Texas Border Business
PHARR, Texas – The City of Pharr is proud to announce that its Office of City Communications earned a total of eight awards and two honorable mentions at the 2025 Texas Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors (TATOA) annual conference, held in The Woodlands, Texas.
TATOA is a statewide organization that recognizes excellence in government communications, video production, and digital storytelling among municipalities and public agencies across Texas.
“I am incredibly proud and grateful to celebrate these recent awards with our media team,” Director of the Office of City Communications Yuri Gonzalez said. “They are extremely talented; every idea, edit, story and creative passion made this possible,” Gonzalez added.
The Office of City Communications is a twelve-member team of skilled video journalists, media specialists, and graphic designers. Serving as the central hub for all citywide communications, marketing, and video production, the department manages every aspect of communications entirely in-house. From covering community events to producing city meetings and launching public awareness campaigns, the department is dedicated to keeping residents informed, connected, and engaged with their local government.
“I am extremely proud of our Office of City Communications and the tremendous work they do to help tell our Pharr story,” Pharr City Manager Dr. Jonathan Flores said. “Under the direction of Yuri Gonzalez, our media team continues to set the industry standard for innovation in media relations. These awards are a true testament to their dedication, creativity, and commitment to excellence,” Flores added.
Pharr received awards across multiple categories, showcasing outstanding creativity, production, and storytelling:
| Award | Project Title | Category |
| 1st Place | New Year’s Eve Ball Drop 2025 | Community Event Coverage |
| 1st Place | Pharr Takes on the Texas Community Challenge | PSA Advertisement |
| 1st Place | PharrCast Episode 22 – Peewee | Interview, Talk Show, or Podcast |
| 1st Place | Avocado Festival 2024 Promo | Event/Program Promotion |
| 2nd Place | Walking with Purpose for Veterans’ Mental Health | Military |
| 2nd Place | A New Year Filled with Midnight Wishes | Best Use of Social Media |
| 3rd Place | Fresh on the Border 2024 | Event/Program Promotion |
| 3rd Place | Teamwork on the Front Lines: Pharr’s Truck Operations Drill | Fire Department |
| Honorable Mention | Se Antoja Pharr | Magazine Format / Show Series |
| Honorable Mention | Clocked In with Amelia Wright | Library |
The award-winning videos are available to view by clicking the links above.
These awards highlight the Office of City Communications’ continued commitment to high-quality storytelling, transparency, and community engagement.
