The Beaumont Current Newsletter

Where Beaumont Comes Into Focus

Week of Dec 21, 2025, Edition 7

The Heart of the Holidays Is Right Here in Our City

In a touching moment at the Beaumont City Council meeting, Frances Bowman, a longtime resident, presented each council member, along with city officials, a single rose as a gesture of love for her community.

Bowman’s act underscored the importance of kindness and unity, especially as Beaumont faces ongoing challenges.

Her heartfelt words, delivered personally to each official, reinforced the bond between the city’s leadership and its residents.

Council members received the gesture warmly, recognizing Bowman’s decades of community involvement.

This inspiring act followed the Council’s approval of stricter short-term rental rules—requiring safety inspections and extending hotel taxes to Airbnb and VRBO—along with new regulations for gaming and fire department staffing.

Bowman’s small action stood as a reminder of unity and mutual respect as Beaumont continues to grow and adapt.

"Do not wait for leaders; do it alone, person to person." - Mother Teresa

The Beaumont Independent School District (BISD) is challenging the Texas Education Agency's recent decision to take control of the district.

Superintendent Dr. Shannon Allen announced Tuesday that BISD will present new evidence to TEA Commissioner Mike Morath, urging him to reconsider the takeover.

Dr. Allen expressed disappointment after earlier optimism following the commissioner’s September visit.

The takeover follows accountability ratings revealing seven failing BISD schools for 2024-25, with Fehl-Price Elementary receiving its fifth consecutive failing grade—prompting mandatory state action.

Morath ruled that closing one school wouldn’t fix systemic issues, opting instead for a full district intervention.

This is BISD’s second state intervention, the first occurring in 2014 due to financial and governance issues; local control returned in 2020.

Dr. Allen affirmed the district’s professionalism and transparency while pledging continued focus on student success and urging the Beaumont community to remain involved.

Lamar University and Hamshire-Fannett ISD are expanding their innovative teacher residency program to help tackle the ongoing teacher shortage in Texas.

Now entering its second year, this program offers education students a full-year residency, pairing them with experienced mentors from the very first day through the end of the school year.

Residents gain real classroom experience while receiving a $20,000 stipend, health insurance, and their first year of Texas Retirement System benefits.

Participants are also exempt from the state’s PPR certification exam and earn an Enhanced Residency Certificate.

With local students like Maria Munoz eager to learn, and veteran teachers such as Kimberly Williamson committed to mentorship, the program is building confidence and expertise for future educators.

The initiative aims to retain top teaching talent and strengthen education throughout the region.

Tip of The Day

Check out the monthly Art Museum of Southeast Texas Free Family Arts Days for a fun and educational way to spend time with your loved ones in Beaumont!

Beaumont's Culinary Scene Expands with Exciting New Restaurants

A wave of new eateries brings diverse flavors to Southeast Texas

Beaumont’s dining landscape is growing, with new spots opening across the city and fresh life returning to downtown.

Potbelly Sandwich Works

Now open at 6456 Phelan Blvd in the former Apricot Lane Boutique space, Potbelly brings toasted sandwiches, soups, salads and a laid-back neighborhood feel to Jefferson County’s first location. 

Tropical Smoothie Cafe
Opened in September 2025 at 249 North Dowlen Road in the former Church’s Chicken, Tropical Smoothie Cafe serves smoothies, Açaí bowls, flatbreads, wraps, quesadillas and salads, adding a health-focused option to the Dowlen corridor.

Riverside Grille
Downtown, Riverside Grille at 290 Crockett St. offers casual fine dining with from-scratch American and seafood dishes, aged steaks, and an elegant atmosphere. The locally owned restaurant opened in 2023 and has quickly become a staple of the Crockett Street area. 

Hearsay Beaumont
Located in the former Suga’s building at 461 Bowie St., Hearsay Beaumont officially opened on May 5, 2025, bringing its “chic antique” gastro-pub style, American cuisine and craft cocktails to downtown.

Sultan Mediterranean Grill and Lounge
Coming soon to 6680 Calder Ave., Sultan Mediterranean Grill and Lounge is scheduled to open at 11 a.m. on January 3, 2026, in the former The Grill space, serving Lebanese dishes and specialty drinks.

Together, these restaurants highlight Beaumont’s expanding and increasingly diverse food scene, giving residents and visitors more reasons than ever to dine local.

Q: What are some popular tourist attractions in Beaumont, TX?

A: - Some popular tourist attractions in Beaumont, TX include the Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum, the McFaddin-Ward House Museum, and the Beaumont Botanical Gardens.

Q: What are some outdoor activities to do in Beaumont, TX?

A: - Outdoor activities in Beaumont, TX include exploring the nearby Big Thicket National Preserve, taking a stroll along the Cattail Marsh Wetlands Boardwalk, and fishing or boating at Tyrrell Park.

Q: What is the climate like in Beaumont, TX?

A: - Beaumont, TX has a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild winters. The city receives a moderate amount of rainfall throughout the year, with the wettest months typically being in the spring and fall.

Still in the Holiday Spirit? Beaumont’s Got You

If you’re not done soaking in the festive glow, we’ve rounded up the best of what’s still happening this week. Keep reading for our hand-picked local list.

WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK IN BEAUMONT (Dec. 22–25)

Holiday Movie Extravaganza — All Week December 22–24

· All Day Beaumont Public Library, various locations
Catch holiday favorites playing throughout the day —

• Home Alone on Dec. 22
• The Grinch on Dec. 23
• The Polar Express on Dec. 24

These showings are great for kids, families, or a cozy break between holiday meals. Beaumont Texas

Festival of Lights (Gift of Hope) — Through Dec. 25
Evenings through Christmas Day
First Baptist Church & surrounding grounds, Beaumont
Drive or walk through a festive light display celebrating the season, available nightly including Christmas. Beaumont CVB

Adult & Family Library Activities
December 22–23 · Afternoon/Evenings
Beaumont Public Library system
Relaxing community programs like adult coloring and a seasonal craft session (DIY snowman bead project) — perfect for a break between holiday to-dos. Beaumont Texas

Visit the Cattail Marsh Scenic Wetlands for a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city.

If this week is any sign, Beaumont isn’t slowing down anytime soon — and neither are we. There’s so much more to explore, celebrate, and show up for in our city, and I can’t wait to share it with you.
Until then, keep supporting local, keep making memories, and keep enjoying this place we get to call home.