Mesquite regulates sales of smoking paraphernalia

Beginning March 1, smoking paraphernalia commonly used for consuming illegal substances may be sold only in stores located within commercial or industrial areas in Mesquite through conditional use permits approved by the City Council. The Mesquite City Council passed and approved the amendment to various sections of the Mesquite Zoning Ordinance at their Jan. 4 regular meeting. The changes include requirements that any paraphernalia shop be located at least 500 feet from residential areas, schools and churches. Learn more.

New Year’s Eve in Mesquite

On Dec. 31, 2020, the Mesquite Police Department and the Mesquite Fire Department conducted a special deployment to help combat the unlawful use of fireworks and the discharge of firearms during the New Year's holiday. On New Year’s Eve, police recorded 191 calls for service with 97 calls for fireworks, 92 calls for sounds of gunfire and two shooting in-progress calls. Six citations were issued for possession/discharge of fireworks during this deployment and approximately 12 pounds of fireworks were seized. Five guns were also confiscated during this time period. Police will continue to pursue cases to the fullest extent possible. If any citizens can provide evidence regarding illegal activity on New Year’s Eve, email fireworks@mesquitepolice.org or call the Mesquite Police non-emergency number at 972-285-6336.

Economic Development Third Quarter Report

Economic Development quarterly report

The Economic Development Department presented the City of Mesquite’s quarterly report during the City Council meeting on Jan. 4. The report covered the third quarter of 2020, including news on Downtown Mesquite, increases in sale tax receipts as well as permits for new constructions for commercial projects and homes. Watch the full report.

Utility Billing Office offering longer-term payment plans

The City of Mesquite has resumed water disconnections of delinquent accounts. Longer-term payment plans are available to help residents who are struggling to pay their City water bills due to the COVID19 pandemic. The City can offer a payment plan that fits their unique situation. Call the Utility Billing Office at 972-216-6208 (press 0) to discuss your options.

Mesquite earns Employer of the Year award

With the loss of jobs in the community due to the pandemic, the City of Mesquite stepped forward last year to help the public gain employment opportunities, skills training and hope through a series of public outreach efforts. The Mesquite Chamber of Commerce recognized this and presented the City with the 2020 Mesquite Business Retention and Expansion Employer of the Year Award. Learn more.

Mesquite celebrates Martin Luther King, Jr. on Jan. 16

Every January, the City of Mesquite and the Mesquite NAACP celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This year, the celebration will take place in the comfort of your home on Saturday, Jan. 16. The virtual celebration will feature remarks by various church pastors and community leaders, dances, musical performances and monologues. Festivities begin at 2 p.m. with a virtual community celebration on the City of Mesquite Facebook page. View event details.

Mesquite’s Historical Parks now open Saturdays

Historic Mesquite, Inc. (HMI) is announcing new visiting hours for Mesquite’s two historical parks in 2021. Beginning this January, Opal Lawrence Historical Park, 711 E. Kearney Street, will now be open on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., in addition to its current hours of operation, 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Tuesday through Friday. The Florence Ranch Homestead, 1424 Barnes Bridge Road, will be open Fridays, 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the second Saturday of the month. For tour reservations, information on membership options or to inquire about site rentals for weddings and other special occasions, contact HMI via telephone at 972-216-6468 or by emailing historicmesquite@cityofmesquite.com.

Drive Like Your Family Lives Here as students return to school

The City of Mesquite and Mesquite ISD want to remind everyone that Mesquite schools are back in session. Drivers are asked to pay attention, watch for children and stop for school buses. Watch this public service announcement by City Manager Cliff Keheley and MISD Superintendent Dr. David Vroonland.

Shop Mesquite and support the local economy

During the COVID-19 pandemic it’s important to remember to support local Mesquite restaurants like the Curry Leaf. Watch a video about the Curry Leaf. The City is encouraging citizens to shop and dine in Mesquite to help business owners and the local economy.

Read the January Mainstream

The January edition of the Mainstream is available online. Learn more about the new animal ordinance and parking ordinance in Mesquite, resources for water utility bill customers and upcoming events at the Mesquite Arts Center.

Contact Us

Use the free myMesquite platform to submit service requests to the City of Mesquite. Send requests for street repair, crime concerns, park issues and more from your computer or mobile device. Visit www.cityofmesquite.com/myMesquite for details.