Like most news stories these days, Facebook drives most social media traffic and connects readers to important stories affecting their lives. Here are the most liked stories of the year on Facebook.

Kid 'N Play Indoor Play Center


Husband-and-wife duo Lucrecia and Paul Davis opened a Pearland-based indoor play center in September that provides both entertainment and educational options. The 7,200-square-foot facility includes an indoor jungle gym—themed as the “City Zoo”—but also child-sized play models of community staples like a diner, beauty shop, police station and firehouse.

Published Oct. 21

Lary's Florist & Designs


Owner Stacy Parsons bought the floral shop in 2012. Since then, she has worked to carry on the 50-year legacy of a business rooted in the Friendswood community. Parsons earned a degree in interior design, but worked as an event planner and was also the CEO of a Kentucky-based liquor company. She said Lary’s was the perfect way to leave her fast-paced lifestyle behind.

Published Oct. 21

Central Texas Bar-B-Q


Owner Devon Nixon said he goes through roughly 20,000 pounds of raw brisket each month. He said he handles the barbecue pits the same way he prepares the meat: old-school. Nixon does not use a thermometer to measure the temperature of the pit or the meat. Having been open for nearly five decades, Nixon said the success of the restaurant can be traced simply to patience.


Published Sept. 14



Number of small businesses on the rise in Pearland area


During the fiscal year 2014-15, the regional office of the Small Business Development Center at San Jacinto College—America’s SBDC Texas Gulf Coast Network—created 5,333 jobs, according to  a third-party survey. In 2016, SBDC at SJC Business Advisor Gary Bucek said his center alone has created 250 new jobs.


Published Aug. 17



Friendswood Life Scout working with city to build dog park


Caden Fischer, a local Life Scout in Troop 442, is trying to bring a dog park to Friendswood. The rising Friendswood High School freshman plans to build the park as his project to become an Eagle Scout. The dog park—which will be located in Old City Park—will be approximately 33,000 square feet and include separate areas for large and small dogs. The project also includes trees, benches and water fountains for humans and dogs in addition to a dog wash station.

Published Aug. 3