In smaller communities and cities around the Greater Austin area, demand for health care specialists has risen at a rate unmatched by access to professionals, said Ashley Price, Austin Regional Clinic's vice president of operations.

Austin Regional Clinic, or ARC, is expanding its specialty services both north and south of Austin to provide unique care to residents in the surrounding cities.

Current situation: Access to health care specialists in Central Texas can be a barrier for residents seeking medical care, Price said. While cities neighboring Austin are growing rapidly, the nation faces a shortage of both primary care physicians and specialists.

Specialists, nurse practitioners and physician assistants with ARC travel to multiple clinic locations to meet patients where there is a need, so they are not required to journey into Austin for care.

The specifics: ARC is further expanding with the opening of a Lockhart clinic on June 15, and ARC South Specialty in South Austin, opening in phases beginning June 1.

ARC also opened the Greenlawn Specialty clinic in Round Rock on Jan. 19.

A new report from the Central Texas Community Foundation shows that in the year since July floods impacted the Texas Hill Country, the Round Rock-based nonprofit generated $9.4 million in donations to support those impacted. 

The big picture: The foundation released a one-year impact report July 1 detailing fundraising efforts in the wake of historic flooding impacting much of Central Texas in July 2025. 

Zooming in: The report shows over 1,200 individual donors as well as 150 organizers and corporate partners supported the Travis and Williamson County CARES Funds, with $8 million in direct financial assistance distributed to impacted families. An additional $1.4 million in flood recovery funding was distributed in Burnet and Concho counties, according to the foundation. 

This funding assisted about 260 families located in Travis and Williamson counties, the report states.

Looking to get away this summer without going too far? Check out some places to plan a staycation throughout the Austin area. 

Bastrop
Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa: The ranch-style resort offers dining, golf, a water park, spa and event spaces.

Dripping Springs
The Yurtopian: The Hill Country resort offers glamping in Mongolian-inspired yurts with upscale amenities and scenic views.

Georgetown
San Gabriel House: The historic bed-and-breakfast showcases its 20th-century charm with the original pine floors and leaded-glass front door.

Liberty Hill
River Ranch Inn: The self-proclaimed “undecidedly and beautifully offbeat” boutique hotel in Liberty Hill offers guests swimming, kayaking, fishing and stargazing.

North Central Austin
Commodore Perry Estate: The venue features European-style architecture and decor, a pool, restaurant, on-site entertainment and event spaces.

Round Rock
The Ruby Hotel & Bar: The hotel offers a pool, scenic views and private event spaces near the historic downtown, which features an abundance of shopping and dining,

Black Pearl Bookstore closed its physical storefront in North Austin in June and moved to an online-only sales model.

The details: A business representative said customers within five miles of the bookstore's previous address on Burnet Road will receive free shipping and delivery on items purchased online. The bookstore is known for selling a variety of classic titles, new releases and books on banned book lists, along with audiobooks, E-books and author signed books. 

• 7112 Burnet Road, Austin

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