HTX-LHK: Impact 10/27/2025

Humble ISD officials will celebrate the opening of a new “Wonders of the World”-themed playground at Willow Creek Elementary, with a dedication ceremony Oct. 29 at 5 p.m.

The details: According to an Oct. 23 news release, the playground is designed for children ages 5-12 and includes the following features:

• A Pyramid of Egypt net structure
• A Taj Mahal track ride
• An Eiffel Tower climber
• The Colosseum of Rome and the Great Wall of China play structures

• Opening Oct. 29
• 2002 Willow Terrace Drive, Kingwood

Officials with San Jacinto College officially opened the campus's Center for Biotechnology at McCord Development's Generation Park on Sept. 26, according to a Sept. 30 news release from the college.

The details: The 18,500-square-foot building offers industry-grade training for biotech technicians and is part of McCord's efforts to brand Generation Park as a premier life sciences hub in Houston, according to previous reporting by Community Impact.

A closer look: San Jacinto College Chancellor Brenda Hellyer said the Center for Biotechnology provides hands-on training with industry-grade equipment.

The impact: Owen Rock, executive vice president of economic development for Partnership Lake Houston, said the new campus will provide more opportunities for local students.

What's next: According to the release, the center will offer stackable certificates and an associate of applied science degree in biomanufacturing technology. Officials noted the college has offered those courses at other campuses since 2024, but those students will relocate to the Center for Biotechnology now that it's open.
 

New laws restricting or banning panhandling and vendors along roadways may be coming to unincorporated Harris County in light of a state bill that went into effect Sept. 1.

The overview: In May, Texas lawmakers passed House Bill 2012, which allows counties to curb roadside and parking lot soliciting. The bill permits restrictions on people asking for money or selling food or merchandise, including animals, along roadways.

The details: During Harris County Commissioner Court's Oct. 16 meeting, Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey asked the county attorney to work with court offices to draft an ordinance, which could include the following:

• Clear prohibitions on panhandling that affects traffic lanes, medians and other areas that pose safety risks
• Improves traffic flow and quality of life by creating designated safety zones away from busy traffic
• Minimizes disruption to daily commutes
• Enhances the overall community environment in unincorporated areas
• Fosters a more orderly public space without impeding individual rights

Houston’s inaugural Fleet Week event honoring U.S. military has been postponed until 2026 due to what city officials called “significant challenges” due to the federal government shutdown, according to an Oct. 22 news release. 

More details: Fleet Week, a celebration of the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Coast Guard, held in various locations across the country, was originally scheduled to be in Houston from Nov. 5-12, which coincided with the Veteran’s Day federal holiday. Fleet Week Houston was to serve as the closing event for the yearlong celebrations of the Navy and Marine Corps' 250th anniversaries.

What to expect: While no new dates have been announced, city officials said they will be working with the Port of Houston and military leadership to announce when the new dates can be confirmed.

“The city of Houston and the Steering Committee want to ensure our inaugural Fleet Week Houston is an outstanding experience that appropriately honors service members and deepens community-military connections,” a statement from city officials reads.

Memorial Hermann Health System announced in a Oct. 23 news release that Guy B. Giesecke will take over as senior vice president and chief executive officer of Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital.

What we know: Formerly the chief executive officer over the University of Mississippi Medical Center, Giesecke will transition to his new role with Memorial Hermann immediately.

Quote of note: “I’m honored to join Children’s Memorial Hermann and contribute to an organization so deeply committed to advancing high-value, patient-centered care,” Giesecke said. “This is an exciting opportunity to help build on a legacy of excellence while supporting the health and well-being of children, families and communities across the region.”