✨ Celebrating 15 Years of Brownsville Living! ✨

 

      

Fifteen years ago, I took a leap of faith.

When I moved to Brownsville in 2006 from Austin, I didn’t know a soul. All I ever heard was that there was "nothing to do" here, and so many locals focused only on the negatives. At the time, our downtown was in a state of decay, ignored by political leaders. Cultural activities and dining options were limited. Having grown up in Fort Worth—where I saw the Bass family transform downtown into a thriving cultural hub—and later experiencing Austin’s ever-evolving vibrancy, Brownsville’s stagnation was disheartening.

But I believed something different. I saw potential.

During my time in Austin, I had seen the power of "Keep Austin Weird," a movement that celebrated local culture and small businesses. I knew that with the right mindset, Brownsville could also embrace and uplift what made it unique. While "Keep Brownsville Weird" didn’t quite fit, inspiration struck during a trip to Las Vegas in 2009, where I came across Las Vegas Living. Merging these ideas, Brownsville Living. Be Part of It! was born in February 2010, right as Facebook was gaining momentum. It became a movement dedicated to highlighting the great things in Brownsville and proving that our city had so much to offer.

Of course, the journey wasn’t always easy. There were challenges, criticism, and moments of doubt. Many misunderstood the mission, and I didn’t always handle the backlash well. But through the years, I grew—and so did this group.

Now, in 2025, Brownsville has transformed in ways that once seemed impossible. Downtown has experienced a renaissance, with historic buildings restored and thriving businesses bringing life back to our city center. New restaurants, cultural attractions, and entertainment venues have emerged. We have seen development in places where people once said, "Nothing will ever happen."

I’d like to believe Brownsville Living played a small role in this evolution.

Today, there are many pages and groups dedicated to showcasing our community’s beauty and progress, a testament to how far we’ve come. Some of these pages have even become full-time businesses, proving that positivity and local pride create real change.

Yet at 15 years old, Brownsville Living is still going strong. 💙 With over 19,000 members, we continue to be a gathering place for people who love and support Brownsville. Whether you’ve been here since day one or just joined recently, I thank you. Your belief in this city makes a difference.

As we move forward, let’s keep celebrating the good. When we focus on the positive, we help it grow.

💙 Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey. Here’s to the next 15 years of Brownsville Living!

With gratitude,
Craig Grove
Founder – Brownsville Living. Be Part of It!

Brownsville Brief Highlights for December 19th, 2024

Brownsville is bustling with positive developments and holiday spirit this December 19th!

Noble Texas Builders Invests in Workforce Training
Yesterday, Noble Texas Builders announced a $40,000 endowment to support students at Texas Southmost College pursuing HVAC careers. This generous scholarship program reflects Noble’s commitment to empowering our local workforce and ensuring a bright future for Brownsville’s technical industries.

Holiday Village at Dean Porter Park
The Holiday Village is the perfect place to make seasonal memories! Explore 37 festive cottages, enjoy live music, and take free pictures with Santa. Don’t miss the choir performances tonight and Santa’s appearances on Friday and Saturday.

Brownsville Farmers Market Festivities
This Saturday, the Farmers Market is packed with fun for everyone—free yoga, ornament workshops, a kids’ ugly sweater contest, and, of course, Santa! Help spread kindness by contributing to the donation box for children and animals in need.

Stay connected with The Brownsville Brief for daily updates on the great things happening in our community. Don’t forget to share this post and spread the positivity!

#BrownsvilleTX #BrownsvilleLiving #HolidayFun #RGVEvents

Brownsville Brief: Holiday Highlights for December 18th

Hello, Brownsville! The holiday season is in full swing, and today’s updates are packed with festive cheer. Here’s what’s happening around town:

First Friday Noche Buena Market at Casa Tijerina
This week, Casa Tijerina welcomes everyone to its First Friday Noche Buena Market at 333 East Adams Street. The event showcases local vendors in a family-friendly atmosphere. If you’re a vendor, there are still spots available—just make sure you have the proper permits and décor ready for your table. Don’t miss this chance to enjoy the holiday spirit and support small businesses!

Christmas at the Ranch
The beloved Christmas at the Ranch event continues to light up the season. With thousands of lights, horse-drawn carriage rides, and photo opportunities straight out of a Hallmark movie, this event is perfect for families and friends alike. Upcoming dates include December 21st and 22nd, so secure your tickets now at BigRedMinistries.org. Single parents get in free with children’s tickets, making this a truly inclusive celebration.

Veterans Giving Back Toy Drive at The Broken Sprocket
On December 19th, head over to The Broken Sprocket for the 2nd Annual Veterans Giving Back Toy Drive. Hosted by the Grinch himself, this event promises games, prizes, and plenty of holiday fun. Bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate and help make a child’s Christmas magical.

This holiday season, Brownsville is shining brightly with community spirit. Which event will you attend? Let us know, and as always, stay tuned to the Brownsville Brief for more positive updates! 

Celebrating Brownsville’s Bright Achievements: UTRGV, Port of Brownsville, and Mobile Dental Care

Exciting things are happening right here in Brownsville!

Courtesy of David Pike - UTRGV

UTRGV’s eBridge Center has earned the prestigious UEDA Award of Excellence, recognizing its role in empowering local entrepreneurs and driving economic growth. Through programs like business incubation, bootcamps, and accelerators, the eBridge Center has helped launch over 100 businesses and create hundreds of jobs in the Valley.

Meanwhile, the Port of Brownsville made headlines with an incredible $12 billion economic impact in 2023. Supporting over 66,000 jobs statewide, the port remains a key driver of industrial growth and prosperity for the Rio Grande Valley.

Finally, families in Cameron and Willacy counties have something to smile about! Texas Regional Bank is teaming up with Ronald McDonald House Charities and Su Clinica to launch a mobile dental care program. This innovative initiative will bring high-quality dental services to underserved communities, ensuring children receive essential care.

These milestones reflect the heart of Brownsville – growth, innovation, and community. Stay tuned for more positive news, and let’s continue celebrating the success stories that make our city shine!

Share this post and let us know what you’re most excited about for Brownsville’s future!

Brownsville Holiday Cheer and Positive Updates! 12.16.24

Brownsville Holiday Cheer and Positive Updates!

Brownsville is thriving with exciting news and festive vibes this holiday season. Here’s a look at what’s happening in our community:

1. Federal Funding for Brownsville’s Infrastructure
Congressman Vicente Gonzalez has secured $40 million in federal authorization through the Water Resources Development Act to upgrade Brownsville’s water and wastewater systems. The Act also supports Resaca Restoration, addressing critical environmental and infrastructure needs while paving the way for a safer, more resilient community.

2. Justice Meets Education in Local Schools
The innovative “Courts In Schools” program brings real-life court proceedings to local high schools, offering students a firsthand look at the justice system. This initiative not only educates but also highlights the real-world consequences of poor decisions, helping students make better choices and fostering civic awareness.

3. Enjoy Brownsville’s Holiday Lights and Festivities
The holiday season is in full swing, and Brownsville’s festive decorations are a sight to behold! Stroll through Washington Park to see beautifully lit trees and its iconic fountain, admire the community Christmas tree in Market Square, or take a magical walk through the tiny, decorated houses in Dean Porter Park. These local spots are perfect for family outings and holiday photo ops.

Brownsville is a city that shines—in both progress and spirit. Share your favorite holiday traditions or thoughts on these stories in the comments below. Let’s celebrate the season and our community together!

 Brownsville Senior Center Opens, Moody Clinic Gala Shines, and First Friday Brings Holiday Cheer

Courtesy of Brownsville Online of Facebook

Brownsville continues to thrive with exciting events and new opportunities for community connection. Here’s a closer look at what’s happening:

A New Space for Seniors and Veterans
The Brownsville Parks and Recreation Department unveiled its new Senior Center with a soft opening this week at 519 E. Madison Street. The center offers a range of free programs, including exercise classes, arts and crafts, cooking lessons, and bingo. Open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., this facility is designed to foster an inclusive and engaging community for older adults and veterans.

Mistletoe & Martini Gala for a Cause
The Moody Clinic’s Mistletoe & Martini Gala lit up Rancho Viejo last night with a sold-out event. Guests enjoyed live music and a silent auction while supporting therapeutic services for children across the Rio Grande Valley. The gala exemplified the spirit of giving during the holiday season.

Festive Fun at First Friday
Market Square was buzzing last night as the city of Brownsville hosted its rescheduled First Friday event. With a holiday theme, live music, and a variety of local vendors, the event brought neighbors together to celebrate the season in style.

Brownsville continues to be a vibrant hub of culture, community, and celebration. Be sure to check out Brownsville Living for photos and updates, and join us in making this city an even better place to live!

Hanna High School Class of 1979 Announces Generous Gift at BISD Board Meeting

 

At recent Brownsville Independent School District (BISD) Board meeting, an extraordinary gesture of alumni giving took center stage as members of the Homer Hanna High School Class of 1979 announced a special gift in support of their alma mater. Representing the class, Mrs. Blanca Lambarri and Mr. Joe Medrano shared heartfelt remarks, detailing the significance and intentions behind their contribution.

A Legacy of Support for Hanna Eagles

Mrs. Blanca Lambarri, addressing the Board and attendees, introduced a group of distinguished alumni from the Class of 1979, who are preparing to celebrate their 45th high school reunion next week. “This gift is a testament to the enduring spirit and camaraderie of the Hanna Eagles,” she stated. “It is meant to provide expanded and creative educational opportunities for Hanna students, helping them achieve success.”

She then passed the podium to Joe Medrano, a founding donor and committee member, to elaborate on the journey that led to this meaningful initiative.

The Vision Behind the Gift

Joe Medrano began by acknowledging his fellow committee members—Laura Lucio, Mario Fasci, Norman Esquivel, and their former principal, Ms. Sylvia Perez—whose dedication helped bring this project to fruition. He also highlighted the instrumental role of Dr. Diane Garza, Executive Director of the RGV Philanthropic Foundation, in guiding the class through the creation of a designated fund to manage their gift.

“This initiative began in 2020,” Medrano explained. “At that time, several of us were already involved in funding local non-profit organizations in Brownsville, such as Big Give Brownsville and the Youth in Philanthropy initiative.” During these efforts, the idea emerged to direct their philanthropic focus toward their alma mater, especially following Hanna High School’s back-to-back National Center for Urban School Transformation (NCUST) awards.

A Classmate’s Determined Leadership

Medrano recounted the inspiring commitment of Jorge Ruiz de Velasco, a fellow classmate and Deputy Director at Stanford University’s Gardner Center. Ruiz de Velasco flew from San Francisco to San Diego to congratulate Hanna High School at the NCUST Awards Ceremony, further cementing the group’s resolve to support the school. His leadership was instrumental in facilitating the first donation that would form the foundation of the gift announced at the meeting.

A Lasting Impact

The gift will provide funding for initiatives determined by the Hanna High School leadership team, ensuring that students have access to innovative opportunities that foster academic and personal growth. The Class of 1979 also pledged to seek additional support for the fund in the years leading up to their 50th reunion in 2029.

“We are grateful that we can help in this capacity,” Medrano stated in closing. “Perhaps we are not the first or only group of alumni to give back, but we hope our unique approach—guided by the RGV Philanthropic Foundation—serves as inspiration for others.”

The BISD Board thanked the Class of 1979 for their generosity and vision. This remarkable act of giving serves as a shining example of the powerful impact alumni can have on their schools and communities.