Buda City Council approved an ordinance amendment that will make it easier and clearer for businesses to feature consistent live music.

The change, made at a Dec. 16 meeting, also protects residents through decibel limits and enforceable hours.

What’s new: The city developed the ordinance amendment to better comply with state Senate Bill 1008, which limits municipal authority over restaurants more than 300 feet from a residence, and to create a clear framework for live music at businesses the city retains regulatory power over, according to agenda documents.

The ordinance amendment includes:

• Removes the need for SUPs for live music in some zoning districts
• Limits temporary noise permits to short-duration events
• Establishes hours and decibel limits
• Introduces “music venue permits” for businesses wanting to exceed the base decibel level
• Requires sound mitigation efforts specific to each venue
• Provides objective approval and enforcement criteria

Customers of Kyle’s Tea2Go TeaN’ergy now have expanded access to another local business following the tea spot’s recent relocation.

How it happened: Mother-daughter duo Patricia Gilbert and Meredith Jones moved their specialty tea shop from 22420 I-35, Unit 210, Kyle, on Jan. 5 to expand their offerings.

Tea2Go TeaN’ergy is now located inside Abuelita’s Bakery Spot, across the street from their previous location. Customers of the Kyle chain location now have convenient access to the various items sold at the local bakery, Ashley Steinmetz, Tea2Go TeaN’ergy Kyle social media manager, said.

What they offer: The Tea2Go TeaN’ergy menu features over 30 loose-leaf tea options, several sugar-free green tea energy drinks, iced teas and a variety of specialty drinks.

Abuelita’s Bakery Spot sells a wide range of pastries, including mini conchas, empanadas, pan de polvo hearts, marranitos, cupcakes and cookies.

• Inside Abuelitas Bakery Spot, 21511 I-35 N., Ste. 101, Kyle

In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the Austin-area will have several events dedicated to celebrating, serving the community and educating people about the holiday.

MLK Day of Service: The city of Pflugerville will host a day of service to help clean up Pfluger Park and the surrounding areas. Participants will meet at the Gilleland Creek Park pavilion for a short orientation before beginning the cleanup.

• Jan. 17, 9 a.m.-noon
• 700 N. Railroad Ave., Pflugerville

• Jan. 19, 9 a.m.-noon
• 445 E. Morrow St., Georgetown

• Jan. 19, 9:30 a.m.; 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
• 1100 Congress Ave., Austin

Some Texas film industry leaders say the state is on its way to becoming the third “media coast,” joining Los Angeles and New York as film production hubs. A recent increase in state funding is helping buoy that growth, said Chase Musslewhite, co-founder of Media for Texas, an Austin-based nonprofit that advocates for the advancement of the state’s film industry.

The details: Through 2035, $1.5 billion in state incentives will be available for movies, television shows, documentaries and related projects created in Texas.

To be eligible for the program funding under Senate Bill 22, at least 35% of a production’s cast and crew must live in Texas and at least 60% of the work must be done in-state, according to the Texas Film Commission. Grant reimbursements start at 5% and go up to 31%, depending on how much a production spends and other aspects of the project.

The local impact: After SB 22 became law Sept. 1, some local governments across Texas—including Austin, San Antonio and Houston—expanded or launched their own film incentive programs.