Here’s what’s up in SETX, 

In today’s edition, you're going to discover a major local comeback for a Port Arthur landmark, a few ways to save on your taxes (and your house cleaning), and where to find the best 4-course Valentine’s date in the city. 📍

This newsletter is proudly sponsored by Tailored Financial Solutions. 🏛️

BMT Zip Calder Route Moving to Phelan Road — Here's What Changes

If you ride the Calder bus, heads up: the route is getting a major realignment. Starting February 16, 2026, the Calder Route will be redesigned to stay on Phelan Road to optimize service and minimize delays from heavy I-10 construction, railroad crossings, and traffic congestion.

🗓️ Key Dates:

📍 New Bus Stops on Phelan:

💡 What it means for you: Plan your commute accordingly. If you rely on the old Calder stops, identify your nearest new Phelan stop now. The new locations are designed for easier access and fewer delays.

🏬 Central Mall's Comeback Continues 

Port Arthur's beloved mall is thriving under new local ownership from developers Joe Aref and Sultan Jasani. Since July 2025, they've replaced 1,000 light fixtures, repainted parking lot lines, and brought in Cici's Pizza (now open). 

Coming soon: Five Below, Altitude Trampoline Park, and three more national retailers. A Port Arthur police substation adjacent to the theaters will enhance security.

👦 CHRISTUS Names 2026 CMN Champion 

12-year-old Trace White has been named the 2026 Children's Miracle Network Champion for Southeast Texas. Born six weeks premature with Down syndrome, Trace now serves as an ambassador highlighting the importance of community donations for pediatric care at CHRISTUS Southeast Texas St. Elizabeth.

🍲 $50K Grant Fights Food Insecurity 

Del Papa Distributing has awarded a $50,000 match grant to the Southeast Texas Food Bank as part of the "Souper Bowl of Caring" initiative. For the fifth consecutive year, this grant encourages businesses and individuals to match funds. This year's campaign raised over $200,000, with each dollar providing three meals to the community.

🎰 Lucky Streak in SETX 

Recent lucky residents in the Beaumont/Port Arthur area have claimed significant scratch-off prizes, continuing a streak of local Texas Lottery winners. Multiple $1 million prizes have been claimed in Beaumont in recent months.

🏈 Willie Ray Smith Award Finalists Named 

Eight SETX high school football stars are vying for the prestigious award. Offensive finalists: Amante Martin (PA Memorial), Luke Babin (Woodville), Khelvy Jefferson (WO-S), Kendray Porter Jr. (Newton). Defensive finalists: Tai'yion "Tank" King (PA Memorial), Kaleb Menard (Orangefield), Anterrion Fontenot (WO-S), Pierce Pirtle (Hamshire-Fannett). Winners announced March 1 at MCM Elegante Hotel.

☕ Beaumont's First Small Business Listening Session 

The City of Beaumont held its inaugural session on Jan. 31 at Come Alive Coffee House downtown. Local business owners shared wins, challenges, and ideas for support. More sessions coming! 🤝

New England Patriots vs. Seattle Seahawks

Mark your calendars for these upcoming events.

THIS WEEKEND

MOVIE NIGHTS @ JEFFERSON THEATRE

COMING UP

💕 Valentine's Day Pick

Looking for Valentine's Day plans? Hearsay in Beaumont is offering a $75 per person four-course meal. Call to make your reservation (credit card required to hold). The space is beautiful and that price for a four-course meal? Worth it. 🌹

🐾 Nonprofit Spotlight: Beaumont Pets Alive

A 501(c)(3) dedicated to animal health and making SETX a No-Kill community through education and direct resources. Support local rescue efforts! 🐕‍🦺

🚀Business Spotlight: Tailored Financial Solutions

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

Did you know? Motiva's Port Arthur refinery is second largest oil refinery in United States. The facility is a major economic engine that brings skilled workers and business activity to Southeast Texas every day. 🛢️

And that’s what’s up in SETX! 

If you found this helpful, the best way to support us is to hit that forward button and share this with a neighbor. We’re building this for the community, and we can’t do it without you.

See you next week!

Stay in the know, 

The What’s Up SETX Team