who need to perform emergency repairs.

The Development Center is located at 700 Main Center, Suite 128. Re...

City begins restoration of water to the south pressure plane

The City was able to begin the process of opening the public water system in the south pressure plane at 7 a.m. 

Overnight, water storage tanks reached optimal storage capacity that facilitated beginning the process this morning. Water line breaks...

AEP Texas restores more than 150,000 customers overnight as generation increases

(FROM AN AEP TEXAS NEWS RELEASE)

(CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS – February 18, 2021) AEP Texas restored electric service to approximately 150,000 customers overnight late Wednesday into Thursday morning as more generation came online in ERCOT. We are actively work...

City works to restore water service, activates hotline/website

City crews and contractors continue to work to identify, isolate and/or repair broken water lines and refill the City’s water tanks and water towers; at the same time, City officials will activate a hotline and webpage for residents to seek information.

Ci...

City extends closure of offices through Friday

The City of Victoria today extended its declaration of inclement weather through Friday, Feb. 19, at 5 p.m. During this time, all city facilities will remain closed to the public.

• Nonemergency city offices will be closed. 
• Automated garbage and sol...

ERCOT outage orders continue; AEP focuses on critical services, those without power longest

(FROM AN AEP TEXAS NEWS RELEASE)

(CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS – February 17, 2021) ERCOT on Wednesday directed AEP Texas to shed load once again. With continued ERCOT orders to remove load off the grid, power outages will continue. AEP Texas crews and employees ...

City of Victoria issues boil-water notice

Due to recent severe weather impacts on Victoria’s public water system, the City of Victoria is advising all residents to boil water prior to consumption. 

Water customers should follow below precautionary boil-water instructions. This b...

City closes Wednesday due to inclement weather

The City of Victoria today extended its declaration of inclement weather to include the 24-hour period beginning Tuesday at 5 p.m. through Wednesday at 5 p.m., during which time all city facilities will remain closed. 

The decision to extend the c...

Victoria to host annual statewide sporting event

PHOTO #1: The Texas Amateur Athletic Federation has chosen Victoria to host the 2022-2024 TAAF Winter Games.

PHOTO #2: The City of Victoria Youth Sports Complex was proposed as a venue for fastpitch softball, baseball and kickball for the TAAF Winter Games...

City of Victoria employees participate in Crossroads Heart & Stroke Walk

From left, City Manager Jesús A. Garza, City Secretary April Hilbrich, Municipal Court Administrator Tiffany Totah and Building and Equipment Services principal clerk Brisa Aguirre pause for a selfie Saturday during the Crossroads Heart & Stroke Walk....

Victoria Fire Department names 5 new fire engineers

Victoria Fire Department employees Zachary Chapman, Cullen Doehrman, Weston Martin, Andrew Sherman and John Yusko were recently promoted to the rank of fire engineer. In this role, they will be responsible for driving fire engines and handling th...

City to allocate federal COVID-19 rent assistance through state program

PHOTO: Application forms for the Texas Emergency Rental Assistance Program are available at the City of Victoria Planning and Development Services office, 700 Main St., Suite 129, or online at www.victoriatx.gov/covidassist. 

Qualified residents w...

Victoria Fire Department delivers COVID-19 vaccine to homebound seniors

PHOTO #1: Members of the Victoria Fire Department and volunteer registered nurse Megan Garcia prepare doses of the COVID-19 vaccine Friday for distribution to Victoria Meals on Wheels clients. The fire department partnered with Meals on Wheels to deliver ...

Municipal Court plans extra E-Court sessions for Warrant Resolution Month

PHOTO: Defendants without access to attend an E-Court appearance can schedule an appointment to use the City of Victoria Municipal Court’s virtual kiosk during Warrant Resolution Month. For information on scheduling an appearance, defendants may contact t...

Utility Billing Office resumes normal hours for walk-in, drive-thru access

The City of Victoria Utility Billing Office has resumed its regular hours for lobby and drive-thru service after these services temporarily were suspended Jan. 21 and after the drive-thru reopened with limited hours Jan. 26.

The lobby is open 8 a.m.-5 p.m....

City of Victoria Parks & Recreation opens registration for spring leagues

PHOTO: Participants compete in the City of Victoria Parks & Recreation’s cornhole league Oct. 28, 2020, on the back patio at Aero Crafters. Registration is open for the 2021 cornhole league and other spring leagues.

Registration is open for t...

City asks for input about parks facilities, recreational programming

PHOTO: The Children’s Park at Riverside Park.

Residents will be able to share their priorities for Victoria’s parks, recreational facilities and event programming by responding to a new survey that will be used to shape the forthcoming ...

Municipal Court administrator receives certification

City of Victoria Municipal Court Administrator Tiffany Totah recently earned her Certified Court Manager certification from the nationwide Institute for Court Management. To earn the certification, court officials must complete coursework in areas that in...

City of Victoria Parks & Recreation to host free drive-in car bingo

Residents will have to bring their A-game—or, rather, their B-I-N-G-O game—for a chance to win fun prizes at the City of Victoria Parks & Recreation’s first-ever drive-in bingo Feb. 26 at the Riverside Stadium parking lot.

Games start at 7 p.m. The eve...

Utility Billing Office reopens drive-thru with limited hours

PHOTO: The Utility Billing Office at 700 Main Center.

The City of Victoria Utility Billing Office drive-thru will be open 12-3:30 p.m. starting Tuesday after the office last week suspended its drive-thru and walk-in services.

The lobby will remain closed at...

Utility Billing Office suspends in-person access, accepts remote payments only

The City of Victoria is temporarily closing its Utility Billing Office to walk-in and drive-thru access, though residents who would like to pay their utility bills can do so remotely. 

Residents can pay water, sewer or garbage bills online by visi...

City enters into countywide agreement for economic development cooperation

The Victoria City Council on Tuesday voted for the City to enter into a memorandum of understanding that affirms the City’s desire to collaborate with local public entities to promote economic development in Victoria County. 

The MOU expresses a c...

City asks for input about roadways, transportation

Residents can help to guide the future of Victoria’s transportation network by completing a short survey and submitting comments that will be used to shape the City of Victoria’s forthcoming thoroughfare master plan (TMP).

“As our city continues to grow, w...

City invites downtown property occupants to apply for renovation grant

PHOTO: Storefronts line Main Street in downtown Victoria.

Qualified occupants of retail and office spaces downtown can apply for matching grants for exterior improvement projects through the Victoria Main Street Program’s Downtown Façade Grant Program.

“Thi...

Victoria officials to open COVID-19 vaccine registration, clinic

UPDATE: All of the vaccines for the Jan. 21 Phase 1B COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic have been assigned; therefore, registration has closed. If Victoria residents received a confirmation email and/or text, they are signed up for the clinic hosted Thursday at ...

City lifts mandatory water conservation measures

City of Victoria residents are no longer required to limit their water usage but are still encouraged to practice voluntary water conservation measures after the City this week terminated all restrictions under its drought contingency plan.

The City’s drou...

City of Victoria closings for Martin Luther King Jr. Day observance

All nonemergency offices at the City of Victoria will close Monday (Jan. 18) in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

The Victoria Public Library will be open.

Scheduled automated garbage, curbside recycling, yard waste and/or tree limbs will be collect...

City asks for input about downtown

PHOTO: The Leo J. Welder Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Victoria.

Residents will be able to determine the direction of the forthcoming downtown master plan by responding to a preliminary survey that asks residents about their priorities and vis...

Victoria Police Department swears in 6 new officers

The Victoria Police Department swore in six new officers during a Jan. 8 ceremony at the Victoria Community Center annex. Shown from left are officers Zechariah Vela, Ryan Ramos, Mia Gallegos, James Swisher, Trenton Ballard and Tristan Smith. The new offi...

Deadline approaches for questions on City broadband effort

PHOTO: A slide from a Dec. 1 presentation to the Victoria City Council illustrates Victoria’s rate of broadband adoption. The City is seeking proposals to improve internet access in Victoria.

Broadband developers will have until 1 p.m. Jan. 8 to ask questi...

Longtime Victoria Police Department officers retire

PHOTO #1: From left, Sergeant Adam Nieto and Sergeant Lee Lemmons walk out of the Victoria Police Department building during their retirement ceremony.

PHOTO #2: From left, Sergeant Lee Lemmons and Sergeant Adam Nieto are applauded by fellow officers durin...

Victoria Fire Department administers COVID-19 vaccines to employees

PHOTO #1: The Victoria Fire Department began vaccinating its employees against COVID-19 at 7:30 a.m. Tuesday at a fire department facility. Shown from left are Captain Brandon Strelczyk, fire medic Pamela Yanta, fire medic Brandy Marek and fire medic Roma...

Victoria Fire Department recognizes 2020 achievements

The Victoria Fire Department recently conferred its 2020 Peer Awards, honoring the achievements of individuals and teams within the department during an especially challenging year. 

Firefighter/EMT Angelo Stafford was named Rookie of the Year. St...

City accepting applications for federally funded home buyout program

PHOTO: A vehicle drives down a flooded roadway in Victoria in 2017 after Hurricane Harvey. Because of the severe threat of flooding near the Guadalupe River, the City is participating in a federally funded buyout program to purchase and demolish homes in ...

Victoria Police Department uses local child’s design for Christmas card

PHOTO #1: Victoria Police Department Chief Robert Arredondo poses for a photo Dec. 11 with Mason Lara, a second-grader at Nazareth Academy, in Arredondo’s office. Mason is the winner of VPD’s Christmas card design contest, and his drawing is featured on t...

Victoria Fire Department employees donate gifts to local families

PHOTO #1: Victoria Fire Department Station One employees, from left, firefighter/EMT Spencer Craig, fire medic Zachary Negron, Lieutenant Robert Bayer, firefighter/EMT David Willis, Lieutenant Allen Carroll, Battalion Chief Jeffery Cowan, fire medic Devon...

City of Victoria seeks broadband developer

The City of Victoria is seeking proposals for a broadband improvement program that will lead to faster and more affordable internet in Victoria and potentially the surrounding Golden Crescent region.

The request for proposals was developed by the Victoria ...

City spruces up Street of Ten Friends historical marker

PHOTO #1: The Street of Ten Friends sign at the corner of North and Main streets was recently renovated by the City of Victoria.

PHOTO #2: From left, Benjamin Anthony Treviño and Chris Ceballos, with the City of Victoria Building Services, hang the restore...

Part of Country Club Drive to close to northbound traffic

Beginning Monday, Dec. 7, Country Club Drive will be closed to northbound traffic between Stephenson and Navarro streets for three weeks, weather permitting, so that utilities can be repaired.

All businesses in the construction zone will remain open and ac...

Citizens Academy to return in 2021 with new features

PHOTO: Distinguished Citizen Award recipients are honored during a City Council meeting in 2019. The award is given to residents who complete all three academies offered by the City of Victoria: Citizens Academy, the Citizen Responder program and the Civi...

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...

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...

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...

City of Victoria hosts giveaway to encourage shopping small

Residents who visit local businesses in Victoria through Dec. 18 will have a chance to win prizes through the “Yule Love Shopping Victoria!” giveaway hosted by the City of Victoria Convention & Visitors Bureau.

The giveaway invites residents to collect...

City needs public to conserve water

The City of Victoria is requiring residents to take steps to conserve water as the City initiated Stage II of its drought contingency plan this week. 

The City’s drought contingency plan is a series of water conservation measures that the City is ...

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...

City of Victoria announces new hires

The City of Victoria Legal hired Ruby Boone as an assistant city attorney starting Nov. 16. In this role, she will serve as the prosecutor for the City of Victoria Municipal Court and will be the primary legal adviser to several departments, boards and co...

Part of Main Street to close

Main Street will close to through traffic from Commercial Street to Goodwin Avenue on Saturday, Nov. 14, about 7 a.m. to noon so that the rooftop HVAC units at the Victoria Public Library, 302 N. Main St., can be replaced.

A crane will be used to replace t...

Part of Crestwood Drive to close

On Friday, Nov. 13, Crestwood Drive will close for construction between Ben Jordan and Halsey streets from 5 a.m. to 1 p.m., weather permitting.

All businesses and homes in the construction zone will remain accessible. Through traffic can avoid delays by s...

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...

City of Victoria announces promotion, new hire

The City of Victoria Public Works has hired Todd Jarisch as a project manager. In this newly created role, he will be responsible for planning, organizing, budgeting and managing the capital improvement program as well as Public Works projects. Jarisch ha...

Part of Crestwood Drive to close

On Tuesday, Nov. 10, Crestwood Drive will close for construction between Ben Jordan and Halsey streets from 5 a.m. to 1 p.m., weather permitting.

All businesses and homes in the construction zone will remain accessible. Through traffic can avoid delays by ...

Part of Crestwood Drive to close to eastbound traffic

Beginning Monday, Nov. 9, Crestwood Drive will close to eastbound traffic between Main Street and the railroad tracks in the 300 block of West Crestwood Drive for three weeks, weather permitting, so utilities can be installed.

All businesses in the constru...

Outside developer will invest $31M in economic development for City

PHOTO: This map shows the plan for a new shopping center and additional pads on undeveloped land owned by Houston-based Property Commerce. The Victoria City Council on Nov. 3 approved an agreement to relocate a nearby exit ramp to provide access to the pr...

Municipal Court partners with Trinity Episcopal School to host mock trial

PHOTO #1: From left, Victoria Police Department Cadet John Edwards, Municipal Court Judge Vanessa Heinold and Officer Phillip Garcia give a presentation Oct. 20 to Katrina Pogue’s eighth-grade history class at Trinity Episcopal School in preparation for a...

Municipal Court participates in Texas Tech mock trial

City of Victoria Municipal Court Judge Vanessa Heinold judged the Texas Tech University School of Law’s Advanced Mock Trial competition on Oct. 16. Heinold is a graduate of the Texas Tech University School of Law, and the Board of Barristers law student o...

City seeks applicants for volunteer economic, community development board

PHOTO: From left, Russell Dempsey, William Blanchard and Mark Loffgren are sworn in Jan. 27 as new board members of the Victoria Sales Tax Development Corporation.

The City of Victoria is seeking two members of the public to serve on the board of the Victo...

Victoria Fire Department honors winners of poster contest

The Victoria Fire Department recently conducted its Fire Prevention Poster Contest at local schools in observance of National Fire Prevention Week. The contest was sponsored in part by Victoria Fire and Safety, Citgo Petroleum Corporation and Rosewood Fun...

Part of Crestwood Drive to close Nov. 4

On Wednesday, Nov. 4, Crestwood Drive between Laurent and Azalea streets will close for construction from 5 a.m. to 1 p.m., weather permitting.

All businesses and homes in the construction zone will remain accessible. Through traffic can avoid delays in th...

Part of Airline Road to be reduced Oct. 30

On Friday, Oct. 30, westbound traffic on Airline Road will be reduced to one lane from Ben Jordan Street to Laurent Street for one day, weather permitting, so sanitary sewer lines can be cleaned and inspected.

All businesses in the construction zone will r...

COVID-19 relief funds to help with rent, mortgage

Qualified residents who are having trouble making their rent or mortgage payments because of COVID-19 can apply for financial assistance through the Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus Rental and Mortgage Assistance Program administered by the C...

Laurent Street to be reduced for 3 days between Anaqua and Melrose avenues

Northbound traffic on Laurent Street between Anaqua and Melrose avenues will be reduced to one lane beginning Tuesday, Oct. 27, for three days, weather permitting, so pavement can be repaired.

All businesses and homes in the construction zone will remain a...

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 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 ...

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...

Water sampling kits not authorized by City

The City of Victoria has received multiple calls from residents reporting that they have received water sampling kits delivered to their doorsteps with instructions to collect water samples for testing. These kits are not authorized by the City or affilia...

City names Robert Arredondo as new police chief

Roberto (Robert) Arredondo Jr. has been named the sole finalist to become the police chief for the City of Victoria. Arredondo currently serves in the appointed executive rank of major for the Dallas Police Department. 

“Robert is highly qualified...

Municipal Court administrator receives Distinguished Service Award

City of Victoria Municipal Court Administrator Tiffany Totah on Monday received the Distinguished Service Award from the Texas Court Clerks Association, of which Totah is president for the South Texas Chapter. According to nomination information provided ...

City seeks volunteers to serve on Tourism Advisory Board

The City of Victoria Convention & Visitors Bureau is seeking volunteers to serve on the Tourism Advisory Board, a new board that will advise the City on matters related to the tourism industry and the allocation of hotel occupancy tax funds.

Under the ...

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 of Victoria employees assist with food distribution

PHOTO #1: City of Victoria employees assist the Food Bank of the Golden Crescent with a drive-up food distribution event Sept. 28 at F.W. Gross Elementary School. About 15 City of Victoria employees volunteered at the event, and 33,677 pounds of food was ...

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...

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...

City moves forward with master plans

The Victoria City Council on Sept. 15 approved the hiring of consultants for the forthcoming storm drainage and thoroughfare master plans, two of four master plans the City is undertaking this year as it continues implementation of the 2035 Comprehensive ...

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 ...

Planning Services hires community development planner

Vanessa Villafranca-Cummins was recently hired by Planning Services as the community development planner. In this role, she will serve as the Community Development Block Grant coordinator and will be responsible for organizing, directing and administering...

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...

Placido Benavides Drive provides alternate route near Victoria Mall

Residents who want to travel between Navarro Street north of the Victoria Mall and the intersection of Salem Road and Loop 463 can do so by driving on Placido Benavides Drive.

The roadway was completed in early July and connects with the intersection of Gl...

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...

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...

City of Victoria donates laptops to VISD device drive

City of Victoria staff on Friday donate 10 laptops to the VISD Education Foundation’s device drive. The devices will be distributed to VISD students who need them to participate in remote learning. From left, James Foote, director of Information Technolog...

New member appointed to housing authority board

Mayor Rawley McCoy has appointed Raquel Garza to the Victoria Housing Authority Board, which oversees public housing for low-income residents, to fill a vacated term that will expire Jan. 15, 2022. Garza will be sworn in Sept. 22 at the board’s next meeti...

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...

Notice of Adopted 2020 Tax Rate

THE CITY OF VICTORIA ADOPTED A TAX RATE THAT WILL RAISE MORE TAXES FOR MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONS THAN LAST YEAR’S RATE.  A RATE OF $0.6115 PER $100 PER VALUATION WAS ADOPTED, THE SAME RATE AS THE PRIOR YEAR.

City Council approves 2021 budget, property tax rate

PHOTO: An image from a March 3 presentation to City Council shows the proposed new design for the duck pond in Riverside Park. The Victoria City Council approved funding for renovations to the duck pond in the budget for fiscal year 2021.

The Victoria City...

Streets to close for railroad track maintenance

Starting Wednesday, Sept. 2, Union Pacific Railroad will close the following streets 7 a.m.-7 p.m. for four days for track maintenance:

• Water Street between Depot Street and East Street
• Cameron Street between River Street and Third Street
• Murray Street betwe...

City creates grants administrator position to pursue funding opportunities

The City of Victoria has created a grants administrator position to seek out more and better funding opportunities across all City departments.

“Grants are a critical resource for us to maximize our funding and provide more services to our residents,” City...

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-...

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...

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...

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...

City’s Police, Fire raise funds for childhood cancer research

Members of the Victoria Police Department and the Victoria Fire Department in September will shave their heads in the name of childhood cancer research, and the two departments are competing to see who can collect the most donations.

Every year, the St. Ba...

Construction begins at new Riverside Soccer Complex

From left, Jason Alfaro, director of City of Victoria Parks & Recreation; City Manager Jesús A. Garza; City Council member Jan Scott; City Attorney Thomas Gwosdz; Mayor Rawley McCoy; Mayor Pro Tem Josephine Soliz; Brian Parker, Victoria Youth Soccer O...

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...

New sewer line will open more than 140 acres for development

Victoria City Council on Tuesday approved funding for a new sewer line that will allow for the development of Springwood Medical Plaza Phase II and will open about 140 additional acres for future development.

“We have an opportunity to capitalize on land w...

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 ...

City seeks feedback on plans for using federal funds

The City of Victoria Development Services is seeking feedback from Victoria residents on three plans that will direct how thousands of dollars in federal funding are spent.

The City receives funding through the federal Community Development Block Grant (CD...