25 Murals and Crosswalks Set for Removal in Corpus

Could you imagine if someone rolled through downtown and told our artists to paint over the murals or wipe the sidewalk art clean? People would lose it. That’s basically what’s happening in Corpus Christi right now. TxDOT told the city that they have to remove 25 pieces of public art. Corpus Christi’s streets are lit up by local artwork, including bright electrical box murals and painted crosswalks. However, because of a new rule from TxDOT’s “Safe Roads” Initiative, they don’t meet “standard road design.”

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TxDOT’s Safe Roads Initiative bans non-standard pavement markings, including the painted crosswalks and murals. Cities with this type of artwork have 30 days to comply or risk losing their funding. Corpus Christi fighting to keep the artwork.So now Corpus Christi is forced to remove the murals and artwork that make the city unique. Years of work and creativity are about to be scrubbed off like it never mattered. These weren’t just any random pieces of art; many of them were community projects. One of them, Windows to the Coastal Bend, is basically a love letter to South Texas. Now, it’s sitting under review, waiting to see if it can be spared. Before you think, “Well, that’s Corpus,” remember, we’re not immune. Victoria’s been doing the same thing, piece by piece, bringing color back into public spaces. All it takes is one statewide rule or one technicality, and all that progress could be forced to revert back into the bleak, boring space we worked so hard to transform. If you want to see what Corpus is losing, check out the photos and tag #GoDowntownCC while they’re still up. 10 of the Biggest New Laws in TexasMore than 800 new Texas laws are taking effect but these 10 stand out. From schools and taxes to housing and healthcare, here’s what will impact you most. Gallery Credit: Canva CanvaSchool Cellphone BanTexas classrooms are cracking down. Students can no longer use cellphones during class time, part of a statewide effort to limit distractions.
CanvaSchool Voucher ProgramParents will soon be able to use public tax dollars for private school tuition and education expenses, though the program won’t officially launch until 2026.
CanvaTen Commandments in ClassroomsAll public school classrooms are required to display donated Ten Commandments posters; though the law is already facing legal challenges.
CanvaMedical Marijuana ExpansionTexas’ medical marijuana program now includes patients with chronic pain, traumatic brain injuries, and Crohn’s disease, and allows inhalation products. CanvaTeacher Pay RaisesPublic schools are getting $8.5 billion in new funding, with more than $4 billion earmarked to boost teacher salaries.
CanvaBook Access and OversightParents and school boards now have greater power to decide what books are allowed in school libraries, sparking concerns about censorship.
CanvaExpanded Crisis Training for SchoolsPolice and schools must now meet yearly to update active shooter response plans, with stricter training and reporting requirements.
CanvaWater Infrastructure FundTexas will begin a multi-billion-dollar effort to fix its looming water crisis, with voters set to decide on long-term funding in November.
CanvaAffordable HousingCities can no longer require single-family homes in new subdivisions to sit on large lots, making it easier to build smaller, cheaper houses. CanvaProperty Tax CutsBillions are being set aside to reduce property taxes across the state, giving some relief to homeowners.
These Are the 10 Most Overrated Towns in TexasGallery Credit: Canva Canva10. PORT LAVACAAI claims Port Lavaca’s beach vibes and seafood scene are “overhyped compared to what you actually get.” Everyone knows it’s a love-it or leave-it kind of town.
Canva9. CUEROHome to the infamous Ruby Bugonia and turkey lovers. It’s got history, sure, but some people only use it as a pit stop on the way to San Antonio.
Canva8. REFUGIOAI’s take: “Refugio has big Friday night lights energy, but outside of football season, it’s basically a ghost town.” Not totally wrong.
Canva7. PORT O’CONNERA weekend getaway favorite, but AI says, “Port O’Connor’s fishing and beach scene isn’t as amazing as the locals brag.” I’ve seen some pretty gnarly fish come from that water. AI might have got this one a little wrong.
6. GOLIADAI calls Goliad “historic, yes, but trying too hard to feel like Fredericksburg.” LOL, it’s not wrong…. Canva5. SHINERThe town of Shiner lands on the list simply because AI says, “One brewery does not make you Texas royalty.”
Canva4. VICTORIAAI calls Victoria “the self-proclaimed hub of the Crossroads — big enough to feel important, but still missing real entertainment.” It’s giving small-town energy with main character syndrome. Canva3. LAKE JACKSON“Just because you have Buc-ee’s doesn’t mean you’re the center of the universe.” Yikes. Canva2. GONZALESAI says Gonzales “built its whole personality around one cannon and hasn’t let it go since 1835.” We get it; you had a moment. Canva1. CORPUS CHRISTIAccording to AI, “Corpus is part saltwater, part sadness, and somehow always under construction.” You don’t visit for luxury, you visit because you’re down for whatever.