Bastrop County’s new district-run emergency response system is scaling up as demand for EMS continues to climb.

What happened: Bastrop County ESD No. 3 took over fire and EMS operations Oct. 1, replacing contractor Acadian Ambulance after a multiyear transition.

What’s new: The district has expanded ambulance coverage and equipped crews with ventilators, IV pumps, newer heart monitors, additional medications and other tools. Supervisors also carry ultrasound equipment.

Why it matters: ESD No. 3 expects to handle about 11,000 EMS calls in 2026—roughly 1,000 more than in 2025—as Bastrop County continues to grow.

What’s next: District officials plan to begin evaluating future growth needs after the beginning of the year, including additional facilities and emergency-response capacity.

Bastrop diners are one step closer to getting their first Freebirds World Burrito.

An Oct. 14 Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation filing details the restaurant’s planned buildout.

The update: The Tex-Mex restaurant is planning a $90,000 renovation of a 2,200-square-foot space in Burleson Crossing.

On the menu: The Tex-Mex fast-casual eatery is known for its large, build-your-own burritos. Other menu options include bowls, nachos, salads, tacos and more.

The background: As reported in March, Freebirds officials confirmed with Community Impact their plans to join the shopping center. As reported in June, the Bastrop restaurant is expected to debut in spring 2027.

Next steps: Construction is scheduled to begin Nov. 23 and be completed April 19, 2027.

• Opening in late spring 2027

• Burleson Crossing, 747 SH 71 W., Bastrop

Check out these stories trending in the Austin area Oct. 26-29.

1. UT Austin unveils academic health system rebrand with major healthcare expansion ahead

2. Round Rock subdivision approved for 72-acre expansion

3. Dog Haus reopens in Cedar Park under new ownership

4. TxDOT wraps up $677M Oak Hill Parkway expansion project

5. Budget, demographics and improvement plans: 3 Pflugerville ISD updates to know

6. Tractor Supply Co. planning second Georgetown store

More than 4.5 million Texans cast ballots in the first seven days of early voting in the Nov. 3 election, state data shows.

The overview: From Oct. 19-25, 23.8% of Texas' 19 million registered voters had voted in-person or by mail, according to voter turnout data submitted by counties and reported by the secretary of state. This is slightly below early voting turnout at the same point in 2018 and several percentage points above turnout in 2022.

Some context: Turnout this fall follows voter enthusiasm during the March primary election, when more Texans voted early than in recent primaries. In total, about 4.5 million people—or one-fourth of voters registered at the time—cast ballots in Texas' March election, setting a primary turnout record.

At the polls: Registered voters can visit any polling place in their county through Oct. 30, the last day of early voting. Election Day is Nov. 3. Texans can read Q&As with dozens of candidates, find local polling sites and print a custom sample ballot at communityimpact.com/voter-guide.