Good Morning, Lake Travis & Westlake!

Top Story
City of Bee Cave to host election for mayor, 2 council seats in May

Three seats are up for election in Bee Cave this May, following an ordinance approved by City Council on Feb. 10.

The positions include the mayor and two council members, which are currently held by Kara King, Kit Crumbley and Andrea Willott, respectively. 

Members of the council are elected at large to serve two-year staggered terms, according to the city. 

What you need to know: The window to file closes at 5 p.m. Feb. 13, according to the Texas Secretary of State.

According to the city, qualified candidates must:

  • Be a registered voter
  • Be 18 years old prior to the start of the term being filled 
  • Have lived in the city for at least one year

The election is set for May 2, with a voter registration deadline of April 2.

What else?: Mayor Kara King announced the suspension of her U.S. House District 10 congressional run in a Feb. 3 Facebook post, citing unsustainable fundraising demands. King said she will be reviewing her options regarding reelection.

 
SPONSORED HEADLINES
now open
Care Bears Play Area opens at Barton Creek Square

The first Care Bears Play Area in the U.S. opened this January in Barton Creek Square.

The details: The new indoor playground is designed for toddlers through age 6, and offers opportunities to slide, balance, climb and more with Care Bear characters, according to a news release.

In addition to the playground, the space near Pandora includes lounge seating, device charging stations and stroller-friendly access, according to the news release.

  • 2901 S. Capital of Texas Hwy., Austin
 

FOODIE FRIDAY
Check out these new restaurants and bars opening across the Austin area.

Oria to serve wood-fired mediterranean fare near Zilker in South Austin

Opening Feb. 27, the restaurant specializes in charcoal- and wood-fired cooking inspired by flavors from the Eastern Mediterranean and Southern Europe, including bright acidity, bold spices and fire-forward cooking techniques.

Sharable plates include the Fire-Roasted Harissa Branzino, Wood-Fired Pita Bread, and Spicy Walnut and Yogurt Dip.

Read now.

 

🥤 JuiceLand bringing smoothies, juices to Pflugerville this month
(Read more)

☕️ Merit Coffee to open fourth Austin location in the Mueller area
(Read more)

🍖 True Texas BBQ brings brisket and more to Bastrop H-E-B
(Read more)

☕️ Georgetown's first Summer Moon Coffee planned for along Hwy. 29
(Read more)

 

Crimson Creek Smokehouse provides Dripping Springs locals with meals and memories

In July 2023, Crimson Creek Smokehouse brought its barbecue to the Dripping Springs area showcasing an Oklahoma influence with some Chicago-inspired sides.

The eatery is owned by husband and wife duo Jamie Dickens and Marcus McNac, who started attending bar pop-ups and cooking competitions in 2013. The couple moved to the Dripping Springs area in 2020 and found a way to stay connected with their old neighbors by sharing a home cooked meal.

Read now.

Latest News
Mark IV Capital secures $86M funding for Phase 1 of The District

Developer Mark IV Capital is taking the next step to make plans for its multiuse development in Round Rock, The District, a reality. 

What you need to know: Mark IV secured financing from BDT & MSD Partners and a financial affiliate of Apollo, according to a Feb. 2 news release. 

The construction loan in the amount of $86 million will fund build-out of the first phase of The District. 

The details: Plans for Phase 1 of The District include a 316-unit luxury multifamily housing development, with 23,042 square feet of ground-level retail.

 
CI Texas
Census data: Texas continues to grow, but people are moving here at a slower rate

Texas gained more new residents last year than any other U.S. state, recently released U.S. Census Bureau data shows. Yet the Lone Star State’s overall population growth slowed significantly amid a nationwide reduction in immigration from other countries.

The big picture: Texas grew by 391,243 residents in 2025, bringing the state’s total population to 31.7 million. This includes:

  • Domestic migration: Over 67,000 people moved to Texas from other states.
  • International migration: Over 167,000 people moved to Texas from other countries.
  • Natural change: There were roughly 157,000 more births than deaths in Texas.

The state grew by 1.2% from July 1, 2024, to July 1, 2025, which is more than twice the national growth rate of 0.5% in the same period. This marks a slowdown in Texas’ growth since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Worth noting: Suburban communities outside the state’s urban population centers, such as cities and towns in Montgomery, Tarrant and Williamson counties, saw the most growth due to migration in recent years, according to data from the Texas Demographic Center.

 
What's Happening at CI
📧 New newsletter alert: Bryan-College Station

Community Impact is now covering BCS, from growth and schools to business and city happenings.

Live, work or hang out in Bryan or College Station? Or know someone who does? Stay connected or share with your neighbors.
 

Your local team

Grace Dickens
Editor

Taylor Stover
General Manager

Email [email protected] for story ideas, tips or questions.

Keep Reading

(512) 989-6808

TERMS OF SERVICE | PRIVACY POLICY

© 2005-2025 Community Impact Newspaper Co. All rights reserved.