Here’s what’s up in SETX, 

We're closing out February with downtown revitalization, healthcare upgrades, and a good old-fashioned roast. Motiva's historic building project is on track, CHRISTUS just landed a big training grant, and Sheriff Zena Stephens is about to get roasted (for charity, of course). Plus: a new coffee shop is pouring concrete in Orange, the quilt guild is setting up shop this week, and the city wants you to bid on some surplus stuff. 

Today's newsletter is brought to you by Tailored Financial Solutions. 

Let's get into it. 👇

Downtown Port Arthur Is Getting Its Groove Back 🏢

Remember when downtown Port Arthur was bustling? Motiva is betting it can be again.

The energy giant's massive renovation of the historic Adams Building is on track to wrap up by year's end. Once complete, the landmark will house administrative offices, a conference center, and — if the renderings are any indication — some seriously impressive gathering spaces. The company is even working with the Texas Historical Commission to make sure every detail stays true to the building's original character.

This is the kind of investment that tends to snowball. More workers downtown means more demand for lunch spots, coffee shops, and retail. City officials are already eyeing additional development opportunities in the area.

💡 The bottom line: When a major employer puts this much skin in the game on a downtown revival, it's worth paying attention. Could be the start of something big.

🏥 Grant Expands Clinical Simulation Training at CHRISTUS Facilities

CHRISTUS Southeast Texas just landed a grant to expand clinical simulation training across its facilities. Translation: local nurses, doctors, and first responders get better hands-on training here — not in Houston, not in Dallas. Better-trained healthcare workers = better care for you and your family. Read more →

🎤 Sheriff Zena Gets the Roast Treatment — Jefferson County's trailblazing sheriff is the fifth honoree in Spindletop Rotary's celebrity roast series. March 31 at MCM Eleganté. Her own deputies are among the roasters. Should be entertaining. Read more →

🧵 Quilt Show Takes Over Downtown Beaumont — The Golden Triangle Quilt Guild is bringing "Sewing Peace with Quilts" to downtown Beaumont this weekend — a two-day quilt show and market at 701 Main Street. Tickets are $10. Whether you're a quilter or just appreciate the craft, this is a great community outing. Read more →

🎣 White Bass Run Looking Solid This Year — Anglers, mark your calendars. Early reports suggest good conditions for the annual white bass run on Texas rivers. Time to dust off those tackle boxes.

💼 New York & Texas Lead in Finance Job Growth

Texas is outpacing most states in finance-sector job creation. If you're in banking, insurance, accounting, or fintech — or thinking about a career pivot — this is a tailwind worth knowing about. Read more →

💻 Texas Data Centers: What the Boom Means for SETX

Texas is becoming a national hotspot for data center development, driven by cheap energy and available land — two things Southeast Texas has in abundance. While no SETX-specific facility has been announced yet, the trend is worth watching. If data centers move into the region, expect new jobs, major power demand, and infrastructure investment. Read more →

📬 Which story caught your eye?

Mark your calendars for these upcoming highlights.

THIS WEEK

MOVIE NIGHTS @ JEFFERSON THEATRE

THIS WEEKEND

Which event are you hitting up? Reply and let us know! And if there's an event we missed, send it our way for next week's issue. 🎉

Coffee lovers in Orange — your drive-thru dreams are about to come true. Lava Java just poured the foundation for their third Texas location at 2402 N. 16th Street, right near Sunset Park. They're targeting a late March opening.

This is the kind of local business growth we love to see — new development on a previously underutilized property, creating jobs and giving Orange residents a quality coffee option without leaving town. Stay tuned for the official opening date. ☕

⏰ Hours (once open): Mon-Fri 5:30AM-5:30PM | Sat 7AM-4PM | Sun 8AM-4PM

🍳 Main Street Cafe — Lumberton

If you haven't checked out this Lumberton spot yet, add it to your list. They're serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. The vibe is casual and family-friendly as in the kind of place where the staff remembers your order.

📍 731 N Main St, Lumberton

🤤 Had a great meal somewhere in SETX lately? Reply and tell us — we feature reader picks.

A dedicated partner to local entrepreneurs and growing businesses making SETX a thriving community through accurate bookkeeping and CFO-level guidance. TFS empowers small businesses and visionaries through strategic decision support and clear financial management. 

📧 Want to learn more? Reach out to TFS via their website at tailoredfinsolutions.com and mention What's Up SETX for a complimentary consultation.

This section is sponsored by Tailored Financial Solutions. Want your business featured here? Email us at [email protected].

It's White Bass Season in Texas 🎣

Here's your outdoor lineup:

If you fish — or you've been wanting to start — this is your moment. The annual white bass run is underway across Texas rivers, and the outlook this year is strong.

What's a white bass run? Every late winter/early spring, white bass migrate upstream to spawn. They travel in huge schools, they're aggressive feeders, and they're one of the most fun freshwater fish to catch on light tackle. It's fast-paced, beginner-friendly, and absolutely addictive.

SETX anglers: The Neches and Sabine river systems are your home water. Check local reports for current conditions — water levels and temperature are everything right now.

Read the full outlook →

🏕️ What's your favorite outdoor spot in the Golden Triangle? Reply and tell us — we'll feature the best ones in a future issue.

Entry-level civil service examination. Application deadline: March 20, 2026 by 5PM. Must be certified/enrolled in fire protection or EMT program. Veterans get 5 preference points. Contact: Shanetra Hinton at 409-983-8215.

Paid summer work for high school juniors and seniors. Earn $10-$17/hour. Program runs June 8 - July 31. Application deadline: March 31. Apply at paedc.org.

Looking for work this spring? Tailored Lawn Care is actively hiring. Outdoor work, local routes, steady gig.

How to apply: Call or text Frederick: (409) 365-4887

💼 Hiring in SETX? Send us your job listing and we'll include it — free for local businesses. Just reply to this email.

Every week, we ask a few questions because this newsletter is a two-way street. Hit reply — we read every single one.

See you next week neighbor 📍,

The What’s Up SETX Team