Celebrate safely; know the law on fireworks use in Surprise

With Fourth of July fast approaching, be sure you know the laws regarding the use and sale of fireworks within the City of Surprise.

Here’s a quick overview: 

• The minimum age for purchasing consumer fireworks is 16.

• Consumer fireworks use is all...

Donate food to help erase hunger & your library fines!

Clear your library fines and stock local pantries! Maricopa County Library District’s annual Food for Fines program will take place July 7 – 15. The goal of the program is to help stock our local food pantries, which are in greater nee...

New Surprise Progress TV Episode

Watch Surprise Progress TV for news on our 4th of July Celebration, bulk trash pickup changes, the upcoming bond election, new Surprise Fire-Medical Department graduates, a back-to-school supplies drive, and the passing of Community and Recreation Service...

Surprise Fire-Medical Department graduates eight recruits; including five funded with federal grant

On Friday, June 16, eight Surprise Fire-Medical Department (SFMD) Firefighter Recruits graduated from the Phoenix Regional Fire Training Academy, Class 17-1, as Firefighters. Five of the recruits were hired from a Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency ...

US-Canada cross-border healthcare initiative debuts in Surprise

Surprise, Arizona could be the next top destination for Canadian medical travel. In the June 20th Surprise City Council Work Session, guest speaker Marc Kealey, CEO of Kealey & Associates in Toronto, Canada co-presented with Surprise Economic Developm...

Back to School Supply Drive at Surprise City Hall

Show your support for our Surprise youth by donating back-to-school supplies that will benefit local K-8th graders!

All types of school supplies are needed and can be dropped off in the donation boxes located in the lobby of Surprise City Hall, 16000 N Civ...

City of Surprise 4th of July Celebration features baseball and fireworks

Come and celebrate with the City of Surprise at our annual Fourth of July Celebration on July 4th at the Surprise Recreation Campus, 15850 N. Bullard Avenue.

Enjoy America’s favorite pastime as the Kansas City Royals take on the Texas Rangers in ...

City announces the passing of Mark Coronado

Long-time Community and Recreation Services (CRS) Director Mark A. Coronado passed away, today. He was 59.

Mark was hired by the City of Surprise in 2000 to lead the CRS Department, which was a three-person team at the time. Under Mark’s leadersh...

Surprise Youth Spark Solutions at Entrepreneurship Boot Camp

Youthful innovation was on display June 9 at Surprise City Hall in culmination of the AZ TechCelerator’s 4th Annual Surprise Youth Entrepreneurship Boot Camp.

Sixteen students from Paradise Honors, Shadow Ridge, and Valley Vista high schools worked in team...

Changes to Bulk Trash Pickup program coming July 1

Changes are coming to the Bulk Trash Pickup program offered to residents who are serviced by the city of Surprise Solid Waste Department.

Bulk trash will continue to be picked up by-appointment and at no additional cost to the customer; but, the rules for ...

Annuities & Life Insurance; free workshop June 27

Looking for up-to-date information regarding the annuity and life insurance contracts that exist in the marketplace? We are offering a free workshop June 27.  

The workshop, taught by Joel N. Greenberg of Wealth Advisory Services, LLC, will cover ...

City of Surprise Seeking Applications for Voluntary Commissions

The City of Surprise is currently accepting applications for the following Commissions. All Board/Commission positions are voluntary.

Arts & Cultural Advisory Commission - 1 vacancy 

Applications for the above mentioned commission are available...

New Surprise Progress TV Episode

Watch Surprise Progress TV for info on the upcoming bond election, approved FY2018 budget, Civic Center Drive construction & more!

Watch July 4th fireworks poolside at Surprise Aquatic Center

Keep cool in the pool this Fourth of July at the City of Surprise Aquatic Center.

The poolside celebration will feature music, games, nighttime swimming, crafts and raffle prizes! The event begins at 6 p.m. and will conclude after the city’s fire...

Tennis, tumbling, ukulele and more! Now enrolling for summer special interest classes

The City of Surprise is now enrolling for summer session Special Interest Classes, including dance, gymnastics, music, martial arts, theatre camp and much more!

Classes are available for ages two through adult and will be held at various locations througho...

Council oks FY18 budget that maintains services & property tax rate

The Surprise City Council approved a $275.8 million Fiscal Year 2018 Budget, at a Special Meeting Tuesday night.

The budget maintains existing city services and identifies creative options to maximize some resources. 

That includes securing outside...

It’s time to Decide Surprise as Council sends 3 bond questions for Nov ballot

At their June 6th Regular Meeting, City Council approved sending three General Obligation Bond questions in the areas of Public Safety, Traffic Congestion Mitigation and Pavement Preservation to the ballot in a Special Election on November 7, 2017. All re...

City of Surprise opens swim lesson registration

The City of Surprise offers a variety of swim lessons for all ages and abilities. 

Private and group lessons are available at the Surprise Aquatic Center and Hollyhock Pool. Swim sessions are grouped by skill level and focus on water safety and fu...

Heat warning this week; city accepting water bottle donations for those in need

With temperatures rising and a heat warning in effect this week, the city of Surprise reminds residents that water bottle donations are being accepted at locations throughout the city to assist those in need. 

Surprise is a Heat Relief Network par...

Surprise named a national finalist for 2017 America’s Best Intergenerational Community Award

 The City of Surprise has been selected as a National Finalist for the 2017 MetLife Foundation/Generations United America’s Best Intergenerational Communities Awards. 

Since 2012, the awards program has recognized 24 innovative ...

City opens application process for Community Outreach Program

A City Council-led initiative to assist community organizations in providing programs and events that benefit City of Surprise residents is now accepting applications. 

Council set aside $65,000 for FY2017-2018 for the Surprise Community Outreach ...

Civic Center Dr expansion will begin in June

Road construction to extend Civic Center Drive to one lane in each direction between Paradise Lane and Bell Road is scheduled to begin next month.

When complete in September 2017, the roadway will provide direct connection to Surprise City Hall from Bell R...

First recipient of District 4 Home Beautification Award announced

The first recipient of the District 4 Home Beautification Award has been announced!

District 4 Councilmember Ken Remley launched an award program this month to recognize residents in his district who show pride in their home through renovation and maintena...

Surprise joins Heat Relief Network; accepting water donations for hydration stations

The city of Surprise is a Heat Relief Network partner, providing hydration and refuge stations for those in need of a place to cool off during the hot summer months. The Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) coordinates mapping of the Heat Re...

TRUTH IN TAXATION HEARING NOTICE OF TAX INCREASE

IN COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 42-17107, ARIZONA REVISED STATUTES, THE CITY OF SURPRISE IS NOTIFYING ITS PROPERTY TAXPAYERS OF THE CITY OF SURPRISE’S INTENTION TO RAISE ITS PRIMARY PROPERTY TAXES OVER LAST YEAR’S LEVEL. THE CITY OF SURPRIS...

Share your thoughts, opinions on art and culture in Surprise to help shape master plan

The city of Surprise is developing an Arts and Culture Master Plan that will set the standard and strategic direction for how we continue to implement and enjoy arts and culture. We are asking for your help in shaping that plan, and there are several oppo...

City seeks donations for homeless, families in need as Project Connect event comes to Surprise 7/26

Surprise has partnered with the Valley of the Sun United Way, the Salvation Army and Rio Salado Community College to bring Project Connect to Surprise on Wednesday, July 26 and we need your help to make this humanitarian event a success!

Project Connect wo...

Surprise Aquatic Center and Hollyhock Pool open May 27

Beat the summer heat, and stay cool in a city pool!  The City of Surprise pools will open on Saturday, May 27 for summer open swim.

The Surprise Aquatic Center is located at 15831 N Bullard Avenue. Weekend hours are noon – 5 p.m., includ...

Registration opens for Surprise Summer Tennis Camp for youth

Looking for a fun summer activity for your kids? City of Surprise Tennis & Racquet Complex offers youth tennis camp for ages 6-18!

This weekly program includes specialized instruction, practice and match play for all levels. Classes begin June 5 and ar...

City to relocate City Hall recycling containers

The City of Surprise Recycling large containers at City Hall, 14534 W. Tierra Buena Lane,  will be relocated effective Thursday, May 25.

The removal is due to upcoming planned development in the area. 

One of the containers will be moved t...

Council briefed on possible General Obligation Bond questions; Call to Election vote set for June 6

City staff briefed City Council on three proposed General Obligation Bond questions in the areas of Public Safety, Traffic Congestion Mitigation and Pavement Preservation, at Tuesday’s Work Session. 

The three proposed questions and projects, as p...

Surprise seeks promotional vendors for annual 4th of July Celebration

The City of Surprise invites promotional vendors to participate in the 34th Annual 4th of July Celebration at Surprise Recreation Campus! 

Businesses and organizations can reserve promotional booth space for a fee of $500, which includes a 10 x 10...

Free Chest Compression Only CPR Classes offered in Surprise

The Surprise Fire-Medical Department will be offering free Continuous Chest Compression Only-CPR (CCC-CPR) classes this summer.  

CCC-CPR consists of continuous aggressive chest compressions to keep the victim’s blood circulating through...

Surprise partners on employment programs for people with intellectual, developmental disabilities

Benevilla, One Step Beyond and the City of Surprise are working together to help adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities find meaningful work within the community, including at Surprise City Hall. 

Benevilla and Once Step Beyond ar...

2017 Surprise Retail Survey results are in!

 The City of Surprise launched a retail survey in March that garnered more than 3,000 responses! 

Thanks to our engaged community, we were able to collect data that helped to identify the city’s retail strengths, as well as opportunities ...

City Council to discuss possible 2017 General Obligation Bond Election

The Surprise Capital Improvement Funding Exploratory Committee was briefed, Wednesday evening, by city staff on proposed capital improvement projects that may be included in three separate bond questions this fall. 

Staff will present the proposed...

Help shape our Arts and Culture Master Plan

Surprise is developing its first Arts & Culture Master Plan, and we need your help shaping it! The master plan will help us to better express the uniqueness and artistic vitality of Surprise by setting the standard and strategic direction for how we c...

New Explore Surprise Video

Here in the City of Surprise, we know how to have fun… from holiday celebrations to parties that honor our heritage! Watch the latest episode of Explore Surprise to learn more about our city’s signature events! https://youtu.be/EZ1aLl56QB8

To watch the res...

Surprise discusses future of Dial-a-Ride, Northwest Valley public transit

Beginning July 1, Valley Metro will discontinue the current Northwest Valley Dial-a-Ride service model to provide more service options and standardized regional transportation for seniors, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) eligible, and income-qualifi...

City thanks community for support of Operation Thunderbox supply drive for troops

In March, City of Surprise issued a call for donations to help send care packages to deployed Luke Air Force Base airmen, and the community response was incredible!

Hundreds of food and hygiene items were collected for Operation Thunderbox, a nonprofit org...

Registration underway for summer youth sports camps and youth basketball leagues

The City of Surprise Community & Recreation Services Department has opened registration for the following youth sports activities:

Summer Youth Basketball League: Recreational leagues for boys and girls ages 5-15, and competitive leagues for 14U & ...

Surprise Sundancers award $135,000 in college scholarships to west valley students

Surprise Sundancers, the official Surprise Recreation Campus Spring Training volunteer organization, with the support of the Arizona Community Foundation, awarded $135,000 in scholarships to west valley students. 

2017 Surprise Sundancers Scholars...

Surprise Resource Center partners to expand veteran assistance services

The City of Surprise has partnered with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Arizona@Work Department of Economic Security to expand the assistance services available to veterans and their families through the Surprise Resource Center. ...

New Community Profile offers in-depth look at Surprise

Want to learn more about Surprise? The city’s Economic Development Team has put together a new Community Profile. It includes information about our demographics, key development areas, business resources and more.

City of Surprise offers summer camp program

The City of Surprise is excited to offer Summer Break Camp for youth in 1st through 8th grade! Registration for Surprise residents begins April 5; Score Card members may register beginning April 3. 

The camp will be held May 30 through August 2; M...

US-Canada cross-border healthcare initiative debuts in Surprise

Surprise, Arizona could be the next top destination for Canadian medical travel. In the June 20th Surprise City Council Work Session, guest speaker Marc Kealey, CEO of Kealey & Associates in Toronto, Canada co-presented with Surprise Economic Developm...

Economic Development Community Profile

The City of Surprise Community Profile offers information about who we are demographically, our business services, transportation options, key development areas and more.

Surprise Fire-Medical Department graduates eight recruits; including five funded with federal grant

On Friday, June 16, eight Surprise Fire-Medical Department (SFMD) Firefighter Recruits graduated from the Phoenix Regional Fire Training Academy, Class 17-1, as Firefighters. Five of the recruits were hired from a Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency ...

Free Child Passenger Safety Seat Inspection

80% of car seats are installed incorrectly. Have your car seat inspected!

Child safety seat inspections are available every 1st and 3rd Tuesday and 3rd Saturday of each month at Fire Station 303 at 15440 N. Cotton Lane from 9-11 a.m.

Call 623.222.5000 to sc...

Information on Joining the Surprise Fire-Medical Team

The City of Surprise is not currently accepting applications for Firefighter Recruits. Please continue to visit our website or follow us on Facebook or Twitter for the most up-to-date information. You may also submit a "Job Interest Card" with H...

New Fire User Fees

At the November 17th, 2015 Regular Council Meeting, Council approved Resolution 2015 – 108 which authorized an updated user fee schedule citywide to include the following updated fees for the Surprise Fire Medical Department to be effective immediately: R...

Police seek public assistance in locating runaway teen from Surprise

Latisha Atkinson, age 17, is described as a white female approximately 5'6" tall, 140 lbs, with hazel eyes and dyed blue hair.

Surprise Police are currently seeking the public’s assistance in locating Latisha Atkinson, a 17 year old runaway.

Latisha Atkinson is described as a white female approximately 5’6" tall, 140 lbs, with hazel eyes and dyed blue hair...

Police seek public assistance in locating runaway teen from Surprise

Lyric Rogers, age 15, is described as a black female approximately 5'2" tall, 125 lbs, with brown hair and brown eyes.

Surprise Police are currently seeking the public’s assistance in locating Lyric Rogers, a 15 year old runaway.

Lyric Rogers is described as a black female approximately 5’2" tall, 125 lbs, with brown hair and brown eyes.

Anyone with...

Surprise Police arrest couple involved in organized retail theft operation

Joshua Atherton and Summerlea Hunt have been charged with nineteen felonies and were booked into the Maricopa County 4th Avenue Jail.

On June 19, 2017 the Surprise Police Department’s Neighborhood Response Unit (NRU) arrested Joshua Atherton (37 years old) and Summerlea Hunt (33 years old) as a result of a two month long investigation into an organized retail theft operation. ...

Police seek public assistance in locating runaway teen from Surprise

Chelsea Vega, age 15, is described as a white female approximately 5'4" tall, 120 lbs, with brown hair and brown eyes.

Surprise Police are currently seeking the public’s assistance in locating Chelsea Vega, a 15 year old runaway.

Chelsea Vega is described as a white female approximately 5’4" tall, 120 lbs, with brown hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a gr...

Police seek public assistance to locate missing elderly man from Surprise

Harold Paschal, age 76, was last seen on 6/19/2017 at approximately 3:15 p.m.

The Surprise Police are currently seeking the public’s assistance to locate a missing elderly man.

On 6/20/2017 a family member contacted the Surprise Police Department to report Mr. Harold Paschal, a 76 year old man, as missing. Mr. Paschal is d...

Police seek public assistance to identify shoplifting suspect in Surprise

Suspect entered a local home improvement store and removed items without paying.

The Surprise Police are currently seeking the public’s assistance identifying a shoplifting suspect.

On 5/21/2017 around 10:20am a male subject entered the Lowes store in the area of Bell Road and Grand Avenue and shoplifted two power tool kits. ...

Surprise PD Officer Chris Thomas receives School Resource Officer of the Year award

Congratulations Officer Christopher Thomas!

Congratulations to Officer Chris Thomas for being named the “The 2017 Arizona School Resource Officer (SRO) of the Year” award; an award recognized by the Arizona Association of School Resource Officers.  Officer Thomas curren...

Police investigating suspicious death in Surprise

The death investigation in the area of 178th Avenue and Caribbean Lane is ongoing.

Surprise, AZ (June 7, 2017) The Surprise Police Department’s death investigation in the area of 178th Avenue and Caribbean Lane continued throughout the afternoon of June 6th, 2017 and into the night.

During the initial investigation the Surprise...

Police seek public assistance to identify shoplifting suspect

The male suspect stole items from a local Home Depot valued at $500.

The Surprise Police are currently seeking the public’s assistance in locating and identifying a shoplifting suspect.

On May 14, 2017, at approximately 11:15 am, a male suspect entered a local “Home Depot” retail store, located...

Police seek public assistance to identify shoplifting suspect

The female suspect stole an electronic item valued at $165 from a local store without paying.

The Surprise Police are currently seeking the public’s assistance in locating and identifying a shoplifting suspect.

On May 3, 2017, at approximately 8:40 pm, a female suspect entered a local “Wal-Mart” retail store, located i...

Police seek public assistance to locate burglary suspect in Surprise

Jayden Santee is wanted for questioning in reference to several vehicle burglaries.

The Surprise Police are currently seeking the public’s assistance in locating a burglary suspect, Mr. Jayden M. Santee.

Mr. Santee is wanted for questioning in reference to several vehicle burglaries that occurred in the City of Surprise in Janua...

“Rose” and the Surprise Police provide update to MedReturn Program

Rose and the rest of the Surprise Police Department would like to thank the public for the continued success of the MedReturn program.

The Surprise Police Department recognizes the dangers associated with prescription medication abuse and the link it has to illegal drug abuse. Rose, the Department’s therapy dog, has seen first-paw the negative impact that substance abuse can have on fami...Read more...