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Weslaco denies request to sell sponsorships on street‑painted 'Panther Paws' fundraiser
Summary
The commission denied a request from the Weslaco High School cheer booster club to paint personalized, sponsored paw prints on Panther Drive and to temporarily close the street for a fundraiser, citing concerns about use of public right‑of‑way for private fundraising.
The Weslaco City Commission voted on Aug. 5 to deny a request from the Weslaco High School cheer booster club to paint Panther Paw designs along Panther Drive as part of a fundraiser and to temporarily close the street on Aug. 14, 2025.
Staff told the commission that while the city supports school spirit and community engagement, the current request would use public right‑of‑way for private, revenue‑generating activity. Staff highlighted concerns that allowing personalized, sponsored markings on a public street could set a precedent for similar future requests. The city noted prior paw prints were uniform and not used for fundraising.
Why it matters: The decision clarifies the city’s position on commercialization of public infrastructure and preserves the city’s policy on use of right‑of‑way.
What they said: "Staff recommends denial of the current request while we support community engagement in school spirit," the staff presenter said. Commissioners voted to deny the request by motion and voice vote.
Next steps: The cheer booster may pursue activities confined to school property or other venues that do not use city right‑of‑way for private fundraising.
