Here’s what’s up in SETX, 

This week, we're talking brisket prices (it's getting real out here), a Beaumont native inspiring thousands of girls in STEM, and one Houston fried chicken legend finally crossing into Port Arthur. The Year of the Horse just kicked off, Boomtown Film Fest is rolling into town, and the Port of Port Arthur wants to show you their shiny new bridge project. Oh and Texas BBQ might be in trouble. We'll explain. 

This newsletter is proudly sponsored by Tailored Financial Solutions.

Let's get into it. 👇

$21.8 Million in State Funding Heads to Arctic Icebreaker Project And It Touches SETX

Texas just directed $21.8 million toward the Arctic icebreaker project based out of Galveston and Port Arthur. The federal initiative, which involves building and homeporting heavy icebreaker ships, has been in the works for years — and now the state is putting real money behind the infrastructure needed to support it. Port Arthur's role in the project ties directly to the region's deep-water port capabilities and shipyard workforce.

👉 Why this matters: This is federal defense and maritime work flowing into Southeast Texas. It means potential jobs in shipbuilding, maintenance, and support services which is the kind of skilled-trade positions the Golden Triangle was built on. If the project moves forward at full scale, expect ripple effects across local housing, supply chains, and workforce training programs.

Read more via Houston Public Media

🏗️ Port Arthur Flyover Bridge Open House — Feb 26 — The Port of Port Arthur is hosting a community open house for the Flyover Bridge project, a new bridge over the CPKC Railyard connecting Lakeshore Dr. to W. Rev. Dr. Ransom Howard Street. Meet the construction team and see the project design. Details below in events.

🐴 Year of the Horse Has Arrived — Lunar New Year celebrations are in full swing. Prayers, festivities, and community gatherings are happening across SETX. 

🏥 New Texas Laws Reshape Beaumont Health Inspections — New state legislation is changing how health inspections work in Beaumont, affecting restaurants and food establishments across the city. If you own or manage a food business, this one's worth reading closely. Read more

🐮 Texas Cattle Problem Has BBQ Implications — The state's ongoing cattle supply challenges are starting to affect what you pay at the pit and the grocery store. Texas ranchers are dealing with herd declines, and the ripple effects reach every brisket-loving household in SETX. Read more

🎓 Beaumont Native Blends Beauty + STEM for Black History Month — A Beaumont native is inspiring the next generation by combining beauty and STEM education — a fresh take on outreach that's getting regional attention during Black History Month. Read more

🐴 Lunar New Year Celebrations Usher in the Year of the Horse — Festivities and prayers are marking the Year of the Horse across Texas and the Gulf Coast. A great reminder of the cultural diversity that makes our region richer. Read more

🌱 Jefferson County Master Gardeners Vegetable Sale Coming Up — Planning a spring garden? The Jefferson County Master Gardeners have their annual vegetable sale on the calendar. Perfect timing to get transplants in the ground before the heat hits. Read more

Mark your calendars for these upcoming highlights.

THIS WEEKEND

THIS WEEKEND

MOVIE NIGHTS @ JEFFERSON THEATRE

BOOMFEST 2026

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. 🎉

This is the one everybody's been waiting for. A Port Arthur native is bringing Frenchy's Chicken — the iconic Houston chain beloved for its Creole-fried chicken, boudin, and dirty rice right to Gulfway Drive in Port Arthur.

For years, SETX folks have been making the drive to Houston for a Frenchy's fix. Soon, you won't have to. This is a huge win for local food lovers and for the Gulfway corridor's growth.

Opening mid-April, hiring 30-40 employees. Entry-level positions could be available for teens.

📍 2200 Gulfway Drive, Port Arthur | Follow @frenchyspatx for updates

Also on your radar: With Texas cattle prices climbing, expect your brisket plate to cost a little more this spring. Support your local BBQ joints cause they're feeling the squeeze too.

🤠 What's your go-to Frenchy's order? Spicy dark? Wings and rice? Reply and let us know.

Tailored Lawn Care

Frederick H. Taylor runs Tailored Lawn Care, a locally owned lawn care service offering the best in yard maintenance with free estimates. 

📞 Call or text: (409) 365-4887

🚨 They're also hiring — so if you're looking for outdoor work this spring, give them a ring.

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

Beaumont Native Turns Beauty into a STEM Pipeline 🔬💄

A Beaumont-raised entrepreneur is doing something we haven't seen before: using the beauty industry as a gateway to get young people excited about STEM. By blending cosmetic chemistry with hands-on learning, she's showing the next generation that science isn't just textbooks (and for nerds) but also lip gloss formulas, skincare pH levels, and product development.

It's innovative. It's local. And it's exactly the kind of homegrown hustle we love to spotlight.

Read the full story

🚀 Know a local entrepreneur doing something cool? Reply to this email and tell us about them.

SETX Event Venue Roundup

Planning a birthday party, team event, or celebration? Here are some community-recommended venues across the Golden Triangle:

Know a great local venue we should add to the list? Hit reply! 

Spring is creeping in and the Golden Triangle has no shortage of ways to enjoy it. Here are a few ideas:

🌿 Shangri La Botanical Gardens & Nature Center (Orange) - If you haven't visited lately, now's the time. February is when the early spring blooms start showing out, and the boardwalk through the wetlands is one of the most peaceful walks in all of SETX. Free admission. Grab a coffee and go.

📍 2111 W Park Ave, Orange, TX 77630

🎣 Sabine Lake & Saltwater Marsh

Water temps are starting to climb, which means speckled trout and redfish are getting active. Whether you're a kayak angler or hitting the jetty at Sabine Pass, this is prime pre-spring fishing season. Pro tip: check tide charts before you head out — incoming tide in the morning has been the move.

🚶 Cattail Marsh Wetlands Boardwalk (Beaumont)

One of SETX's hidden gems! 900 acres of constructed wetlands teeming with birds. February is still solid for wintering species, and the boardwalk is stroller- and bike-friendly. Sunrise visits hit different. 

📍 Tyrrell Park, Beaumont

Quick tip: SETX's growing season is long and generous. If you start now, you can have fresh peppers, tomatoes, and herbs well into fall.

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

Want to give back? The City of Orange has openings on multiple civic boards and commissions. This is a real chance to shape your community's future:

How to apply: Submit your application at orangetexas.gov — Boards & Commissions or call the City Secretary at (409) 883-1042.

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