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Happy weekend, Harlingen! In today’s edition: A $14B data center plan, a longtime Hino Gas sale, an Arroyo Park renovation, and more. Let’s get to it!

— Cait Baker

🏆 Most popular this week

Curated by popular demand — here are this week’s most-clicked events, local spots, and stories.

Texas tech expansion accelerates: U.K.-based Eneus Energy is planning to invest more than $14 billion in a data center near Harlingen, with 16 data halls on a 1,785-acre site — get all the details.

Community staple enters new era: Harlingen’s Hino Gas has been sold to an undisclosed buyer after more than six decades of service. B&A Energy Partners facilitated the deal for the longtime propane provider — read the full story.

Upgrades for play and sports: Harlingen plans a $1.5 million Arroyo Park renovation funded by a $750,000 Texas Parks and Wildlife matching grant, adding sensory-friendly playgrounds, an adaptive trail, and softball upgrades expected in 2027 — see the upgrades and timeline.

Brunch that hits right: Station 1 Bar & Grill serves weekend brunch with fresh-squeezed juices, craft cocktails, and plates built around local produce, guided by chef Cecilia Alvarez’s menu that swings from cozy to a little fancy. It’s made for lingering with a friend, and the bartenders match your vibe.

Big-box space reimagined: Ashley Furniture will open a new store in Harlingen at the former Conn’s HomePlus site. A $1 million renovation is scheduled to start on March 2. The company already operates a home clearance center in town, bringing more options soon. Get all the details.

Cultivating tomorrow’s industry leaders: TSTC Harlingen recently hosted a Texas High School Welding Series regional event, where 80 students from nine high schools tested skills and could earn industry certifications, highlighting the Valley’s talent — learn how students gained experience.

Gold continues to hold strong: After its best year in decades, gold remains near historic highs as investors look for stability amid inflation and debt. GoldCo has a free guide that covers everything you need to know. They’re also offering up to 10% free gold & silver – check it out here.

One emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ but pet insurance helps. I sure wished I’d had it after a $10k last-minute surgery for my cat (her name is Miss Stache). I learned my lesson and signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175/month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.

What do people see when they search your name? Search results can surface past mistakes or outdated information that no longer reflects who you are. BetterReputation helps remove and clean up unwanted content so your online presence matches your real life today. Not worried about yourself? Doesn’t hurt to mention it to family or friends who might be.

🔥 Worth a peek

We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we genuinely think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week:

• Not all financial advisors are created equal. Find the best for you
• Got debt? See if you qualify to pay up to 45% less
• Open a GoldCo account & get up to 10% in free gold/silver
• Save $ on vet bills with Lemonade pet insurance
• This home warranty is 50% off right now
• Fellow ladies with thinning hair: Try Hers

📆 Sneak peek at next week

Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →

All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.

🎸 Country Jam @ Yellow Rose MH & RV Park | Monday (2/16) at 1:00 PM – Grab a chair and settle in for a proper Country Jam, where the pickers are invite-only, and the rest of us are here for cake, coffee, and toe taps. Think front-row seats without lugging an amp, just a fork, a mug, and good company.

🧶 Crochet Club @ Dr. Hector P. Garcia Memorial Library | Tuesday (2/17) at 5:30 PM – Bring your yarn, your curiosity, and that half-finished scarf from 2012. This beginner friendly Crochet Club wraps up its February run in Mercedes with easy stitches, patient folks, and the kind of chatter you only get on S. Ohio Ave. Fewer screens, more stitches.

📚 Redrover Readers @ Dr. Hector P. Garcia Memorial Library | Wednesday (2/18) at 5:30 PM – RedRover Readers RGV turns storytime into a lesson in empathy, with a horse-smart read and a hands-on craft. Bring the kiddos, soak up some wholesome calm, and leave with a DIY catnip toy your cat will pretend not to love.

🎨 Arts & Crafts @ San Benito Public Library | Thursday (2/19) at 5:30 PM – Take a breather and swing by the San Benito Public Library for a free, all-ages arts and crafts workshop every Thursday. It’s low-stress, high-glitter, and surprisingly therapeutic. Bring the kids, your partner, or just your patience, and leave with something fridge-worthy.

🍎 Food Distribution @ VA Health Care Center | Friday (2/20) at 9:00 AM – Veterans, swing by Harlingen VA for a free drive-through food pickup with RGV Food Bank. Flash your VA ID, and they’ll load your trunk with fresh produce and pantry staples, no forms. Quick, dignified, and you stay in the AC.

💃 Sister Luv Dance @ Encore Paradise South | Friday (2/20) at 7:00 PM – An evening at Paradise South Resort in Mercedes means dancing to Sister Luv while the jukebox in memory lights up. They cover the sing-alongs you forgot you knew, you cover the dance floor. Ten bucks, good company, and steps your knees will forgive tomorrow.

🕺 Rewind @ Encore Tropic Winds | Friday (2/20) at 7:00 PM – Nothing beats dancing to songs you actually remember. Rewind brings the throwback jams that make your knees complain, your hips remember, and your heart happy. Snag tickets early for 12 bucks, or roll the dice at the door for 14, and call it cardio.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

📻 Harlingen report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 86°F – Low: 61°F – Precip: 3%

Mostly sunny. High near 86, with temperatures falling to around 82 in the afternoon. South southeast wind 14 to 22 mph, with gusts as high as 37 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 61. Southwest wind 5 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph.

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Tomorrow – High: 86°F – Low: 54°F – Precip: 0%

Sunny, with a high near 86. Northwest wind 6 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 54. East northeast wind 1 to 8 mph.

Most popular house this week

On roughly 15 acres in Harlingen minutes from the expressway, two distinct homes deliver flexibility. The main residence offers 3 beds, 2 baths, and a warm full-wood interior. The second adds multi-unit versatility with kitchens on each level, a Murphy-bed game room with large windows, five storage units, 3 and 4-car carports, tool and paint rooms. Seller financing is available.

Take a peek inside →