News

The City of Amarillo (COA) Municipal Court main entrance and parking lot will be closed beginning Monday (July 7) for the construction of a new parking lot. There will be no access to the parking lot or court entrance during the duration of the project. Court access will be available via a temporary entrance through the Amarillo Police Department entrance located at 200 S.E. Third Ave., on the north side of the building. Limited public parking will be available near the north entrance and east of Fillmore Street.  Virtual court options remain available. Virtual court sessions are held Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 3:30 p.m., on Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. and on Fridays at 8:30 a.m. For related information go to: amarillo.gov/municipal-court/virtual-court-request-form For information on payment options, go to: Amarillo.gov/court A night drop box for checks, money orders and cash is located in the vestibule on the north side of the building. Completion date for the project is January 2026, depending on weather conditions. For more information contact City of Amarillo Media Relations Manager Dave Henry at 806-378-5219 or by email at david.henry@amarillo.gov.

In recognition of the Fourth of July holiday – Independence Day – the City of Amarillo (COA) offices will be closed Friday (July 4). The COA service schedule for the week of July 4: The schedule for Solid Waste services: Ross Rogers and Comanche Trail Golf Complexes will have normal hours of operation. For more information contact City of Amarillo Media Relations Manager Dave Henry at 806-378-5219 or by email at david.henry@amarillo.gov.

Individuals experiencing homelessness in Amarillo have another support resource thanks to the generosity of the Mary E. Bivins Foundation and the cooperative efforts of Amarillo City Transit (ACT) and the Partners of the Coming Home Program. The aforementioned entities have created the Transit Access Partnership (TAP) – a new initiative beginning Tuesday (July 1) aimed at removing transportation barriers for individuals experiencing homelessness. Through TAP, individuals with a verified Clarity – Homeless Information Management System (HMIS) ID will be able to access free rides on fixed-route ACT buses throughout Amarillo. The program will operate as a pilot program through the end of the year. TAP is possible through grant funding from the Mary E. Bivins Foundation, which generously awarded $10,000 to support transportation access for vulnerable populations. The grant is administered through the nonprofit Partners of the Coming Home Program. The program is designed to be simple for riders and low burden for ACT staff: By improving mobility, TAP supports Amarillo’s broader goals of housing stability, community health and equitable access to services. If successful, both parties hope to expand the program and seek additional support through state or federal transportation funding. For more information contact City of Amarillo Media Relations Manager Dave Henry at 806-378-5219 or by email at david.henry@amarillo.gov.

There will be adjusted hours for John Stiff Memorial Park and related city facilities for the Independence Day +1 Event set for Saturday (July 5). The Independence Day +1 Event, hosted by the City of Amarillo and Outdoor Amarillo, is a free fireworks and drone show at John Stiff Memorial Park. Festivities begin at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday (July 5). The following COA facilities will have adjusted hours: For information on Independence Day +1 go to: Independence Day +1 | Amarillo Parks and Recreation

For almost two decades, visitors to the Amarillo Zoo could hear Amarillo’s Lion King before they ever saw him – thanks to his mighty roar that could be heard throughout the zoo. Solomon, the well-known and beloved lion who was a symbol of the Amarillo Zoo, died of natural causes at the age of 20 earlier this month. “Solomon was more than just a lion – he was a cornerstone of the Amarillo Zoo,” said City of Amarillo Zoo Curator Berkeley Hilliard. “For two decades, he inspired wonder in every roar and captured the hearts of thousands. His legacy will live on in the memories of all who were lucky enough to know him.” Over the past several weeks, Solomon had been receiving palliative care as his health declined due to age-related complications. Solomon was one of the oldest African lions under human care in the United States. While lions typically live 10-12 years in the wild and 15-18 years in zoological settings, Solomon defied the odds, reaching 20 years of age with the devoted care of his keepers and veterinary team.  Solomon’s longevity stands as a testament to the high quality of life he experienced at the Amarillo Zoo and the deep bond he shared with those who cared for him. “Solomon’s spirit remained strong. His presence continued to command admiration from guests and staff alike,” Hilliard said. “The bond between animal care staff and the animals they look after is profound and personal, and the loss of such a long-time companion like Solomon is deeply felt.” Solomon came to the Amarillo Zoo in 2006 from a wildlife sanctuary, where he had spent the early part of his life. He quickly became a zoo favorite – for visitors and staff.  “Solomon was a joy. He had regal posture and a powerful roar,” Hilliard said. “He served as an ambassador for his species, helping to educate the public about the