Bastrop - Cedar Creek Edition | February 2026

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Bastrop Cedar Creek Edition VOLUME 2, ISSUE 12 MARCH 3 30, 2026

2026 Camp Guide

CHESTNUT ST.

P I N E S T .

Vickie Baych, a volunteer with the Bastrop County Emergency Food Pantry, helps a client pick out groceries at the recently opened facility on Pine Street. JOEL VALLEYCOMMUNITY IMPACT Bastrop leaders aim to strengthen food access N

Market should help with access. Meanwhile, the Bastrop County Emergency Food Pantry is tackling aordability and opened a new facility Jan. 21, expanding its capacity to meet local need.

Mercado listed distance, transportation and aordability as key factors, and said lower-cost grocery options for families that stretch limited household food budgets are needed. She added that current renovations at HEB— set to be completed by late spring—and the upcoming March 6 opening of Sprouts Farmers

BY JOEL VALLEY

Although grocery options have expanded over time, Norma Mercado, Bastrop County Cares executive director, said food access remains uneven across the county, particularly for those in rural or lower-income areas.

CONTINUED ON 14

Impacts Page 7 See how Rachel and Brian Tolbert are making Smithville a little more festive

Government

Page 8

Business feature

Page 17

Learn how Bastrop commissioners plan to spend $219 million to keep up with growth

Take a look at Jason Hernandez’s bike shop inside a ‘67 Airstream at Fisherman’s Park

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BASTROP CEDAR CREEK EDITION

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Save the Date 2026 ANNUAL MEMBERS MEETING

FRIDAY, MARCH 27TH Registration begins at 1PM Meeting begins at 2PM Holtman Hall Rockne, TX

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

About Community Impact

Community Roots: Founded in 2005 by John and Jennifer Garrett, we remain a locally owned business today. Texas-Wide Reach: We deliver trusted news to 75+ communities across the Austin, Bryan-College Station, Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth and San Antonio metros.

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Reporters Brittany Anderson Katlynn Fox Dacia Garcia Manuel Holguin Jr. Haley McLeod Michael Milliorn Hannah Norton Daniel Schwalm Brooke Sjoberg Ben Thompson Joel Valley Gracie Warhurst Sienna Wight Chloe Young Graphic Designers Abbey Eckhardt Alissa Foss Abigail Jones Sabrina Musachia

Leslie Bradshaw General Manager lbradshaw@ communityimpact.com

Minh Nguyen Joseph Veloz Managing Editor Darcy Sprague Product Manager Gloria Amareth Quality Desk Editor Adrian Gandara Austin Market President Travis Baker

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16225 Impact Way, Pugerville, TX 78660 • 5129896808 Careers communityimpact.com/careers Press releases basnews@communityimpact.com Advertising basads@communityimpact.com communityimpact.com/advertising

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5.25 % 5/1 ARM Rates as low as ( 6.267 APR* ) 5 Year Initial Fixed Period

*Annual Percentage Rate (APR) is accurate as of 1/9/2026. Loan amount may not exceed 80% loan to value. Payments are estimates and include only principal and interest for loan amount of $150,000 for a 30-year term. Flood and/or property hazard insurance may be required. Rates and terms very depending upon loan to value ratio, credit, and underwriting requirements, and may change without notice. Available for both purchase and refinance owner occupied transactions. The initial monthly payment of principal and interest would be $828.44. Taxes and insurance are not included; the actual payment obligation will be greater. Beginning in year 6 the rate and payment adjust every year. The rate will change based on adding the then current index value and the loan margin, rounded up or down to the nearest 1/8%, but may not change more than 1% in any one change. The rate may not change more than 5% over the life of the loan. The monthly payment in year 6 would be $912 if all prior payments were made as scheduled and the rate went up the maximum increase amount allowed of 1%. Uses WSJ Prime Rate Index.

BASTROP CEDAR CREEK EDITION

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Impacts

HAWTHORNE ST.

BUTTONWOOD ST. 4 Jersey Mike’s Subs The East Coast-style sandwich shop serves nearly 30 hot and cold sandwiches. • Opening in May • Sendero, 853 Hwy. 71 W., Ste. 104, Bastrop • www.jerseymikes.com 5 The Toasted Yolk Cafe The breakfast and lunch chain oers a variety of meals—including brisket tacos, breakfast burritos, and chicken and waes. • Opening this summer • Sendero, 853 Hwy. 71 W., Ste. 150, Bastrop • www.thetoastedyolk.com 21

969

Elgin

BUTTONWOOD ST.

969

FISHERMAN'S PARK

4 5 12

OLD AUSTIN H

BASTROP STATE

150

304

WALNUTST.

AUSTINST.

What’s next PERMITS FILED WITH THE TEXAS

WALNUTST.

AUSTINST. DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATION

150

EMILE ST.

150 6 Pocket’s Grille The eatery will get a makeover with more space and upgraded amenities, including a new bar. Pocket’s Grille serves sandwiches, salads and more. • 205 Fawcett St., Smithville • www.pocketsgrille.com EMILE ST. 7 Zavodny Food Court Construction on Bastrop’s second food court, spanning 14,400 square feet, began March 1 and is scheduled to 71

ROSANKY CATTLE COMPANY RD.

ROYSTON ST.

Smithville

Rosanky

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230

535

MAP NOT TO SCALE

be completed by June 1. • 1615 Cedar St., Bastrop • No public website available as of press time

111

Bastrop

• Opened Feb. 4 • Inside H-E-B, 104 Hasler Blvd., Bastrop • www.truetxbbq.com

111

Now open

Relocations

Coming soon

111

1 LongHorn Steakhouse The restaurant serves steaks, chicken and more. Construction on the 5,780-square-foot, $2 million project began in mid-2025. • Opened Feb. 16 • Burleson Crossing East, 653 Hwy. 71 W., Bastrop • www.longhornsteakhouse.com 2 True Texas BBQ The smell of smoked brisket, pulled pork and more is now part of Bastrop shoppers’ weekly grocery run.

111 8 Sun Kissed Classics Owners Colton Danforth and Philip Bros are relocating Sun Kissed Classics, an automotive shop known for breathing new life into vintage rides, from Dripping Springs to Elgin by summer. • 11 Martin Luther King Blvd., Elgin • www.sunkissedclassics.com

3 Cybertex Institute of Technology The Austin-based vocational and training school will begin serving Bastrop County residents when it opens its third campus through a partnership with Career Tracks. • Opening this summer • 404-B Fawcett St., Smithville • www.cybertex.edu

WITH YOU EVERY STEP OF THE WAY. Maela Hughes (512) 999-1445 Maela.Hughes@remax.net BastropSells.com

807 Main St. Bastrop, TX 78602

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY AMANDA CUTSHALL & JOEL VALLEY

In the news

Now open

Coming soon

Judy’s Taters Owner Steve Moore, who operated Judy’s Dogs at the Chestnut Grove Food Truck Court, shifted away from hot dogs in January to sell homemade potato chips. • No physical address • Facebook: Judy’s Taters

Closings

9 Back 9 Bar Bastrop-area residents packed into Back 9 Bar in late January for one last night of karaoke, line dancing and more as sta and patrons said their goodbyes. • Closed Jan. 20 • 834 Hwy. 71 W., Bastrop • Facebook: Back 9 Bar 10 Rhodes BBQ Owner Tammy Rhodes sold her last orders of chopped beef sandwiches, pulled pork sandwiches and more. • Closed Jan. 31 • 2990 TX-304, Rosanky • Website no longer available

11 Faire la Nouba Owners Rachael and Brian Tolbert opened the celebration store, bottle shop, and niche grocer. The woman-owned, Black-owned and veteran- owned business is located in a fully restored building that dates back to 1895, and operates with the mission to “create joy and make every

12 Crust Pizza. Co. The restaurant will bring Chicago-style thin-crust pizzas alongside a wide variety of appetizers, pastas and desserts to Sendero—an upcoming mixed-use development. • Opening this summer • Sendero, 853 Hwy. 71 W., Ste. 158, Bastrop • www.crustpizzaco.com/home

moment special.” • Opened Feb. 6

• 110 Main St., Smithville • www.fairelanouba.com

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BASTROP CEDAR CREEK EDITION

Government

BY JOEL VALLEY

Bastrop County plans $219M in upgrades Bastrop County adopted its Capital Improve- ment Plan for scal years 2026-31 on Jan. 29 to keep pace with a growing population. What we know The multiyear plan identies immediate, short-term and long-term needs—$219 million in projects that include building and expansion, information technology upgrades, and county roads and bridges improvements, according to county documents. “The [CIP] represents the county’s commitment to invest in our infrastructure while managing growth,” Jennifer Pacheco, county auditor, said. What else? Commissioners authorized a notice of intent to issue $64 million worth of certicates of obligation to fund the rst round of projects.

Bastrop County Capital Improvement Plan for FY 202627 Bastrop County Jail expansion $45M Planning and architecture for a Judicial Complex $10.5M

Bastrop news 3 stories we’re following online

1 Bastrop police to apply for $20K grant for wellness training The Bastrop Police Department is seeking $20,000 in grant funding to nance mental and physical wellness training and programs. 2 Committee to help select vendor for courthouse repairs A committee will help review and score vendor submissions for roof repairs to the Bastrop County Courthouse. The roof repairs will be paid for with CIP funds and certi cates of obligation. 3 Bastrop Sheri seeks $4.5M in radio system upgrades Bastrop County is planning $4.5 million in projects that would add a new radio tower in the western portion of the county and replace handheld and in-car radios for the Bastrop County Sheri’s Department.

West Radio Tower $3M

Motorola radio replacements $1.5M Precinct 1 road construction $1M Precinct 2 road construction $1M Precinct 3 road construction $1M Precinct 4 road construction $1M

SOURCE: BASTROP COUNTYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Scope amended for $3.2M river stabilization project A $3.2 million project to stabilize the riverbank along the Colorado River is moving forward after city ocials amended the scope of work. Zooming in Although the project initially planned to Texas General Land Oce. Now, 600 linear feet near the Old Iron Bridge and 600 linear feet further east of Ferry Park will be addressed, according to city documents. “This would eectively stabilize two portions

150

of the Colorado Riverbank near the bridge, Fisherman’s Park and Ferry Park,” Bastrop Assistant Finance Director Laura Allen said in a sta report.

A $3.2 million project will stabilize 1,200 feet of riverbank along the Colorado River in Bastrop.

tackle 1,200 linear feet near the Old Iron Bridge, the city recongured the project scope following coordination with Hal Associates and the

COLORADO RIVER

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Development

BY JOEL VALLEY

Ocials respond to odor lawsuit against Darling Ingredients

What they’re saying

Darling Ingredients ocials provided Community Impact with a statement in the hours following the announcement of the lawsuit. “Darling Ingredients has received the petition led by the Texas Attorney General’s oce and will respond through the appropriate legal channels,” Darling Ingredients ocials said. Although Bastrop County is aware of the lawsuit involving the Darling Ingredients facility, the county is not a party to the litigation. “[Bastrop County] will continue to refer the matter to the appropriate regulatory agencies while remaining active to community concerns,” Bastrop Judge Gregory Klaus said. Darling Ingredients ocials provided an update on $40 million in improvements to the facility during a Feb. 23 Bastrop County Commis- sioners Court meeting. “We are trying to do better,” Kenton Betz, regional vice president at Darling Ingredients, said. “Darling Ingredients has made a huge commitment to xing this plant and to making sure we have the right leaders in place.”

relief for violations of Texas’ air quality laws, and urged Darling Ingredients to take a variety of actions, including: • Stop spreading odors. • Comply with all permit and regulatory requirements. • Install real-time hydrogen sulide monitoring. • Implement corrective actions that are overseen by independent experts. “Texans should not be forced to endure oensive and harmful odors in their own communities, especially when a company is failing to comply with the standards required by law,” he said in the news release.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton led a lawsuit against Darling Ingredients for “unlawfully emitting odors and other chemicals” at its Bastrop facility. Located between Bastrop County Animal Services and Camp Swift, the facility collects and recycles food industry waste to produce animal feed ingredients, biofuels and other byproducts, according to Darling Ingredients. Paxton announced the lawsuit in a news release Feb. 9. Paxton emphasized his desire for Darling Ingredients to be held accountable through “signicant” civil penalties and court-ordered

Sorting out the data Texas Commission on Environmental Quality investigation reports for odor, wastewater and stormwater conditions at the Darling Ingredients facility in Bastrop show documented violations.

Number of investigations Investigations in which violations were documented

The company has committed signicant resources toward facility improvements and operational changes to address odor issues and compliance. [We] will continue to advocate for residents, monitor progress closely, and work with regulators to ensure

2025

2022

2023

2021

2024

real, lasting improvements. ISHMAEL HARRIS, BASTROP MAYOR

SOURCE: TEXAS COMMISSION ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

What residents should know

Darling Ingredients facility

In late 2025, Darling Ingredients launched a dedicated phone number, 512-772-4527, where residents can report their concerns. No complaints were received over the last few weeks, Darling Ingredients ocials said Feb. 23. Ocials launched www.darlingii.com/bastrop to give residents a place to learn more about the company’s operations—including upcoming projects and air protection initiatives, according to the company.

2336

Camp Swift

1441

The Darling Ingredients facility in Bastrop repurposes chicken by-products from local poultry plants into specialty ingredients used in feed for livestock and pets.

JOEL VALLEYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

BASTROP CEDAR CREEK EDITION

Transportation

BY AMANDA CUTSHALL

CARTS boosts metro-bound Bastrop County routes to cut tra c, emissions

A closer look

CARTS ocials said the expanded services are intended to maintain mobility as the area grows and construction continues, while also improving air quality, trip reliability and congestion along highways 71 and 290 and Interstate 35. More transit options are expected to roll out near Elgin in June with the expansion of routes along Highway 290. “These routes are about getting cars o the road and giving people a smarter way to commute. One bus can replace dozens of single-occupancy vehicles. If you’re tired of sitting in trac, this is your exit ramp.” DAVE MARSH, CARTS GENERAL MANAGER

it is the “perfect opportunity to leave the car behind and try a more relaxed commute.” Riders can park at CARTS Park & Ride locations and take coach buses into Austin, o ering an alternative to driving and downtown parking, according to the release. The initiative is part of a broader plan tied to Austin’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grant program and is supported in part by a $47.9 million award from the Environmental Protection Agency.

Bastrop County commuters gained new transit options March 2 with the launch of two regional bus routes culminating in downtown Austin: one connecting Bastrop and Smithville and the other connecting Georgetown and Round Rock. The launch coincided with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the remodeled Smithville Station. According to a news release from the Capital Area Rural Transportation System, rides will be free for a limited time to encourage commuters to try the system. O cials noted

Bastrop-Smithville to downtown Austin

Elgin

290

Downtown Austin

130

Austin

290

How it works

Cedar Creek station

290

183

MOPAC

Bastrop station

An all-in-one transit app, called CARTSNow, launched in September 2025, providing riders with access to a range of services, including: • CARTSNow, on-demand microtransit • Interurban Coach, regional intercity • Metro Connector, weekday commuter • Country Bus, reservation-based rides Marsh said the app was launched to streamline access to services.

Bastrop

45 TOLL Residents can book rides online, by phone or through the app.

Cedar Creek

512-478-7433

304

Smithville

Smithville station

CARTSNow app

130

www.ridecarts.com

SOURCE: CAPITAL AREA RURAL TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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Transportation

BY JOEL VALLEY

Ongoing project

TUCKER HILL LN.

LINDEN ST.

290

130

OLD HWY. 20

COUNTY RD.

ELM ST.

BLAKEY LN.

EDWARD BURLESON LN.

AUSTIN HWY.

CHESTNUT ST.

1 Farm, Linden and Water pavement reconstruction Project: Streets are being repaved along the primary sections of Farm, Linden and Water streets in Bastrop, including: A Farm Street from Main Street to Wilson Street C Linden Street from Carter Street to Hill Street Update: Striping activities began Feb. 13, and Water Street was completed Feb. 17. • Timeline: construction began in November • Cost: $4.36 million • Funding source: certiicates of obligation series 2022 and 2023 and from Main Street to Pecan Street B Water Street from Gutierrez Street to north of Elm Street

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812

183

150

GUTIERREZ ST.

AGNES ST.

MAP NOT TO SCALE N

3 FM 812 improvement project Project: FM 812 will be upgraded to increase safety, reduce congestion and improve mobility. Update: The project spans from US 183 in Travis County to Hwy. 21 in Bastrop County. • Timeline: expected to inalize design plans in spring 2026 • Cost: $145 million • Funding source: Texas State Highway Fund 4 Hwy. 21 improvement project Project: Approximately 7 miles of Hwy. 21 from County Road to Old Highway 20 will be expanded. Update: Preliminary plans are for the corridor to become a four-lane divided highway with a grassy median. • Timeline: schematic design and environmental study underway • Cost: TBD • Funding source: TBD

Ongoing projects

5 Blakey Lane extension Project: Blakey Lane will be extended from Edward Burleson Lane to a proposed street called Reed Way, south from Reed Way to an intersection at Old Austin Highway, with roundabout options. Update: The planning stage is 56% complete. • Timeline: scheduled to begin construction May 25 • Cost: $7 million-$8 million • Funding source: transportation impact fees, roadway maintenance fees, and water and wastewater fees 6 Hwy. 71 and Tucker Hill Lane intersection improvements Project: A signalized intersection at Tucker Hill Lane is being converted into a grade-separated overpass with one-way frontage roads. Update: A groundbreaking ceremony was held Oct. 28.

Upcoming projects

2 290 extension project Project: Congestion will be reduced along 15 miles of Hwy. 290 between Hwy. 130 and Hwy. 95 South. Update: A public survey concluded Oct. 10. • Timeline: expected to complete irst draft of schematic design mid-2026 • Cost: TBD • Funding source: TBD

• Timeline: 2025-28 • Cost: $58.5 million • Funding source: Texas State Highway Fund

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BASTROP CEDAR CREEK EDITION

Community

BY JOEL VALLEY

Camp Guide

Wilderness Skills Overnight Camp Type: overnight Ages: 9-12 Dates: June 2-July 18 Cost: $895 per week • Earth Native Campus, 137 Woodview Lane, Bastrop • www.earthnativeschool.com/ wilderness-skills-overnight-camp

McDade

2026

Bastrop

Sherwood Forest Summer Camp Type: overnight Ages: 8-16 Dates: June 28-July 25 Cost: $1,249 per week • 1883 Old Hwy. 20, McDade • www.sherwoodforestsummercamp.com

Lost Pines Scout Reservation Type: overnight Ages: 11-17 (must be a youth member of Scouting America) Dates: May 31-June 27

Cost: $235-$295 per week • 921 Shiloh Road, Bastrop • www.earthnativeschool.com/camp-farm-and-forest

Bastrop

Bastrop Bound Type: art Ages: 7-17 Dates: June 16-June 18 Cost: $115 per week

Cedar Creek

Cost: $380-$405 per week • 1607 Hwy. 71 W, Bastrop • www.capitolareascouting.org/activities/ camping/lost-pines

Dream it Forward Type: art Ages: 7-17 Dates: July 28-July 30 Cost: $115 per week

Smithville

McKinney Roughs Nature Park Type: day Ages: 5-15 Dates: June 8-July 27 Cost: $285 per week • 1884 SH 71 W., Cedar Creek • https://lcraparks.com/summer-camps

• Lost Pines Art Center, 1204 Chestnut St., Bastrop • www.lostpinesartcenter.org/youth-programs

Fun Day Camp Type: sports Ages: 5+

Pathways Gymnastics Type: sports Ages: 4-12

• Lost Pines Art Center, 1204 Chestnut St., Bastrop • www.lostpinesartcenter.org/youth-programs

Teen Wilderness Survival Overnight Camp Type: overnight Ages: 13-16 Dates: June 22-26 Cost: $895 per week • Earth Native Campus, 137 Woodview Lane, Bastrop • www.earthnativeschool.com/ teen-wilderness-survival-overnight

Bastrop Youth Soccer Organization Type: day Ages: 3-14 Dates: June 22-26

Dates: June 8-Aug. 7 Cost: $135 per week • Smithville Recreation Center, 106 Royston St., Smithville • www.ci.smithville.tx.us

Dates: June 1-July 23 Cost: $220 per week • 201 Hunters Crossing Blvd., Unit 1, Bastrop • www.pathwaysgymnastics.com

From Pieces to Possibilities Type: art Ages: 7-17 Dates: July 14-July 16 Cost: $115

Elgin

Cost: $100-$195 per week • 1500 Emile St., Bastrop • www.bastropsoccer.org Camp Farm and Forest Type: day Ages: 6-10 Dates: May 26-Aug. 14

This list is not comprehensive.

Down Home Ranch Type: overnight Ages: 13+ Dates: June 7-July 17 Cost: $900-$1,450 per week

Wild Child Type: day Ages: 3-8

• Lost Pines Art Center, 1204 Chestnut St., Bastrop • www.lostpinesartcenter.org/youth-programs

Dates: May 25-Aug. 7 Cost: $295 per week • 303 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Bastrop • www.wildchildbastrop.com

• Down Home Ranch, 20250 FM 619, Elgin • www.downhomeranch.org/ranch-camp

BASTROP 739 State Hwy 71 (512) 308-0250

ELGIN 1100 US-290 (512) 285-2741

GIDDINGS 1920 E Austin St (979) 212-4031

Bastrop leaders aim to strengthen food access From the cover

What ocials are saying

Annual household income and food spending

Bastrop County residents spend an average of $9,200 a year on food, according to the Central Texas Food Bank's Food Access Community Needs Assessment for 2025.

pantries and meal sites multiple times throughout the month, resulting in approximately 21,000 total assistances.” The BCEFP is among those providers looking to help with its recent addition of a 9,200-square- foot facility. With rising food costs quickly depleting grocery store budgets, BCEFP Executive Director Tresha Silva shared her excitement about the new facility, which features a grocery store model where clients are able to shop for and select the items they want. “We’re learning new things every day about the facility from those who have shopped at the grocery store, as well as our volunteers and sta,” she said, noting feedback will be used to adjust its model.

BCC partners with the Central Texas Food Bank to issue annual community needs assessments. Mercado said data consistently shows a signicant portion of Bastrop County residents experience food insecurity due to limited access. In Bastrop County, where the average annual household spending on food is $9,200, 15.4% residents experience food insecurity, 11.9% are below the poverty level, and 6.2% receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benets, according to the 2025 report. Nearly 20 charitable food providers in Bastrop County have launched initiatives, including food pantries, senior and children’s programs, meal sites, mobile pantries, and home deliveries. “Each month, over 13,000 unique neighbors access charitable food programs in Bastrop County,” according to the report. “Many visit food

Average household food spending Average household income

Lower-income areas

$8,663

$61,657

Higher-income areas

$9,692

$101,002

SOURCE: CENTRAL TEXAS FOOD BANKCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Local grocery options in Bastrop

What we know

290

Bastrop County

Burleson Crossing East, opening March 6. Becki Womble, president and CEO of the Bastrop Chamber of Commerce, called the upgraded HEB and upcoming Sprouts Farmers Market “more than just new places to shop.” “They reect the community’s growth and evolving needs,” she said. In 2025, Walmart announced more than 650 stores across the country would be remod- eled to become more modernized, but its Bastrop location, which came to the area decades ago, was not selected for a project, according to a news release.

With more people calling Bastrop home and a limited number of major grocery stores, residents are calling for more food options to keep up with that growth. HEB is among the chains to recognize that need as the Texas-based grocery giant actively expands its Bastrop footprint. Although HEB was targeting a January comple- tion date for its Bastrop renovation, spokesperson Heidi Post told Community Impact that construc- tion is now expected to wrap in spring. Another grocery option expanding access to food includes a Sprouts Farmers Market at

1 H-E-B 2 Walmart 3 Jalisco Meat Market 4 Sprouts Farmers Market

Bastrop

Cedar Creek

304

COLORADO RIVER

OLDAUST I

150

304

WALNUT ST.

HASLER BLVD.

SOURCE: GOOGLECOMMUNITY IMPACT

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BY JOEL VALLEY

Zooming in

Lend a hand

A remodeled HEB will expand services and selection for longtime residents, while Sprouts Farmers Market will add fresh and specialty options, Womble said. The approximately $30 million in improvements to HEB, which include an 18,000-square-foot addition, began in July 2023 with an expansion to the store’s parking lot. The in-store layout is ever-changing, as work on several other upgrades has followed, including a 52-seat True Texas BBQ restaurant—a fast-dining option that opened Feb. 4 and serves chopped brisket, smoked turkey sandwiches and more. Once completed, the Bastrop HEB will total nearly 145,000 square feet, according to a Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation ling. Sprouts Farmers Market, meanwhile, began building its Bastrop location March 1, 2025. The specialty grocery store will employ over 80 full- and part-time employees across a variety of departments, a company representative said.

BCEFP, which receives some of its donated grocery items through H-E-B, listed several ongoing ways for residents to assist, including: • Contribute money and nonperishable food items to the BCEFP at 806 Fayette St., Bastrop.

• Order food online and ship it to P.O. Box 953, Bastrop, TX 78602.

H E B’s location in Bastrop opened its doors for the first time in 2003.

PHOTOS BY JOEL VALLEYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

“We always want people to just keep us on their mind. People can look on our website for volunteer opportunities and follow all of our social media for other ways to support us.”

TRESHA SILVA, BCEFP EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Sprouts Farmers Market opens March 6 and oers a variety of fresh produce, meat and seafood.

Get Moving This Heart Health Month Getting outside and moving your body can support heart health and overall well-being. Our network of Shared Use Paths makes it easy for our commuters to stay active, no matter how you choose to move. Learn more at www.MobilityAuthority.com/Shared-Use-Paths

BASTROP CEDAR CREEK EDITION

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Business

BY JOEL VALLEY

Owner Jason Hernandez works out of an Airstream.

Mike’s Bikes caters to cyclists ranging from beginners through seasoned professionals.

COURTESY MIKE'S BIKES RENTALS & REPAIRS

Mike’s Bikes Rentals & Repairs keeps Bastrop rolling

Mike’s Bikes Rentals & Repairs has become a familiar stop for beginner and professional cyclists throughout Bastrop. The details Jason Hernandez, the owner, told Community Impact his business—which has operated out of a renovated 1967 Airstream Land Yacht in Fisher- man’s Park since late July—is preparing for a busy stretch as camp season approaches and activity in the area ramps up. “Being a full-service shop, I’m able to accommo- date 99% of everybody’s needs,” he said. “People have been overwhelmingly positive, because I can do at repairs and I can do full tune-ups.”

Some background Hernandez, a Cedar Creek resident, named Mike’s Bikes after his son, and emphasized his gratitude to quickly become a staple in the Bastrop community after nearly a year and a half of work- ing with the city and on construction. The outlook With several bicycles passing through his hands on a typical day, Hernandez is exploring opportunities to host community classes. “I want to have actual classes on how to change your own tire with the proper tools,” he said. “Not only do you get to see me do it, but I’ll walk you through it.”

The shop opened mid-2025 in Fisherman’s Park.

CEDARST.

FISHERMANS PARK

FARM ST.

400 Farm St., Ste. B, Bastrop www.mikesbikesbtx.com

BASTROP CEDAR CREEK EDITION

FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2026

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Events

BY AMANDA CUTSHALL

Easter in the Park Families can celebrate Easter with egg hunts in Bob Bryant Park. Other activities will include local food and merchandise vendors, games, bounce houses, snacks and special guests, including the Easter Bunny and Blue the Police Bear. The night will conclude after a movie under the stars, featuring “Rise of the Guardians.” • March 28, 6 p.m. • Free (admission) • Bob Bryant Park, 600 Charles Blvd., Bastrop • www.cityofbastrop.org

Clovers, Clutches & Cocktails Bene ting the Children’s Advocacy Center Bastrop, Lee and Fayette Counties, giveaways and a silent auction will coincide with 10 rounds of Bingo—the winners of which will receive designer purses.

• March 7, 2-6 p.m. • $125 (admission); $300-$2,000 (VIP packages) • Bastrop Convention Center, 1408 Chestnut St., Bastrop • www.childrensadvocacycenter.org/events

Smithville Empty Bowl Project Attendees can eat soup and choose a hand-painted bowl to take home. • March 28, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. • $20 (admission and bowl) • Smithville Recreation Center, 106 Royston St., Smithville • www.smithvilleemptybowl.org Teeing O Golf Tournament The rain-or-shine tournament will include a happy hour reception followed by dinner and a golf ball pull. • March 27, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. • $1,100 (registration, 4-person team) • Colo Vista Golf Club, 100 Country Club Drive, Bastrop • www.bastropchamber.com

• $6 (admission); $5 (admission with donation) • Bastrop Convention Center, 1408 Chestnut St., Bastrop • www.texasmarketguide.com Bastrop County Women in WWII Attendees can bring their own lunches and learn how Bastrop County women navigated wartime. Ocials will prove desserts and drinks. • March 25, noon-1 p.m. • $8-$10 (admission) • Bastrop County Museum & Visitor Center, 904 Main St., Bastrop • www.bastropcountyhistoricalsociety.com

March

Murphy’s car show and tattoo party Attendees can expect a tattoo party and car show, with a craw sh boil, swap meet and market. • March 7, noon-5 (car show); all day (tattoo party) • Free (admission) • Murphy’s Billiards, 4040 FM 535, Bastrop • Facebook: Murphy’s Billiards Main Street Spring Market The two-day indoor shopping event will feature a variety of vendors. Non-perishable food donations will be collected for charity. • March 21, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; March 22, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

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BASTROP CEDAR CREEK EDITION

Real estate

The Bastrop-Cedar Creek real estate market saw more homes listed— but fewer homes sold—in January compared to January 2025, according to Unlock MLS experts. Residential market data

January 2025

January 2026

Number of homes sold by zip code

Average days on market

+40.45%

-19.87%

-29.79%

-23.08%

78602

78612

78602

78612

Homes sold by price point in January 2026

78602

78612

- -

$900,000+

304

78612

$700,000-$899,999

3 5

$500,000-$699,999

18 10

$300,000-$499,999

Bastrop-Cedar Creek

<$299,999

January

2025

2026

103 132

New listings

Closed sales

Median home sales price

Homes under contract

78 54

January

2025

2026

$362,000

$369,900

78602

MARKET DATA PROVIDED BY AUSTIN BOARD OF REALTORS AND UNLOCK MLS 5124547636 WWW.ABOR.COM

$551,715

$429,995

78612

NEW BUILDERS! NEW MODELS!

Nestled in the Lost Pines by Bastrop, The Colony o ers quick access to the capital with the serenity and charm of small-town living. Come take a tour today.

LESS BUSTLE. MORE BALANCE.

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COLONYTX.COM FROM THE MID $300s TO $1M+ 10 BUILDERS

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PANAMA ROSE Vintage & Antique Shop, Turns One! Thank you, Bastrop County & Austin friends, for a wonderful first year! We honor Omayra, the Panamanian rose who inspired our name and our love of timeless treasures.

10% OFF One regular priced item Exp: March 31, 2026 ENJOY 10% OFF one special item this month! Expires: Dec 31, 2025

216 Main Street • Smithville, TX | PanamaRoseAntiques.com

news source for... Your local

WHEN YOUR SKIN DOESN’T LOOK LIKE IT USED TO

$150 OFF PROCELL MICROCHANNELING + COMPLIMENTARY RED LIGHT THERAPY Limited March appointments available. Call or text for a complimentary consultation. MARCH SPECIAL Procell Microchanneling helps improve skin texture and naturally stimulates collagen for refreshed, healthier-looking skin without looking overdone. If your skin looks dull, tired, or not like it used to, you’re not alone. For women who want to look refreshed — not overdone.

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1002 Chestnut St., Bastrop | (512) 898-9990 hello@sacredfacesalon.com • www.sacredfacesalon.com BASTROP COUNTY’S TRUSTED ADVANCED AESTHETICS STUDIO

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BASTROP CEDAR CREEK EDITION

We’re celebrating 120 years of Roscoe Bank by giving back to the communities we serve. Nominate your favorite local charity today. Each month, we'll surprise an organization in Bastrop County with a $1,200 donation and a chance to share their story! Our anniversary wish? Donating to charity, but we need your help! Whether it’s education, senior care, hunger relief, or another way they’re making an impact, your nomination could be the reason they’re recognized.

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@MyRoscoeBank

@RoscoeBankTX

Roscoe Bank, a Division of Cornerstone Capital Bank, SSB. Member FDIC. NMLS ID #2258. No purchase or account required to submit a nomination. Visit www.rsb.bank/120th-anniversary-giveback for nonprofit eligibility, how to enter, and full details.

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