Bastrop city staff will develop a comprehensive plan for the Rodeo Arena at Mayfest Park after area residents, many of whom have been horseback at the facility, discussed what improvements they would like to see rolled out.
The conversation Sept. 3 was spurred after Bastrop City Council called for the exploration of installing a shade structure for the Rodeo Arena as part of an effort to amend the “Experience Bastrop” Parks Master Plan for Mayfest Park.
What residents said: Margaret Staton—a 12-year-old who competes in barrel racing, pole bending and breakaway roping—was among the many who voiced her desire to see the Rodeo Arena revamped.
“I have the privilege of traveling around the state ... competing at great facilities where the citizens of those towns have proud ownership of their facility,” she said. “I know having a facility of this magnitude would bring a great joy and opportunity ... to all citizens.”
Bastrop Mayor Ishmael Harris called the town hall, where there were also requests for improved dirt conditions for competitions, a good first step.
Greenleaf Gatherings brings specialty floral designs to Bastrop
Local business owner Emma Marquez offers customizable floral designs inside Black & White Interiors on Main Street.
Digging in: Using specialty flowers not commonly found in local flower shops, Marquez works with clients to create designs for events both large and small.
What else? Marquez said she also uses environmentally conscious practices, such as composting waste, avoiding chemicals, dyes and foam when possible, and using paper instead of plastic for arrangement wraps.
Inside Black & White Interiors, 1015 Main St., Bastrop
FOODIE FRIDAY Check out these new restaurants and bars opening across the Austin area.
A new restaurant bringing a homestyle menu based on recipes from owner Scott Roberts’ grandmother, Roxanna, is opening soon in Buda, according to a news release.
Roxie’s, from the family that established The Salt Lick BBQ, will be opening in the fall.
Roberts said he plans for Roxie’s to be open daily for lunch and dinner.
The menu will offer pimento cheese, deviled eggs topped with fried chicken bites, chicken-fried steak, char-grilled steak and a selection of pies.
😋 AnTeNa Kitchen and Bar coming soon to Leander (Read more)
🍫 Kesshō Craft Chocolate expands with new Burnet Road location in Austin (Read more)
🍝 Numero 28 heads to Bastrop with Southern Italian food (Read more)
🍣 Sushi Warriors now serving sushi, sashimi in North Austin (Read more)
Koko’s Bavarian has revealed it will be opening a brick-and-mortar location on South Lamar in October.
The location will feature 7,000 square feet of Bavarian tradition and Texas hospitality with an expanded food and beverage menu including wings, mozzarella sticks, whitefish dip, Bavarian pretzel, Belgian-style fries and more.
For diners looking for a more filling treat, the menu also features sausages, hot dogs, salads, sandwiches and cheeseburgers.
Second special session ends without new laws on THC, property taxes
Around 1 a.m. Sept. 4, the Texas Legislature gaveled out of its second special session of the year. On the heels of a two-week Democratic walkout that stymied bills during a previous legislative overtime, lawmakers moved quickly to pass 16 of Gov. Greg Abbott’s 24 priorities in under three weeks.
The details: A long-debated plan to ban or restrict sales of hemp-derived THC and a measure aimed at reining in local property tax growth were among the proposals that did not make the cut. Those proposals fell apart in the final days of the special session, after House and Senate lawmakers were unable to reach agreements.
Also of note: Lawmakers also did not pass bills intended to improve emergency preparedness and communications in the wake of the deadly July 4-5 floods; shield certain law enforcement files from public disclosure; and bar local governments from hiring outside lobbyists.
The governor can call a special session at any time; however, legislative leaders indicated they did not expect to return to Austin to tackle the remaining agenda items.
