The Cedar Park City Council has approved incentive agreements with Machine Sciences Corporation and Elite Metal Finishing, two companies that manufacture parts for aerospace and military companies. The businesses plan to establish operations in Cedar Park, leasing space at the Cedar Tech I development.

The big picture: Together, the companies are expected to bring a total investment of more than $40 million and 240 jobs to the area.

A closer look: Under the approved agreements, the city will pay $1 million in incentive payments to Oregon-based Machine Sciences Corporation. The company must occupy a Cedar Park facility by the end of 2027, employ 70 full-time employees and make a capital investment of almost $32 million by the end of 2034.

The city will pay about $750,000 to Elite Metal Finishing. The company must occupy a Cedar Park facility by the end of 2027, employ at least 170 full-time employees, and make a capital investment of at least $10 million by the end of 2034.

Austin-based florist Malina Flowers is coming soon to Cedar Park and is expected to open at the end of November, owner Marina Allen said. 

About the business: The Cedar Park store marks the second Malina Flowers location in the Austin area, with the first at 5134 Burnet Road, Austin. The business specializes in custom floral arrangements with same-day delivery. According to the website, the business is “dedicated to helping you find the perfect flowers to deliver your message and enhance your special occasion.” 

• 309 N. Bell Blvd., Cedar Park 

Check out some trending stories from the Austin area Sept. 7-10.

1. Pflugerville's Springhill Restaurant to close in October

2. $82M Hwy. 79 widening prepares for next step in Round Rock

3. Scheels, sandwiches and soccer: 13 Cedar Park-area business updates to know this September

4. Snarf's Sandwiches planned for Georgetown

5. Sandy’s Southern Spice closes in Bastrop after owner’s death

6. Austin reports on new homeless encampment management program's early results

The first public air taxi test in Texas debuted in Fort Worth Sept. 10 with an audience that included U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy, Sen. Ted Cruz and numerous federal, state and regional leaders.

The takeaway: The Texas Department of Transportation, in partnership with the Federal Aviation Administration, officially launched Project Nexus at Perot Field Fort Worth Alliance Airport. The project is a pilot program for electric vertical takeoff and landing, or eVTOLs.

The initiative will bring together federal, state and regional transportation leaders with aviation manufacturers and operators to begin testing how advanced air mobility can be safely integrated into the nation’s transportation system, according to a news release.

“For those of y'all who are old enough to remember 'The Jetsons,' I remember flying cars and we’re at the verge of seeing flying cars,” Cruz said. “We’re at the verge of air taxis and drones and transportation being transformed.”