McKinney Daily Local Headlines: AED push, Kroger groundbreaking, Trader Joe’s remodel

McKinney has a busy civic-and-business mix heading into the weekend, with public-safety programs and big retail construction both in motion.

1) City expands neighborhood access to AEDs

A new city-backed effort aims to place about 400 automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in trained residents’ homes, part of a broader push to get lifesaving shock therapy to cardiac-arrest victims faster. The program builds on recent improvements the fire department says it has already seen in cardiac-arrest outcomes, and it’s designed to shrink the gap between a 911 call and the first defibrillation.

Alongside the rollout, the fire department held a Phoenix-style recognition event this week to honor survivors, bystanders, dispatchers, and first responders who helped save lives.

2) Kroger sets a groundbreaking for a new Marketplace store

Construction is set to officially begin Friday, February 27, on a new Kroger Marketplace at the southeast corner of North Custer Road and Frontier Parkway. City leaders are expected to take part in the ceremony, and the store is projected to open in early 2027. For nearby neighborhoods, it’s another sign that the city’s retail footprint is still expanding north and west.

3) Trader Joe’s plans a remodel at its Craig Drive store

Plans filed with the state point to a significant renovation of the existing Trader Joe’s on Craig Drive, including new refrigeration equipment and updated checkout areas. Work is expected to start May 1 and run into fall. The timing matters for shoppers, since the city is also slated to get a second Trader Joe’s location (listed as coming soon).

4) Tourism note: a local hotel earns a city award

Visit McKinney named Fairfield Inn & Suites Dallas-McKinney its 2025 Tourism Partner of the Year, highlighting local lodging’s role in supporting sports weekends, events, and downtown traffic.

Sources

https://www.cbsnews.com/texas/news/mckinney-launches-plan-to-place-400-aeds-in-homes-to-boost-cardiac-arrest-survival-rates/
https://www.ntxe-news.com/artman/publish/article_144793.shtml
https://www.aol.com/news/kroger-starts-construction-mckinney-store-200103498.html
https://www.mysanantonio.com/business/article/trader-joes-mckinney-21938223.php
https://www.visitmckinney.com/articles/post/fairfield-inn-awarded-tourism-partner-of-the-year/