Plastic Surgeon in Fort Worth, TX

A Fort Worth hamburger restaurant that’s been voted one of the 10 best in Tarrant County was damaged by fire early Friday, May 9.

Firefighters were called to Tommy’s Hamburger Grill at 5228 Camp Bowie Blvd. When they arrived, they saw fire coming from a vent on the roof and light smoke showing from the restaurant. The firefighters were able to get the blaze under control, fire officials said, and no injuries were reported.

Tommy’s is located in a strip mall with several other businesses. Some of them were also affected by the fire, according to officials. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Tommy’s Hamburger Grill owners posted about the fire on the restaurant’s Facebook page.

“Thank goodness we were closed and nobody was hurt,” the post reads. “We are working with our insurance company and hope to reopen in the future.”

Customers reacted with concern and dismay,

“Hate that this happened for y’all!” one person posted. “We will definitely visit the other locations to support…and more selfishly, to enjoy delicious food!”

“So sorry to see this!” someone else said. “Hope you guys get back up and running soon at that location.”

The restaurant has been on Camp Bowie Boulevard since 2002. Before that, Under the Tower Sandwich Shop occupied the space.

Tommy Smith opened the original Tommy’s Hamburgers as a gas station grill on Northwest Loop 820 in 1983. In 1987, the restaurant was ranked one of the Star-Telegram’s 10 best in Tarrant County.

“This place has a burger not easily forgotten,” the story began. It mentioned the “fighter plane ambience” from the nearby air base runway.

The original Tommy’s Hamburgers expanded to three Fort Worth locations. Tommy Smith’s daughter Kelly Smith took over the restaurants in 2007.

Tommy’s remains open at its other two locations: Tommy’s Burgers + Brews at 1736 Mall Circle off Alta Mere Drive and 2455 Forest Park Blvd. near the Fort Worth Zoo and TCU.

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Staff writer Bud Kennedy contributed to this report.

This story was originally published May 9, 2025 at 10:20 AM.

Expect a mild Mother's Day with highs into the mid to upper-70s. Thanks to an upper-low slowly moving to the east of North Texas, a mixture of sun and clouds will fill the sky. Isolated showers could be possible during the afternoon. Most of any chances of rain with stay across eastern North Texas into East Texas.

A ridge is expected to build across the Central United States next week, bringing hotter and sunny weather to North Texas. High temperatures will soar into the 90s for the middle of next week. Near-record heat is likely on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Latest Forecast:

INTO THE MORNING: Partly to mostly cloudy and mild. Low: 57. Wind: N 5-10 mph.

SUNDAY (MOTHER'S DAY): Sun, clouds and mild. Isolated showers are possible during the afternoon into late evening. High: 77. Wind: N 10-15 mph.

MONDAY: Sunny and warm. Low. 58. High: 83. Wind: NW 5-10 mph.

TUESDAY: Sunny, breezy and hot with record breaking heat. Low. 63. High: 94. Wind: S 10-20 mph with higher gusts.

WEDNESDAY: Partly sunny and hot with record breaking heat. Low. 72. High: 96. Wind: SW 10-15 mph.

THURSDAY: Partly sunny and very warm. Low. 75. High: 90. Wind: S 10-15 mph.

FRIDAY: Partly to mostly cloudy and warm. Low. 72. High: 88. Wind: S 10-15 mph.

SATURDAY: Partly to mostly cloudy with a 20% chance of a storm. Low: 70. High: 88. Wind: S 10-15 mph.

SUNDAY: Partly cloudy with a 20% chance of a storm. Low. 70. High: 87. Wind: S 10-15 mph.

MONDAY: Sun and clouds, warm. Low: 68. High: 86. Wind: SW 10-15 mph.

TUESDAY: Sun and clouds, warm. Low: 63. High: 85. Wind: NW 10-15 mph.

A famed Texan is set to receive another honorary degree from yet another state institution of higher learning this weekend.

Taylor Sheridan, a native of Fort Worth and creator of Yellowstone and Landman, will be awarded an honorary Doctor of Letters degree at Texas Christian University. During spring commencement on Friday, the university will award the renowned filmmaker, writer and producer the honorary degree recognizing his noteworthy contributions to the arts, the Texas film industry, the larger Fort Worth community and TCU.

"Tradition has always been important to TCU. As we continue to grow, we're committed to doing so in ways that best serve our Horned Frogs," said Brad Thompson, executive director of university events and community projects. "Whether it's evolving our commencement ceremonies or offering real-world experiences like working with Taylor Sheridan, TCU is leading with purpose—preparing students to step confidently into the future."

A Doctor of Letters degree is an honorary university academic degree that is typically a higher doctorate given in acknowledgment of exceptional scholarship or other characteristics, which Sheridan has earned through his career and work with the University.

TCU also announced that the weekend will mark the university's first graduation ceremony exclusively for graduate-level applicants, which will coincide with Sheridan's honors. The university is recognizing students from eight of its colleges and schools. TCU is celebrating its largest graduating class ever, with 2,900 students graduating across three May 10 ceremonies.

"Storytelling is about knowing where you come from and daring to imagine where you can go," Sheridan said in a statement. "TCU students already have the drive, discipline and vision it takes to lead—all they need is the opportunity to step into their own story and own it."

The first season of Sheridan's Paramount+ production, Landman, was filmed on the TCU campus in collaboration with the university, and the show's second season will reportedly use the campus once again. Sheridan also invited students to participate in the production during the first season of the oil drama, inviting 36 students from the Film, Television, and Digital Media program, six theater students, and 13 track and field student-athletes to join the production and gain first-hand experience on their own campus.

More than 600 TCU students, teachers, staff and alumni participated as extras in the production. According to the university, the collaboration has cemented Sheridan's position as a driving force behind professional networking and student growth.

"Taylor Sheridan's work doesn't just entertain, it opens doors," TCU President Daniel W. Pullin said. "His investment in TCU's students is building a new pipeline of creative talent, giving Horned Frogs real-world experience at the highest levels of the entertainment industry while reminding them that great stories can start right here in Fort Worth."

The Landman creator cannot stop racking up degrees. Sheridan is also set to receive an honorary degree from the school he attended and later dropped out of, Texas State University. He is also tabbed to give the commencement address at the University of Texas's graduation ceremony this weekend, where he will also be awarded an honorary degree.

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May 9, 2025

Texas Wesleyan University has been an economic engine in east Fort Worth for more than a century.

But with its growing campus, increasing enrollment and expanding athletic programs, the small university is poised to become a bigger player in North Texas.

Recent data shows Texas Wesleyan had a $244 million regional economic impact in 2024 — a 64% increase from 2023, according to a report by Independent Colleges and Universities of Texas. Founded in 1890, the private nonprofit institution has been educating students in Fort Worth for over 130 years.

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Direct spending alone in 2024 totaled $93 million. Alumni who have stayed in the region after graduation pump $41 million into the economy; Texas Wesleyan estimates 27,000 alums live within 50 miles of campus.

“I think what we’re most proud of is just the economic impact that we bring, not only to the entire city of Fort Worth, but specifically east Fort Worth,” said Emily Messer, who became president of Texas Wesleyan in 2023.

Messer said the university has received more applications from prospective students this year, which she credits to the university growing its brand awareness. Final numbers are still being compiled, but admits are up over 18% from last year.

While other regional universities have focused on increasing enrollment, Texas Wesleyan has leaned into its identity as a small institution. The university’s tagline — “Smaller. Smarter.” — is featured on signs and posters in the school’s signature blue and gold across the campus.

Messer believes relationships are key in life, and said Texas Wesleyan’s size means it’s a place where students can forge important connections with professors, administrators and their peers. She encourages prospective students, including Fort Worth natives, to visit the campus to get a feel for what life at the university is like.

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“I truly think once you step into our campus, you have a different feeling of what you might have thought Texas Wesleyan is,” Messer said.

The university enrolls a new cohort of about 500 full-time, first-time degree-seeking undergraduate students each fall. The number of prospective students applying to Texas Wesleyan has grown steadily since 2020. Enrollment grew by about 8% between fall 2013 and fall 2023, when it reached 2,595 students.

The average annual net price to attend Texas Wesleyan University is $14,347 for students who receive federal financial aid, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard. First-year undergraduate students at Texas Wesleyan received an average of $29,348 in scholarships and grants for the 2022-2023 academic year.

For the past three academic years, at least 47% of Texas Wesleyan’s undergraduates have been first-generation college students, exceeding its goal. The university is getting closer to meeting a goal of having an undergraduate population of at least 50% federal Pell Grant-eligible students, though it has yet to reach that benchmark.

Roughly 35% of students received Pell Grants during the 2022-2023 academic year, according to data from the National Center for Education Statistics. Statewide, about 34% of students received Pell Grants, which are awards for undergraduates with significant financial need.

Starting this fall, first-year students from Texas who qualify for full Pell Grant eligibility will receive free tuition. Texas Wesleyan isn’t the only university to offer such discounts.

The University of Texas System, which includes UT Arlington, will begin offering free tuition in the fall to students whose families make $100,000 or less. The Texas A&M University System has covered tuition and fees for students whose households make $60,000 or less per year since 2023.

Messer said Texas Wesleyan is focused on its impact on students and improving social mobility. Higher education is widely viewed by experts as a driver of social mobility, with college graduates typically earning more during their lifetimes than their peers who did not attend college.

Former Texas Wesleyan students have median annual earnings of over $54,000, according to the College Scorecard.

Texas Wesleyan is also dedicated to making sure its student population reflects the demographics of Tarrant County. Black students made up over 21% of total enrollment for the 2023-2024 academic year, while Hispanic or Latino students made up 23% of the student body during that time.

Texas Wesleyan is drafting a new strategic plan to unveil in January. The university hosted events to get feedback, and Messer said Texas Wesleyan received 950 responses during a community day for faculty and staff.

Through the new plan, the university wants to expand partnerships and grow strategically in all areas.

“An innovative approach to everything we do, whether it’s our academic programs or administrative efficiencies, will be something we’ll incorporate into it,” Messer said.

Despite its new aims, Messer said Texas Wesleyan is dedicated to its core goals — staying focused on students, maintaining a strong return on investment for a college education, and remaining an anchor for east Fort Worth.

Messer said Texas Wesleyan has not yet been impacted by direct federal spending cuts, but is closely monitoring developments related to Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, the provision that refers to financial aid programs for post-secondary education. Title IV authorizes a range of federal financial aid programs, including federal student loans and Pell Grants.

Investments in sports have boosted Texas Wesleyan’s economic impact. A new $16.5 million stadium is expected to bring more visitors to the campus, leading to more spending there and at surrounding local businesses.

Karen Cramer Stadium is being built in three phases. The first phase, construction of a turf football field, was finished last year. Track and field equipment has been added, and the new fieldhouse is expected to be done this summer. The university is getting final cost estimates for the grandstand, the third and final phase of construction.

Texas Wesleyan is part of the Sooner Athletic Conference, a group of 13 schools across Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas. The SAC is governed by the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, not the larger National Collegiate Athletics Association.

Texas Wesleyan has hosted SAC conference championships for a number of sports, including volleyball, basketball and women’s wrestling.

The university restarted its football team in 2017. Last fall, Texas Wesleyan had the highest scoring average in college football and made it to the second round of the NAIA Football Championship Series, after winning the conference championship.

Next spring, Texas Wesleyan will become the first university in Texas to have a varsity women’s flag football team. Flag football will be included in the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angles; Texas Wesleyan is hoping to foster some of the sport’s top talent.

Fort Worth, Texas -- While humans may flock to Fort Worth Botanic Garden during daylight hours, it turns out our nocturnal neighbors have made it their favorite hangout spot too! Recent acoustic monitoring has revealed that FWBG is the hottest bat destination in Tarrant and Parker Counties, hosting a five-star resort experience for these beneficial winged wonders.

Bat-anical Garden Takes the Crown

A collaborative study conducted by the Cross Timbers Chapter of the Texas Master Naturalists, the North American Bat Monitoring Program, and the Botanical Research Institute of Texas at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden (BRIT) discovered that five different bat species call the Garden home after dark—substantially more than other surveyed locations including the Nature Center & Wildlife Refuge, Tandy Hills Natural Area, and Mineral Wells State Park, which typically hosted just one or two species.

Meet the Night Shift

Using specialized acoustic eavesdropping equipment that captures the high-frequency gossip bats exchange while hunting, researchers confirmed these nocturnal residents:

Two additional VIP guests were spotted but need formal introductions:

Of special concern is our petite friend the Tricolored Bat, who's having a tough time with white-nose syndrome and is being considered for the U.S. endangered species list—essentially the bat equivalent of needing critical care.

These Bats Mean Business

Don't let their cute faces fool you—bats are ecological powerhouses with impressive résumés. By night, they're pest control specialists consuming thousands of insects each, saving farmers billions and sparing us extra mosquito bites during summer barbecues.

But wait, there's more! These flying mammals are also master pollinators working the night shift. While bees clock out at sunset, bats clock in to pollinate over 500 plant species worldwide. Agave (hello, tequila lovers!), bananas, mangoes, and various cacti all send thank-you notes to bats for their pollination services. Here in Texas, plants like the century plant and organpipe cactus have evolved into night owls themselves, producing bat-friendly features like after-hours blooming, intoxicating fragrances, and reinforced landing pads for their furry pollinators.

As if that weren't enough, bats are also champion seed spreaders. A single colony's guano works like nature's fertilizer and seed delivery service, dispersing millions of seeds annually. Talk about multitasking!

Tough Times for Team Bat

"Despite their superhero status in the ecosystem, bats are facing some serious villains in habitat loss and disease," noted Ashley Bales, Herbarium Collections Manager for BRIT who participated in the study. "Finding such a diverse bat community at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden proves that urban green spaces aren't just fun places to visit—they're lifelines for wildlife."

Be a Bat Buddy

Want to roll out the welcome mat for these beneficial neighbors? FWBG suggests these bat-friendly home improvements:

For more information about the Fort Worth Botanic Garden and the Botanic Research Institute of Texas, visit www.fwbg.org.

About Fort Worth Botanic Garden and the Botanical Research Institute of Texas:

The Fort Worth Botanic Garden is the oldest public botanic garden in Texas with beautiful theme gardens, including the Rose Garden and Japanese Garden, the Adelaide Polk Fuller Garden featuring a comprehensive collection of trees, shrubs, and perennials, and the Victor and Cleyone Tinsley Garden, highlighting plants native to north central Texas. In addition to stunning horticultural displays, the Garden also offers community education for adults, children and families, and international research conducted through the Botanical Research Institute of Texas (BRIT®). The BRIT Philecology Herbarium contains 1.5 million plant specimens from around the world making it one of the largest herbaria in the United States, and the BRIT Research Library houses nearly 125,000 volumes of botanical books and journals. The BRIT Press publishes botanical-related books and the esteemed, peer-reviewed journal JBRIT. The combined campus comprises 120 acres in Fort Worth’s Cultural District two miles west of downtown Fort Worth, Texas.