Good morning, Brownsville.

On Thursday, March 12, local Girl Scouts and community members gathered at Camp RIO for the grand opening of the Historic Lula Sams Girl Scout Museum in a restored 1950s cabin.

The museum preserves camp traditions after IDEA Public Schools & partners transformed the property into an outdoor education site.

Crews are repairing a 40 ft mosaic at the Basilica of Our Lady of San Juan del Valle with a $35,000 project to wash, clean+replace missing tiles and seal the artwork.

Completion is expected in about two months.

RioPlex (a nonprofit group promoting South Texas and Northern Tamaulipas) launched its website, rioplex.com, to showcase data, investment opportunities and regional collaboration for businesses and communities while emphasizing regional unity, investor focus and strategic promotion with local economic development councils.

Gilberto Salinas (Greater Brownsville Economic Development Corporation) provided an update on LNG projects at the Port, noting that Rio Grande LNG nears peak construction and will create about 2,500 permanent jobs with 70 percent local work, while Texas LNG will begin later this year to add 4,000-5,000 high-paying jobs.

Carlos Margo, STC’s dean of advanced training and apprenticeships, said many high school students in the Rio Grande Valley are unaware of non-credit workforce programs that offer quick certifications like OSHA+ plumbing to access good-paying jobs, and he urged increased outreach to highlight these career pathways.

Texas Southmost College is planning to build a Workforce Training Center on South Padre Island (located next to the Coast Guard station) to ease local labor shortages in fields such as pipefitting, welding, and healthcare.

College officials received guidance for a $1 million funding proposal after meeting with lawmakers in Washington, D.C.

Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño has reopened Beach Access areas 4, 5 and 6 (closed Monday due to high tides from a cold front) at South Padre Island, and beachgoers are urged to follow lifeguard instructions.

Governor Abbott announced a $375,000 Texas Workforce Commission grant with Dwyer Workforce Development at a Tuesday graduation in McAllen to expand tuition-free healthcare training in the Rio Grande Valley, addressing childcare and transportation needs.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is asking for public input on a proposed land swap with SpaceX that will exchange 712 acres of refuge land for 692 acres, including parts of the historic Palmito Ranch Battlefield.

Public comments must be sent by March 31.

The Brownsville Animal Regulation and Care Center will host low-cost pet vaccination clinics from March 25 to May 30 so pet owners can keep their animals safe and follow city rules (about 200 pets get vaccinated at each event).

Candlelight: Tribute to Bad Bunny

8:30-9:30 p.m. — Historic Alonso Building — Ticketed event — Experience a magical evening of Bad Bunny's music performed by a string quartet under candlelight.

Mike E Winfield Live Performance

8:00-9:30 p.m. — The Lucky Barrel — Ticket required — Experience the refreshing humor of Mike E. Winfield as he shares relatable stories and keeps you laughing all night long.

Brownsville Guitar Festival

8:00 AM - 8:30 PM — TSC Performing Arts Center — Registration fees from $40 — Participate in a premier ensemble competition for guitarists.

42nd Annual Causeway Run & Walk

7-10 a.m. — Port Isabel Event & Cultural Center — Registration required — Enjoy a scenic run across the iconic Queen Isabella Causeway with stunning coastal views.