Hereβs whatβs up in SETX,Β
In todayβs 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 Valentineβs date in the city. π
This newsletter is proudly sponsored by Tailored Financial Solutions. ποΈ
π° THE BIG NEWS
BMT Zip Calder Route Moving to Phelan Road β Here's What Changes

City of Beaumont Changing Calder Avenue Bus Route to Phelan Road
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.
ποΈ Key Dates:
February 14: Last day of service at old Calder stops
February 16: New Phelan Road service begins
π New Bus Stops on Phelan:
Phelan & Kennedy
Phelan & Belvedere
Phelan & Goodhue
Phelan & Peyton
Phelan (between Dunkin' Donuts & Popeyes)
Phelan & Chase Bank
π‘ 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.
π THE RUNDOWN
π¬ Central Mall's Comeback ContinuesΒ
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).Β
Coming soon: Five Below, Altitude Trampoline Park, and three more national retailers. A Port Arthur police substation adjacent to the theaters will enhance security.
π¦ CHRISTUS Names 2026 CMN ChampionΒ
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.
π² $50K Grant Fights Food InsecurityΒ
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.
π° Lucky Streak in SETXΒ
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.
π Willie Ray Smith Award Finalists NamedΒ
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.
β Beaumont's First Small Business Listening SessionΒ
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! π€

βοΈ Bus Riders: Find your new Phelan Road stop before Feb 16. Old Calder stops end of Feb 14.
βοΈ Super Bowl Party: Patriots vs. Seahawks kicks off Sunday, Feb 8 at 5:30 PM CST. Stock up on wings and find your watch party!
βοΈ Free Tax Prep: Super Tax Day starts Saturday, Feb 7 (10 AMβ2 PM). Continues Thursdays & Saturdays through April 11. portarthurtx.gov
βοΈ Nonprofits: Bring a 30-minute project to Beaumont Rotary Club on Feb 11 at MCM Elegante. Volunteers ready to help!
βοΈ Adopt Love: Galentine's Doggie Day Out on Feb 13 at Beaumont Animal Care. Pick up an eligible shelter dog!
π SUPER BOWL LX WATCH GUIDE
New England Patriots vs. Seattle Seahawks

A rematch of the iconic 2015 Super Bowl XLIX showdown!
π Date: Sunday, February 8, 2026
β° Kickoff: 5:30 PM CST (6:30 PM ET)
π Location: Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, CA
πΊ Watch: NBC, Peacock, Telemundo
π€ Halftime: Bad Bunny headlines the Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show
πΈ Pre-Game: Green Day performs opening ceremony; Charlie Puth sings the National Anthem
π COMMUNITY EVENTS
Mark your calendars for these upcoming events.
THIS WEEKEND
Feb 7: Super Tax Day Kickoff | 10 AMβ2 PM at Port Arthur Library. Free tax prep begins.Β
Feb 8: Super Bowl LX | 5:30 PM CST. Patriots vs. Seahawks. Catch the game and Bad Bunnyβs halftime show on NBC/Peacock. π
MOVIE NIGHTS @ JEFFERSON THEATRE
Feb 13: Hidden Figures β 7 PM
Feb 20: The Wiz β 7 PM
COMING UP
Feb 14 & 28: Riverfront Farmers Market | Get your local goods at the boardwalk.
Feb 19: "Salute to Ports" Luncheon | 10 AM at 3401 Cultural Center Dr, PA. Featuring Larry Kelley, Port of PA Director.
Feb 21β22: Beauty and The Beast | Julie Rogers Theatre. Performed by the Beaumont Civic Ballet. ποΈ Tickets: beaumontcivicballet.netΒ
Β π½οΈ FOOD CORNER

Courtesy of Hearsay Beaumont Facebook Official Page
π 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. πΉ
π’ BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
πΎ 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! πβπ¦Ί
πBusiness Spotlight: Tailored Financial Solutions

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 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. π’οΈ
And thatβs whatβs up in SETX!Β
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See you next week!
Stay in the know,Β
The Whatβs Up SETX Team
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