ATX-BAS: Impact 9/11/2025

Hundreds filed into the Bastrop Convention and Exhibit Center on Sept. 8 for the second annual State of the City dinner—an event where City Manager Sylvia Carrillo-Trevino had the opportunity to discuss key milestones and future goals for the community.

What residents should know: During her nearly hourlong presentation, Carillo-Trevino focused on seven focus areas, including:

• Heritage and history
• Stewardship of public finance
• Quality of life
• Attracting quality employers
• Managing growth
• Infrastructure improvements
• Resident engagement and transparency

The city of Bastrop unveiled its latest installation as part of the Bird Junction Sculpture Program during a brief ceremony Sept. 5. 

The details: The barred owl, hand-forged with steel by local artist Robin Luck, is located outside of Film Alley at the intersection of Hwy. 95 and Chestnut Street. 

“The city of Bastrop, in partnership with the Lost Pines Art Center, continues to expand the Bird Junction Sculpture Program as a way to celebrate public art, honor community heritage and enhance the cultural vibrancy of Downtown Bastrop,” said Michaela Joyce, the Main Street manager.

Luck called the project a “very exciting adventure.”

“I want to thank everybody for supporting this project,” she said during the unveiling, where local officials, business owners and residents were in attendance. 

The Lower Colorado River Authority, which manages the Highland Lakes system in Central Texas, announced it would begin lowering Inks Lake for a period of eight weeks starting Oct. 1. 

In a nutshell: The LCRA announced Sept. 9 that the lake would be lowered to provide property owners an opportunity to work on docks and boat slips, as well as to remove debris from the lake and shoreline.

What residents should know: The lowering will cause Lake Travis, located downstream from Inks Lake, to rise by about 3.5 inches, according to a news release from the authority.

Gov. Greg Abbott issued a Sept. 10 executive order aimed at prohibiting hemp-derived THC products from being sold to minors, which he called “safety for kids, freedom for adults.” The order comes one week after a special legislative session ended without Abbott and state lawmakers agreeing on legislation to ban or restrict THC sales.

The details: Abbott’s order directs the Texas Department of State Health Services and the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission to “immediately begin the rulemaking process” on new THC regulations, including:

• Limiting THC sales to people 21 years and older
• Requiring THC retailers to check all customers’ IDs
• Expanding testing and labeling requirements for THC products
• Raising manufacturer and retailer licensing fees to cover costs of enforcing the new rules
• Enhancing monitoring by state and local law enforcement