As Manvel officials develop the budget for fiscal year 2026-27, Director of Development Services Jose Abraham presented personnel and software-related priorities during Manvel City Council’s June 15 workshop.

What you need to know: The department provides development-related customer service for residents, business owners and developers while overseeing planning, zoning, inspections and geographic information systems, or GIS, operations. For FY 2026-27, Abraham is requesting $130,000 in funding. 

Also of note: Among its accomplishments were the development and adoption of the city's Comprehensive Plan and Major Thoroughfare Plan, which includes the land use map, as well as completing GIS data updates aimed at maintaining accurate mapping information and supporting infrastructure planning.

As residential development drives population growth in Manvel, health care providers are increasing their presence in the city with new facilities aimed at meeting residents’ medical needs.

With two urgent care facilities, two primary care clinics and a 24/7 emergency room under construction, residents have greater access to local health care options, Mayor Dan Davis said.

What residents should know: As development continues across the city, Davis said dependable health care services remain essential to supporting residents and improving quality of life.

“At the end of the day, it’s about making sure residents have access to the services and care they need without having to leave the community,” Davis said.

The Gilded Page Literary Lounge, a new bookstore and event space, opened in Friendswood on June 13 with a ribbon-cutting and grand opening ceremony, according to a news release from the Friendswood Chamber of Commerce.

What’s in a name: The store offers a selection of books along with coffee, wine and pastries from Roland’s Swiss Bakery, as previously reported by Community Impact. The lounge area is now available for reservations and offers a coffee bar and wine service, along with the option to pre-order charcuterie boards for groups. 

• 313 South Friendswood Drive, Ste. 103, Friendswood

Landry’s Seafood House is now serving passengers near Gate 41 in William P. Hobby Airport, Houston Airport officials announced in a June 9 news release.

On the menu: The restaurant—which has both sit-down and bar seating—serves a variety of seafood options as well as steaks, sandwiches, salads, pasta and breakfast options, per the release. Guests can also enjoy a full bar with beer and cocktails.

Also of note: The new restaurant opening comes as the Houston area hosts the FIFA World Cup with an expected 4.5 million visitors across both Houston airports over the course of the tournament, Community Impact reported.

“Houston Airports is focused on creating a passenger experience that feels efficient, welcoming and distinctly Houston,” said Jim Szczesniak, director of aviation for Houston Airports. “Landry’s Seafood House gives Hobby Airport travelers a full-service dining option and a recognizable local connection as we prepare to welcome soccer fans from around the world.”