KP GEORGE

Temperatures are expected to rise this Mother’s Day weekend and in response, authorities have opened several public facilities located throughout the county to serve as emergency cooling centers, Saturday through Sunday.

Fort Bend County Judge KP George sat down with KPRC 2 following the publishing of his open letter to Walt Disney following its flap with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.

On Tuesday's show: We reflect on where things stand two years after the COVID-19 pandemic began in earnest in Greater Houston, and Fort Bend County Judge KP George discusses issues affecting his county and answers your questions.

Fort Bend County Judge KP George will join personnel from the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management to provide an update on the progress of the county emergency operations center.

The judge got tested after his daughter began showing symptoms related to COVID-19.

Fort Bend County Judge KP George lowered the county’s COVID-19 Threat Level Indicator from yellow, the system’s second-lowest threat level, to orange, the system’s second-highest threat level, citing a surge in COVID cases and the increasing presence of the omicron variant in the county.

Fort Bend County Judge KP George announced on Sunday that he underwent surgery over the weekend and is recovering at his home.

Fort Bend County Judge KP George and staff of the Fort Bend County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management are holding a news conference to discuss weather conditions related to Tropical Storm Nicholas and preparation for the possibility of adverse conditions including the potential for heavy rains and flooding in the county.

Governor Greg Abbott has the numbers on his side when it comes to the Texas Supreme Court and his executive order instituting mask mandates, according to KPRC 2 Legal Analyst Brian Wice,

Lamar Consolidated Independent School District announced that it will continue to follow Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s executive order to ban mask mandates in schools, despite Fort Bend County’s mask mandate for county schools.

Fort Bend County Judge KP George and the nonprofit organization Street Grace have partnered together to create the first Street Grace Youth Leadership Academy chapter in Fort Bend County.

Fort Bend County Judge KP George and County Health and Emergency Management officials discussed the county’s COVID-19 vaccination efforts and recommended precautions that may affect vaccinations countywide.

Fort Bend County Judge KP George is scheduled to hold a news conference Wednesday on the progress of the county’s Small Business Grant Program.

Fort Bend County Judge KP George announced Saturday Fort Bend County had reached a huge milestone in its fight against the coronavirus -- over 72% of eligible residents have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine as of July 3.

A push to preserve a burial site on land purchased by a freed Black man after the Civil War has garnered the attention of Fort Bend County officials.

Temperatures in Fort Bend County are expected to rise into the 100s. As a result, several public facilities located throughout the County will open and serve as Emergency Cooling Centers, Wednesday through Friday of this week.

Fort Bend County Judge KP George and the Fort Bend County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management, in partnership with Clear Channel Outdoor, held a news conference to launch a hurricane preparedness digital billboard campaign for the county.

County Judge KP George said the plan to use $157 million in federal aid included spending on numerous government projects unrelated to pandemic recovery and rigged the selection process for organizations to receive grants.

On Monday's show: Fort Bend County Judge KP George, the homebuying market, ask the veterinarian, and the latest on Houston sports.

Fort Bend County residents can breathe a little easier after county judge KP George and other local officials announced the COVID-19 threat level was lowered from orange to yellow.

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner joined local officials, community and business leaders to denounce Senate Bill 7 and House Bill 6 Monday afternoon.

An overgrown lot will be the future home of a new all-abilities park in Fort Bend CountyHOUSTON – An All Abilities Park is in early stages of construction in Fort Bend County, officials say. Fort Bend County Judge KP George and the Fort Bend Parks & Fairground Department shared images this week on their Facebook pages of a lot that they say is designated as the future site of the park. KPRC 2 has reached out to a spokesperson for Fort Bend Parks & Fairgrounds Department. Renderings of the park have not been released and will be shared on or before April 21. The department encourages residents to continue following their Facebook page for updates to the new park.

The briefing was held just days after a white gunman killed eight people, most of them Asian American women, in Atlanta-area massage parlors. “People simply went to work,” said Fort Bend County Judge K.P. “For over a year now, since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have told elected officials, we have asked elected officials, we have begged elected officials, be careful how you talk because words matter,” said Wu. Fagan said has instructed patrol deputies to “step up patrolling” in the county’s Asian American communities following the events in Atlanta. “The Asian community is our community, is our families, is our loved ones,” said Fagan.

Fort Bend County Judge KP George announces a mask order to go into effect for all residents on June 25, 2020. RICHMOND, Texas – Fort Bend County Judge KP George issued an order Tuesday night requiring the use of face masks at all county buildings and facilities. No one is required to produce documentation proving why they cannot wear a mask, according to the order. AdThe order also strongly encourages residents of Fort Bend County to wear a face-covering whenever social distancing cannot be maintained. The order takes effect at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday and is in effect until 11:59 p.m. June 1.

Updated 2:19 p.m. CTA new $250,000 child care voucher program in Fort Bend County will help support families impacted by the pandemic, county leaders announced on Monday. Families will be limited to up to three vouchers in total, and will be able to use the vouchers at more than 180 licensed child care facilities in Fort Bend County, according to Fort Bend County Judge KP George. Mandi Kimball, vice president of child advocacy group Children at Risk, said programs that provide child care assistance can help alleviate potential financial and emotional stress. "Finding child care for your children is extremely stressful," she said. "What Fort Bend County has done is really relieve some of the financial stress, but also emotional stress that parents have when trying to make the right decision for their children."

Fort Bend County Judge KP George and other county officials have launched an anti-price gouging hotline, according to a press release on Thursday. Officials also provide resources for residents during an emergency weather and energy situation. How can residents report?

^ Keep Houston Press Free Support Us LocalCommunityJournalismI Support Support the independent voice of Houston and help keep the future of Houston Press free. At least a quarter of all CenterPoint energy customers had lost power Monday morning. Temperatures stayed below freezing and kept falling overnight Sunday as ice, sleet and snow accumulated all across the Lone Star State. Ice has been reported on roads all across the greater Houston area, resulting in treacherous driving conditions and multiple accidents. Plenty of ice on Houston area roads according to TRANSTAR as of 10:50 a.m. Monday.

RICHMOND, Texas – Nearly 30,000 COVID-19 vaccines have been shipped to Fort Bend County for distribution this week, county officials confirmed Tuesday. The announcement comes as county officials said Fort Bend would now be designated as a vaccine hub for the state. Fort Bend County received nearly 12,000 Pfizer vaccine doses, according to George. AdJudge George said Fort Bend County partnered with Memorial Hermann as a way to increase access to the vaccine. Fort Bend County reached out to hospitals like us to be able to serve the community in this mass vaccination process,” Patel continued.

RICHMOND, Texas – Preregistration for the COVID-19 has closed following Fort Bend County Judge KP George’s announcement that the county received a supply of 5,850 doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine from the Department of State Health Services Thursday. The county scheduled appointments for those who are currently preregistered with the Fort Bend County Health & Human Services. “I am glad to announce that Fort Bend County Health & Human Services (FBCHHS) received a supply of 5,850 doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine today and will begin scheduling appointments for those who are currently Preregistered with us,” George said in a written release. Please follow updates on fbchealth.org.”Anyone with questions regarding preregistration, the COVID-19 vaccine or COVID-19 information in general, is asked to call the county’s Vaccination Hotline at 832-471-1373. “This is the way the process occurs, and we will move forward.”The state designated Ft. Bend County as a vaccine hub.

FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas – Vaccinations of the COVID-19 vaccine were set to begin in Fort Bend County Tuesday, by appointment only. COMPLETE COVERAGE: Follow the latest vaccine news in our special section“I am incredibly hopeful about the future as we continue to receive shipments of the vaccine,” County Judge KP George said in a statement. He said he believes it’s a historic moment for the county and said there is hope on the horizon in a press conference Tuesday afternoon. George said they would be given at multiple locations in the county, much like testing sites. George said the COVID-19 numbers are extremely high and that the county is under red alert, which is the highest level.

RICHMOND, Texas – Fort Bend County Judge KP George gave an update on the coronavirus vaccine in Fort Bend County. Minter said health care workers and people in Phase 1B can register now at fbchealth.org. In Harris County, there is no plan by county officials to offer the vaccine to the residents on a mass distribution basis. In Brazoria County, COVID-19 vaccine distribution will take place at Brazoria County health clinics, according to officials, once the county receives the vaccine. Residents can get the latest updates from the county at www.brazoriacountytx.govAnd if you live in Montgomery County, officials there said they are not involved in any mass distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine at this time.

Fort Bend County Judge KP George elevated the county’s threat level from orange to red Wednesday due to rising COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. This is not a one person fight,” Judge George said. That’s what we are trying to do by elevating the threat level today,” Judge George said. There is hope absolutely and I am so confident that things will be much better a few months from now,” Judge George said. The county judge said the last thing he wants to do is shut down schools and other businesses or set a curfew, which is why he has raised the threat level.

For the second time in 16 days, Fort Bend County Judge KP George has raised his county’s COVID-19 threat level due to the rapid local spread of COVID-19 and its toll on local hospitals. On Wednesday afternoon, George announced that he had upgraded the local COVID-19 threat to a red alert, the highest level in the local coronavirus threat scale unveiled several months ago, signalling widespread outbreaks and a strained healthcare system. The county’s threat level had previously sat at yellow, the second lowest threat rank, since October 7. Between November 24 and December 9, she said lab-confirmed coronavirus cases in Fort Bend County jumped from around 20,000 to 25,000. She also pointed out that the local COVID-19 testing positivity rate across the county has seen a marked uptick as well.

HOUSTON – Fort Bend County Judge KP George raised the threat level to “orange” or “moderate/significant risk” Tuesday. The level was previously at the “yellow” or “low/moderate” category. As our holiday season kicks off, we are experiencing alarming trends of positive cases, hospitalizations, and other... Posted by KP George Fort Bend County Judge on Tuesday, November 24, 2020“As our holiday season kicks off, we are experiencing alarming trends of positive cases, hospitalizations, and other critical factors in the wrong direction,” the judge said on social media. The holidays are just around the corner, but this is not the time to let our guards down. Continue to wear masks, physically distance, and assess your risk to protect yourself and your loved ones.”Here’s the full guidance provided by George’s office.

Viola Randle, one of Fulshear’s most iconic mayors died on Sept. 16, but her name will live on in perpetuity. Current Fulshear mayor Aaron Groff has declared July 26 official “Viola Randle Day” in honor of the beloved community member and civic leader. When Viola Randle was born on July 26, 1924, Fulshear was open farm land. When she became the first Black mayor of Fulshear in 1993, the city had a population of 600. Related: ‘She was, is, and always will be a Fulshear icon’: Former Fulshear mayor Viola Randle dies at age 96At the Oct. 27 Fulshear city council meeting, Groff issued the declaration proclaiming Randle’s birth date as her day of honor in the city.

HOUSTON – Bars in Fort Bend County and Chambers County are being allowed to reopen Wednesday. Fort Bend County Judge K.P. George said he will be submitting paperwork to the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission to allow bars in the county to reopen at 50% capacity. “It’s very easy to blame the bars (but) it’s not the bars, it’s not the customers -- it’s the bar owners," Wechter said. While neighboring counties are deciding to reopen its bars at 50% capacity, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo said its county bars will remain closed until the virus is under control.

HOUSTON – Fort Bend County Judge K.P. George invited video-sharing social networking service, TikTok Global, to open its headquarters in the county. “Fort Bend County is a unique place,” George wrote in a letter. He also noted the success of the Fort Bend County schools and master-planned communities, which allows the county to serve as a great place to live and work. On Saturday, Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced that he spoke with President Donald Trump regarding the TikTok deal.

HOUSTON – Fort Bend County officials ensured the community that they are taking the necessary steps as Tropical Storm Beta moves into the area Monday. Greg Abbott also declared an emergency disaster for several Texas counties, which includes Fort Bend County. County Judge KP George was joined by Fort Bend Emergency Coordinator Mark Flathouse and Fort Bend County Drainage District Director Mark Vogler. Judge George said they will continue to monitor the storm and will update residents as information develops. He asked residents to text FBC Alert to 888-777 to sign up to get notifications from Fort Bend County Emergency Management.

HOUSTON – Fort Bend County is hosting a donation drive at 14 faith centers to assist the communities impacted by Hurricane Laura. Among items that will be accepted are nonperishable food, bottled water, personal protective equipment and cleaning supplies. Residents are invited to drop off donations at one of the participating faith centers between Sept. 3-6. “We are going to do everything we can to support those affected by Hurricane Laura,” said Fort Bend County Judge KP George. “Our county was fortunate enough to not experience the catastrophic impact of hurricanes last week.

RICHMOND, Texas – Fort Bend County Judge K.P. Officials in Fort Bend County are preparing for possible impacts from Hurricane Laura as the storm approaches the Gulf Coast. Hurricane Laura is forecast to make landfall late Wednesday or early Thursday near the Texas-Louisiana state line. Fort Bend County is under a tropical storm warning with winds of near 40 mph possible as Laura makes landfall. Fort Bend County judges talks Laura Fort Bend County Judge KP George is discussing preparations for Hurricane Laura.

MISSOURI CITY, Texas Texas Rep. Ron Reynolds, along with Fort Bend County judge KP George is hosting a Back to School giveaway on Friday, providing supplies to students and their families as the school year begins. Residents can stop by at the Wells Fargo Building at 2440 Texas Parkway in Missouri City where volunteers will be giving away backpacks, haircut vouchers, PPE and grocery items to families in need via drive-thru distribution. I am excited that we can provide backpacks, school supplies, PPE and groceries to the families in our community that are going through particularly tough times and are in need, said Reynolds, Im going to continue to do everything in my power to assist our community during this public health crisis.The giveaway started at 10 a.m. and will continue until 1 p.m.WHAT TO KNOW IF YOU GO:Missouri City Back 2 School Fest2440 Texas Parkway, Missouri City10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

RICHMOND, Texas – Fort Bend County Judge KP George announced Tuesday that county residents would see a reduction in the 2020 property tax rates. According to George, the rate was lowered to $0.424967 per $100 from last year’s rate of $0.4447 per $100, which is a significant improvement from the 2000 rate of $0.624 per $100. George said the county tax rate is a small percentage of residents’ overall taxes and the reduction is still not enough to get people the relief they need. In order to get proper relief, George said property appraisals — which were calculated in January — must be reverted to 2019 levels. Residents can use an online portal to see detailed tax rate information for their area.

HOUSTON – Some Fort Bend County residents say they are still awaiting the money they were promised as part of the county's COVID-19 assistance program. The plan, which rolled out applications for its first phase on June 1, has only paid out $2.2 million of the $6.1 million allocated to assist residents with rent, mortgage payments and utility bills, according to Fort Bend County Judge KP George. As of July 20, the county said 2,269 individual payments were made and there were 6,253 eligible applicants. But now four days into August, Chanell Brown says her landlord still hasn't received a dime of the $1500 Fort Bend County said she was approved for to help with rent. Judge George said the delay was a staffing issue and Tuesday, the Fort Bend County Commission approved $2.3 million to hire more caseworkers.

RICHMOND, Texas Fort Bend County Judge KP George is expected to give an update on the spread of coronavirus within the Fort Bend community. The news conference is scheduled for 10 a.m. Wednesday. He is expected to be joined by Fort Bend County Health & Human Services Director Dr. Jacquelyn Johnson-Minter. Click2Houston.com is planning to offer a live stream of the event.

HOUSTON – Fort Bend County officials announced the second phase of the Fort Bend County Coronavirus Rental, Mortgage & Utility Assistance Program opens Monday. Fort Bend County Judge KP George announced on Facebook that applications will be accepted from July 20 through July 31 or until the funds are expended, whichever comes first. Fort Bend County is opening up phase two for their rental, mortgage and utility assistance program. “We are helping those who are in real need in Fort Bend County,” said Fort Bend County Judge KP George. You have not received rental assistance from any other source for the same period of time as requested from this program.

HOUSTON – Fort Bend County Judge KP George is calling Americans to stand up against anti-immigrant or racist comments. “Stand up for your neighbors, your coworkers, and your children’s classmates,” George said in a Facebook post on Friday. “Stand up for Fort Bend, our nation’s most diverse County. “What has always made this country great is that anyone can come here and make something of themselves,” George said. However, when people choose to hurl racist, anti-immigrant garbage at my family, colleagues, and me—that crosses a line,” he said.

RICHMOND, Texas Fort Bend County Judge KP George and other county officials will be holding a news conference to talk about the coronavirus risk level within the community. The news conference will be held at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday. Click2Houston.com will be offering a live stream of the event.

HOUSTON Fort Bend County officials are announcing new measures on Tuesday to combat the spread of COVID-19. A news release said the efforts are in response to the climbing hospital admissions in the region. Fort Bend County Judge KP George, Fort Bend County Health & Human Services director Dr. Jacquelyn Johnson-Minter, Fort Bend County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland security coordinator Mark Flathouse will be among those represented at the presentation. KPRC 2 plans to livestream the news conference at 5 p.m.

FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas – As Harris County’s mask order goes into effect Monday, Fort Bend County is seeking resident input on whether a similar order should be implemented in their county. Fort Bend County Judge KP George said in a Facebook post-Sunday evening that he would like input from the public about mask-wearing and enforcement, and COVID-19 safety. “Folks, these are unprecedented times. “I want to give YOU the opportunity to have input in my decisions to protect our community.”Folks, these are unprecedented times. To access the Fort Bend County mask survey, click here.

RICHMOND, Texas – Fort Bend County Judge KP George announced Friday that he is launching a program to help small businesses struggling through the coronavirus pandemic. According to a news release, the $22 million Small Business Emergency Grant Program will “address the financial hardships our small businesses have experienced due to the COVID-19 pandemic” using funds available through the federal CARES Act. The grants will be available to eligible small businesses in the amount of up to $10,000 per business, according to the release. “With the cruises closing down, air travel terrible, Disney’s not open, national parks aren’t open, it’s been no business, no opportunity,” said Wayne Chandler with Fort Bend Travel. “We will continue to make sure you are an important part of our economy and you’re an important part, we care about you,” said Fort Bend County Judge KP George.

HOUSTON – Harris County Commissioner Court this week approved a $15 million relief fund to help assist the most vulnerable families and individuals who are struggling with the sudden loss of a job or wages because of the coronavirus pandemic. The COVID-19 Relief Fund was proposed by Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis, which will provide support for rent, food, medical care and other expenses. The Greater Houston Community Foundation and United Way will manage the program to help those facing the most severe hardships. Harris County Judge Lina Hildalgo announced the approval for the relief fund Tuesday, saying the county has an obligation to protect human life and the most vulnerable. According to the Greater Houston Community Foundation, the COVID-19 Recovery Fund has been endorsed by Hidalgo, Fort Bend County Judge KP George and Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner.

Fort Bend County Health & Human Services has just announced the first COVID-19 related death in the county: a woman in her 70s with pre-existing medical conditions. Before she died, she was hospitalized briefly in a local hospital. She died late Wednesday, March 25 and her physicians agree that cornavirus was a contributing factor in her death. The hearts and prayers of Fort Bend County are with the patients family in these trying times, said KP George, Fort Bend County Judge and Director of Homeland Security & Emergency Management. As a community, we must come together to follow the CDC Guidelines and the Fort Bend County Stay Home to Save Lives Order to slow the spread of this unprecedented global pandemic.Related Stories Texas is Lining Up Alternatives to Hospitals in Case More Beds Needed for COVID-19 PatientsT date there have been 86 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Fort Bend with eight recovered.

Fort Bend County Judge KP George and Fort Bend County Health & Human Services Director and Local Health Authority Dr. Jacquelyn Johnson Minter in coordination with OakBend Medical Group Wednesday night announced the first COVID-19 testing site in Fort Bend County. Oakbend Medical Group is launching the first COVID-19 testing site in Fort Bend County. This is yet another example of the great work of one of our major Fort Bend community partners, OakBend Medical Group, said County Judge KP George. Patients m ust pay by credit/ debit card prior to arriving for the COVID-19 testing. The patient will be given instructions by the providers office to come to the testingFor more information, please visit: fbhealth.org/testing for covid-19

Next to Harris County, Fort Bend County has the most reported positive corona virus cases with 46 as of today. "I am issuing a stay at home to stay alive order," George said, The order takes effect tonight and runs through April 3. The order will be available on the Fort Bend County hotline. Fort Bend County Judge KP George FacebookTwitterHowever, Montgomery County Judge Mark Keough remained resolute that he would not be issuing any stay at home or shelter in place order at this time. Montgomery County Judge Mark Keough in explaining why there is no need to issue a stay-at-home order in his county.

Update 1 p.m. Harris County Public Health reports two new cases of COVID-19 which brings the total to 13 positive cases. HCPHs two new cases, which appear to be community spread:A 60-70 year-old man, who lives in the Northeast quadrant of Harris County. A 30-40 year-old man, who lives in the Southwest quadrant of Harris County. In its announcement it cited the Harris County and City of Houston latest guidelines asking everyone to avoid groups of ten or more people. Galveston County Judge Mark Henry has said he considers Harris County order closing restaurants and bars illegal.

Travis Scott Day in Fort Bend County? This top official wants itThousands of people come to participate Travis Scott's Astroworld Festival at NRG Park on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019, in Houston. Thousands of people come to participate Travis Scott's Astroworld Festival at NRG Park on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019, in Houston. Photo: Yi-Chin Lee, Staff Photographer Photo: Yi-Chin Lee, Staff Photographer Image 1 of / 165 Caption Close Travis Scott Day in Fort Bend County? And if you have been following the upward projection of Scotts career, as at least one Fort Bend County official has been, youre likely to agree with him.

Travis Scott Day in Fort Bend County? This top official wants itFort Bend County Judge KP George (right) wants rapper Travis Scott (left) to have his own day in the county. NEXT: The wildest photos from AstroWorld Festival Fort Bend County Judge KP George (right) wants rapper Travis Scott (left) to have his own day in the county. NEXT: The wildest photos from AstroWorld Festival Photo: Getty Images/Houston Chronicle Photo: Getty Images/Houston Chronicle Image 1 of / 105 Caption Close Travis Scott Day in Fort Bend County? And if you have been following the upward projection of Scotts career, as at least one Fort Bend County official has been, youre likely to agree with him.