ATX-LTW: Impact 8/13/2026

Good Morning, Lake Travis & Westlake!

Top Story

Lakeway to consider implementing police drones

Lakeway City Council discussed the city potentially utilizing Brinc police drones at an Aug. 3 council meeting.

The overview: Brinc Drones were designed to support “enhanced de-escalation” in scenarios where traditional police presence may add increased safety risks, or when patrol units were not able to evaluate an emergency situation fast enough, said Don Redmond, vice president of advanced public safety projects at Brinc.

The drones allow a remote pilot to be a first responder, documenting potentially dangerous situations, providing emergency medical supplies and providing search and rescue support, Redmond said.

The details: Based on a study in Chula Vista, California, in 25% of drone deployments, ground units were not needed. The drones also responded to scenes 40% faster than patrol units, Redmond said.

Some drawbacks of the drones were also noted.

Wind and harsh weather conditions can make it difficult to fly and properly dock the drones, Redmond said.

What’s next: Council will continue discussing the drone program to determine if implementing the drones fits within the fiscal year 2026-2027 budget.

City Coverage

Bee Cave to implement Small Business Retention Program

Bee Cave City Council approved adopting the Small Business Retention Program, a strategic initiative with the Bee Cave Development Corporation intended to support existing small businesses in the city, at an Aug. 11 council meeting.

The overview: The Small Business Retention Program aims to help businesses maintain operations, pursue growth opportunities and expand their business in order to positively contribute to Bee Cave’s economy, per previous reporting from Community Impact.

The Program provides reimbursement-based grants for expenses related to employee training and certifications, equipment or software purchases and advertising campaigns, according to city documents.

Something else to note: The Bee Cave Development Corporation's fiscal year 2026-27 budget includes $20,000 in funding allocated to the program.

The program will be in effect at the end of August.

On The Business Beat

Think Lounge boosts flexible child care and co-working options

Crafted by working parents for working parents, Think Lounge offers a modernized approach for post-pandemic professionals. Equipped with a cafe, childcare center, coworking center and private meeting rooms—the lounge allows locals to customize their experiences.

How it works: Think Lounge offers two modes of childcare: drop-in and year-round programming. Drop-in childcare is available for children ages 18 months to 8 years old.

As a more consistent childcare option, children 18 months to 5 years old will join the Nature Tots and preschool programs. Kids work in small classes, blending fine and gross motor skills, play-based sensory activities, arts and crafts, and a screen-free environment.

Learn more: Think Lounge also offers coworking day passes, meeting rooms and memberships. Members get access to a dedicated desk, discounts on cafe items and conference room bookings, according to the brand’s website.

On the menu: The cafe menu features lattes, frappes, cold brew, americanos and cappuccinos. Other beverages include teas, refreshers, smoothies and milkshakes. Think Lounge also offers light bites from other local businesses.