News Flash

Part of Crestwood Drive to close

On Monday, Jan. 18, Crestwood Drive will close for construction between Laurent and Nimitz streets from 5 a.m. to 12 p.m., weather permitting.

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

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&rs...

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...

Part of Crestwood Drive to close

On Wednesday, Jan. 13, Crestwood Drive will close for construction between Laurent and Nimitz streets from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., weather permitting.

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

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...

Four-month Woodway Subdivision road project to begin Monday

PHOTO: The Woodway Subdivision street rehabilitation and overlay project (area shown in blue).

On Monday, Jan. 11, the City will begin a $3 million street rehabilitation and overlay project in the Woodway Subdivision. Road closures will occur as work progr...

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...

Part of Crestwood Drive to close

On Tuesday, Jan. 5, Crestwood Drive will close for construction between Retama 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 seeki...

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...

Part of Country Club Drive to close

Beginning Monday, Dec. 21, Country Club Drive will be closed between Stephenson and Navarro streets for three days, weather permitting, so utilities can be repaired.

All businesses in the construction zone will remain open and accessible, and the public is...

City of Victoria closings for Christmas, New Year’s Day

All nonemergency City of Victoria offices will close Thursday, Dec. 24, and Friday, Dec. 25, in observance of Christmas. Offices also will close Friday, Jan. 1, for New Year’s Day.

VICTORIA PUBLIC LIBRARY

The Victoria Public Library will close Thu...

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 ...

Parks & Recreation opens registration for adult basketball, flag football

PHOTO: A basketball player shoots a basket at the multi-use pavilion basketball court next to the Youth Sports Complex.

The City of Victoria Parks & Recreation is accepting registrants for its adult basketball and flag football leagues, which will oper...

Application deadline extended for Sales Tax Development Corporation 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.

Residents have until 5 p.m. Dec. 29 to apply to serve on the board of the Victoria Sales Tax...

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 Toys for Tots donation drive

PHOTO: A Toys for Tots donation box sits in the hallway at 700 Main Center.

The City of Victoria is participating in the Marine Toys for Tots holiday toy drive as a way to encourage employees to give back to their community.

“This is part of our continuing ...

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...

Municipal Court expands E-Court resources

PHOTO: The City of Victoria Municipal Court has added an on-site virtual kiosk to allow defendants without Zoom access to attend E-Court sessions. 

The City of Victoria Municipal Court will not conduct any jury trials or bench trials until Septemb...

City Hall hosts exhibit from Museum of the Coastal Bend

The Museum of the Coastal Bend on Wednesday installed a new exhibit at City Hall, “Can You Dig It? Archaeology in the Coastal Bend,” to teach visitors about the methods used by the Coastal Bend Archaeological Logistics Team (CoBALT) to excavate and evalua...

City of Victoria reports additional positive cases of COVID-19 among employees

The City of Victoria continues to monitor positive cases among employees and follow guidance from the Victoria County Public Health Department and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to curb the spread of COVID-19.

Two additional employees have ...

Parks & Recreation employees receive nationally recognized certification

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

Victoria Main Street Program launches monthly newsletter

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

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

City of Victoria reports additional positive cases of COVID-19 among employees

The City of Victoria continues to monitor positive cases among employees and follow guidance from the Victoria County Public Health Department and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to curb the spread of COVID-19.

Five additional employees have...

City to accept HOT fund applications starting Monday

The City of Victoria will be accepting applications from July 20 to July 31 from local organizations seeking hotel occupancy tax (HOT) funds. 

Under Texas law, the City collects a hotel occupancy tax from hotels, bed-and-breakfasts and other lodgi...

City Council hosts meetings remotely; multiple viewing options available

PHOTO: City officials discuss the Victoria Development Commission/Corporation during a June 7 meeting of the Victoria City Council that was conducted remotely via Zoom.

Victoria City Council meetings are currently being conducted remotely, but even though ...

City of Victoria cancels Bootfest 2020

The City of Victoria has canceled Bootfest 2020 following many weeks of extensive consideration.

As a result of ongoing concern over the spread of COVID-19, City staff determined the event could not be held in a manner that ensured the health and safety of...

City of Victoria reports new cases of COVID-19

The City of Victoria is closely monitoring positive cases among employees and following guidance from the Victoria County Public Health Department and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to curb the spread of COVID-19.

Thirteen City of Victoria ...

Community Appearance Division unveils new Welcome to Victoria sign

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

PHOTO #2: The City of Vict...

City reminds businesses to apply for loan program

PHOTO: Foot traffic in downtown Victoria has been slower than usual because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The City of Victoria still has funds available to small businesses in Victoria through its Business Resiliency Microloan Program, a partnership with Peopl...

Victoria Main Street Program places banners downtown

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

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

Victoria Main Street Program designated as Main Street America Affiliate

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

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

4 more City of Victoria employees test positive for COVID-19

PHOTO: Firefighter EMT Franco Rodriguez waits at the entrance of 700 Main Center to provide masks to visitors.

Three Victoria Police Department employees and one Victoria Fire Department employee are recovering at home after testing positive for COVID-19 t...

Mayor amends order, exempts specific groups from wearing facial coverings

City of Victoria Mayor Rawley McCoy signed an executive order Wednesday, July 1, outlining exceptions to his June 25 order on facial coverings.

The new order states that the following people are exempt from the requirement to wear facial coverings at busin...

City of Victoria postpones Fourth of July event

The City of Victoria Parks & Recreation has decided to postpone the Fourth of July fireworks show originally scheduled to take place at the Victoria Community Center.

The decision is a response to the high rate of community transmission of COVID-19 and...

Day care honors Victoria Public Library staff member for outreach efforts

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

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

As COVID-19 cases rise, City urges public to follow health measures

The City of Victoria is reminding the public to abide by new protective measures and existing regulations at City facilities amid a countywide spike in cases.

Four city employees tested positive for COVID-19 during the past week.  All of the emplo...

Navarro median project update

From a Texas Department of Transportation news release

Rio Grande Street: Contractor has been working on Rio Grande installing sidewalks and curb ramps at the northern corners of Ben Wilson Street. Contractor will begin working on sidewalks and driveways b...

City mandates that businesses, City facilities require facial coverings

City of Victoria Mayor Rawley McCoy signed an order June 25 requiring all businesses to implement health and safety policies, including the use of facial coverings in situations where social distancing is not possible, and requiring all people to wear fac...

Riverside Golf Course enjoying above-par conditions on greens

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

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

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

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

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

City to initiate Stage One of Drought Contingency Plan

The City will initiate Stage One of its Drought Contingency Plan on Thursday, June 18, as the Guadalupe River flow falls below its normal level for this time of year. Under its 1998 surface water permit, the City must limit its pumping to no more than 10%...

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

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

Municipal Court adds option to pay citations by phone

Defendants who need to pay City of Victoria Municipal Court citations can now do so by phone.

The Municipal Court has partnered with Tyler Technologies to implement an interactive voice response system that will allow defendants to enter pleas and submit p...

Community says goodbye to Police Chief J.J. Craig

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

City facilities reopen steadily in line with state recommendations

Last week marked a new round of City facilities reopening to the public after closing in March in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Some facilities have implemented new regulations or amended services to align with public health guidelines.

Municipal Cour...

Library forgives fines during closure, begins return to normalcy

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

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

PHOTO #3: Mary Jane Ri...

Planning Services hires transportation planner

Stephen Keen recently was hired by the City of Victoria’s Planning Services department as a transportation planner. In addition to providing transportation planning for the City, Keen will serve as the Metropolitan Planning Organization coordinator, overs...

City of Victoria reopens playgrounds, skate park, splash pads

The City of Victoria Parks and Recreation will reopen playgrounds and the Victoria Skate Park to the public Friday, June 5, in line with Governor Greg Abbott’s new executive order issued Wednesday that lifted restrictions on interactive amenities.

Splash p...

City of Victoria Police receives $500,000 grant

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

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

City launches new website, online communications

PHOTO: The homepage of the City’s redesigned website, victoriatx.gov.

The City of Victoria Communications & Public Affairs recently launched a variety of new communication platforms, including a new website on May 25, to better keep Victoria residents ...

City selects Keep Victoria Beautiful board chair, officers

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

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

City’s Parks & Recreation partners with kayak business

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

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

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

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

Complete Count Committee: 2020 Census response more important than ever

As concerns related to COVID-19 push the 2020 Census to the back of many people’s minds, City officials who’ve been promoting the count for months are urging residents to remember that an accurate count will help Victoria for years to come.

“People are wor...

U.S. Census Bureau to resume 2020 Census field operations

The U.S. Census Bureau announced Friday that the office of the Fort Bend County enumeration area, which includes Victoria County, will reopen May 27 as the bureau begins a phased restart of some 2020 Census field operations in Texas.

Texas is one of 10 sta...

City’s fire department earns American Heart Association recognition

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

City Council members mark May work anniversaries

Three Victoria City Council members were recognized during Tuesday’s City Council meeting for their work anniversaries this month.

Councilmember Josephine Soliz has served on the City Council for eight years. Soliz was elected May 12, 2012, and was sworn i...

City manager completes first year with City of Victoria

City Manager Jesús A. Garza was recognized during Tuesday’s City Council meeting for one year of service to the City of Victoria.

This Wednesday, May 20, marks one year since Garza began working as Victoria’s city manager. City Council approved Garza for t...

New Parks and Recreation director is experienced master planner

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

Jason Alfaro will begin ...

Golden Crescent Habitat for Humanity provides breakfast to Solid Waste staff

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

Small business relief program to begin accepting applications

Starting Monday, Victoria small business owners will be able to apply for $845,000 in COVID-19 relief loans after the Victoria City Council approved an agreement Tuesday with PeopleFund to create the Business Resiliency Microloan Program.

The City of Victo...

Parks and Recreation cancels spring adult sports leagues

The City of Victoria’s Parks and Recreation canceled its spring adult softball and kickball leagues to comply with Governor Greg Abbott’s restriction on outdoor sports involving more than four people.

Those who already have registered will be able to choos...

Mayor McCoy, Councilman Loffgren complete 1st year with City; Councilman Young marks reelection

Mayor Rawley McCoy, Councilman Mark Loffgren and Councilman Dr. Andrew Young were recognized during Tuesday’s City Council meeting for completing the first year of their current terms of service.

This week marks one year since McCoy was elected mayor of th...

Victoria parks provide safe, free recreation options during pandemic

As businesses and entertainment establishments around Victoria closed their doors during the past few weeks, residents began turning to the city’s parks as a way to get out of the house.

“We’re seeing a sudden shift where people are spending more time outs...

City Council meetings reopen for public attendance

Members of the public will again be able to attend Victoria City Council meetings starting Tuesday at the City Council Chambers for the first time since the in-person meetings closed April 7 and were held over Zoom conference calls to protect the public, ...

Development Services conducts business by appointment only

In order to limit the number of people in the City of Victoria Development Services office amid COVID-19 concerns, planning and permitting services will be available by appointment only until further notice.

The Development and Permitting Center has added ...

Victoria Metropolitan Planning Organization approves 25-year transportation plan

The Victoria Metropolitan Planning Organization approved at its Thursday meeting the 2045 Metropolitan Transportation Plan, a document that prioritizes federal funding and establishes goals and priorities for improving transportation within Victoria Count...

Victoria Fire Department leads parade at Retama Manor South

PHOTO #1: A Victoria Fire Department fire truck leads a parade of vehicles past the Retama Manor South nursing center. As Victoria residents practice physical distancing in order to limit the spread of COVID-19, the Victoria Fire Department is showing its...

Reduced traffic accelerates the City’s road projects

The reduction in traffic from Victoria’s previous Stay Home—Stay Safe orders proved to be a rare opportunity for much-needed road repairs and improvements.

“We have contractor crews everywhere,” said Public Works Director Ken Gill. “It was a mad dash to ge...

Municipal Court strives for accessibility

The City of Victoria Municipal Court’s longstanding goal of increasing accessibility has taken on an increased urgency as court officials work to balance the efficiency and availability of the justice system with public health concerns, but the court has ...

City’s liaison team, Workforce Solutions set up unemployment assistance lab

The City of Victoria’s COVID-19 Liaison Team set up Tuesday a computer lab for residents who do not have access to the internet and need to apply for unemployment benefits.  

The liaison team, a coalition of local leaders established by the City o...

Convention and Visitors Bureau helps residents explore Victoria while staying safe

The City of Victoria Convention and Visitors Bureau has always been a resource for people looking for things to do in Victoria, but the nature of that role has changed greatly since COVID-19 came to the Crossroads.

“Normally we talk about events, about thi...

With building closed to public, library provides services in creative ways

Victoria Public Library patrons can’t browse the shelves in person right now, but library staff are still on hand to help them find the books they need.

“Some people call us and tell us exactly what they want because they’ve looked at the online catalog,” ...

City Council to conduct meetings through videoconference

The Victoria City Council’s April 7 meeting will be conducted through videoconference to align with social distancing guidelines during the COVID-19 situation.

Victoria residents will be able to attend the meeting using Zoom, a videoconferencing applicatio...

Red River Street to close to westbound traffic between Main and Laurent streets

Beginning Wednesday, April 1, Red River Street will be closed to westbound traffic from Main Street to Laurent Street for nine months, weather permitting, so that utilities can be installed and road reconstruction can begin.  

Motorists are urged ...

Planning Services hires community development planner

Monique Whitley was recently hired by Planning Services as a community development planner. In this role, she will serve as the Community Development Block Grant coordinator and will be responsible for a variety of Community Development Block Grant, affor...

Flushing products other than toilet paper can cause sewer failure

As toilet paper continues to be scarce, residents are reminded to not flush any products other than toilet paper down their toilets.

Due to recent toilet paper shortages, residents may be using products such as paper towels, facial tissues, baby wipes and ...

Utility billing, some municipal court services available remotely

Victoria residents who would like to pay their utility bills or municipal court fees without visiting City offices can do so remotely.

“We understand that people may choose to avoid public spaces out of an abundance of caution,” said Cheryl Marthiljohni, h...

Victoria Main Street Program board appoints new member, officers at March meeting

Allyson Griffin was appointed to the Victoria Main Street Program board of directors at the board’s meeting March 2. The board provides direction and leadership to help the Victoria Main Street Program fulfill its mission of improving the economic vitalit...

Victoria County Public Health Department leads community collaboration to combat COVID-19

Victoria has not yet seen a case of COVID-19, but local agencies have been preparing for the potential arrival of the new virus since before it was reported in the United States.

“We’ve been watching it since it originated in China,” said David Gonzales, d...

Municipal Court Administrator Tiffany Totah named chapter president of clerks association

The City of Victoria’s Municipal Court Administrator Tiffany Totah recently was elected to fill a vacant, unexpired term as president of the South Texas Chapter of the Texas Court Clerks Association.

The Texas Court Clerks Association provides educational ...

City hires videographer/multimedia specialist

Shane Blucher was hired by the City of Victoria Communications & Public Affairs office as a videographer/multimedia specialist. Before working for the City, Blucher worked for the University of Houston-Victoria as a creative services manager and opera...

City of Victoria hosts students for Job Shadow Day

The City of Victoria’s Communications & Public Affairs hosted a high school student Feb. 28 as part of the Victoria Business and Education Coalition’s Job Shadow Day, which allows students to visit with local employers to learn about different career ...

New member appointed to housing authority board

Mayor Rawley McCoy has appointed Eric Soliván to the Victoria Housing Authority board for a two-year term. Soliván will be sworn in at the board’s next meeting.

Soliván works in the bakery at Walmart on Navarro Street and is also a student at Victoria Coll...

Main Street Program sets lofty goals for Old Convent

When one walks past the stately old convent on Church Street, it’s easy to imagine the historic building taking on some new function—a boutique hotel, perhaps, or a mixed residential/retail space—that preserves and pays respect to the history of the iconi...

Victoria Fire Department shares information with media at luncheon

PHOTO #1: Fire Chief Tracy Fox tells local media during a Feb. 25 luncheon how to be safe while reporting about a fire. The Victoria Fire Department hosted the luncheon in order to build strong partnerships with the media, provide important safety informa...

City of Victoria, water industry group host training day

The Texas Water Utilities Association - Golden Crescent District and the City of Victoria hosted a Feb. 12 training at the Victoria Community Center.

The event was organized by the Golden Crescent District’s executive board members and volunteers from the ...

City receives grant to install generators for emergency preparedness

During a natural disaster, access to power is a critical component of keeping City services online. A new grant will allow the City to install backup generators at two crucial sites to help restore power after a hurricane or similar event.

The City has rec...

Ken Gill promoted to Public Works Director/City Engineer

City Engineer Ken Gill has been promoted to the new combined position of Public Works Director/City Engineer.

Gill’s municipal engineering career spans more than 30 years and includes experience in areas ranging from water, drainage and transportation to d...

Two new members appointed to Housing Authority board

Mayor Rawley McCoy has appointed two new members to the Victoria Housing Authority board of commissioners for two-year terms.

Local attorney Luther Easley and retired City staff member Darlah Sims will be sworn in at the board’s regular meeting Feb. 18. Th...

City receives honors for investment policy, budget, financial reporting

The City of Victoria has received the Investment Policy Certificate of Distinction from the Government Treasurers’ Organization of Texas in recognition of the City’s participation in the GTOT’s Investment Policy Certification Program for the ninth consecu...

Citizen Responder program trains community to save lives

Victoria residents will have the chance to extinguish a car fire, rappel from a four-story building and learn how to take lifesaving measures during a crisis through the Victoria Fire Department’s Citizen Responder community education program.

The program ...

Director of Parks & Recreation leaves legacy of improvement

During his time as the City’s director of Parks & Recreation, Colby VanGundy secured artificial turf for Riverside Stadium that has brought in players from far and wide for meets and playoff games.

Then again, said former Assistant Director of Parks &a...

Library receives grant to install hurricane shutters

After the Victoria Public Library was battered by hurricane-force winds, protected only by wooden panels that didn’t cover all of its windows, the City sought funding to ensure that the building would be better fortified in the event of another monster st...

Executive director named to Victoria Main Street Program under City partnership

Danielle Williams recently was named executive director of the Victoria Main Street Program. The City of Victoria recently assumed management responsibilities for the program, a partnership with Victoria Main Street Inc. that will allow the program to mak...

“I have always been satisfied with what comes my way”: City honors longtime employees

Human Resources Manager Wanda Miori-North believes that staying the course leads to success over time, an attitude that’s reflected in a career that spans more than three decades. 

Miori-North recently received an Employee Service Award recognizin...

Development Services announces promotions

George Zbranek recently was promoted from building inspector III to assistant building official. Zbranek has worked for the City of Victoria since 2002 in Parks and Recreation, Development Services and Public Works. In the wake of Hurricane Harvey, Zbrane...

Sales Tax Development Corporation swears in new board members

Russell Dempsey, William Blanchard and Mark Loffgren were sworn in Jan. 27 at the Victoria Sales Tax Development Corporation board meeting as new members for terms that expire Dec. 31, 2021.

Also at the meeting, Blanchard was appointed as board president, ...