Here’s what’s up in SETX, 

Big week for hometown pride. We've got leadership transitions shaping Beaumont's future, local athletes bringing home hardware, and a chance to put SETX on the map…literally. Plus, free tax help, scholarship deadlines, and adoptable pups who'd make great Valentine's dates. 

If you commute, run a business, or are planning your February calendar, there’s something here for you. 

It's a packed one, neighbor. Today's edition is brought to you by Tailored Financial Solutions, your local partner for bookkeeping and CFO-level guidance. 

Beaumont City Manager Kenneth Williams Announces Retirement

After years of steering Beaumont through growth, infrastructure projects, and economic development, City Manager Kenneth Williams is stepping down. Williams has been a key figure in navigating city budget priorities, industrial partnerships, and community services during a pivotal period for the Golden Triangle.

👉 Why this matters: City manager transitions can influence everything from road projects to business incentives. Beaumont's next leader will inherit ongoing initiatives around drainage improvements, downtown revitalization, and industrial growth tied to the Port of Beaumont. Keep an eye on who steps into this role as it'll shape how tax dollars get spent and how fast projects move.

🏆 Lumberton High School Cheerleaders Win National Title — The Raiders brought home the hardware from the NCA High School Nationals in Dallas adding another trophy to SETX's growing collection of student athlete wins. Proud moment for the community.

🛒 Orange Is Getting a Bigger H-E-B — City Council approved plans to demolish Northway Shopping Center and build a new, larger H-E-B. It's still in the due diligence phase, but Orange residents are already celebrating.

🏅 Museum of the Gulf Coast Honors Local Athletes — The Sports Legends Gallery in Port Arthur continues showcasing SETX Olympians and pro athletes from Jamaal Charles to Coach Jimmy Johnson. Very much worth a visit.

🎨 Vote for Beaumont in the Texas Monthly Mural Contest — Beaumont is one of 10 Texas cities competing in Texas Monthly's "Star Spangled Texas" mural competition. Three winners get a custom Coca-Cola mural. Cast your vote at texasmonthly.com.

🏈 UIL Realignment Shakes Up Football Districts — New district assignments are out for high school sports. Check how your school fared and mark those rivalry games on your calendar.

💰 Free Tax Prep at Port Arthur Library — Starting now, the Port Arthur Public Library offers free tax preparation services. No appointment needed! Just bring your docs.

⚡ Jasper Planned Power Outage — Heads up, Jasper County: a scheduled outage is coming for maintenance. Check with Entergy for exact dates and times.

🥴 Whataburger Cups to Protect Pipes? Fact Check: True-ish — Yes, people really do use Whataburger cups as pipe insulation during Texas freezes. Is it effective? Debatable. Is it very Texas? Absolutely.

Mark your calendars for these upcoming highlights.

THIS WEEK

MOVIE NIGHTS @ JEFFERSON THEATRE

BOOMFEST 2026

COMING UP

Yorey's Urban Eats — Beaumont

Husband-and-wife team Corey and Yolanda Harris are putting Southeast Texas barbecue on the map. Their beef links, pork bones, and viral "link loaf" have caught the attention of the Houston Chronicle. The spot also serves soul food on Sundays and four different boudin flavors (spicy chicken, beef, brisket, pork). Find them at 895 Doucette Ave., Beaumont across from Service Food Store. Open Wed-Thu (BBQ) and Sun (Soul Food), 11:30 AM - 5:30 PM.

Port Arthur Restaurant Health Scores

The City of Port Arthur Health Department released new scores. Here are the highlights:

🟢 Nothing Bundt Cake (8805 Memorial Blvd) — 100(A)

🟢 Milan Bakery (7217 9th Ave) — 98(A)

🟢 Jack In The Box (2840 Hwy 365) — 97(A)

🟢 Gulf Coast Seafood (6137 W. Port Arthur Rd) — 93(A)

🟢 Tracy's Seafood (1201 Gulfway Dr) — 93(A)

🟡 Hong's Seafood Market (830 Gillham Circle) — 91(A)

Do you agree with these scores? 

Tailored Financial Solutions: Built on Intelligence and Trust

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.

Beaumont Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB)

Beaumont celebrated its 34th annual Hall of Fame Awards last Feb. 3, 2026, recognizing the planners and partners who help bring major meetings and events to the city. These are the behind-the-scenes players who keep conventions, tourism, and local spending moving.

Looking for a Valentine's Date? Meet Violeta and Her Puppies 💕🐾

Still searching for love this Valentine's season? The Jefferson County Animal Shelter has some adorable candidates: Momma Violeta and her crew of 10 puppies.

Violeta is a sweet, petite pit/cur mix (42 lbs) found on Vincent Road by the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department. Her pups—believed to have Great Dane in the mix—are 8–10 weeks old and full of personality.

Adoption fee: $70 (includes spay/neuter, microchip, first vaccines, flea prevention, dewormer)

We want to hear from you:

💬 What local business deserves a spotlight? Reply and tell us who's doing great work in SETX.

💬 Have you voted for Beaumont's mural yet? Let us know your favorite design.

💬 What's one thing you wish more people knew about the Golden Triangle? Hit reply cause we read every response.

See you later neighbor 📍,

The What’s Up SETX Team