News Flash

Posted on: May 30, 2023

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

Group photo of seven people in an informal classroom area with a couch in the background.

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

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News Releases
Posted on: May 30, 2023

City seeks volunteer applicants for Parks & Recreation Commission

Woman seated at council dais

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

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

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News Releases
Posted on: May 30, 2023

City seeks input on sidewalks for grant application

A sidewalk downtown with a sharp drop-off at the curb

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

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

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News Releases
Posted on: May 30, 2023

City of Victoria employees complete leadership training

Group photo. One woman holds a sign that says TML Leadership Academy. Congratulations Class of 2023.

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

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News Releases
Posted on: May 24, 2023

Local government agencies, VISD to participate in emergency response training

Logos for the Office of Emergency Management, Victoria County, the City of Victoria and Victoria ISD

Leer en español

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

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News Releases
Posted on: May 24, 2023

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

Logos for the Office of Emergency Management, Victoria County, the City of Victoria and Victoria ISD

Read in English

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

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News Releases
Posted on: May 23, 2023

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

A man in a Victoria Fire Department polo crouches near a car seat and consults a checklist.

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

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

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News Releases
Posted on: May 23, 2023

Victoria Public Library invites residents to summer kickoff

A girl sitting on the library floor reads to a golden retriever in a red harness.

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

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

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News Releases
Posted on: May 23, 2023

City of Victoria closings for Memorial Day observance

American flag in front of a memorial that states "To Honor Those Who Answered the Call to Duty

All nonemergency offices at the City of Victoria will close Monday, May 29, 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 ...

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News Releases
Posted on: May 23, 2023

UHV students complete spring internships with City of Victoria

Group photo in upstairs conference room at 700 Main Center

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

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News Releases
Posted on: May 23, 2023

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

A black police dog wearing a protective vest

Press release from Vested Interest in K9s

PHOTO #1: K9 Rogue

PHOTO #2: K9 Maverick

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

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News Releases
Posted on: May 18, 2023

Parts of Riverside Park reopen; some areas remain closed

Riverside Park Easter Island head next to a road with a closed gate

PHOTO: Some parts of Riverside Park remain closed May 18, including McCright Drive behind Riverside Stadium.

The City of Victoria Parks & Recreation has reopened some areas in and around Riverside Park as the Guadalupe River begins to return to its nor...

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News Releases
Posted on: May 16, 2023

Chuck Young sworn in as chief of Victoria Police Department

Man in police uniform raises his hand and is sworn in by a woman in front of a VPD backdrop

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

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News Releases
Posted on: May 16, 2023

City to switch back to chloramines for water disinfection

Water faucet

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

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

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News Releases
Posted on: May 9, 2023

Residents invited to honor fallen officers during National Police Week

Two men in law enforcement uniform stand on either side of a blue and white wreath, heads bowed

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

The Victoria Police Departme...

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News Releases
Posted on: May 8, 2023

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

Construction on the facade at the former Sears space. Includes scaffolding and chain link fences.

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

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

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

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News Releases
Posted on: May 3, 2023

Cimarron Junction earns City beautification award

Group photo with KVB sign in front of Cimarron Junction convenience store near bed of yellow flowers

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

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News Releases
Posted on: May 2, 2023

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

tacos and margaritas

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

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News Releases
Posted on: May 2, 2023

Keep Victoria Beautiful honors volunteers with most pickups, unusual finds

Group photo; people in safety vests with trash bags in front of John Wesley United Methodist Church

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

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

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News Releases
Posted on: May 2, 2023

Keep Victoria Beautiful earns Gold Star Affiliate status

Volunteers in Keep Victoria Beautiful vests pick up trash along a road lined with yellow wildflowers

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

Keep Vic...

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News Releases
Posted on: May 2, 2023

Municipal Court partners with Trinity Episcopal School to host mock trial

A woman in front of an eight-grade class points to a smartboard.

PHOTO #1: Municipal Court Judge Vanessa Heinold instructs an eighth-grade class at Trinity Episcopal School in preparation for a mock trial that will be held May 9. Photo contributed by Trinity Episcopal School.

PHOTO #2: From left, Victoria Police Departm...

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News Releases
Posted on: May 1, 2023

City of Victoria names Chuck Young as new police chief

Chuck Young

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

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

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News Releases
Posted on: April 25, 2023

City unveils logo for bicentennial celebration

Logo. Text reads Victoria Texas. 200 years. 1824. 2024. Home of the six flags.

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

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

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News Releases
Posted on: April 25, 2023

Keep Victoria Beautiful earns HEB Community Investment Program grant

2 young men in work vests put a bundle of fabric in a trash bag on the side of the road

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

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

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News Releases
Posted on: April 18, 2023

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

Group photo with framed certificate in front of Municipal Court building

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

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

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News Releases
Posted on: April 18, 2023

Mayor’s Youth Council collects donations for STCH Ministries

Students hold toothbrushes, shampoo, body wash and other hygiene items in group photo with a woman

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

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

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News Releases
Posted on: April 18, 2023

Keep Victoria Beautiful receives $2,000 grant from LyondellBasell

Group photo with a giant check at a garden at UHV

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

PHOTO #2: The new landscapin...

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News Releases
Posted on: April 18, 2023

Action agenda update shows progress on 2035 Comprehensive Plan goals

Newly paved concrete Crestwood Drive between Navarro and Laurent

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

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

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News Releases
Posted on: April 6, 2023

City to use smoke testing to check for sewer system defects

White smoke rises from a sidewalk

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

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

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News Releases
Posted on: April 4, 2023

Environmental Services adds 2 trucks for trash, recycling collection

Two trash trucks with City of Victoria logos

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

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

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News Releases
Posted on: April 3, 2023

City promotes water conservation due to low rainfall upstream

A hose-end sprinkler on a bright green lawn.

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...
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News Releases
Posted on: March 31, 2023

City will temporarily treat water using chlorine

Water pours from a faucet into a glass

The City of Victoria will temporarily change its water disinfection process starting Monday, May 1, but most residents will not notice a difference.

The City will disinfect its water using chlorine rather than chloramines for approximately one month. This ...

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News Releases
Posted on: March 31, 2023

City announces finalists for police chief position

VPD badge

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

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

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News Releases
Posted on: March 28, 2023

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

Side by side images of police dogs, one brown and one black

Press release from Vested Interest in K9s

PHOTO #1: Victoria Police Department K9 Maverick

PHOTO #2: Victoria Police Department K9 Rogue

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

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News Releases
Posted on: March 28, 2023

City of Victoria Economic Development director completes training

Danielle Williams

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

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News Releases
Posted on: March 28, 2023

City plans mural for Laurent Street underpass

Mural featuring a guitar, accordion, Mexican marigolds and a mariachi silhouette

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

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

PHOTO #3: This concept re...

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News Releases
Posted on: March 21, 2023

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

Pedestrian crossing signal near HEB Rio Grande

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

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

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News Releases
Posted on: March 21, 2023

City seeks input on boating facilities for grant application

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

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

Residents are invited to share their input ...

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News Releases
Posted on: March 21, 2023

Victoria Housing Authority hires new executive director

Tammy Emerson

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

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

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

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News Releases
Posted on: March 14, 2023

City of Victoria recognized for effective budget presentation, transparency

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

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

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News Releases
Posted on: March 13, 2023

Victoria Public Library promotes new director

Library Assistant Director Jessica Berger

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

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

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News Releases
Posted on: March 7, 2023

City of Victoria invites local nonprofits to apply for funding

Development Services Planning office

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

Local nonpro...

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News Releases
Posted on: March 7, 2023

City launches new app for residents to request service

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

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

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

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News Releases
Posted on: March 7, 2023

Victoria Police Department launches new tool for collecting feedback

Closeup of a hand selecting something on a phone touchscreen

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

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

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News Releases
Posted on: March 7, 2023

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

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

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

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News Releases
Posted on: March 7, 2023

2023 TAAF Winter Games draws 1,800 athletes to Victoria

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

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

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News Releases
Posted on: March 7, 2023

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

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

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

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News Releases
Posted on: February 28, 2023

City seeks property donations for infill housing program

A residential home

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

The City is partnering ...

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News Releases
Posted on: February 14, 2023

Longhorn Steakhouse coming to Victoria

Steaks on a grill

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

Construction is expected to begin in April.

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

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News Releases
Posted on: January 17, 2023

City offers help with down payments, closing costs

A residential home

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

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

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News Releases
Posted on: January 10, 2023

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

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

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

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

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News Releases
Posted on: January 10, 2023

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

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

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

PHOTO #2: Fire Trai...

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News Releases
Posted on: January 3, 2023

Juvenile case manager provides support, accountability for young defendants

A classroom with long tables in a square and a whiteboard

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

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News Releases
Posted on: December 8, 2022

City and partners break ground on dog park within Riverside Park

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

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

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News Releases
Posted on: December 6, 2022

City lifts Stage III drought restrictions, returns to Stage II

A hose-end sprinkler on a bright green lawn.

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

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

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News Releases
Posted on: December 6, 2022

City to break ground on Riverside Park dog park

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

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

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

PHOTO #3: Dis...

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News Releases
Posted on: December 6, 2022

City of Victoria hires Convention & Visitors Bureau assistant director

Liz Tise

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

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

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News Releases
Posted on: November 15, 2022

City Council to consider dog park construction contract

A dog sits in a grassy fenced area

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

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

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News Releases
Posted on: September 12, 2022

City breaks ground on duck pond

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

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

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

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News Releases
Posted on: August 16, 2022

Developer announces new apartment complex for seniors

A multi-story apartment complex with small balconies

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

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

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News Releases