🌵 Lakeway’s firefighters are getting a temporary new home

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I had an owl in my tree. Not once. Not for an afternoon. She actually nested there for weeks, right above my truck.

Some people might call that a good omen. Me? I just thought it was very cool.

Also, I’ve decided that once you pass 30, you start getting weirdly excited about birds. I don’t make the rules, but it does seem to happen to a lot of us. If you’re over 30 and don’t have the Merlin Bird ID app yet, go download it. You can thank me later.

Anyway, I hope you spot a cool bird this week.

P.S. I saw a painted bunting the other day. Don’t be jealous!

The Gist: Lakeway officials approved a temporary portable station for Lake Travis Fire and Rescue behind the Lakeway Police Department while Station No. 602 is rebuilt. The temporary setup is expected to house firefighters for up to three years beginning later this summer.

Why It Matters: Keeping firefighters close during construction helps avoid longer emergency response times in a growing area around Lake Travis. It’s also a reminder that even temporary public safety projects can have a big impact on everyday community coverage.

The Gist: Lake Travis Independent School District is proposing a $152.7 million operating budget for 2026-27 that includes a smaller projected deficit of about $1.2 million. Trustees also discussed a slight decrease in the district’s tax rate while approving staff pay increases and retention incentives.

Why It Matters: School districts across Texas are trying to balance rising costs, staffing needs, and pressure from the state funding system all at once. For local families, this budget shapes everything from teacher retention to classroom resources while trying to avoid bigger tax increases.

Some restaurants earn repeat visits before the food even hits the table, and Canyon Grille has that kind of setting. Perched near the marina with sweeping Hill Country views, it’s the sort of place where people linger over margaritas while waiting for the sunset.

The menu keeps up with the scenery too, from pecan-crusted trout and crabmeat flounder to juicy wagyu burgers and fresh fish tacos. Relaxed, scenic, and just lively enough to turn an ordinary dinner into an evening worth remembering.

More details here.

Eco Estate Jewelry has built a loyal following for custom pieces, thoughtful repairs, and a personal approach that keeps people coming back for years. Customers often bring in family heirlooms to be redesigned into something wearable again, from wedding rings turned into necklaces to restored bands that look brand new.

The shop also carries estate pieces and specialty watches, with a team known for clear communication, detailed craftsmanship, and making custom projects feel exciting instead of overwhelming.

More details here.

Is Your Irrigation Ready for Summer? ☀️💧

Summer in Central Texas is close enough that irrigation problems are about to become a whole lot more noticeable. Small leaks, clogged heads, bad coverage, or controller issues can quickly turn into stressed grass and struggling plants once the heat kicks in.

Irrigation schedules fill up fast this time of year, too. If something already seems off, now’s the time to get it checked. And if you want priority scheduling when everyone else is calling in July, our irrigation maintenance plans are built for exactly that.

Check it out HERE.

🌿 Summer Kickoff Hike & Swim | Lost Creek Trailhead | Austin | 05/29 | More
Family-friendly nature outing with a short hike, water play, and picnic time.

🍦 Ice Cream Social (Bluey & Bingo) | Pikopye’s Town | Lakeway | 05/29 | More
Kids play event with characters, ice cream party, and indoor fun activities.

🌴 Aloha Pool Party | Swim Center | Lakeway | 05/30 | More
Tropical pool party with live hula, cultural performances, and family fun.

🦜 Family Zoo Day | Austin Zoo | Austin | 05/30 | More
Family-friendly zoo outing celebrating community and parrot habitat support.

🧜‍♀️ Mermaid Day | Swim Center | Lakeway | 05/31 | More
Family swim event with mermaids, games, and kid-friendly pool activities.

🎨 Junior Creators Workshop | Bella Mar Steiner Ranch | Austin | 05/31 | More
Kids art workshop painting and designing their own mini table masterpiece.

🍕 Paper Rings Release Party | Flutter Romance Bookstore | Austin | 05/29 | More
Romance book launch celebration with pizza, drinks, and author meet-up.

🎸 Brian Andrew Lee Live | JULES DESIGN BAR | Bee Cave | 05/29 | More
Soulful live set featuring bluesy vocals and standout guitar work.

😄 Laughter Yoga | Westbank Library | Austin | 05/29 | More
Playful yoga class blending laughter, movement, breathing, and relaxation.

🎶 Livermore Bluegrass Live | Hero Park | Austin | 05/30 | More
Bluegrass live music with pizza, drinks, and relaxed park vibes.

🧘 Tai Chi and Qigong | Laura’s Library | Austin | 06/01 | More
Gentle movement class focused on balance, relaxation, and well-being.

🎶 Pat Green | ACL Live | Austin | 05/30 | More
High-energy Texas country night with heartfelt anthems and singalongs.

🎨 Spring 2 | Austin Art Park | Austin | 05/30 | More
Family-friendly art market with local vendors, food, and live creative energy.

🎶 Austin Record Convention | Palmer Events Center | Austin | 05/30–05/31 | More
Huge vinyl and music memorabilia market for collectors and music lovers.

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