Mayor Sylvester Turner declares today as ‘Bill Balleza Day’ honoring KPRC 2 anchor Bill Balleza

Houston – On Thursday, friends, family and colleagues of longtime anchor, Bill Balleza, gathered together to celebrate a night of goodbyes. After nearly 50 years of being on the airwaves, Balleza was surprised with a few recognitions.

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At the anchor’s retirement dinner, Mayor Sylvester Turner issued a proclamation honoring Balleza and declared Friday, Jan. 31 as ‘Bill Balleza Day’ in the city of Houston.

That wasn’t the only recognition, the Palm surprised Balleza by adding his caricature to the restaurant’s wall. The wall features characters and caricatures of local celebrities and prominent Houstonians.

Balleza’s final newscast is on Friday, January 31.

Related: Bill Balleza’s past and present co-anchors share memories, messages