6 Things to Know: State flooding response continues, and Harbor Bridge closures
Jul 16, 2026
Good morning Coastal Bend friends, and happy Thursday!Your favorite Anchors Bryan and Michelle Hofmann here, thanks for starting your day with us. This morning, we're following the death of a former PTA volunteer who was awaitin
g trial on child pornography charges, new federal safety violations issued after a worker's death at a Corpus Christi business, overnight Harbor Bridge lane closures, two family-friendly events happening tonight, and the latest on the state's response to ongoing flooding across Texas.Here's your 6 Things to Know.Former PTA Volunteer Dies While Awaiting Trial Benjamin Milfelt has died while awaiting trial on child pornography charges. He had been free on bond since his arrest in April. Authorities have not released a cause of death.Benjamin Milfelt, the former Mireles Elementary PTA volunteer charged with possession of child pornography, has died. Milfelt was arrested in April after investigators executed a search warrant at his home. According to the arrest affidavit, investigators found two cell phones in his pickup truck, and one allegedly contained images and videos depicting children between the ages of 10 and 14 engaged in sexually explicit conduct. The 42-year-old had been released on bond following his arrest and was scheduled to appear in court Monday for a hearing related to the case. That hearing has now been canceled. Officials have not released a cause of death.OSHA Cites FleetPride After Employee's Death OSHA issued 16 safety violations following a fatal workplace incident. Investigators say a worker died while inspecting a tanker trailer. The company faces more than $264,000 in proposed penalties.FleetPride Incorporated, a heavy-duty truck parts distributor along Interstate 37, has been cited by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration for 16 workplace safety violations. The citations stem from the January death of a 63-year-old employee who died from asphyxiation while inspecting a tanker trailer. OSHA investigators found the company failed to implement a required confined space safety program and also cited deficiencies involving respiratory protection and electrical safety. FleetPride faces more than $264,000 in proposed penalties and has 15 business days to respond to the citations.Nighttime Harbor Bridge Lane Closures Lane closures begin tonight at 9 p.m. Southbound U.S. 181 traffic will be reduced near Beach Avenue. Drivers should expect delays through Friday morning.If you're traveling across the Harbor Bridge overnight, plan for extra travel time. As part of the ongoing Harbor Bridge Project, the inside and center southbound lanes of U.S. 181 near the Beach Avenue entrance ramp on North Beach will close beginning at 9 p.m. tonight. The closures are expected to remain in place until 6 a.m. Friday while crews continue construction. Drivers should expect slower traffic and consider allowing extra time for their commute.Portland Hosts Park It Summer Nights Family activities begin at 6:30 p.m. at Moser Park. Games and activities are planned for all ages. Admission is free.Looking for something fun to do with the family tonight? The City of Portland is hosting another "Park It" Summer Nights event at Moser Park. The free community gathering begins at 6:30 p.m. and will feature games and activities designed for children and adults alike. Organizers encourage families to come out and enjoy an evening outdoors.Bay Jammin Concert Series Continues The 36th annual concert series returns to Cole Park tonight. Music begins at 7:30 p.m. at the amphitheater. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.Live music returns to the Corpus Christi waterfront tonight as the 36th annual Bay Jammin Concert Series continues at Cole Park. The free concert begins at 7:30 p.m. at the amphitheater and will feature performances by local bands. Visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy an evening of live entertainment along the bay.State Continues Flood Response More than 1,300 personnel have been activated statewide. More than 30 agencies are involved in the response. State leaders say rescue efforts remain the top priority.Governor Greg Abbott says Texas continues to mobilize significant resources in response to ongoing flooding across parts of the state. During a Wednesday news conference, the governor said more than 1,300 personnel from over 30 state agencies have been activated to support rescue, recovery and emergency operations. Abbott said the storms could prove to be record-breaking, adding that the state's primary focus remains protecting lives and assisting communities impacted by severe flooding.Thank you for waking up with the Hofmanns.As always, stay safe, stay curious and stay kind.We will see you bright and early tomorrow morning.Bryan and Michelle Hofmann.
...read more
read less