Interested in updates on local road projects? Check out details on these 6 McKinney-area projects that are planned or underway.

1. US 380 illumination
Project: New city-owned and -maintained median lighting will be installed by the Texas Department of Transportation along US 380 from Custer Road to Bois D Arc Road.
Update: Construction is underway, and underground electrical elements and light pole foundations have been installed.

• Timeline: summer 2025-summer 2026
• Cost: $3.1 million
• Funding sources: city of McKinney, TxDOT

• Timeline: June 2025-late 2026
• Cost: $10.3 million
• Funding sources: city of McKinney

Hotel Ugly Metal Jewelry is now offering one-of-a-kind, handcrafted jewelry made with sterling silver and domestically sourced turquoise at a new location in East McKinney.

The gist: The business offers a variety of handmade jewelry including bracelets, cuffs, necklaces, rings and earrings. The business was founded by artist and metalsmith Paige Rance, who has sold her jewelry through online platforms.

Also of note: The new retail space is located in a converted grain silo and is part of the Build Your Own Business program at Tupps Brewery. The program offers vendor spaces on the Tupps Brewery property for small businesses.  

• 402 E. Louisiana St., Silo 105, McKinney

The practice, which is co-owned by Dr. Nancy Luu and her husband, Dr. Vu Dang—both dentists—offers comprehensive dental care to patients of all ages.

The details: A variety of services are offered including preventative dentistry, restorative dentistry and oral surgery.

• 9401 W. University Drive, Ste. 110, McKinney

The McKinney Economic Development Corp. is launching a new innovation initiative aimed at further supporting startup companies in McKinney, according to a February news release.

In a nutshell: Officials are launching the McKinney Innovation Exchange as the “next evolution” of MEDC’s Innovation Fund, the news release states. The Innovation Fund, created in 2020, offers grants to startup companies in McKinney. To date, the fund has awarded funding to more than 50 startups, according to MEDC’s website.

Quote of note: MEDC President and CEO Michael Kowski announced the Innovation Exchange’s launch during a Jan. 27 joint meeting with McKinney City Council.

“The McKinney Innovation Exchange is what we’re calling our entire ecosystem for inspiring startups and small businesses to grow here in McKinney,” Kowski said.

Looking ahead: Officials are opening a physical space for the exchange at a 6,000-square-foot space adjacent to the MEDC’s offices at District 121. The space is expected to open later this year. 

From road construction in Denton County to policy changes in Frisco, here’s a look at some of the latest news from Community Impact's Dallas-Fort Worth coverage areas.

Prosper rejects plans for a 7-acre neighborhood park

Crayola Experience at Shops of Willow Bend in Plano temporarily closed

Pizza, pancakes and Philly cheesesteaks: 6 Dallas-Fort Worth restaurant updates

Denton County Commissioners Court approve $2M bid for construction on FM 407, I-35W intersection

New Fort Worth shopping center to feature pizza, liquor store, dentist's office

Frisco Public Library designates ‘free expression areas’

JetBlue Airways will launch year-round flights from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport.

The gist: According to a news release, the largest carrier at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport will launch daily, year-round flights to DFW Airport starting March 12, following its initial announcement as a spring break-only service.

Additional daily frequency flights have been added from DFW Airport, running from March 12-23.

What they're saying: “These additions reflect the momentum we’ve built in Florida and our continued investment in Fort Lauderdale as a key gateway in our network,”
said Dave Jehn, JetBlue’s vice president of network planning and airline partnerships.

More details: The year-round flights from Florida to Texas will depart at 8:35 p.m. and arrive at 10:53 p.m, while departures from DFW Airport will leave at 6:15 a.m. and land in Florida at 9:55 a.m.

Afternoon departures will be available during the March 12-23 period, according to the website.