Here’s what’s up in SETX, 

Downtown Port Arthur's grand old hotel is finally getting a second act. The historic Hotel Sabine — a 10-story landmark that's sat empty for nearly 40 years — just landed a $2.46 million federal grant to clear out the asbestos and lead and set the stage for a comeback. Elsewhere this week, CHRISTUS Southeast Texas set a new stroke-treatment speed record, a 10-year-old from Orange is packing his bat for Team USA, and Beaumont's summer calendar is stacked — roller derby, a free big-band night, and Forrest Gump on the big screen.

We've also got a Jamaican-Cajun food truck worth hunting down and a Gulf-breeze escape.

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

Let's get into it. 👇

A Grand Old Hotel Gets a $2.46M Second Act 🏨

Downtown Port Arthur's tallest ghost is about to stir. The city has landed a $2,463,520 EPA Brownfields grant to clean up the former Hotel Sabine — the 10-story landmark at 600 Procter St. that opened in 1929 as the Vaughn Hotel and has stood empty since the late 1980s. The money will pay to strip out the asbestos and lead paint that have kept the building frozen in time, clearing the biggest hurdle between a boarded-up icon and a future tenant.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Sabine is one of those buildings everyone in Port Arthur knows and nobody's been inside for decades.

"This funding will allow us to address environmental concerns… and position this historic property for future redevelopment," City Manager Ron Burton said. There's no ribbon-cutting yet — but for the first time in a generation, the path to bringing the old hotel back to life actually has a first step.

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

Jul 7: Ribbon Cutting — Loula Foundation | Greater Beaumont Chamber, Beaumont. A community welcome for the Loula Foundation; free to attend.

Jul 9: Mix & Mingle / Open House — ISTC | Beaumont. Greater Beaumont Chamber after-hours networking and open house.

Jul 10: Friday Morning Business Connection | Beaumont. The Chamber's weekly networking breakfast — an easy drop-in for local business owners.

MOVIE NIGHTS @ JEFFERSON

THIS WEEKEND

Jul 11: Crafty Christmas in July Market | Central Mall, Port Arthur. Sat from 10 AM — handmade goods, local vendors, and a little holiday cheer six months early.

Jul 11: Beaumont Farmers Market | Beaumont Athletic Complex pavilion, Beaumont. Every Saturday, 8–11 AM, free — local produce, jams, soaps, and homemade treats. (Also Jul 18 & 25.)

COMING UP

Jul 16: Ribbon Cutting — Michelli Weighing & Measurement | Beaumont. Greater Beaumont Chamber ribbon cutting.

Jul 17 - 18: I Am Woman Experience 2026 — "There Is Oil After This" | Julie Rogers Theatre, Beaumont. Two-day women's empowerment event (Fri doors 6 PM/event 7 PM; Sat doors 9 AM/event 10 AM). Tickets from $84.99 VIP.

Jul 18: Golden Triangle Big Band — "Sounds of Home" | Jefferson Theatre, Beaumont. Free. Doors 6:30 PM, show 7:30 PM. An 18-piece jazz orchestra performing original big-band works by Southeast Texas composers.

Jul 18: Spindletop Rollergirls vs. Acadiana Roller Derby | Beaumont Civic Center. Doors 5 PM, game 6 PM. $15 adults (17+), $10 youth (11–16).

Jul 23: Mix & Mingle — Education First FCU | Beaumont. Greater Beaumont Chamber after-hours networking.

Ongoing: Shangri La Botanical Gardens & Nature Center | 2111 W. Park Ave., Orange. Tue–Sat, 9 AM–5 PM, free admission — 252 acres of cypress gardens and shady nature trails.

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. 🎉

Only in Southeast Texas would jerk seasoning and Cajun spice end up sharing a plate — and The Jamaican Cajun Food Truck makes the case that they belong together. Parked in downtown Beaumont, it's a rolling reminder that some of the region's best cooking doesn't come with a dining room. There's even a bigger idea in the air: a Beaumont councilman is pushing to build a dedicated downtown food-truck park, which would give gems like this one a permanent home to gather. Until then, follow the truck and go hungry.

📍 505 Orleans St, Beaumont, TX 77701

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

Q3 Starts Now. Are Your Numbers Keeping Up?

We’re officially in the third quarter, and now is the perfect time to stop relying on old data and start making decisions based on where your business stands today. If you're still looking at Q1 reports, you could be missing important trends that affect your cash flow, profitability, and growth.

A quick financial check-in can provide the clarity you need for the months ahead. Understanding your real cash position, tracking your 90-day margin trend, and knowing whether your profits are sustainable or simply the result of timing can help you make smarter, more confident business decisions.

Our team at Tailored Financial Solutions is here to help.

Book your free 30-minute consultation at our Linktree: https://tinyurl.com/y4f4mnb3 or visit our Website: https://tailoredfinsolutions.com and gain practical insights that can keep your business on track for a stronger second half of the year.

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

When the July weather sits on the Triangle like a wet blanket, the coast is your release valve and Sea Rim State Park down at Sabine Pass is the closest slice of real Gulf shoreline we've got. About 30 minutes south of Port Arthur, it pairs a quiet beach with a marsh paddling trail where you can glide past herons, roseate spoonbills, and the occasional gator from a safe distance.

Beginner tip: go early before the afternoon sun peaks, bring more water than you think you need, and rent a kayak on-site if you didn't haul your own. Pack sunscreen and bug spray, and you've traded the heat for a salt breeze.

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

🛢️ Refinery Operator — Motiva Enterprises | Port Arthur Refinery
Starting pay around $42.90/hr on rotating shifts — one of the region's strongest entry points into the refining industry. Typically requires a TWIC card, an online assessment, and a drug screen.

Apply at motiva.com/careers.

🏥 Clinical Roles — CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Health System
CHRISTUS is hiring across its Southeast Texas facilities in 2026 — nurses, techs, and therapists among them.

Browse current openings and filter for Southeast Texas at careers.christushealth.org.

🏗️ 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.

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

🔜 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 →

🚚 What's the one SETX food truck we have to feature next? Send us the name and where to find it.

See you next week neighbor 📍,

The What’s Up SETX Team