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Pearland Friendswood Manvel Edition VOLUME 12, ISSUE 3 FEB. 12MARCH 11, 2026
2026 Voter Guide
New trac sensors roll out across Pearland intersections
INSIDE
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The AI-based sensor detects vehicles and pedestrians in real time.
Drivers wait in trac on the East Broadway Street and Dixie Farm Road intersection, which is included in Pearland’s ongoing trac signal upgrade program.
Also in this issue
Election: Meet the candidates in the Brazoria County primary election races (Pages 1012)
Education: Learn more about Friendswood ISD’s potential upcoming bond (Page 21)
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JAMAAL ELLISCOMMUNITY IMPACT
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INS 11/0 MA 10/ JO MH Ad CLI Me JO He LIV N/A SIZ 9.18 BL N/A CO 4cp SW FO Pre
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Healthy aging is at the heart of everything we do.
That’s why so many seniors are turning to Kelsey-Seybold for Seniors. As your go-to resource for healthy aging, we help you access top-quality coordinated care that meets your changing health needs every step of the way. There are several ways to learn about your Medicare coverage options, you can review resources from Medicare, contact Medicare Advantage health plans directly, or speak with a licensed insurance agent.* Experience healthcare that helps you live your healthiest life. 713-442-8526 (TTY: 711) Calling this number will connect you to a licensed insurance agent.
*There are several ways to learn about your Medicare coverage options. You can review the CMS website at medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227/TTY call 1-877-486-2048),24 hours a day/7 days a week. You can contact Medicare Advantage health plans directly for information about the plans they offer. Another option is to speak with a licensed insurance agent. Kelsey-Seybold Clinic accepts patients with Medicare Advantage plans. Not all plans accepted. Call for details.© 2026 Kelsey-Seybold Clinic. All rights reserved. KSSCIF_1086
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
About Community Impact
Community Roots: Founded in 2005 by John and Jennifer Garrett, we remain a locally owned business today. Texas-Wide Reach: We deliver trusted news to 75+ communities across the Austin, Bryan-College Station, Houston, Dallas and San Antonio metros.
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PEARLAND FRIENDSWOOD MANVEL EDITION
Impacts
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MAP NOT TO SCALE
N TM; © 2026 COMMUNITY IMPACT CO. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. TM; © 2026 COMMUNITY IMPACT CO. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. MAP NOT TO SCALE N
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3 518 Sports Pub & Grill Formerly Hometown Seafood Company, the restaurant reopened as a sports bar that serves bar food including 518 Pub Tacos, made with chicken strips, gravy, cheese, lettuce and pico de gallo. • Opened Jan. 15 • 5010 Broadway St., Pearland • Facebook: 518 Sports Pub & Grill 4 Star Lash & Brow The business provides professional eyelash extensions
5 Power Fit Meals The business works with local vendors to create a healthy foods menu. • Opened Feb. 1 • 214 S. Friendswood Drive, Friendswood • www.powerfittx.com 6 Heights Wellness Retreat Formerly Massage Heights, the location converted to offer a more holistic, whole-body approach to wellness that brings massages and skincare. • Opened Jan. 22 • 303 W. Parkwood Ave., Friendswood • www.heightswellnessretreat.com/friendswood
Now open
1 Cafe Petra The Greek and Lebanese restaurant serves shawarmas, gyro, kabobs and curry-style dishes, among other items. • Opened Jan. 2 • 11601 Shadow Creek Parkway, Ste. 119, Pearland • pearland.cafe-petra.com 2 Whataburger The restaurant sells burgers, chicken sandwiches, taquitos and salads, among other items. • Opened Dec. 26 • 1632 E. Broadway St., Pearland • www.whataburger.com
and brow services. • Opened Dec. 10
• 11710 Broadway St., Ste. 120, Pearland • www.starlashandbrowpearland.com
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF
The center provides safe, nurturing childcare. • Relocated Nov. 20 • 2335 N. Texas Ave., Ste. 101, Pearland • www.risekidz.net 13 The Puddery The dessert spot serves banana pudding-based treats, as well as cheesecake on a stick, and croissant waffles. • Relocated Jan. 22 • 5517 Broadway St., Ste. E, Pearland • www.thepuddery.com 14 Thai Cottage The restaurant serves traditional Thai cuisine, including Pad Thai and roasted duck curry, among other items. • Relocating TBD • 3414 Business Center Drive, Ste. 130, Pearland • www.thai-cottage.com 15 Smash Zen The larger space will have four rage rooms, as well as a dedicated splatter paint room. • Relocated at the end of January • 2849 Miller Ranch Road, Ste. 505, Pearland • www.smashzen.com
Coming soon
Now open
7 Harmony Public Schools The school will serve 650 students in pre-K through fifth grade with a market space, lab and playground. • Opening in 2027 • 2523 Reid Road, Pearland • www.harmonytx.org
What’s next PERMITS FILED WITH THE TEXAS
DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATION
8 Marco’s Pizza The pizza chain serves a variety of pizza options, as well as desserts, salads and wings. • Opening TBD • 19804 Morris Ave., Ste. 110, Manvel • www.marcos.com 9 Hot and Toned Pilates Studio The heated-mat Pilates fitness studio will focus on core strength, glutes, arms and full-body toning. • Opening TBD
17 Lowe’s The home improvement store sells appliances, tools and furniture, among other items. The new location features approximately 94,000 square feet of retail space and 30,000 square feet of outdoor garden space. The store will employ more than 100 associates to help customers with projects of all sizes and debut self-service paint kiosks, a standard feature for all new stores. • Opened Jan. 30 • 21606 Hwy. 288, Manvel • www.lowes.com
• 9603 Broadway St., Pearland • Instagram: hotandtonedpilates
In the news
10 Creative World School The school is an early learning school that serves children from infancy to age 10. • Opening TBD
16 Pearland Barkway The pet groomer business celebrated its 15th anniversary in February. The business has an indoor dog daycare facility and cat grooming and boarding services. • 1853 Pearland Parkway, Ste. 105, Pearland • www.pearlandbarkway.com
Closings
• 3201 John Lizer Road, Pearland • www.creativeworldschool.com
18 DiMassi’s Buffet The restaurant served all-you-can-eat Mediterranean food, including halal, vegetarian and vegan options. • Closed Jan. 9 • 3050 Silverlake Village Drive, Pearland • www.dimassis.com 19 Elements Massage The business was open for 10 years, and offered services for therapeutic massages. • Closed Jan. 24 • 10223 Broadway St., Pearland • www.elementsmassage.com/pearland#
11 Teso Life The Japanese lifestyle store offers a wide mix of Japanese and Asian-inspired retail products. • Opening TBD • 7529 Broadway St., Ste. 101, Pearland • www.tesolife.com/en/
Worth the trip
Pinkerton’s Barbecue The restaurant serves Texas-style pit barbecue, including brisket, ribs, sausage and chicken. • Opened Jan. 20 • 3801 Farnham St., Houston • www.pinkertonsbarbecue.com
Relocations
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Election
BY HALEY VELASCO
Voter Guide
2026
Dates to know
Where to vote
Feb. 17: First day of early voting Feb. 20: Last day to apply for ballot by mail (received, not postmarked) Feb. 27: Last day of early voting March 3: Election day
Voters in Brazoria, Galveston and Harris counties can cast their ballot at any polling location during early voting and on election day. Visit www.brazoriacountyclerktx.gov, www.galvestonvotes.org or www.harrisvotes.com for polling locations and the full list of candidates.
Only candidates in contested elections are included. Go to county election websites for information on uncontested races.
KEY: D Democrat R Republican *Incumbent
State elections Texas Senate, District 11 D Shannon Dicely D Cameron A. Rollwitz Texas House, District 129
Local elections Harris county commissioner, precinct 2 R Raquel Hernandez Boujourne R Richard Vega Brazoria County judge R Kevin Cole
D Jim Mooney Brazoria County commissioner, precinct 2 R Ryan Cade* R Alfred Froberg
Sample ballot
Federal election U.S. House, District 14
R Jessica Forgy R Randy Weber* D Thuman Bill Bartie D Richard H. Davis D Konstantinos Vogiatzis
R Scott Bowen R Bob Mitchell
R Rob Giesecke D Eddie Damian D Eugene Howard
SOURCE: TEXAS SECRETARY OF STATE/COMMUNITY IMPACT
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PEARLAND - FRIENDSWOOD - MANVEL EDITION
Election
KEY: D Democrat R Republican
Brazoria County Judge
What would your top priorities be if elected?
What are the biggest challenges facing Brazoria County?
As county judge, I will fight for property tax relief, protect homeowners and seniors, support law enforcement, grow good-paying jobs, improve roads and drainage and ensure county government is transparent, efficient and accountable to the people of Brazoria County.
Brazoria County’s greatest challenges include balancing growth with infrastructure, protecting homeowners from rising taxes, ensuring public safety and disaster readiness, attracting quality jobs and restoring trust through transparent, accountable, collaborative leadership.
Eddie Damian Occupation & experience: chief consultant and owner at Leadership Remedy Facebook: Eddie Damian
D
My top priorities are lowering taxes and making sure every tax dollar works for every citizen in our county. We must invest in improving our much- needed infrastructure. Public safety will always be a top priority in my administration, along with strong emergency management—especially given our coastal location and critical plant ...
Our biggest challenges are fixing and expanding our infrastructure while protecting quality of life as our communities grow. We need better broadband access, stronger support for small businesses,and more opportunities to attract new industries and good-paying [jobs].
Eugene Howard Occupation & experience: business owner of Visionary Outreach Inc. Facebook: Eugene Howard for Brazoria County Judge
D
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire by press time.
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire by press time.
Jim Mooney Candidate did not respond to questionnaire by press time.
D
Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity. For more election coverage, go to www.communityimpact.com/voter-guide.
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY RACHEL LELAND
What would your top priorities be if elected?
What are the biggest challenges facing Brazoria County?
Once elected, my top priorities would be safer communities, low taxes through responsible budgeting, efficient and transparent government, and a strong future built on smart growth, reliable infrastructure and effective public safety.
Brazoria County’s biggest challenges are managing rapid growth and the strain it places on public safety and infrastructure, ensuring both are adequately staffed, funded and expanded to meet the demands of a growing population.
Kevin Cole Occupation & experience: mayor of the city of Pearland www.coleforbrazoria.com
R
My top priorities will be lower taxes, public safety and investing in flood mitigation and road improvements. My tax relief plan will include freezing the county tax bill for seniors and the disabled, cutting wasteful spending and requiring voter approval before any new debt is issued.
The rapid rise in property taxes that homeowners and businesses have seen in recent years is a major issue that must be addressed. Other challenges include flooding and drainage, emergency preparedness for both natural and man-made disasters, and handling the population growth that is coming.
Rob Giesecke Occupation & experience: commercial estate broker; chairman of Port Freeport commission, overseeing Texas’s fifth largest port and top twentieth port nationwide www.robgiesecke.com
R
Stop Overpaying on Property Taxes
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Sources: https://www.ownwell.com/trends/texas, internal Ownwell data.
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PEARLAND - FRIENDSWOOD - MANVEL EDITION
Election
BY HALEY VELASCO
Brazoria County commissioner, Precinct 2 KEY: D Democrat R Republican *Incumbent
What are your qualifications for why you’d be a strong candidate in this role? It’s been an honor serving as county commissioner since 2014. Every year, I’ve voted to reduce the county tax rate. I manage county spending carefully, knowing every dollar belongs to taxpayers. With growth coming, we must get development right the first time and protect current constituents’ quality of life.
What should the county’s budgeting priorities be?
Passing a conservative county budget and tax rate remains priority. We will demand smart development and improved infrastructure. County departments will continue to find efficient ways to serve citizens, while ensuring law enforcement remains funded to keep our communities safe and responsive to growth today and in the future.
Ryan Cade* Occupation & relevant experience: Brazoria County commissioner, 12+ years experience, lowered tax rate 38% while in office, fiscally conservative, small business owner RyanCade.com Alfred Froberg Occupation & relevant experience: retired farmer, 30+ year business owner and 10 years as a drainage commissioner www.alfredfroberg.com
R
I am retired from Froberg’s Farm so that I can give my full attention to all people of Brazoria County. I am also a fourth-generation Brazoria County resident, 30-year business owner and 10-year elected official. I have the experience that it takes to lead Brazoria County Precinct 2 into a …
As a county, we have to prioritize reinvesting in our existing infrastructure. In other words, “we have good bones.” Let’s make sure it stays that way. After that, we need [to] look at our top priorities of public safety, which include drainage, roads, etc.
R
Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity. For more election coverage, go to www.communityimpact.com/voter-guide.
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Transportation
BY HALEY VELASCO
Upcoming project
Upcoming project
Completed project
City of Friendswood
GENEVA DR.
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1 Blackhawk Boulevard Phase II-C Project: Roadway improvements will be underway for the northern ( 1A Pennystone Way to FM 2351) and southern ( 1B Thursa Lane to FM 528) parts of Blackhawk Boulevard. Update: Bidding will take place in the first quarter 2026. Construction begins in the second quarter of 2026. • Timeline: work slated to start in spring 2026 • Cost: $9.6M • Funding sources: city’s street maintenance sales tax fund, partnership funds
2 Citywide Traffic Study Update Project: A comprehensive update to Friendswood’s 2019 traffic study will be underway to evaluate current and future traffic conditions and provide short-, mid- and long-term transportation improvement recommendations. Update: Traffic data collection began in fall 2025. Full study efforts will begin by late March. • Timeline: study anticipated to begin in spring 2026 • Cost: TBD • Funding source: city’s general fund
3 Blackhawk Boulevard Phase II-B Project: A full reconstruction of Blackhawk Boulevard from Edenvale Street to Geneva Drive was completed, including new pavement, subgrade stabilization, sidewalks, storm sewer improvements and pavement striping. Update: The project was formally accepted by the city of Friendswood in January. • Timeline: Complete • Cost: $1.5 million • Funding sources: city’s street maintenance sales tax fund, partnership funds
You could say Midline is very much in the middle of somewhere. Nicely nestled between Baybrook Mall and Challenger Seven Memorial Park, everything from restaurants to retail to nature is nearby. Miles of trails (and a pool) are in the plans. And a fresh mix of homes from our first four builders will be your home base for it all. New homes from the high $300s to $800s+ MODEL HOMES NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION COMING APRIL 2026
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Pricing is provided for informational purposes only, is non-binding, and is subject to adjustments and change. Availability, prices, materials and options may vary. All photographs, renderings and other depictions are for the sole purpose of illustration. Brookfield and its affiliates do not discriminate against any class of persons protected by federal, state or local law. Models do not reflect racial preference. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY. Copyright ©2025 Midline is a trademark of BC-SB Baybrook JV LLC, and may not be copied, imitated or used, in whole or in part, without prior written permission.
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PEARLAND - FRIENDSWOOD - MANVEL EDITION
Government
Manvel officials draft comprehensive plans for future growth, decisions
Why now?
Manvel has seen significant population growth, increasing by nearly 41% from around 9,000 residents to nearly 13,000 total residents between 2018-23, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey. The comprehensive plans are part of a broader planning effort known as Manvel 2045, which will guide infrastructure investment and land use decisions, according to city documents. “Our infrastructure is not prepared to handle growth.” Mayor Dan Davis said at the Jan. 5 meeting. “How do we prepare for the future without designing the infrastructure that encourages a future we don’t want?”
to minimize environmental impacts as growth continues. Growth capacity goals call for phased investment in water and wastewater systems, flood mitigation efforts, storm drainage improvements and long-term infrastructure maintenance planning to ensure services keep pace with development. Economic development goals focus on attracting higher-quality commercial and mixed-use projects, strengthening economic development partnerships and encouraging selective growth to avoid overdevelopment and maintain the city’s desired character. Recreation and amenities goals include establishing a dedicated parks and recreation department and advancing development of a city center envisioned as a central gathering place for the community.
Manvel City Council reviewed new drafts of the city’s comprehensive plan at its Jan. 5 meeting, outlining a long-term vision intended to guide future growth as the city experiences significant population growth, according to city documents. The plans are not development approvals but tools meant to align community priorities with future decision-making, city officials said. Houston-based planning firm Kendig Keast Collaborative, which is assisting the city with both its thoroughfare and future land use planning, presented the drafts organized around four focus areas. Environmental goals center on protecting natural resources through conservation planning, greenways and trail networks, and preservation of the city’s tree canopy, while promoting sustainable development practices
Also of note
The planning process is being carried out in multiple phases. Phase 1 focused on community engagement and information gathering, including a citywide survey to identify residents’ priorities and concerns. The results of the survey showed that some of the top community priorities were stormwater management, parks and recreation, and public safety, among others. Phase 2, which is currently underway, focuses on developing goals, policies and draft plans across key areas based in part on community feedback.
Manvel’s population
15,000
12,873
11,432
12,000
growth Key priorities: • Conservation • Flood mitigation • Economic development • Parks and trails
9,000
6,690
6,000
Population growth has increased by 92.4%
3,000
0 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
SOURCE: U.S. CENSUS BUREAU'S AMERICAN COMMUNITY SURVEY 5-YEAR ESTIMATES/COMMUNITY IMPACT
Coming Soon! Community Impact’s Camp Guide
Scan, call 512.989.1000 or email ads@communityimpact.com Promote your business:
14
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY RACHEL LELAND & CATHERINE WHITE
Shadow Creek Parkway project moves forward Shadow Creek Parkway will soon undergo improvements, including new landscaping, street lighting and continuous sidewalks. What it means
Manvel establishes AI-use guidelines Manvel City Council approved an articial intelligence use policy at its Jan. 5 meeting, setting guidelines for work-related tasks. The details The guidelines do not require special approvals but do require human review of all AI-generated content and hold employ- ees responsible for any work generated or assisted by AI, according to city documents. Permitted uses include drafting noncon- dential documents, improving grammar and tone, and brainstorming, among other uses. Also of note The policy applies to all city employees, including elected and appointed ocials, boards and commissions, and contractors or vendors acting on behalf of the city.
into the Shadow Creek Trail, according to city documents. The project’s scope will also consist of install- ing two pedestrian bridges over the Clear Creek relief channel, according to city documents. City oficials identiied addressing the city’s sidewalk gaps as a major priority, according to previous reporting by Community Impact. Looking ahead The project will commence in February and is anticipated to be completed by March 2027, according to city documents.
Pearland City Council voted unanimously at its Jan. 12 meeting to award a $6.5 million con- tract to Stafford-based construction company Jerdon Enterprises to make improvements on one of Pearland’s major east-west arteries. The project’s boundaries will run from Market Place Boulevard to Clear Creek, where 35,000 feet of new sidewalks will connect
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Pearland City Council member to run for mayor
“Pearland is a destination city with national recognition, but we are aging, and there are areas that need attention. Pearland needs steady leadership that
Carbone said, if elected, he would prioritize public safety and maintaining the city’s aging
Pearland City Council member Tony Carbone formally announced his bid on Jan. 9 for Pearland mayor in the upcoming May 2 election. About the candidate Carbone, a sixth-generation Pearland native, was elected to City Council in 2019 and has served three times as mayor pro tem—a role that acts as mayor when the mayor is absent.
infrastructure. One more thing
puts residents rst.” TONY CARBONE, CANDIDATE FOR PEARLAND MAYOR
Following Carbone’s announcement, Brazoria County Constable Buck Stevens announced he would withdraw his candidacy for mayor and endorsed Carbone.
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PEARLAND FRIENDSWOOD MANVEL EDITION
Government
BY RACHEL LELAND
BY HALEY VELASCO
City of Friendswood eyes 2026 bond
Pearland Fire Chief retires, ends 4-year run Before former Pearland Fire Chief Jack “J.” Taylor stepped down from his role to retire on Feb. 2, he said he was condent he was leaving the Pearland Fire Department better than he found it. Marking a milestone Before becoming Pearland’s re chief in 2022, Taylor spent over 30 years in the re service. His leadership helped the PFD earn an ISO Class 1 rating and multiple awards from the American Heart Association and the Texas State Fire Marshal’s Association for excellence in EMS prehospital cardiac care and re prevention. In 2024, the department became the 34th in Texas to earn the Best Practices designation from the Texas Association of Fire Chiefs. What’s next The job posting for the new re chief went live
Looking ahead
How much the potential bond package would cost was not discussed. However, committee members said they hoped to design a scally conservative bond package that voters would support, wary of Friendswood ISD’s $165 million bond that failed in 2025, as previously reported by Community Impact. The failed bond would have increased the district’s tax rate by $0.16 per $100 valuation of a home, based on projected taxable values for 2025. For a home valued at $500,000, the estimated increase would have been roughly $576 annually, or $48 monthly. Sta will meet with the committee again to further discuss the potential bond proposal Feb. 11, which took place after press time on Feb. 4, according to city documents.
Friendswood city sta met with members of the Bond Ad Hoc Committee at a Jan. 21 meeting to discuss a potential 2026 bond that could later be brought to City Council at an upcoming meeting. Items discussed included funding for a new recreational center near Lundy Lane. The discussion on a new recreation center was the most contentious. Members in the committee also suggested building a smaller building downtown, while phasing the larger sports complex at Lundy Lane for a future bond proposal. However, city sta said downtown locations lacked the necessary acreage for the full facility, leaving Lundy Lane or Centennial Park as the only viable options. Sta also discussed an overhaul of Stevenson Park, specically the aging pool, which was described as “past its life.”
Road improvements considered for potential bond Potential road improvements included Stadium Lane, Murphy Lane and Bay Area Boulevard
Pearland’s re command sta, including Shane Bridges (left), Curtis Birt, Jack “J.” Taylor, Jacob Johnson and Kelly Sears in 2023.
COURTESY JACK “J.” TAYLOR
STADIUM LANE
in January, and the city expects onboarding for the new re chief to begin in March or April. Taylor advises the next re chief to “appreciate the talent” at the PFD. “There are so many great men and women in this organization that care so much about being excellent at the job they do,” he said. “They need to be given the autonomy to continue to bring up those great ideas and be part of the process as we move forward.”
MURPHY LANE
BAY AREA BLVD.
N
SOURCE: FRIENDSWOOD BOND AD HOC COMMITTEE
Jack “J.” Taylor
COURTESY OF CITY OF PEARLAND
SHADOW CREEK 11023 Shadow Creek Pkwy (281) 977-1027
PEARLAND 10555 Pearland Pkwy (713) 987-9205
ALMEDA 11130 Gulf Fwy (713) 910-3941
FRIENDSWOOD 3126 FM 528 (281) 648-5473
Events
Music on the Lawn Enjoy live music from Drew McWilliams and food trucks serving barbecue and cake pops at the outdoor event by Stanfield Properties.
• 3775 S. Main St., Pearland • api.harlemwizardsinabox.com/game/event/ pearlandtx02-26-26-07-00pm/
February
Galentine’s Perfume-Making Class Guests can celebrate sisterhood and friendship while making a custom fragrance at the Galentine’s event
• Feb. 20, 6-9 p.m • Free (admission) • 807 S. Friendswood Drive, Friendswood • Facebook: Music on the Lawn
March
hosted by Lit Java. • Feb. 13, 6-8 p.m. • $75 (per person) • 5018 Broadway St., Pearland • www.litjava.net
Hop into Spring Hosted by Pearland Market Days, the family-friendly event features free photos with the Easter Bunny, face painting, train rides and more than 90 small businesses. • March 1, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. • Free (admission) Sunset Cinema The event will feature a movie at Independence Park. Attendees can bring blankets, lawn chairs and snacks. • March 12, 6:30 p.m. • Free (admission) • 3449 Pearland Parkway, Pearland • www.parks.pearlandtx.gov/special-events/sunset- cinema-february-copy • 2320 Hatfield Road, Pearland • Facebook: Pearland Market Days
Daddy Daughter Dance The groovy-themed dance at Friendswood Junior High has two time slots available and includes dinner, dessert and dancing. • Feb. 21, 3-5 p.m., 6-8 p.m. • $30 (per person) • 1000 Manison Parkway, Friendswood • www.ci.friendswood.tx.us/373/daddy-daughter- dance-february Harlem Wizards visit Pearland The world-famous Harlem Wizards are bringing a basketball show to Pearland High School’s Searcy gym. The Wizards will compete against a team of Pearland ISD teachers and staff to raise funds for PISD’s Council of PTAs. • Feb. 26, doors open at 6 p.m., game starts at 7 p.m. • $18-20 (general admission), $35-55 for reserved or courtside seating
Fall in Love with Reading Readers can meet with local authors from a range of genres, including autobiographical and poetry, during the book event at UHCL’s Alfred R. Neumann Library. • Feb. 14, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. • Free (admission) • 1200 Pearland Parkway, Pearland • www.uhcl.edu
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Valentine’s Cookie Decorating Class Guests attending the cookie decorating class can enjoy a glass of champagne, step-by-step instructions and four Valentine’s-themed cookies. • Feb. 16, 6:30-8 p.m. • $55 (per person)
Lunar New Year Festival The festival at the Pearland Recreation Center will include a lion and dragon dance, Chinese paintings, traditional music and other cultural activities to welcome the new year.
• Feb. 21, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. • Free (admission) • 4141 Bailey Road, Pearland • www.pearlandchineseassociation.org
• 405 Laurel Drive, Friendswood • Instagram: sweetemscookiestx
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PEARLAND - FRIENDSWOOD - MANVEL EDITION
YARD WISE GARDEN IN PEARLAND BLOSSOMS AGAIN WITH REOPENING IN SPRING KEEP PEARLAND BEAUTIFUL Sponsored by: Keep Pearland Beautiful
Watching a community grow brings a unique pride, and in Pearland, that growth is about to get greener. The Yard Wise Garden will reopen in spring, welcoming resi- dents to a revitalized space for learning, sustainability and beauty. Located at the John Hargrove Environmental Complex, the garden is undergoing a total rebirth. This isn’t just new flowers; it’s a complete over- haul designed to withstand the unpredictable Texas weather while serving as a hub for connection. From setbacks to a shared vision The garden’s return is a story of resilience and col- laboration, with roots back to 2006. Originally a grassroots volunteer project, it was devastated by back-to-back freezes and droughts. Rather than patching the damage, Keep Pearland Beautiful and the City of Pearland joined forces to rebuild. The gar- den’s design reflects input from a diverse committee of KPB staff, volunteers, city staff and EHRA Engineering, ensuring strong community
and stakeholder support. Funding came from com- munity events like Tour de Lites and was matched by the city through the Tree Trust, a fund supported by developers to offset tree removal. “Pearland is special because we don’t work in silos,” KPB CEO Adrian Hernan- dez said. “Our community raised more than $75,000 to rebuild the garden, and with- out that support, enhance- ments like this wouldn’t be possible. When the city saw how much this mattered to residents, it matched those funds and committed the land, because it understands the power of bringing people together in shared spaces that enhance quality of life for our neighbors, business owners and visitors.” Mayor Kevin Cole empha- sized that this project reflects the city’s broader strategic vision for connecting its peo- ple. “This is the city’s way of giv- ing back to the community,” Mayor Cole said. “It’s about connecting the city to peo-
ple and people to each other. If this garden gets even one person outside, engaging with their community and neighbors, it has fulfilled its purpose.” Keep Pearland Beautiful sends a special thank you to outgoing Mayor Cole for his continued support of KPB programs, including the Yard Wise Garden, and for foster- ing strong partnerships that align community efforts with the city’s long-term vision. Built to last and welcome all After enduring harsh weath- er that challenged its up- keep, the Yard Wise Garden has been redesigned with durability, inclusivity and learning in mind. Key upgrades include: • ADA-compliant pathways • Expanded footprint and welcoming entrance • Defined planting zones • A focus on native plants A living classroom The Yard Wise Garden is a hands-on guide to sus- tainable living, showing residents how to bring resilience and beauty to their
yards. Every path, plant and planting zone demonstrates what thrives in Pearland’s climate—and how home- owners can replicate it. “Projects like the Yard Wise Garden help residents see that sustainability is achiev- able and impactful at the local level,” Board President Bethany McCormack said. “When people feel proud of shared spaces, they’re more likely to take ownership of their sur- roundings, leading to better habits, stronger neighbor- hoods and a more connect- ed community.”
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Education
BY CATHERINE WHITE
Friendswood ISD considers May bond election amid community feedback
The results
Feedback on FISD Bond While the Nov. 4 bond election failed with each proposition being at least over 58% against, nearly 50% of respondents from the survey were “for” the $165 million bond package.
At its Jan. 28 workshop, Friendswood ISD’s board of trustees was presented a four-proposition bond package totaling $81.5 million. The draft bond package includes: • Proposition A: Critical infrastructure/ lifecycle replacements and safety and security • Proposition B: Westwood Elementary replacement • Proposition C: Career and Agricultural Science Center • Proposition D: Technology The new potential bond package was formed based on community feedback from FISD community members. Prior to a new potential package being formed, community members expressed mixed reactions to the $165 million bond package that failed Nov. 4, according to a district survey released Nov. 21. The survey, which received 885 responses, showed that many respondents felt Proposition A included too many projects, the proposed tax increase was too high, and the bond didn’t focus on essential needs. Survey respondents included: • 67% parents of current students • 14% staff members • 19% community members with no current students When asked about priorities for a future bond, respondents most frequently cited
FISD's potential bond package
Against
For
The proposed $81.5 million bond package would increase the tax rate by up to $0.0349 per $100 valuation of a home. $2M: Technology
42%
48%
responses 885
$12.9M: Career and Agricultural Center
$26M: Critical infrastructure, safety and security
10%
Undecided
$40.625M: Westwood replacement
SOURCE: FRIENDSWOOD ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT
SOURCE: FRIENDSWOOD ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT
What’s next
maintenance and infrastructure repairs, safety and security upgrades, and replacing Westwood and Bales elementary schools. “The ones who came out for the survey are going to be the ones that come out to vote,” board member Rebecca Hillenburg said at the workshop. “They sent us clear messages, and we need to listen.” The board reviewed financial scenarios for a potential bond, including amounts of $60 million, $80 million and $100 million.
The board will consider bond propositions by its Feb. 9 meeting, which took place after press time, to call for a potential bond election in May. The board has until Feb. 13 to officially call for an election, according to district documents. If an election is called, early voting is from April 20-28, with election day May 2.
21
PEARLAND - FRIENDSWOOD - MANVEL EDITION • FEBRUARY 2026
Education
LUXUY LIVING
FOR 55+ ACTIVE ADULTS IN HOUSTON, TX
Carol Nelson has been a part of Alvin ISD for over 30 years.
COURTESY ALVIN ISD
AISD Superintendent Carol Nelson to retire after leading for over 6 years
which was after press time. The background
Alvin ISD Superintendent Carol Nelson will be retiring, district ocials conrmed on Jan. 26. “Serving Alvin ISD has been one of the greatest honors of my career,” Nelson said in an email Feb. 4. “I am deeply proud of our students and sta and of the strong, collaborative relationships we have built across our commu- nity during my tenure. Alvin ISD holds a special place in my heart because my children were raised here and we have been privileged to work alongside exceptional people.” The details The board of trustees held a special meeting Jan. 26 to discuss a superintendent search during a closed session. No action was taken, and no public discussion occurred at the meeting. While the district has not released a timeline or additional details regarding Nelson’s retire- ment, Nelson said she intended to ocially announce her retirement at the board’s Feb. 10 meeting,
Nelson became superintendent in 2019 and has served AISD for more than three decades. Under Nelson’s leadership, voters approved a $380.1 million bond in 2024 to address the dis- trict’s growth. AISD’s enrollment has grown by about 13% since Nelson began her term as super- intendent, according to data from the Texas Education Agency. Prior to assuming the role of superintendent, she worked as a classroom teacher, campus librar- ian, assistant principal, principal and associate superintendent for AISD. Her career in education also includes serving as an adjunct instructor for Alvin College. Nelson has received numerous recognitions, including being named Alvin ISD Principal of the Year in 2011, the Northern Brazoria County Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Leader of the Year in 2021, and the Women in Leadership Award in 2023.
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