Corpus Christi Daily Local Briefing

City fast-tracks $400M plan to avoid water shortage

Corpus Christi leaders have approved more than $400 million in emergency projects to increase the city’s water supply before an anticipated Stage 1 water emergency later this year. The new spending focuses on bringing additional sources online quickly so homes and businesses across the Coastal Bend can avoid severe restrictions.

Key pieces of the plan include a brackish water treatment plant at the O.N. Stevens facility and accelerated work on a brackish desalination project. Together, the projects are designed to add millions of gallons of water per day within about a year, with capacity growing as more phases are completed. City officials describe the effort as a race against the clock to keep pace with growth and drought conditions.

Northside aquatics center advances despite drought worries

Even as water planning dominates city hall, construction is moving ahead on an $8.7 million Northside Aquatics Center. The City Council recently approved a construction contract for the project, which was promised as part of a civil rights agreement tied to displacement and park losses connected to the Harbor Bridge work.

The new facility is planned to include a competition pool, children’s play area, pavilion, and expanded parking. City staff say water saving steps, such as a cover and evaporation control measures, will be built into the design. Officials also note the project is legally required and linked to funding associated with the broader Harbor Bridge mitigation package.

City hosts job fair with 100-plus openings today

Residents looking for steady work with the city have a one-stop opportunity at a job fair today. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at La Retama Central Library on Comanche Street and features more than 100 positions across multiple departments.

Animal care, parks and recreation, public works, solid waste, utilities, and other divisions are on hand to meet applicants and discuss openings. Attendees are encouraged to bring resumes and dress for possible on-the-spot interviews. Applicants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, and all successful candidates will complete standard pre-employment testing.

Weekend events: Veterans ceremony, street closures, and sports

The Mayor’s Committee on Veteran Affairs marked the 81st anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima with a ceremony at Sherrill Veterans Memorial Park this weekend. The event featured a parade of colors, a POW/MIA tribute, and remarks honoring World War II veterans and their families.

Drivers should also be prepared for a number of ongoing street projects and special event closures across the city, including work on Aaron Drive, Yorktown Boulevard, and several neighborhood streets. City public works staff urge drivers to slow down in work zones and plan a little extra travel time.

On the sports side, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi continues a busy stretch, with the Islanders featuring in the Kleberg Bank College Classic at Whataburger Field and the men’s basketball team coming off a road loss at McNeese. The Corpus Christi IceRays are on the road in Oklahoma, trying to solidify their playoff position.

Sources

https://www.mysanantonio.com/news/south-texas/article/corpus-christi-water-crisis-21360214.php
https://www.mysanantonio.com/news/south-texas/article/corpus-christi-aquatics-center-21358090.php
https://www.kztv10.com/news/local-news/corpus-christi-hosts-job-fair-with-over-100-city-positions-available-this-saturday
https://www.corpuschristitx.gov/news/posts/mayor-s-committee-on-veteran-affairs-hosts-iwo-jima-ceremony
https://www.corpuschristitx.gov/department-directory/public-works/street-closures-and-traffic-impacts/street-closures-and-traffic-impacts-february-20-2026
https://www.milb.com/news/cal-state-bakersfield-long-beach-state-pitt-islanders-to-clash-at-whataburger-field
https://new.cbssports.com/college-basketball/gametracker/recap/NCAAB_20260221_TXAMCC@MCNSE
https://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/corpus-christi-looks-for-continued-success-in-oklahoma/n-6327740