Good morning, Beaumont.

Beaumont police announced that downtown roads will close for the Neches River Festival Parade on Friday.

Green-marked roads will close at 12:00 p.m. (with others at 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.) until around 8 p.m., so motorists should plan ahead.

Today, hundreds gathered at Lakeside Center downtown for a forum led by Mayor Roy West — a first step to counter rising youth violence — where community groups shared ideas for early intervention.

The city will continue the discussion at the next meeting scheduled for May 12.

Beaumont police confirmed that downtown roads will close Friday for the Neches River Festival Parade; roads marked in green close at 12:00 p.m., Jefferson, Magnolia, Crockett and Neches at 4:00 p.m., and all remaining streets at 5:00 p.m. until about 8 p.m., so drivers should allow extra travel time.

A coalition of community leaders has proposed a Youth Support Services Campus to provide mental health counseling, educational support, and life skills for at-risk youth.

The plan awaits funding and policy help from the Jefferson County Commissioners Court to offer early intervention and programs (key for breaking cycles of trauma).

McFaddin-Ward House Museum will host a free lecture tomorrow at 6:30 p.m. featuring curator Medill Harvey on 19th century American silver (from The Met collection) at the Visitor Center Lecture Hall on Calder Avenue; a free Silver Identification Clinic will run earlier for up to three items.

Southeast Texas shrimpers face challenges as diesel prices jump from $2 to $5 per gallon & low shrimp prices tighten profit margins, leaving many boats docked.

Regional operators now must decide whether to risk trips amid rising fuel costs.

The Sabine-Neches Navigation District signed a $239 million dredging contract with Callan Marine to deepen the waterway and build two new anchorage basins; dredging will begin early June + finish by April 15, placing the project eight years ahead of schedule.

Today, coowner Chris Richardson gave KFDM a look at the Gilbert Building restoration following a June 2024 fire, with phase one repairs like new girders and roof work expected to finish in about a month and a half — phase two will add windows, doors and retail space to preserve downtown.

Gabriel Iglesias: The 1976 Tour

8 PM - 12 AM — Doggett Ford Park — Ticket prices vary — Gabriel Iglesias brings laughter and celebration with his new tour in Beaumont.

SETX Crawfish Festival

11 AM – 6 PM — Riverfront Park — Free entry — Celebrate the community with crawfish, local vendors, and live music at this vibrant festival.

Ali Siddiq: The Custom Fit Tour

7-10 p.m. — Jefferson Theatre — $ — Enjoy a night of comedy with Ali Siddiq on his Custom Fit Tour.