Leander - Liberty Hill | July 2025

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Leander Liberty Hill Edition VOLUME 3, ISSUE 4 JULY 18AUG. 18, 2025

2025 Home Edition

Devastating oods strike Central Texas

and in Williamson and Travis counties, the cities of Liberty Hill, Leander and Georgetown have felt some of the strongest impacts. At least three people were conrmed dead in Williamson County and another seven dead in Travis, and as of press time, recovery eorts were ongoing for another 10 missing people.

100 people are conrmed dead, with 160 more still missing, as rescue teams worked to contain the damage and families picked up the pieces. Homes, businesses and roadways were heavily damaged or destroyed as water levels in the San Gabriel River rose more than 30 feet in mere hours. The disaster has rocked the entire state,

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

The nation’s attention has been xed on Central Texas after ooding devastated communities throughout the Hill Country over the July 4 weekend. As of press time, more than

CONTINUED ON 16

Leander

SANDY MEADOW CIR.

BIG SANDY CREEK

Floodwaters shut down the bridge on Big Sandy Drive, which is the only way in or out of the Sandy Creek neighborhood near Liberty Hill. SAM SCHAFFERCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Innovation meets expertise in scoliosis care

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LEANDER - LIBERTY HILL EDITION

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LEANDER LIBERTY HILL EDITION

Impacts

Leander

• 133 Collective Way, Ste. 110, Leander • Https://summermooncoffee.com

Now open

1 Fleet Feet Fleet Feet opened its doors to the Leander community in mid-May. The business has over 280 locations across the country. The company sells a range of running gear from shoes, socks, insoles, sunglasses and more. Customers can also find items for men, women and children including apparel and accessories. • Opened May 19 • 651 N. U.S. Hwy. 183, Ste. 170, Leander • www.fleetfeet.com 2 Pointe 183 Animal Hospital & Urgent Care The animal hospital is open seven days a week and offers affordable services including vaccines and spay and neuter procedures. According to its website, the center also offers cat and dog boarding services. • Opened April 17 • 10861 183A Toll Road, Ste. 410, Leander • www.p183vet.com 3 Junbi The company offers a range of matcha-focused drinks including lattes, cold brew, blended drinks, non- caffeinated drinks, bowls, rice balls and more. • Opened June 22 • 202 Walton Way, Ste. 120, Cedar Park • Instagram: junbicedarpark 4 Cedar Park Women’s Center Cedar Park Women’s Center is now operating out of a different suite within the same complex. The center opened their new location in Suite 120. The office was formerly housed in Suite 410. • Relocated in May • 1401 Medical Parkway B, Ste. 120, Cedar Park • https://cedarparkobgyn.com 5 Summer Moon Coffee The Texas-born coffee franchise opened its latest location in Leander. The shop offers a range of hot and cold drinks, as well as pastries and sandwiches from local vendors. • Opened July 19

Coming soon

17 16

6 The 50 Yardline The youth sports complex will offer small group training sessions, one-on-one sessions, performance testing and more. • Opening July 20 • 10921 E. Crystal Falls Parkway, Ste. 604, Leander • www.meetmeatthe50.com 7 Unity Clinic of Texas The nonprofit clinic provides free medical and dental services to low-income, uninsured or underinsured Williamson County residents. • Opened June 21 • 906 S. West Drive, Leander • www.unityclinictx.org 8 Advance Auto Parts Advance Auto Parts is anticipated to open at the new Hero Way Crossing retail and dining strip in 2026. The auto shop chain sells auto parts and accessories, including car batteries, oil filters and brake pads. Free battery testing and installation services are available. • Opening spring 2026 • 681 W. Broade St., Leander • www.shop.advanceautoparts.com 9 Layne’s Chicken Fingers Layne’s Chicken Fingers is expected to open to diners at the new Hero Way Crossing strip mall in Leander this fall. The College Station-based fast food chain serves original and spicy chicken finger baskets and chicken sandwiches alongside the Layne’s secret sauce. Milkshakes, sweet tea and lemonade are also available. • Opening in September • 11312 Hero Way West, Ste. 100, Leander • www.layneschickenfingers.com 10 Sports Clips Sports Clips Haircuts is set to open at Hero Way Crossing in Leander later this year. The men’s salon

SAN GABRIEL PKWY.

Leander

10 11 9

2243

BROADE ST.

GABRIEL ST.

183A TOLL

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MEDICAL PKWY.

WALTON WAY

MAP NOT TO SCALE

45 TOLL

620

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY SAM SCHAFFER

provides haircuts, styling, beard trimming and detailing by appointment or on a walk-in basis. During their visit, clients can enjoy watching sports on TV, a neck and shoulder massage, and a steamed towel treatment. • Opening this fall • 11312 Hero Way West, Ste. 170, Leander • www.sportsclips.com 11 Jersey Mike’s Jersey Mike’s Subs is slated to open at Hero Way Crossing later this year. The New Jersey-based chain serves cold and hot subs, sides, drinks and desserts. Customers can customize their sub orders by adding a variety of protein options, including chicken, turkey, ham, salami, pepperoni, roast beef, bacon and more. • Opening this fall • 11312 Hero Way West, Ste. 160, Leander • www.jerseymikes.com 12 Tropical Smoothie Cafe Tropical Smoothie Cafe is slated to open at the new Hero Way Crossing strip mall in Leander later this year. The national cafe chain serves a variety of smoothies, bowls, flatbreads, wraps, sandwiches and salads. • Opening this fall • 11312 Hero Way West, Ste. 120, Leander • www.tropicalsmoothiecafe.com

Coming soon

15 Lioness Books Williamson County mobile bookstore Lioness Books is planning on setting up a permanent location this year. Lioness owner Sarah Ambrus founded the bookstore out of a custom-built 20- foot trailer in 2024. The store sells a wide variety of books and tries to emphasize a diversity of voices and perspectives. • New location opening late 2025 • 208 N. Gabriel St., Leander • www.lionessbookstx.com/Book-Store/physical- books will cost about $250,000 and comprises 1,300 square feet. The chain offers pizzas, pizzolis, subs and more. • 1892 US 183, Ste. 115, Leander • www.marcos.com 16 Desi Bites A filing with TDLR states a location off Ronald Reagan Boulevard is being built out for the restaurant. The project is expected to kick off in July and finish in late January. The Indian fast food chain prides itself on offering traditional food at affordable prices. • 18145 Ronald Reagan Blvd. Ste. 160, Leander • www.desibites.com/welcome 17 Baskin Robbins A Baskin Robbins location is being outfitted off Ronald

18 Sherwin-Williams Sherwin-Williams is slated to open at the new Hero Way Crossing retail and dining strip in September. The store will sell interior and exterior paints, coatings and stains in a wide range of colors and shades. Wallpapers and paint supplies, including rollers, brushes and tape, will also be available. • Opening in September • 11312 Hero Way West, Ste. 140, Leander • www.sherwin-williams.com

What’s next

Reagan Boulevard, according to a filing with TDLR. The $200,000 project is expected to kick off in August and finish in December, according to the filing. • 18145 Ronald Reagan Blvd, Suite 140, Leander • www.baskinrobbins.com

13 Sprouts Farmers Market Grocery retailer Sprouts is set to open a 25,000-square- foot store in Leander, project information listed with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation shows. The store is expected to open in 2027, a Sprouts spokesperson confirmed. The chain sells produce, bulk foods and vitamins as well as gluten-free, keto-friendly, plant-based and grass-fed products. • Opening in 2027 • 1164 Main St., Leander • www.sprouts.com 14 Marcos Pizza The pizza chain is building out a location off US 183. Work is expected to begin in July and will wrap in mid- November, according to a filing with TDLR. The project

In the news

19 Young Minds Montessori Preschool The preschool is set to undergo a renovation. The 3,450-square-foot, $150,000 revamp is expected to kick off in July and wrap in early August, according to a filing with the TDLR.

• 2400 S. Bagdad Road, Leander • www.youngmindsmontessori.org

LEANDER - LIBERTY HILL EDITION

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Impacts

Liberty Hill

BY SAM SCHAFFER

Exceptional Child 360 The service offers multi disciplinary consulting, coaching and behavioral support for parents with an emphasis on supporting children with special needs. • Opened June 16 • www.exceptionalchild360.com

BEVERS RD.

BRONCO BLVD.

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4 Infinite Hitting Infinite Hitting will be opening its second batting cage facility between Georgetown and Liberty Hill. • Opening August 1 • 4701 FM 3405, Ste. 400, Georgetown • www.infinitehitting.com/locations/texas/liberty-hill

MAP NOT TO SCALE

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Liberty Hill, providing those in the area with a low-cost shopping option and a place to donate used goods. • Opened June 20

Now open

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1 Soccer Pups Liberty Hill The facility offers a range of classes, and they are divided by age and skill level, starting with beginners at age 3. Soccer Pups also hosts birthday parties and runs youth leagues, and adults can go to the facility to set up

• 110 Bronco Blvd., Liberty Hill • www.goodwillcentraltexas.org

Closings

3 Truck Tech Outfitters Truck Tech Outfitters, which specializes in customizing trucks, opened in Liberty Hill at the beginning of May. The locally owned shop installs lift kits and does work on shocks, wheels, tires, suspension, tuning, lights and more. • Opened May 1 • 113 Bevers Road, Ste. 301, Liberty Hill • trucktechoutfitters.com

5 Starlite Vapor The store, which sold vape pens, e-liquid and hemp products, closed its Liberty Hill location, according to the business's website. The store originally opened in 2013. • Closed June 30 • 14745 W. SH 29 Suite C, Liberty Hill • https://www.starlitevapor.com

games or a league. • Opened June 14 • 209 CR 214, Liberty Hill • www.soccerpups.com/libertyhill

2 Goodwill Goodwill of Central Texas has opened a location in

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LEANDER - LIBERTY HILL EDITION

Government

BY ANNA MANESS & SAM SCHAFFER

Williamson County will return to hand-marked ballots

Leander works to meet ADA compliance Leander City Council on June 5 applied for a $1.1 million grant from the Texas Depart- ment of Transportation. If approved, the money would help the city work toward compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and increase safety for those traveling to and from school, according to agenda documents. The details If approved, the grant would fund 80% of the projects and require a 20% match from the city. The funds would enable a self evaluation of city services, programs, activities and facilities on public property and within pub- lic right-of-ways to develop an ADA Transi- tion Plan detailing ways the city can comply with ADA accessibility requirements.

Starting in November, registered voters in Williamson County will ll in their ballots by hand instead of scanning them and using a machine to vote electronically. The change comes after the Trump Administra- tion issued an executive order earlier this year to eliminate barcodes on ballots. What’s happening During a June 24 meeting, commissioners approved purchasing new voting equipment in an eort to return to a hand-marked ballot system this fall. Registered voters will ll in bubbles by hand to mark their preferences for candidates, measures or propositions. Williamson County Elections Administrator Bridgette Escobedo said the county currently uses ballot-marking devices, or BMDs, to mark paper ballots electronically. The BMD prints a ballot with a barcode, which a machine reads to tabulate

WilCo Elections Administrator Bridgette Escobedo speaks at the June 24 meeting.

ANNA MANESSCOMMUNITY IMPACT

votes, Community Impact previously reported. The action taken To comply with the order, Escobedo suggested Williamson County Commissioners adopt a ballot-on-demand system for voters to hand-mark paper ballots, which then get scanned electroni- cally through a printer to tabulate.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Transportation

BY SAM SCHAFFER

Leander approves $1.4 million contract for 2025 roadway rehabilitation

Leander roadway rehab 1 Hero Way West 2 Horizon Park Blvd. 3 Leander Drive

4 Osage Drive 5 Mason Ranch Subdivision 6 Overlook Estates Subdivision

HORIZON PARK BLVD.

Leander City Council on June 5 approved a con- tract with Lone Star Paving Company for roadway rehabilitation on various stretches around the city. The $1.41 million contract will provide for the rehabilitation of 8.8 lane miles of roads, according to agenda documents. The gist Roadways across the city are evaluated annu- ally to assess whether they need improvements, according to the documents. The roads and areas selected for rehabilitation in 2025 are: • 1.3 lane miles on Hero Way West • 1.8 lane miles on Horizon Park Boulevard

• 1.5 lane miles on streets in the Overlook Estates subdivision • 1.5 lane miles on streets in the Mason Ranch subdivision What else? The improvements are being made as part of the city’s ve year Roadway Rehabilitation Plan, in which various roadways are evaluated for the sever- ity of their rehabilitation need. To date, the city has rehabilitated 106 segments of road, totaling up to 68 lane miles, according to agenda documents. According to the documents, the work is set to be done by Sept. 30. In the event that the work is not done on time, the contractor will have to pay the city $1,000 per day until the project is complete.

SCENIC PATH

HERO WAY W.

183

2243

NAMELESS RD.

OVERLOOK BEND

Streets aected: • Ackerly Ln. • Alton Dr. • Burr Pkwy. • Hallowback Dr. • Snyder Trl.

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LEANDER LIBERTY HILL EDITION

Education

BY BRITTANY ANDERSON

Leander ISD adopts 2025-26 budget with $20 million shortfall

changes, resulting in a $10.5 million reduction in this aid. The district previously received about $23 million, of which about $13 million would have gone toward teacher salaries, $4 million for non-teacher salaries and $5 million to buy-down the shortfall, Pape said. “District leaders are actively advocating for a res- olution, and conversations are ongoing with school finance consultants and legislators, who agree this loss appears to be an unintended consequence of the bill’s design,” district officials said in an announcement. “The ultimate authority to interpret and potentially correct the issue lies with the Texas Education Commissioner.” What else? Under current law and approved with the budget, LISD officials project a property value growth of 5.69% between Travis and Williamson counties. This could decrease to a -0.41% growth under HB2. Additionally, the budget denotes a tax rate of $1.0671, but this could increase to $1.0869 under HB2. The board is expected to adopt the FY 2025-26 tax rate in August. Looking back In February, LISD officials said it would cut around $17 million from the 2025-26 budget ahead of a then-projected $34.4 million shortfall. The shortfall would have been $21 million above the board-approved deficit parameter, according to district officials. The cuts included over 200 positions, which offi- cials intended to reassign to open positions created through natural attrition, according to previous Community Impact reporting. Officials also presented three potential facility

Leander ISD is heading into the 2025-26 fiscal year with a $20.2 million budget shortfall as it and other school districts across Texas await final guidance from school funding bills filed during the 89th Texas Legislative session. The board of trustees adopted the budget in a 6-1 vote June 19. Trustee Paul Gauthier was the

Leander ISD FY 2025-26 expenditures The majority of LISD's general operating budget will go toward staff payroll. Payroll: 88%

Supplies/materials: 4%

dissenting vote. The breakdown

Utilities: 2% Travel: 2% Contracted services: 3%

The general operating fund, which covers day-to- day district expenses, includes $460.6 million worth of revenues against $481.2 million worth of expen- ditures and $350,000 of other uses and transfers, resulting in the $20.2 million shortfall. The debt service budget, which covers funds for bonds and construction projects, will have a balanced budget of $166.1 million. The child nutrition budget, which covers student breakfast and lunch programs, includes $16.9 mil- lion worth of revenues against $19.1 million worth of expenditures, resulting in a $2.1 million shortfall. Chief Financial Officer Pete Pape said this is “intentional” as it aligns with federal requirements to spend down excess fund balance. Something to note House Bill 2, an $8.5 billion public school funding bill, will bring state-mandated pay raises for teach- ers, a slight increase to the basic allotment, school safety and special education allotments, and more. However, district officials said the bill changed funding formulas for a hold harmless provision that protected LISD from revenue losses caused by earlier state-mandated reductions to the tax rate. Pape said LISD is one of ten school districts which will no longer qualify for this provision due to the

Capital expenditures and debt service: * less than 1%

*NUMBERS HAVE BEEN ROUNDED

Leander ISD cuts The $17.8 million worth of cuts include:

$12.8M in campus positions $3M in central office administrative positions $2M from the discontinuation of its staff grant fund

SOURCE: LEANDER ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

optimization actions to the board in May that could be implemented in the 2026-27 school year and save millions of dollars, including combining some elementary schools and repurposing the vacant campuses for other district needs. “Next year’s budget is not going to be easy,” trustee Anna Smith said. “We’re going to have to make some hard choices. It’s going to come from every bucket we have: athletics, band, instructional time for our students. It’s going to hurt our district.”

Texas Public Education Funding in 2025

Thank you, Texas Lawmakers, for HB 2. Let’s keep going!

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Needed to keep up with inflation since 2019

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BY CHLOE YOUNG

LHISD outperforms state STAAR scores LHISD saw the largest decline in eighth grade social studies, which dropped by six points. Stu- dent performance in fifth grade math and seventh grade reading declined by five points. What they’re saying

Year over year STAAR scores The change in percentage points of students who approached grade level between Spring 2024 and 2025.

Liberty Hill ISD outperformed the state in every subject and grade level on the 2025 State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness test, accord- ing to results released June 17. The overview The STAAR is administered to third through 12th grade students each spring to measure student progress and teacher performance. LHISD student performance was highest in U.S. History, Biology and fourth grade reading, with 97%, 95% and 91% of students approaching grade level. The district saw the lowest performance in seventh grade math and eighth grade social studies, with 56% and 66% of students passing those exams. A closer look From 2024 to 2025, the district saw its greatest improvement in sixth grade reading, which increased by three percentage points.

Liberty Hill ISD

Statewide

-5 -4 -3 -2 -1

+5 0 +1 +2 +3 +4

5th grade

6th grade

“We’re continuing to outperform our peers in our area and the state,” Interim Superintendent Travis Motal said at a June 16 board meeting. “Our main focus is that we want every student to improve every year, and as long as they improve... that’s the direction that we want to continue to head.” Zooming out Statewide, 54% of students met grade level or above in reading and language arts, according to TEA data. About 43% of Texas students met grade-level standards in math, compared to 50% in 2019. Hannah Norton contributed to this article.

7th grade

8th grade

3rd grade

4th grade

5th grade

6th grade

7th grade

8th grade

SOURCE: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

HEAT SAFETY ON THE GO

Never leave a child or pet in a parked car.

Travel during cooler times of day when possible, and let your car cool down before driving long distances.

Just like you, vehicles need protection from the heat.

Be prepared for emergencies.

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LEANDER - LIBERTY HILL EDITION

Development

Leander plans for future subdivision City Council approved the annexation of 337.29 acres off Nameless Road on May 15 that will be developed as the Oakwood Hills Subdivision, according to agenda documents. Two-minute impact Current plans involve about 174 lots rang- ing in size from one to two acres, according to the documents. The lots are set to be served by city water, but they will use private septic systems for wastewater.

Leander approves agreement between ACC, Home Depot Leander City Council at its April 17 meeting voted to approve a development agreement for a Home Depot. The agreement is between the city, Austin Com- munity College and Home Depot, and it allows Home Depot and Austin Community College to delay building part of a road that would typically be required to be built per city ordinance. The two-minute impact According to a filing with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, construction on the 145,000-square-foot Home Depot began in Octo- ber and should finish in September. The facility is being built northwest of the intersection of 183A Toll and Hero Way.

183A

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Austin Community College

Under the agreement, ACC and Home Depot will be allowed to build access roads from Hero Way and 183A Toll while delaying building full roads, which would typically be required per city ordinance, until development at a later date. What else? “This is an agreement with ACC, Home Depot and the city since the roadways would be located on ACC and they’re dedicating the land to the city right now for that right of way,” Executive Director of Development Services Robbin Griffin said, explaining ACC’s involvement in the situation.

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BY STEVE GUNTLI & SAM SCHAFFER

New Central Texas SPCA breaks ground The Central Texas SPCA hosted a ground- breaking for its new facility June 20. The roughly 4,000 square foot facility is expected to be completed in 12 to 14 months, Assistant Manager Ivan Ohannessian said. Two-minute impact The facility will be able to hold about 25 cats and 20 dogs, Ohannessian said. The number is similar to the shelter’s current capacity, but the new facility will provide a much needed facelift. The SPCA currently operates out of an old trailer at 909 S. Baghdad Road. What else? Ohannessian said he expects the new facility to cost about $2 million, which the SPCA is working to fundraise.

Council to consider renewing Leander Springs development Leander City Council is renewing the discussion around a nearly $1 billion development after talks fell apart more than a year ago. The details Leander Springs, which would sit on 78 acres near the corner of 183A Toll and Hero Way, is envisioned as a new tourist destination for the city. The plans include a hotel with up to 450 rooms, a conference center, 1,600 multifamily housing units and a 1 million square foot commercial district, all centered around a four-acre recreational lagoon. The project is being developed by Austin-area developers iLand. The project had originally secured zoning approvals in 2021, but the project faced numerous setbacks, including funding challenges

Leander Springs location

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and missed deadlines. Leander City Council voted to terminate a $22 million incentive package in April 2024 after the developers failed to meet construction deadlines, according to past Community Impact reporting. The developers were required to complete initial con- struction on the lagoon in December of 2023. After the original contract was terminated, the council left the door open for the developers to return with an amended proposal. Those amendments will be considered at a July 24 Planning and Zoning Commission meeting before council in September.

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LEANDER - LIBERTY HILL EDITION

Devastating floods strike Central Texas From the cover

3 Georgetown

The background

NORTH FORK SAN GABRIEL RIVER

LAKE GEORGETOWN

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The floods were caused by heavy rainfall, which began affecting Central Texas July 4, in some places dumping more than a month’s worth of rain in just a few hours, according to the National Weather Service. On July 4, water levels in the Guadalupe River surged up to 30 feet between 4-6 a.m., according to the U.S. Geological Survey. More than 80 fatalities have been confirmed in Kerr County, the hardest hit area, with more than 160 people still listed as missing as of press time. Gov. Greg Abbott declared a state of emergency for Kerr, Travis, Williamson and other nearby counties over the July 4 weekend. President Donald Trump approved a federal natural disaster declaration for Kerr County on July 5, and Abbott requested Travis and Williamson be added to the declaration on July 10. Lake Travis rose an estimated 21 feet over the course of the weekend, leading to flooding in Travis County, including unincorporated parts of Leander. The San Gabriel River, which flows through Georgetown and parts of Liberty Hill, rose to an estimated 36 feet over the weekend. On July 5 alone, the river rose from 3.81 feet at 3:10 a.m. to 36.36 feet by 11 a.m.

Liberty Hill

SOUTH FORK SAN GABRIEL RIVER

Georgetown

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Austin

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Williamson and Travis counties experienced extreme levels of rainfall over the course of three days. Rainfall totals, July 5-7

1 Liberty Hill

Total rainfall: 14 in.

2 Leander

Total rainfall: 8 in.

3 Georgetown

Total rainfall: 5.25 in.

July 6

July 5

July 7

4 Austin

Total rainfall: 7 in.

NOTE: THE LAKE TRAVIS GAGE DID NOT RECORD DATA JULY 6 AND 7 DUE TO DAMAGE. SOURCE: US GEOLOGICAL SURVEY/ COMMUNITY IMPACT

Inches

What happened

5 ft. 10 ft. 15 ft. 20 ft. 25 ft. 30 ft. 35 ft. 40 ft. 0

South Fork San Gabriel River water levels in Georgetown, July 1-8 On July 5, the river’s water level rose by almost 34 feet in the span of about six hours.

36.59 ft.

Williamson County began dispatching first responders to homes and recreational vehicle parks along Hwy. 29 in Liberty Hill early in the morning July 5, as rapidly rising water in the south fork of the San Gabriel River began over- flowing the banks. Meanwhile, Travis County communities, such as Sandy Creek, experienced severe flooding, includ- ing damage to roads that left many unable to get into or out of their neighborhoods. In Travis County, the 911 call center received a surge of calls July 5, Travis County Sheriff Sally Hernandez said. Dispatchers fielded 112 flood-related calls by 3 a.m. A total of about 50 rescues were conducted during the flood. Both Williamson and Travis counties urged impacted residents to evacuate and later issued disaster declarations July 5. A disaster declaration helps coordinate debris removal, search and rescue operations, and public information operations. Damage assessments, debris removal, and search and rescue operations will “still take days and weeks,” Travis County Judge Andy Brown said.

4.11 ft.

NOTE: MEASUREMENTS WERE TAKEN AT 12 AM AND 12 PM WITH A MARGIN OF ERROR OF +/- 5 MINUTES. SOURCE: UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY/ COMMUNITY IMPACT

media relations for Williamson County, said teams from the Houston and Galveston fire departments are assisting the county on damage assessments, and county Road & Bridge teams are evaluating damages to roadways. This assessment process is important because federal relief funds can only be unlocked once at least $2.8 million in uninsured damage has been confirmed, said Bruce Clements, director of emergency management for Williamson County.

“We know this is an incredibly difficult and emotional time for so many in our community,” Brown said in a July 9 news release. “Our top pri- ority remains the people impacted by this disaster, especially those still missing and their loved ones. Travis County teams, alongside our state partners, are on the ground assessing needs, clearing debris and making sure residents are connected with the help they need.” Connie Odom, director of communications and

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BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

Digging deeper

What they’re saying

As the counties try to sort through the damage, questions still remain about how the disaster reached the proportions it did, and why the storm caught so many by surprise. Williamson County judge Steve Snell said the county sent out over 1,500 notifications alerting citizens to possible dangerous weather conditions on the night of July 4. Snell said the county has a warning system in place through the WarnCentral- Texas platform, but less than 8% of residents are signed up to receive notifications. Many residents from neighborhoods such as those along Nameless Road took to social media to share concerns that there was not enough support or resources available following the flooding. Many of the impacted neighborhoods are outside of Leander and Liberty Hill’s city limits—despite having the city name in their address—and rely on county response. While the geographic boundaries

have made it difficult, county officials say residents should input their ZIP codes into the Texas Association of Counties website to find out what jurisdiction their home falls into so they can find access to resources. On July 8, Abbott said making sure Texas communities are better prepared for disasters like the July 4 floods was “at the top of the agenda” for state lawmakers. “We’re going to address every aspect of this storm to make sure we’re going to have in place the systems that are needed to prevent deadly flooding events in the future,” he said. When asked who was to blame for the lives lost during the flooding, Abbott said assigning blame was “the word choice of losers.” “The way winners talk is not to point fin- gers. ... They talk about solutions. What Texas is all about is solutions,” Abbott said.

Frank and Joan Surko, who live in the Rio Ancho neighborhood of Liberty Hill, were awoken by floodwaters at 3 a.m. July 5. The waters rose to about 5 feet inside their house, damaging or destroying most of the family’s possessions, including their cars. More than 20 volunteers were working in the Surko’s neighborhood by July 7, helping to repair damaged homes. “I can’t believe how much help we’ve had,” Joan said.

“Everything’s gone. But the house is still here. It can be remodeled, and we’ll move back in and go on.” FRANK SURKO, RIO ANCHO RESIDENT

Get involved

How to help

H-E-B and Whataburger sent groceries and supplies to flood-affected communities. The Central Texas Community Fund and Austin Disaster Relief Network have been collecting donations to help cover costs for uninsured families, and Austin Pets Alive has been coordinating efforts to rescue and care for displaced pets.

Fidencio Leal drove to Leander to volunteer, even though he lives an hour away in Kingsland. He set up a grill in the parking lot at Round Mountain Church and gave out hot dogs, hamburgers and bottled water. “I didn’t want to just sit on my couch and do nothing,” Leal said. “With all the people that have gotten hurt, I just wanted to do my part.” Leal wasn’t the only one who felt compelled to help. Volunteers, private companies and nonprofits mobilized to get supplies, food and financial help to the area.

These local organizations are in need of the following support: • Central Texas Community Fund: cash donations • Austin Pets Alive: cash, gift cards, pet food, toys and animal carriers • Austin Disaster Relief Network: financial or in- kind donations and gift cards

SOURCES: CENTRAL TEXAS COMMUNITY FUND, AUSTIN PETS ALIVE, AUSTIN DISASTER RELIEF NETWORK/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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Events

BY DACIA GARCIA

National Gorgeous Grandma Day and Refreshment Day

July

This 55 and up event will focus on inner and outer beauty with local vendors providing techniques and information. There will also be non-alcoholic refreshments. • July 23, 1-3 p.m. • Free • Leander Senior Activity Center, 11880 Hero Way W., Ste. 600, Leander • www.flipbookpdf.net 2nd annual Panther Quarter Hosted by the Liberty Hill Football Boosters, mothers of Panthers can see the locker room, tour the facility, run the tunnel and learn about football drills and plays. Snacks will be provided and attendees will receive an event-exclusive T-shirt.

Christmas in July Local vendors will be selling merchandise while attendees can create arts and crafts and enjoy food. • July 25, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; July 26, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. • Free (general admission) • First Baptist Church of Leander, 10000 FM 243, Leander • www.fbcleander.org/event-calendar Superhero Party with Mark Garcia Attendees can dress up as their favorite superhero and spend some time crafting masks and playing games to sharpen their super skills. Entry to the event includes a lunch with choices of a hamburger, cheeseburger, veggie burger or hot dog with a side of chips and a soda. • July 20, 1 a.m.-2 p.m.

Raas and Rhythm Garba Workshop Muqabala Dancers and Livvie Star Co. will host the workshop where participants will have a 90 minute high energy garba session. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in a professional, promotional video. Ages 15 and up are allowed to sign up for the event. • Aug. 24, 10 a.m.-noon, 12:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m. • $19.23 (general admission) • 15141 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Unit 508, Leander • www.livviestar.com/events Cedar Park Rodeo Community members can enjoy watching the local family tradition come to life featuring bare back riding, calf roping, steer wrestling, mutton busting, frisbee dogs and more. • Aug. 8-Aug. 9, 7:30 p.m. • $40+ (general admission) • H-E-B Center at Cedar Park, 2100 Avenue of the Stars, Cedar Park • www.hebcenter.com/ events/detail/cedar-park-rodeo-2025

• July 31, 6:30 p.m. • $60 (registration) • Panther Stadium, 16500 TX-29, Liberty Hill • Facebook: 2nd Annual Panther Quarter

• $20 (admission and food truck lunch) • Volente Beach Resort and Waterpark,

16107 FM 2769, Leander • www.volentebeach.com

August

Run Together Against Breast Cancer Runners of all paces and ages are invited to raise awareness and funds for those impacted by breast cancer. There will be a one-mile family fun run, a half marathon, a 5k and a 10k. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian. • July 26, 7:30 a.m. • $39 (family fun run or 5k), $45 (10k), $49 (half marathon) • Lakewood Park, 2040 Artesian Springs Crossing, Leander • www.letsdothis.com End of Summer Celebration Kids can spend a morning having fun at the end of their summer vacation by playing in a foam pit and giant games and eating snacks. Readers who hit two million minutes of reading will get a special surprise. • July 26, 10 a.m.-noon • Free • Liberty Hill Public Library, Liberty Hill Room, 355 Loop 332, Liberty Hill • www.lhpl.org/calendar

Back to School Event The Leander Independent School District Council of Parent Teachers Associations will host a day where students in pre-K-12th grade living in LISD boundaries can pick out free clothes for the new school year. • Aug. 2, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (north location); 9 a.m.-noon (south location) • Free • North location: 324 S. West Drive, Leander; South location: 6500 Sitio Del Rio Blvd., Austin • Facebook: Back to School Event 5th annual Mom-osa Bar Moms can kick off the first day of school by shopping at the local boutique while sipping on a mimosa. Customers can also look forward to giveaways and the store’s summer sale. • Aug. 13, 10 a.m.-noon • Free • Turquoise Peacock Boutique, 660 S. Bagdad Road, Ste. 330, Leander • Facebook: 5th Annual Mom-osa Bar at Turquoise Peacock Boutique

LEANDER - LIBERTY HILL EDITION

Events

BY KATLYNN FOX

Rockin J Piano Bar 601 E. Whitestone Blvd., Ste. 720, Cedar Park www.rockinjpianobar.com/res • July 16: Early Bird Piano Show, 7:30p.m. • July 17: Live Piano Show, 8:30p.m. • July 18: Live Piano Show, 9:30p.m. • July 19: Live Piano Show, 9:30p.m. • July 20: Tylor Brandon, 8p.m. • July 21: Karaoke Night, 7p.m. • July 23: Early Bird Piano Show, 7:30p.m. • July 24: Live Piano Show, 8:30p.m. • July 25: Live Piano Show, 9:30p.m. • July 26: Live Piano Show, 9:30p.m. • July 27: Tylor Brandon, 8p.m. • July 28: Karaoke Night, 7p.m. • July 30: Early Bird Piano Show, 7:30p.m. • July 31: Live Piano Show, 8:30p.m. Agape BBQ 3610 Ranch to Market Rd. 1869 Suite B., Liberty Hill www.agapebbq.com/upcoming-events • July 17: Open Mic Night, 6-8p.m. • July 18: Eric Heideman, 6:30-9p.m. • July 19: Whitestone Band, 6:30-9p.m. • July 24: Open Mic Night, 6-8p.m. • July 26: Them That Know, 6:30-9p.m. • July 31: Open Mic Night, 6-8p.m. • August 1: Blake Robert, 6:30-9p.m. • August 2: Eric Heideman Band, 6:30-9p.m.

• July 18: Party Pipes Karaoke, 10p.m. • July 19: Chris Hoff & the Hill Country Half-Timers, 9p.m.

• August 7: Open Mic Night, 6-8p.m. • August 9: Family Shiloh, 6:30-9p.m. • August 14: Open Mic Night, 6-8p.m.

Live music

• July 23: Cade Baccus, 6-8p.m • July 24: DJ Cayotic, 9:30p.m. • July 25: Party Pipes Karaoke, 10p.m. • July 26: Audic Empire Acoustic, 9p.m. • July 30: Cade Baccus, 6-8p.m • July 31: DJ Cayotic, 9:30p.m. • August 2: Nothing Left, 9p.m. • August 6: Cade Baccus, 6-8p.m • August 7: DJ Cayotic, 9:30p.m. • August 8: Party Pipes Karaoke, 10p.m. • August 9: Cade Baccus & Band, 9p.m. • August 13: Cade Baccus, 6-8p.m. • August 14: DJ Cayotic, 9:30p.m.

Haute Spot 1501 E New Hope Dr., Cedar Park www.hautespot.live/calendar • July 18: Mixtape Time Machine Show – ‘90s vs 2000s, 6-11p.m. • July 25: Hair Metal Giants, 6-11p.m. • August 7: Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone, 5-10p.m. • August 9: Fleetwood Mac Tribute ft. Nightbird 6-11p.m. The Good Lot

Rabbit Hole Neighborhood Bar Cedar Park 13920 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Suite 202, Cedar Park www.rabbitholetx.com/event-calendar/ • July 16: Karaoke Night, 7-11p.m. • July 18: Fallon Franklin, 8-11p.m. • July 23: Karaoke Night, 7-11p.m. • July 30: Karaoke Night, 7-11p.m. • August 6: Karaoke Night, 7-11p.m. • August 13: Karaoke Night, 7-11p.m. Dahlia Cafe 2540 Ranch Road 1869, Liberty Hill www.dahliacafe.com/calendar • July 18: Sieker Band, 6:30-8:30p.m. • July 19: Boot Rock Boys, 6:30-8:30p.m. • July 25: Fridayz w/ Renee, 6:30-8:30p.m. • July 26: Ricky Boen, 6:30-8:30p.m. • August 1: Sieker Band, 6:30-8:30p.m. • August 2: Ricky Boen, 6:30-8:30p.m. • August 8: Off The Grid, 6:30-8:30p.m. • August 9: Glen Collins, 6:30-8:30p.m. • August 15: Fridayz w/ Renee, 6:30-8:30p.m.

• August 15: Party Pipes Karaoke, 10p.m. The Fieldhouse at The Crossover 1717 Scottsdale Dr., Suite 160, Leander, TX www.theeldhousetexas.com/the-stage-live-music

2500 W New Hope Dr., Cedar Park www.thegoodlotcp.com/happenings • July 16: Open Mic Night, 6-8:30p.m. • July 23: Open Mic Night 6-8:30p.m. • July 30: Open Mic Night 6-8:30p.m. • August 6: Open Mic Night 6-8:30p.m. • August 13: Open Mic Night 6-8:30p.m. Shooters Billiards and Sports Bar 601 E Whitestone Blvd., Cedar Park www.shootersbilliards.net/cedar-park-events

• July 16: Live Band Karaoke, 7p.m. • July 19: Six Gun Sound, 7-10p.m. • July 23: Live Band Karaoke, 7p.m. • July 26: Departure ATX, 7-10p.m. • July 30: Live Band Karaoke, 7p.m. • August 2: Mach 5, 7-10p.m. • August 6: Live Band Karaoke, 7p.m. • August 9: LC Rocks, 7-10p.m. • August 13: Live Band Karaoke, 7p.m.

Various venues in Cedar Park are hosting live performances this month, such as Spare Birdie, The Fieldhouse at The Crossover, Agape BBQ and more.

• July 16: Cade Baccus, 6-8p.m. • July 17: DJ Cayotic, 9:30p.m.

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Dining

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Night Owl oers both indoor and outdoor service.

The Corn Colada (center, $13) , blends tequila, coconut cream, lime, pineapple and corn tincture.

PHOTOS BY STEVE GUNTLICOMMUNITY IMPACT

Night Owl brings dive bar charm to Leander Situated in the heart of Leander’s Old Town dis- trict, the Night Owl bar has been oering a distinct Austin bar experience for the greater metro area for the last two years. The backstory Co-owner Danny Parrott has been in the

by city leadership in Leander to set up shop in the Old Town district, which the city was trying to redevelop into a destination for the area. What they oer Night Owl oers a range of signature cocktails, which change seasonally. The Leander location is currently oering tiki drinks for the summer season. In cooler months, the bar will feature warm drinks like hot toddies and other seasonal favorites. Two food trucks set up shop at the Night Owl, The Boss Cheesesteaks and Tacos Take It Easy. The bar has an outdoor courtyard with a projection screen for football games and movie nights.

Danny Parrott opened the rst Night Owl in 2017.

183

restaurant and bar industry since 2009, when he moved to Austin to operate a food truck. Within a few years, Parrott had opened his own bar along Austin’s bustling 6th Street, but he was looking for opportunities to build more community-oriented locations. He opened the Austin Night Owl on Burnet Road in 2017, then followed it up with a Round Rock location in 2019. Parrott says he was approached

203 N. Brushy St, Leander, Texas Instagram: @nightowl_leander

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