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Welcome to the Buzz
The "Bedford Buzz" e-newsletter is a publication of the Bedford Communications Division. If you have any questions about the Buzz, please email public.info@bedfordtx.gov.
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 Celebrate Independence Day with the City of Bedford on Friday, July 4 from 5 to 10 p.m. at Generations Park at Boys Ranch, 2801 Forest Ridge Dr.
Bedford 4thFest will feature free live music by 80s Mix Tape (an 80s party band), a kid’s zone, food trucks, and a spectacular fireworks show when the sun goes down. Admission to 4thFest is FREE. Feel free to bring lawn chairs, blankets, coolers, and non-alcoholic beverages (no glass containers are permitted). The fireworks show will begin around 9:30 p.m. and will be shot off from Generations Park at Boys Ranch.
As with every year, we ask to respect all traffic laws (which will be strictly enforced) and please be considerate to the neighborhoods adjacent to the park when finding parking locations for the event. Please remember, private fireworks are also prohibited in the city. Additional details on parking, road closures, and food trucks will be available in the coming weeks at www.bedfordtx.gov/4thfest.
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The countdown starts NOW! We are beyond excited to announce the Eli Young Band will headline Bedford Beats and Eats Fest on Saturday, August 30 at Generations Park at Boys Ranch!
With Texas roots (they were formed more than 25 years ago in Denton) and a sound that has taken them all over the country, Eli Young Band has earned their place as one of country music’s most loved acts. Known for chart-topping hits like “Even If It Breaks Your Heart,” “Crazy Girl,” and “Love Ain’t,” the band has racked up several music award nominations, sold out venues nationwide, and toured alongside country greats. The band’s rock energy, heartfelt lyrics, and country roots will create an unforgettable show in Bedford you won’t want to miss!
Bedford Beats and Eats Fest is FREE to attend and will include more performances, plenty of food trucks, alcohol for purchase, business vendors, a kid’s zone, shuttles, and more.
Interested in becoming a vendor or sponsor? Visit https://www.bedfordtx.gov/beatsandeats to view the application. As the date approaches, additional details, including the entire music line-up, will be available.
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Although court rulings have limited how the cities can regulate short-term rentals, the City Council recently took additional steps to manage them locally.
In 2021, the Council adopted an ordinance requiring short-term rental property owners to register and complete inspections. Currently, there are between 50 and 70 registered short-term rentals in Bedford.
While enforcing this ordinance, staff discovered properties operating in single-family neighborhoods as “crash pads.” These offer short-term stays through flexible leases and shared living spaces, commonly used by professionals like pilots as a hotel alternative.
The City has identified at least three crash pad properties. Two are under active code enforcement due to overcrowding, parking, traffic, and trash issues.
To address this, the Council recently amended the ordinance to include crash pads under the same rules as traditional short-term rentals.
Officials are also looking into adding distance requirements between short-term rentals. These changes would be made through zoning ordinance amendments, expected to be considered by the City Council soon.
The City understands residents' concerns about short-term rentals and is using available legal tools to reduce nuisances such as noise, parking problems, and other code violations.
To report issues, please visit www.bedfordtx.gov/code.
Those pesky mosquitos are coming back! Bedford staff has already started trapping and testing mosquitos for West Nile, and we have a few updates to our mosquito management plan to keep you informed:
What does the City of Bedford do to monitor mosquitos?
Mosquito traps are set and monitored weekly for the presence of viruses. There are five testing locations throughout Bedford - one within each of the five monitoring “zones” that were created within the City. These locations are determined by various factors and take into consideration tree cover, access to water, local urbanization (land use in the area), and proximity to open spaces. Each week, staff collects samples from the five locations and delivers them to the Tarrant County Public Health Department laboratory for West Nile Virus testing.
In addition to weekly testing, staff applies larvicide regularly during the mosquito season and works to find and eliminate standing water in public places through the City.
What happens if there is a positive sample?
If a sample collected from a Bedford testing location tests positive, Tarrant County Public Health will notify City officials. From there, staff notifies the public of the positive sample through the following City of Bedford communication channels:
- City Facebook page
- City of Bedford website (sign-up for notifications to these alerts at www.bedfordtx.gov/notifyme)
- City of Bedford Nextdoor account (targeted post to the impacted/surrounding neighborhoods)
In accordance with the City’s Mosquito Abatement policies, if a positive test result is received in one zone, creeks and flumes within the zone of the trap will be treated with larvicide. City staff will consider spraying within specific zones, only if positive West Nile samples have been recorded within multiple zones over a two-week period, or there is a confirmed human case of West Nile.
Where can I learn more about the City’s mosquito plans?
The City has a dedicated mosquito control webpage at www.bedfordtx.gov/mosquito.
The webpage contains details explaining the City’s mosquito management program, an interactive map with locations that are regularly monitored, a mosquito checklist, and information on how to schedule on-site mosquito inspections with the City.
How can I protect myself?
When it comes to protecting yourself and your family from mosquitoes, always remember the "Four D's,” as follows:
- Dusk and dawn are the times of day you should try to stay indoors. This is when mosquitoes are most active and are considered major feeding times.
- Dress in long sleeves and pants when you are outside. For extra protection, you may want to spray thin clothing with repellent.
- DEET is an effective EPA-registered active ingredient to look for in your insect repellent. Always wear repellent when outdoors and choose products that contain up to 20 percent DEET.
- Drain standing water in your backyard and neighborhood. Old tires, flowerpots, and clogged rain gutters are considered mosquito-breeding sites.
For additional mosquito information, you can also call the Public Works Department at 817-952-2200 or email public.works@bedfordtx.gov.
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The City of Bedford recently switched to a new emergency notification system, known as Everbridge, that helps residents stay informed of a variety of events impacting Bedford. Through this system, residents will automatically be registered to receive community alerts and will have the option to sign up for specific weather alerts.
Community alerts include, but are not limited to, water outages, road closures, power outages, trash delays, evacuations, and other public safety notifications that affect a significant number of residents.
To register, please visit www.bedfordtx.gov/alert.
During the registration process, users can sign-up using their preferred method of contact, including cell phone, text/SMS, home phone, and/or email to ensure real-time access to potentially lifesaving information. Residents can also select what type of alerts they’d like to receive. Changes to your preferences can be made at any point throughout the year.
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The Roy Savage Pool, located at 1201 Central Dr., is officially open for the summer season! If you’re looking to spend a summer by the pool, we’ve got you covered:
- Open swim is daily from noon to 5 p.m. and admission is $2. Outside food and drink are allowed, but please leave all glass and alcohol at home!
- Need to sign your kiddos up for swim lessons? We have private and group lessons available, but they are filling up quickly! Sign up now: bedfordtx.gov/pool
- Seniors! 50 and Better Water Aerobics will be returning every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday morning. Learn more at bedfordtx.gov/aquatics.
- The Bedford SURF Swim Team is returning for swimmers of all ages! Register online at bedfordtx.gov/surf.
- We’ll be hosting two Dive-In Movie at the pool this summer. Learn more and register online: bedfordtx.gov/events
- Hosting a private party? Roy Savage Pool is available for after-hours rentals on the weekends! Email recreation@bedfordtx.gov for more details.
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Planning a birthday party, family reunion, or casual get-together? You can reserve a pavilion at several Bedford parks, including Generations Park at Boys Ranch, Stormie Jones, Harris Ryals, Central, and Carousel Park!
Get all the details and prices for each location at www.bedfordtx.gov/pavilion.
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Roberto’s Taco Shop is coming to Bedford! Located at 2902 Hwy 121 (near the Oldwest Cafe), Roberto’s will serve up authentic Mexican favorites including carne asada burritos, rolled tacos, crispy nachos, breakfast burritos, chimichangas, tortas, and much more.
Based in California, this will be the taco shop’s fourth Texas location. An opening date is not official at this time, but we’ll be sure to keep you posted on all communication channels when the restaurant opens! Until then, you can start planning your first order online at https://robertostacoshop.com/.
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Did you know the Bedford Library has seeds? Adults with a Bedford Library card can check out up to five FREE seed packets, each month. From marigolds and poppies to carrots and tomatoes, there’s plenty of options to make any garden bloom!
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Dive In Movie: Shark Tale – Friday, June 6
Make a splash at the pool with a special showing of Shark Tale (2004, PG) on the big screen at Roy Savage Pool! Dive into the fun as we follow the friendship of Oscar, a small reef fish with big dreams, and Lenny, a vegetarian shark who feels like a fish out of water. The pool will open at 7 p.m., with the movie beginning at sunset. Tickets are $4 per person (over the age of two). Register online at https://www.bedfordtx.gov/events.
Artful Antics: Family Watercolor – Wednesday, June 11
In this class from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Old Bedford School (2400 School Lane), participants will use watercolor to paint an underwater scene, featuring a graceful sea turtle swimming through the ocean. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist, this class is perfect for all ages and skill levels. Learn easy watercolor techniques, discover how to blend colors, and create a vibrant ocean world. By the end of the session, you’ll have your very own turtle painting to take home. Tickets are $6.50 per artist. Register online at www.bedfordtx.gov/events.
Juneteenth Celebration – Friday, June 13
The City is teaming up with the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority to host a Juneteenth Celebration from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Generations Park at Boys Ranch (2801 Forest Ridge Dr.). The free event will feature various performances, including the theatrical poetry reading “Spoken Word” by Phylisha Gold, dance group Eloquent Movement, music from Extended PLAY, and step routines from several historically African American fraternities and sororities. The event will also feature a children’s area with lawn games and bounce houses, as well as food trucks.
Artful Antics Jr.: Celluclay Dragon Sculptures – Tuesday and Wednesday, June 24 and 25
In this art project, artists (ages 7-16 years old) will sculpt a dragon using Celluclay. Celluclay is a lightweight, air-drying, paper-based clay that is easy to mold. During this two-day workshop, participants will sculpt and form a dragon. The class will be from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday at Old Bedford School (2400 School Lane). Tickets are $25 per person (includes both days' activities). Register online at www.bedfordtx.gov/events.
Juneteenth Celebration – Friday, June 13
The City is teaming up with the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority to host a Juneteenth Celebration from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Generations Park at Boys Ranch (2801 Forest Ridge Dr.). The event will include various performances, including the theatrical poetry reading “Spoken Word” by Philisha Gold, dance group Eloquent Movement, and step routines from several historically African American fraternities and sororities. The event will also feature a children’s area with crafts and lawn games, as well as food trucks.
July is National Parks and Recreation Month
Did you know July is National Parks and Recreation Month? Bedford staff are currently preparing for a jam-packed schedule of events. Visit www.bedfordtx.gov/events for additional information in the coming weeks.
Bedford 4thFest – Friday, July 4
Mark those calendars! Celebrate Independence Day at Generations Park at Boys Ranch with free live music, a kid’s zone, vendors, food trucks, and a spectacular fireworks show when the sun goes down. More details will be available soon at www.bedfordtx.gov/4thfest.
Bedford Beats and Eats Fest – Saturday, August 30
Save the date! This FREE event at Generations Park at Boys Ranch will feature a fantastic line-up of performers, a kid’s zone, activities, vendors, plenty of food trucks, alcohol, and more. Additional details will be released soon.
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Do you have a general question related to code enforcement, economic development, trash/recycling, parks, etc.? Ask us! Each month, we’ll feature at least one question from “Bedford Buzz” subscribers from the previous issue. Submit your questions at www.bedfordtx.gov/questions.
The City did not receive any questions from subscribers last month, so here's an FAQ.
QUESTION: How do I monitor my water usage so I can lower my water bill?
ANSWER: The City strongly recommends using the online EyeOnWater tool. EyeOnWater allows residents to monitor their water usage. Homeowners can create an account online and set leak alerts that send text and/or email notifications if there is a potential leak detected. The technology transmits consumption data every 24 hours, and displays water usage by the year, month, day, hour, or minute. For more information, please visit www.bedfordtx.gov/eyeonwater.
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Resident Photo(s) of the Month
 CREDIT: Kathy Boothe
Our spring blooming Clematis is always a conversation starter for neighbors walking by.
 CREDIT: Tamara Dawson
Marshall Marshmallow was adopted from the Bedford Animal Shelter and is living his best life in Bedford! Thanks Officer Magee, Officer Hightower, and all the staff for making the adoption process so easy!
 CREDIT: Bill Brunton
A hummingbird visits Heather Brook Court!
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Have a photo of you enjoying Bedford? Whether it’s enjoying Generations Park at Boys Ranch or in your own backyard, send your best shot to public.info@bedfordtx.gov and it could be featured in an upcoming issue of “Bedford Buzz.” Please make sure your photo is family-friendly, recently taken in Bedford, and everyone prominently featured in the photo is OK with becoming Buzz-worthy.
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