Denia Park in southwest Denton off of US 377 completed major renovations in March, according to an update from city staff.

A social media post from the Denton Parks and Recreation Department stated staff will host a grand reopening event on March 27.

The details: The renovations include:

• Improved drainage
• Improved lighting
• New walking trails
• Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility improvements
• Restroom renovations
• Additional trees for shade

Seafood restaurant Hoochies in downtown Denton will host a grand reopening event in late March after completing renovations, owner Amy Hawkins said. The restaurant will also add new menu items.

Zooming in: The renovations include:

• New floors
• New seating
• A new full bar
• Additional seating

• 214 E. Hickory St., Denton

As the Dallas North Tollway expands northward, town leaders in Prosper are working to solidify their vision for how land along the tollway will develop over the next few years. Meanwhile, developers have broke ground on a $10 billion master-planned community in Denton.

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On March 31, Texas’ roughly 9,000 licensed consumable hemp retailers will face sweeping regulations, including a more than 3,000% increase in annual licensing fees and a ban on most smokable cannabis products.

The overview: The new rules, which also include age verification requirements, stricter packaging guidelines and more rounds of product testing, were originally proposed in December. The Texas Department of State Health Services, which regulates the state’s hemp industry, adopted the rules March 2.

The debate: Supporters of the increased regulations previously said they hoped the changes would result in more comprehensive oversight of Texas’ hemp industry and improve consumer safety. 

Some experts said they were concerned the new rules were taking effect too quickly and could lead some hemp businesses to close their doors.

"It is really tragic that these entrepreneurs are being faced with this, especially in a state like Texas that touts being pro-business ... and here we are shutting down businesses and relegating consumers to an illicit market," said Heather Fazio, director of the Texas Cannabis Policy Center.