Pharr Communications Department earns state awards
The City of Pharr recently announced 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.
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
Story Courtesy
City of Pharr