Here’s what’s up in SETX,

Beaumont just set a number for itself — 120,000 residents by 2030 — and it's the most ambitious growth goal the city has named in decades. Meanwhile, Orange spent last weekend chasing millions of escaped bees down neighborhood streets (yes, really), Port Arthur wants your two cents on $1.4 million in federal dollars, and the whole region is gearing up for a big July 4th. We've also got a first-of-its-kind brewery in Nederland and the beekeeper who saved the day.

Today's newsletter is brought to you by Tailored Financial Solutions.

Let's get into it. 👇

📰 THE BIG NEWS

Beaumont Wants 120,000 Neighbors by 2030 🏘️

City leaders, led by City Manager Christopher Boone, have set a clear target: grow Beaumont to 120,000 residents by 2030, up from roughly 115,000 today. It's a milestone the city hasn't touched in nearly 60 years, and reversing a long stretch of population decline won't be small work. The plan leans on new housing at every price point, industry partnerships and incentives to draw outside investment, and infill development that puts vacant lots back to use.

The growth push lands alongside a sober look at the city's books — Beaumont's leaders have also pledged to rein in spending after years of dipping into reserves. More residents means a bigger tax base and more local businesses, but it also tests whether roads, schools, and services can keep pace.

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💡 The bottom line: Growth means more homes and more jobs close to home but it only pays off for residents if the roads, schools, and services grow right along with it.

📋 THE RUNDOWN

🐝 Millions of Bees Break Loose in Orange — A semitrailer hauling some 408 beehives overturned after a wrong turn onto narrow Orange County streets, sending tens of millions of bees into the air and prompting officials to close roads and tell neighbors to stay inside. Local beekeeper Chris Moore and his crew worked the scene to salvage what hives they could — no serious stings reported, but it made for one unforgettable Saturday.

🌳 Orange Trims Its Tax Rate, Eyes Tree-Trimming Permits — The City of Orange adopted a new rate that raises less for day-to-day operations than last year's, a small win for homeowners. Council also tabled an ordinance that would require a permit and fees for tree-trimming services in the city — worth watching if you hire someone to clear branches.

🏛️ Port Arthur Wants Your Say on $1.4M in Federal Funds — The city is taking public comment on its 2026 Action Plan, which decides how roughly $1.04M in community development (CDBG) and $318K in HOME dollars get spent on local housing and services. This is the rare moment residents can shape where federal money actually lands in their neighborhood.

📉 Beaumont Vows to Rein In Spending — City leaders flagged that Beaumont's General Fund balance has slid from about $53.5M to a projected $35.2M by the end of FY26, and pledged a course-correction through efficiencies, grants, and healthcare savings. It's the financial reality check sitting right behind that bold 120,000-resident growth goal.

📬 Which story caught your eye?

👉 tailoredfinsolutions.com

Your action items this week!

✅ Weigh in on Port Arthur's $1.4M plan — Submit a public comment on the city's 2026 Action Plan before it's finalized; it decides where federal housing and services money goes. Details here.

✅ Grab "The Wiz" tickets — Opening night is Friday, June 26 at the Jonathan Williams Center in Beaumont. Tickets run $10–$20 (group rates for 15+).

✅ Plan your Fourth of July — Beaumont's big fireworks light up the Downtown Event Centre at 9 PM, and Port Arthur's go off over the Seawall — pick your spot now.

✅ Hit the Saturday farmers market — Beaumont Farmers Market runs 8–11 AM Saturday at the Athletic Complex pavilion; producer-only, and it takes SNAP.

✅ Running a small business or thinking about starting one? — Tailored Financial Solutions offers bookkeeping, CFO-level guidance, and financial clarity for local entrepreneurs. tailoredfinsolutions.com 💰

📅 COMMUNITY EVENTS

Looking for even more things to do? Browse and submit community events at events.whatsupsetx.com — updated every week. 🎉

Mark your calendars for these upcoming highlights.

THIS WEEK

Jun 25: Go Skate Beaumont! | Beautiful Mountain Skate Park, Beaumont. 5–8pm, FREE (18+). Skate competition celebrating National Go Skate Day, hosted by EVRYNG and the City of Beaumont.

Jun 25: Ribbon Cutting — Doggett Toyota | Beaumont. Greater Beaumont Chamber event. Check bmtcoc.org for time details.

Jun 26: The Wiz (Opening Night) | Jonathan Williams Center of Performing Arts, Beaumont. Doors 6pm, show 7pm. Tickets $10–$20 general; $50 VIP (preferred seating, concession pack, photo booth). Groups of 15+ get group rates.

Jun 26: Babe: The Babe Didrikson Story (Classic Movie Night) | Jefferson Theatre, 345 Fannin St, Beaumont. Doors 6pm, film 7pm. Adults $6, kids 12 & under $4. Tickets at the Civic Center box office or at the door from 5pm.

Jun 26: Teddy Bear Clinic — Day 1 | Next Level Urgent Care, 6342 Phelan Blvd, Beaumont. 2–6pm, FREE. Bring your child's favorite stuffed animal for a fun, kid-friendly "checkup." RSVP at nextlevelurgentcare.com.

MOVIE NIGHTS @ JEFFERSON

June 26 - Babe: Babe Didrickson Story @ 7 p.m

THIS WEEKEND

📌 "THE WIZ" — Jonathan Williams Center of Performing Arts, Beaumont

What to expect: The Wizard of Oz reimagined through Black culture with a soul-and-funk soundtrack. Big production, big energy, local cast. The Wiz opening weekend is the perfect post-Juneteenth way to keep the summer vibe going all the way to the Fourth.

Jun 27: Teddy Bear Clinic — Day 2 | Next Level Urgent Care, 6342 Phelan Blvd, Beaumont. 2–6pm, FREE.

Jun 27: Sea Rim Kid Fun | Sea Rim State Park, Sabine Pass. 9am–12pm, FREE. Guided kids' fishing event on the Gulf coast — no gear or experience needed.

Jun 27: Star Spangled Spectacular | Jefferson Theatre, 345 Fannin St, Beaumont. Doors 6pm, program 7pm. FREE patriotic evening of music, film, and history celebrating America's 250th anniversary — barbershop quartet, patriotic film, and historical features.

COMING UP

Jul 2: Cajun & Creole Acoustic Jam | American Legion Hall, 922 Nederland Ave, Nederland. 6:30–8:30pm, FREE. Monthly first-Thursday jam session — bring your instrument or just come to listen. Contact Jude Moreau: (409) 749-9291.

Jul 4: City of Beaumont 4th of July Celebration | Downtown Event Centre, Beaumont. Gates 5pm, fireworks 9pm. FREE. Celebrating America's 250th.

Jul 4: Orange July 4 Concert & Fireworks | Riverside Pavilion, 708 Simmons Drive, Orange. Free. Live music and fireworks at 9pm. Check orangetexas.gov/410 for 2026 program updates.

Jul 5: Beaumont Renegades vs. Oregon Lightning | Doggett Ford Park, Beaumont. 6pm. Home game for SETX's indoor football team.

Which event are you hitting up? Reply and let us know! And if there's an event we missed, submit it or browse the full calendar at events.whatsupsetx.com — updated every week. 🎉

🍽️ FOOD CORNER

🍺 Buckstin Brewing Co. in Nederland

Nederland's first-ever brewery is also one of its proudest hangouts. Owners Gabrielle Blanco and Justin Buchanan-Lopez mill, brew, and ferment their craft beer in-house, then pair it with a lineup of acclaimed pizza, Texas ciders, wines, and even mocktails — all under the tagline "Your Neighborhood Institution." It's family-friendly, locally owned, and exactly the kind of place that gives a town its own gathering spot.

📍 1211 Boston Ave., Nederland, TX

🤤 Had a great meal somewhere in SETX lately? Reply and tell us — we feature reader picks.

🏢 BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Moore Honey

When millions of bees spilled across Orange County this week, the man who showed up to wrangle them was beekeeper Chris Moore of Moore Honey. Alongside his son and crew, Moore worked the overturned hives by hand, salvaging what colonies he could and keeping a chaotic scene from getting worse. It's the kind of quiet local know-how you don't think about until you suddenly need it and a reminder that SETX runs on neighbors with very specific skills.

Next time you reach for local honey, you'll know exactly who's behind it.

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

🌲OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

🏖️ Beat the Heat at Sea Rim State Park

With June temperatures climbing, Sea Rim State Park is the Golden Triangle's easiest escape to the water about 30 minutes south of Port Arthur.

You get a quiet Gulf beach for swimming and shelling, a marsh paddling trail that winds through some of the best birding in Texas, and far smaller crowds than the bigger coastal spots. Beginner tip: go early to dodge the midday heat, pack bug spray for the marsh, and bring your own water as services out here can be limited.

Kayaks and the calm marsh trail make it a gentle first paddle if you've never tried it.

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

💼 JOBS AND OPPORTUNITIES

🏛️ Stark Foundation Job Fair — Beaumont
The Stark Foundation is hosting a job fair on Monday, June 30 in Beaumont — a good shot for anyone looking to land work with one of the region's most established cultural and community organizations. Bring a résumé and come ready to talk. (Listed on the Greater Beaumont Chamber calendar.)

🏗️ Construction Trades — Port Arthur LNG Phase 1 | Port Arthur

Bechtel is the EPC contractor at the Sempra Infrastructure LNG terminal site. If you hold certifications in pipefitting, welding, electrical work, instrumentation, or heavy equipment — or if you have a CDL — this project is hiring through the construction phase. Steady work, local to Jefferson County.

How to apply: bechtel.com/careers | Search: "Port Arthur LNG"

💼 Tax Professional Lead — Tailored Financial Solutions | Remote
Detail-oriented tax pro needed for a growing local firm. Fully remote. Ideal for a CPA, enrolled agent, or experienced tax preparer looking for flexible work with real local roots.
How to apply: Apply: tailoredfinsolutions.com | [email protected]

👷 Blue-Collar Skilled Trades — Port Arthur / Sabine Pass

Patriot Security EOC is hiring 60+ positions across Port Arthur and Sabine Pass. Strong market region-wide for welders, operators, and industrial support roles. Ask about openings at your nearest WorkForce Solutions SETX location or check local job boards.

🏥 Healthcare Careers — CHRISTUS Southeast Texas | Beaumont

CHRISTUS is actively recruiting clinical and support staff heading into summer — registered nurses, technicians, and patient care roles are in demand.

How to apply: Apply at christushealth.org/careers

👩‍🏫 Teachers & Support Staff — Vidor ISD / Lumberton ISD / Hardin-Jefferson ISD

Three area school districts are running job fairs this week with on-the-spot offers — Vidor ISD has 20–30 openings (teachers, sped, bus drivers, custodial, food service), Lumberton and H-J ISD are seeking teachers, aides, transportation, and nutrition staff. Show up ready. Details →

🤝 Community Relations Coordinator for What’s Up SETX

We're looking for a local SETX connector — part community ambassador, part relationship builder. If you're already in the room at networking events and love sharing good news about this region, this role is for you.

Interested? Reply to this email or reach out at [email protected]

💼 General SETX Openings

Workforce Solutions Southeast Texas posts current openings across industries — manufacturing, healthcare, education, and skilled trades.

How to apply: Browse the full board at setworks.org or stop by a local office in Beaumont or Port Arthur.

🌿 Tailored Lawn Care

Looking for outdoor work this spring? Tailored Lawn Care is hiring for local routes. Good steady gig with a local company.

Call or text Frederick: (409) 365-4887

🔜 Browse all local SETX job listings — coming soon. Sign up for early access when our job board launches: reply here to get on the list →

📣 Your Turn

🏘️ Would 120,000 residents be a good thing for Beaumont? Or do you worry the roads and services can't keep up?

See you next week neighbor 📍,

The What’s Up SETX Team

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If Beaumont Builds It... 🏘️