CITY OF LA PORTE NEWSLETTER
JANUARY | FEBRUARY | MARCH 2026
CITY HAPPENINGS Upcoming Meetings Meeting agendas and minutes for all boards, committees, and City Council
JANUARY
FEBRUARY
8
LEPC Meeting
9
City Council Meeting
9
City Council Meeting
12
City Council Meeting
12
LEPC Meeting
12
LEPC Meeting
15
Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting
19
Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting
19
Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting
Board of 22 Zoning Adjustment Meeting
23 City Council Meeting
23 City Council Meeting
26 City Council Meeting
26 Adjustment Meeting
Zoning Board of
Board of 26 Zoning Adjustment Meeting
can be found at LaPorteTX.gov/Agendas
MARCH
CITY HOLIDAYS
City offices will be closed on January 1 for New Year’s Day.
Garbage pick up scheduled for this day will resume on your next scheduled day.
The Public Works Department will be making their annual free trash bag deliveries the second week of February!
LA PORTE POLICE DEPARTMENT
Citizens Police Academy Are you curious about how the La Porte Police Department operates?
Join the next Citizens Police Academy (CPA) starting January 6, 2026. This 13-week program offers a hands-on look at law enforcement, featuring classes on SWAT, K9 units, Crime Scene Investigations, and more. Sessions are held on Tuesdays from 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM at the La Porte Police Department. Space is limited to the first 25 qualified applicants! To apply, you must be 18+ and live, work, or attend school in the La Porte area. For more information or to apply, contact Officer R. Valdez at 281-842-3152 or email ValdezRS@laportetx.gov MUNICIPAL SEPARATE STORM SEWER SYSTEM The City of La Porte maintains a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System to transport storm water. The City has also created a Storm Water Management Program to manage the quality of discharge from the system. This program includes management best practices and schedules for implementation to address six minimum control measures. For more information, visit LaPorteTX.gov/StormWater.
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT Employee of the 3rd Quarter of 2025
Greg Bernstein
We are proud to recognize Greg Bernstein, a Utility Billing Assistant in the Finance Department, as our Employee of the Quarter. Since joining the team in 2017, Greg has built a reputation for outstanding reliability and customer service, earning nominations from supervisors Kelly Gonzales and Shelley Wolny. He is known for treating everyone with courtesy, receiving glowing customer feedback, and stepping up with initiative during recent staffing challenges—efforts that also earned him three “Going the Extra Mile” awards in 2025. Beyond his professional dedication, Greg is a proud La Porte resident, husband, father, and avid runner, making him a valued asset to both the City team and the community.
LA PORTE EMS COMMUNITY PROGRAMS CPR Training
The City of La Porte EMS is offering the following CPR courses at EMS headquarters: January 17 – Heartsaver $28 February 21– Healthcare Provider $32 March 14 – Heartsaver $28 Cash payment is due on the day of the class. Classes are held 8:30 AM- 12:00 PM. 281-471-9244
Safe Riders
Free child safety seats are provided to families who qualify. Please contact Lt. Meekins at 281-470-0047 or MeekinsS@LaPorteTX.gov for an appointment. Appointments available on: October 14, November 11, & December 16
Child Safety Seat Inspections
Free car seat checks are provided by a certified technician. Car seat checks are available by appointment only on the following dates at EMS Headquarters, 10428 Spencer Highway: January 22, February 26, & March 26 Call 281-471-9244 for an appointment.
Senior Citizen Food Drive February 2 - February 28 More info coming soon!
REGISTERING TO VOTE IN TEXAS IS EASY!
ARE YOU ELECTION READY?
Voter registration takes 30 days to become valid, so don't wait! VISIT VOTETEXAS.GOV TO REGISTER! Have you recently moved? Changed your name? Can't remember the last time you voted? CHECK YOUR REGISTRATION STATUS AT VOTETEXAS.GOV For more election information, visit LaPorteTX.gov/Elections, or contact the City Secretary's Office at CitySecretary@LaPorteTX.gov or 281-470-5021.
REGISTRARSE PARA VOTAR EN TEXAS ES FACIL!
ESTAS LISTO PARA LAS ELECCIONES?
VISITE VOTETEXAS.GOV PARA REGISTRARSE!
El registro de votantes tarda 30 días en ser valida, así que no se espere!
Te has mudado recientemente? Cambiaste tu nombre? No recuerdas la última vez que votaste?
CONSULTA EL ESTADO DE TU INSCRIPCION EN VOTETEXAS.GOV
Para obtener más información sobre las elecciones visite a LaPorteTX.gov/Elecciones o comuníquese con la Oficina de Secretaria de la Ciudad usando el correo electrónico CitySecretary@LaPorteTX.gov o llame al número 281-470-5021.
stickerCONTEST
This is the year to put your stamp (well, sticker) on the face of elections in the City of La Porte!
The City Secretary’s Office is now accepting submissions for the 2026 I voted! Sticker Contest!l The winning design will represent the many people, places, and rich history of La Porte, and the subject matter of the sticker design will serve as a reminder of the importance of local elections. What a great way to showcase civic responsibility and local pride! The contest is open to La Porte residents and LPISD students who submit their original nonpartisan artwork/design.
Learn more and submit your design today at LaPorteTX.gov/StickerContest Submissions will be accepted through 5 p.m. CT on January 31, 2026.
Citizens Election Academy Learn valuable information about how the City of La Porte conducts secure and accurate elections for the City and LPISD.
The Citizens Election Academy is free and open to all 16 years of age or older, with priority given to La Porte residents. Space is limited, and registration is required to attend. Registration is open at
Contact the City Secretary's Office at CitySecretary@LaPorteTX.gov or 281-470-5019 with questions.
LaPorteTX.gov/ElectionAcademy. Sessions will be held on February 11 and 18, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., at City Hall, 604 West Fairmont Parkway.
General election information is also available at LaPorteTX.gov/Elections.
LA PORTE MUNICIPAL COURT Say "I do" for the first time or all over again! Free this February at the La Porte Municipal Court. This February, in celebration of Valentine’s Day, La Porte Municipal Court will once again host our “Love is in the Air” event. Judge Janikka Bratton will be performing weddings and vow renewals at no cost for La Porte employees and residents by appointment only for the month of February.
For more information, visit LaPorteTX.gov/Weddings
THE
CYCLE CITY WITH MAYOR HELTON
Explore the City and connect with your community! Upcoming Rides: January 20 February 17 March 17
LaPorteTX.gov/CityCycle
The City of La Porte Presents
MARKETING SBA SESSION Unlock Your Small Business Potential with U.S. Small Business Administration!
Join SBA and the Director of Galveston County & San Jacinto College SBDC for a session on creating a marketing plan tailored to your unique needs. Learn how to effectively reach your target audience, leverage powerful marketing resources, and align your strategy with your business goals. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain the insights and tools you need to drive growth and success. Register now and start shaping your path to success!
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
2:00 - 3:00PM, La Porte City Hall Council Chamber, 604 W. Fairmont Pkwy
For more information: 281-470-5013 or CityManager@LaPorteTX.gov
¡Desbloquee el potencial de su pequeña empresa con la Administración de Pequeñas Empresas de U.S.! Únase a SBA y el Director del Centro de Desarrollo de Pequeñas Empresas del Condado de Galveston y del San Jacinto College en una interesante sesión sobre cómo crear un plan de marketing adaptado a sus necesidades. Aprenda a llegar eficazmente a su público objetivo, aprovechar potentes recursos de marketing y alinear su estrategia con los objetivos de su negocio. No pierda esta oportunidad de obtener la información y las herramientas que necesita para impulsar su crecimiento y éxito. ¡Regístrese ahora y comience a forjar su camino hacia el éxito!
Martes, Febrero 3, 2026
2:00 - 3:00PM, La Porte City Hall Council Chamber, 604 W. Fairmont Pkwy
Para más información: 281-470-5013 or CityManager@LaPorteTX.gov
UPCOMING EVENTS
JAN 3 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
MAIN STREET TRADE DAYS
FEB 7 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
MAIN STREET TRADE DAYS
DOWNTOWN LA PORTE
Baked goods, cottage foods, and handmade, handcrafted, vintage, and collectible items!
VISITLAPORTETX.COM/MAINSTREETTRADEDAYS
DOWNTOWN LA PORTE
Baked goods, cottage foods, and handmade, handcrafted, vintage, and collectible items!
VISITLAPORTETX.COM/MAINSTREETTRADEDAYS
FEB 13 Father Daughter 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Dance
LIVE MUSIC, PARADE, KID’S ZONE, AND MORE! VISITLAPORTETX.COM/MARDIGRAS
DOWNTOWN LA PORTE
MAR 6 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
MAR 21 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
LAPORTETX.GOV/REGISTER
MAIN STREET LA PORTE
FEB 21 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM MAR 7 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
SYLVAN BEACH PAVILION
Be our guest for an enchanting night of dancing, singing, and more!
Stroll Main Street and enjoy a variety of local artists, beer tastings, live music, and more! VISITLAPORTETX.COM/FIRSTFRIDAYS
MAIN STREET TRADE DAYS
DOWNTOWN LA PORTE
Extended hours for our birthday celebration! Baked goods, cottage foods, and handmade, handcrafted, vintage, and collectible items! VISITLAPORTETX.COM/MAINSTREETTRADEDAYS
LITTLE CEDAR BAYOU PARK Pet adoptions, 1-mile fun run, pet vendors, portraits, and more!
LAPORTETX.GOV/PETPALOOZA
APRIL 25
Experience the best of La Porte at the annual Sylvan Beach Festival, where our community comes together for a day of sun, live entertainment, and festival thrills by the water. We invite you to be part of the tradition that keeps our city vibrant and connected.
www.SylvanBeachFestival.com
Adult Winter Basketball League Team registration only for $400 per team. Maximum 10 teams accepted. Sunday afternoon/evening games from 3:00pm – 8:00pm at the La Porte Recreation & Fitness Center. Registration deadline is January 5. Season runs January 11 – March 15, with 8 guaranteed games & playoffs!
Spring NFL Flag Football League Registration open to K – 8th Grade from January 5 – February 16, for $75 per player. NFL Flag reversible jersey & flag belt included! Practices held at Fairmont Park, 3540 Farrington, with one practice per week. Games played on Saturdays and possibly Sunday afternoons at La Porte Junior High, 401 S Broadway. Practices begin the week of March 2. Season games run from March 28 – May 17. Volunteer coaches needed!
Spring Girls’ Volleyball League Registration open for 3rd – 8th Grade Girls from January 5 – February 16, for $60 per player. Player jersey included! Practices & games held at the La Porte Recreation & Fitness Center, 1322 S Broadway. One practice per week with games on Saturdays and possibly Sunday afternoons. Practices begin the week of March 2. Season games run from March 28 – May 17. Volunteer coaches needed!
Adult Spring Coed Volleyball League Team registration only for $300 per team. Maximum 8 teams accepted. Sunday afternoon/evening double-header matches from 3:00pm – 9:00pm at the La Porte Recreation & Fitness Center. Registration open January 5 – March 9, or closes when full. Season runs March 22 – May 17, with 14 guaranteed matches plus playoffs!
Kid’s Night Out Open to K – 6th Grade and held one Friday each month with upcoming dates of January 16, February 6, March 27, and April 17. Includes group games, dinner, and an offsite field trip! Drop off is between 5:00pm – 5:30pm and pick up is between 9:30pm – 10:00pm. Meeting location for Jan & Feb is the Jennie Riley Community Center, 322 N 4th Street. Meeting location for Mar & Apr is the Special Programs Center, 1302 S Broadway. Only $25 per child with registration ongoing. Maximum 25 participants. All field trips TBA!
School’s Out Hangout When school is out, we’ve got you covered! We have full-day activities for Grades K – 6th on January 19, February 13 & 16, and April 6. Students will participate in a variety of activities including group games, arts & crafts, and more! Held from 7:30am – 5:30pm at the Jennie Riley Community Center, 322 N 4th Street. Only $20 per child and space is limited to 30 students per day with ongoing registration.
Spring Break Camp Open to K – 6th Grade and packed with new & old friends, group games, arts & crafts, a field trip, and more! Camp will be held March 9 – 13 at the Special Programs Center, 1302 S Broadway, from 7:00am – 6:00pm daily. Registration open January 5 – March 5 (or closes when full). Maximum 48 campers. Fee is $70 per camper.
Mini Chefs Cooking Class Open to ages 8 – 13 and held once a week on Tuesdays from 6:00pm – 8:00pm at the Brookglen Community Center, 3324 Somerton Drive. This fun, hands-on cooking program allows participants to prepare a meal each week while learning basic cooking skills, kitchen safety, and the importance of teamwork. The class fee is $60 per child and includes all ingredients and materials. Space is limited to 8 participants. Session 1 runs January 13 – February 17, 2026. Session 2 runs February 24 – April 7, 2026 (skip March 10). Session 3 runs April 14 – May 19, 2026.
Registration for all Parks & Recreation programming is available online at LaPorteTX.gov/Register or by visiting the La Porte Recreation & Fitness Center, located at 1322 S. Broadway. Did you know? The La Porte Parks & Recreation Department publishes a program guide three times a year full of information on recreation, fitness, special programs, events, and more! Check it out at LaPorteTX.gov/FunTimes.
WE’RE WE ’RE HIRING HIRING FOR FOR SUMMER JOBS JOBS
Looking for a fun summer job? The Parks & Recreation Department will be accepting applications for Summer Camp Counselors, Lifeguards, Pool Managers, and more!
Apply online at LaPorteTX.gov/Jobs beginning January 30.
MARDI GRAS
ON MAIN La Porte, TX
FEB 21 4-8pm
Sign up to join the fun!
PARADE BEER & FOOD BEADS LI VE MUSI C FREE KI D' S ZONE VENDOR MARKET
visitlaportetx.com/mardigras
CITY OF LA PORTE 604 W FAIRMONT PKWY LA PORTE, TX 77571 281-471-5020
WWW.LAPORTETX.GOV
SPLASH PARKS OPEN MARCH 7