Frisco Insider - Retirement + Festival + More

Howdy, Frisco.

We are officially in that sweet spot of spring where the mornings feel elite….and by 3 PM you’re questioning every life decision that involved wearing sleeves. I hope everyone’s doing well, hydrated, and emotionally stable despite the pollen trying to personally attack us.

Quick note before we jump in, earlier this week I mentioned an Indian restaurant, being temporarily shut down by the city due to serious hygiene and food safety violations. I wrestled with whether to share that at all. The last thing I want is to be a platform that harms a family’s livelihood. But when it comes to public health and safety, transparency matters. I received immense feedback from you guys which I appreciate so much. The closure is temporary, and like any business, they have the opportunity to correct the issues and reopen. We root for improvement, always. With that being said, the restaurant name was: Chalo india.

Alright. Let’s get into it.

🚒 Frisco Fire Chief Lee Glover Announces Retirement After 35 Years of Service

After 35 years in uniform, Frisco Fire Chief Lee Glover is retiring this summer, with his final day set for August 3, 2026.

He joined the department in 1991 when there were only seven paid firefighters. Today? The department has 265 sworn personnel and 34 civilian staff members. Talk about a glow up.

Under his leadership, Frisco earned national accreditation from the Commission on Fire Accreditation International and EMS accreditation, something only three departments in Texas can say. The city also maintained an ISO Class 1 rating, the highest possible score for firefighting readiness. Only eight Texas communities hold both that rating and CFAI accreditation. That’s elite company.

On a personal note: I had a short conversation with Chief Glover over dinner once, and I’ll just say that he has a calm, humble, steady presence. The kind of leader you want when things are on fire…literally.

The city will begin an immediate search for his successor. Big boots to fill.

An Auto-Care Service Within Frisco

Your car deserves premium care, and your schedule deserves convenience. Since 2004, Fifth Gear Automotive has delivered expert repair and maintenance for European, import, domestic, and electric vehicles. Our ASE-Certified technicians are backed by a 3-year/36,000-mile nationwide warranty, ensuring peace of mind. We combine dealership-level expertise with the personalized service and fair pricing of an independent shop. From no cost pick-up and delivery to easy online scheduling and digital inspections sent straight to your phone, we make car care effortless. You can review, approve, and prioritize recommended repairs with complete transparency, no pressure, no surprises. With over 100 years of combined experience, our team has built its reputation on honesty, precision, and exceptional customer service.

Your time is valuable, and we make sure servicing your car is straightforward, trustworthy, and stressless from beginning to end – Book your appointment today.

🚨 Suspicious Package Shuts Down Downtown Dallas

Downtown Dallas was basically a live action traffic simulator Tuesday afternoon after police investigated a suspicious package inside a Chevrolet Tahoe near the 900 block of Pacific Avenue.

Sources say a man exited the vehicle and made threatening comments before officers noticed something concerning inside. That triggered a response from the explosive ordnance unit, road closures, transit shutdowns, and widespread commuter frustration.

DART shut down the CBD West Transfer Center and West End Station, with trains turning back at multiple stops. Shuttle buses were deployed to help riders navigate the chaos.

No confirmed explosive device has been announced, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Moral of the story: If you were late to anything in Dallas Tuesday….you had a very valid excuse.

⚖️ San Antonio Woman Sentenced in Headstone Scam

A San Antonio woman was sentenced to six years in prison after being convicted of stealing $50,000 from families who paid for headstones that were never delivered.

Sixteen families came forward over time, sharing how they paid thousands for memorial markers that never arrived. She ultimately repaid the full restitution, but the emotional toll on families was clear during testimony.

In addition to prison time, she is now banned from working in the funeral industry, home healthcare, or with minors.

One victim said it best in court, closure matters. Especially when grief is involved.

📚 Texas Considers Required Reading List Including the Bible

Texas education officials are considering sweeping changes to required reading lists in public schools, including passages from the Bible.

The Texas State Board of Education (10–5 Republican majority) is reviewing proposals that would shift English and social studies curriculum to emphasize U.S. and Texas history, with less focus on world history.

One draft list includes classics like The Very Hungry Caterpillar, A Wrinkle in Time, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech, alongside selections like David and Goliath and passages from First Corinthians.

Supporters argue it strengthens cultural literacy and foundational knowledge. Critics say representation and global history deserve greater balance.

Any changes wouldn’t go into effect until 2030, but debate is already heating up.

Texas curriculum discussions are never boring. Ever.

☕ Coffee with the Mayor | No Cost

📍 Frisco Public Library | Friday, April 10 | 8–9 AM

Mayor Cheney will share public service stories and reflect on his time serving Frisco. This is your chance to ask questions, listen in, and sip coffee while pretending you’re not mentally planning your Friday lunch.

8000 Dallas Pkwy, Frisco
Details: Here

🎨 Arts in Bloom Festival | No Cost

📍 Downtown McKinney | April 10–12

Over 120 artists, live jazz/folk/country/Latin music, food vendors, and a Wine Garden.

Wine tasting packages are available and include a collectible glass plus 12 tastings (24 tickets). Friday runs 5–10 PM, Saturday 11 AM–10 PM, Sunday 12–5 PM.

Historic downtown vibes + spring weather + live music = elite weekend energy.

Details: Here

🏃 Texas Big Star Half Marathon & 5K | Ticketed

📍 Collin College Frisco Campus | Saturday, April 11

Half Marathon starts at 7 AM, 5K at 7:15 AM, 1-Mile Fun Run at 7:20 AM.

Proceeds benefit the Frisco Chamber Foundation and Collin College Foundation. There’s a Finisher’s Fest with live music starting at 7 AM, plus medals for half marathon and 5K finishers.

If arriving after 6:30 AM, you must park at the Career & Technical Education Center across Wade Blvd.

You will earn your brunch.

Details: Here

🍕 Rides & Pies | No Cost (Register to Showcase Vehicle)

📍 Halo Pizzeria | Saturday | 11 AM–1 PM

Classic cars, sports cars, motorcycles, pizza, live music, and a DJ.

If you’re displaying a vehicle, registration is required. Otherwise, general parking is available in grassy and overflow areas.

Amazing cars + cheesy slices = undefeated combo.

Details: Here

💜 Downtown Plano Selena Celebration | No Cost

📍 Historic Downtown Plano | Sunday, April 12 | 11 AM–5 PM

Celebrate Selena’s legacy with local vendors, artists, music, and festive downtown vibes.

Dress in your Selena best. Expect pop-up market energy and lots of purple.

Details: Here