Outdoor burning remains prohibited through Oct. 13 in unincorporated Bastrop County as dry conditions and elevated fire risks persist.

What happened: Bastrop County Commissioners Court extended the Aug. 24 emergency order by two weeks during its Sept. 14 meeting and again at its Sept. 28 meeting.

What you should know: Bastrop County documents the following enforcement measures when suspected outdoor burning is reported:

• Fire departments may respond to put out the fire

• A peace officer can be sent to investigate

• Violators could face a Class C misdemeanor and a fine of up to $500

Something to note: The burn ban will expire Oct. 13 unless county officials extend it or lift it early.

After COTALAND officials debuted more than 30 rides and attractions for people of all ages during events Sept. 26-27, officials are looking ahead to a planned water park and on-site resort as part of Circuit of the Americas' push to grow its year-round offerings.

Zooming in: To fund the next phase, COTA officials entered into a partnership with investment firm Carlyle, according to an Aug. 24 announcement.

The financing amount was not disclosed; however, officials noted in the release that the partnership will not change COTA’s ownership structure and the venue will remain locally owned and operated.

The background: The idea for a water park has been floated before, with COTA Chairman Bobby Epstein telling Community Impact in 2025 that the project could follow COTALAND if demand supported further expansion.

The Carlyle agreement now brings financial backing to that plan.

Check out the latest transportation project updates across the Austin metro.

1. TxDOT, Mobility Authority seek public input on 290 Toll extension into Bastrop County: The two agencies are accepting comments on proposed improvements to about 15 miles of Hwy. 290 until Oct. 30. The entities are evaluating the feasibility of extending tolled main lanes alongside existing nontolled lanes, adding signalized intersections, and enhancing pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure.

2. Austin leaders look to local preparations as air taxis take off in Texas: New mobility options like electric vertical take-off and landing vehicles are now being evaluated for uses from passenger and cargo transportation to emergency response. Local officials are now moving ahead with extensive planning and outreach before the aircraft arrive.

3. Georgetown to reduce RideGTX operation hours, increase base cost: RideGTX, the city of Georgetown's ride voucher service, will soon eliminate overnight hours and increase its base price to combat rising costs. Once the changes go into effect, rideGTX will operate from 6 a.m. to midnight and cost a base fee of $5.

Central Texas is hosting several local fall events across multiple cities, including Austin, Bastrop, Bee Cave, Buda, Elgin, Cedar Park and Georgetown. These seasonal activities feature pumpkin patches, festivals and Halloween celebrations.

Key events scheduled for the holiday season include:

• Boo Bash, a free Halloween celebration in downtown Bastrop on Oct. 31.

• Pumpkin Nights in Austin, an immersive half-mile exhibition running from Sept. 17-Oct. 31.

• The Evergreen Farms Pumpkin Hunt in Elgin from Sept. 26-Oct. 31.

• Spooks & Scandals Walking Tour in downtown Bastrop to explore ghost stories and other spooky tales.