HTX-BMW: Impact 10/6/2025

Bellaire Fire Chief Deacon Tittel is retiring from the Bellaire Fire Department after 25 years as he starts a new role at Harris County Emergency Services District 48 Fire Department, according to a Sept. 30 news release.

Read all about it: Tittel has served in the city’s fire department for more than 25 years. He first started off as a firefighter, and then a captain, to commander and ultimately the fire chief.

According to the news release, under Tittel’s leadership and guidance, he was able to strengthen the fire department’s operations, invest in modern equipment and training and deliver exceptional emergency services to residents and businesses alike.

“It has been a privilege and an honor to serve the city of Bellaire for 25 years,” Tittel said. “The decision to leave has not been an easy one, as my time here has been both personally meaningful and professionally rewarding."

Tittel’s final day with the city of Bellaire will be Oct. 24 and will replace Interim Fire Chief Vince Moreno at ESD 48.

The area at the corner of Morningside Drive and Times Boulevard was recently purchased by real estate company Fifth Corner, according to a Sept. 10 news release from Colliers, a global professional services and investment management company.

The details: Consisting of 28,500 square feet of office space and 38,035 square feet of retail space, the property includes addresses such as 2400 Times Blvd., 2400 Rice Blvd. and 2444 Times Blvd.

“This transaction represents a landmark opportunity in Rice Village, a submarket with exceptional demographics, walkability and long-term growth potential,” said David Carter, a principal at Colliers, in the release. “We’re excited to see how the next chapter of this property’s story will further enhance one of Houston’s most iconic retail and lifestyle destinations.”

Tenel Tayar, co-managing partner at Fifth Corner, told Community Impact ​​​​​​that some new tenants will be brought in, and the real estate investment firm will see which tenants would like to remain on the property.

It's officially October, which means it's time to sport the color pink. National Breast Cancer Awareness Month runs Oct. 1-31 to honor those affected by breast cancer and raise awareness about the disease, and community members across Greater Houston have planned an abundance of events in support. 

Pink Pumpkin Painting
Kid Scholars Academy, a child care center and preschool in Sugar Land, will host a pumpkin painting event for children and parents in support of breast cancer awareness.

• Oct. 3, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
• Free (admission)
• 2229 Cypress Lane, Sugar Land

• Oct. 4, 6:15 a.m. check in and on-site registration; 8 a.m start
• $55 (timed registration) or $45 (untimed registration)
• 1000 Bagby St., Houston

From Oct. 13-19, Texas residents will not have to pay to apply to in-state public colleges and universities.

The details: During Free College Application Week, application fees will be waived for all Texas residents applying to undergraduate programs at public colleges and universities located in Texas. First-time college students, transfer students and students returning to school are eligible, according to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

To qualify for the fee waiver, all applications must be submitted through ApplyTexas, the state’s college application portal.

What they're saying: “Texas prioritizes opportunities for students to pursue the best education they need to succeed in high demand, good-paying jobs after graduation,” Gov. Greg Abbott said in an Aug. 29 news release. “By supporting our students today, we are investing in a stronger Texas tomorrow.” 

Put in perspective: Most high school seniors apply to 5-10 colleges or universities and each application costs about $60-$75, state lawmakers estimated in June.