Here is what is happening in Lakeway.
FAWN SEASON—Drive carefully.
Our fawns are here, and you are likely to see newborns all over Old Lakeway—in the grass, on your porch, and in the road. Drive with care, so that you see them in time to stop. Keep dogs leashed, and leave parked fawns alone; they are waiting as instructed for their mama does to come back and feed them, clean them up, and move them to the next safe parking spot. If the fawn is injured, stretched out instead of curled up like a cat, has a dirty bottom or curled ears, then contact a rehabber. (See the image just below for contact info.)
Baby Animal Season for ALL Wildlife
Local rehabber Leanne DuPay’s chart is above, with great info on some of the wildlife we live with here in Lakeway, as well as her contact info if needed. Save this on your phone, to have when you need it.
ROAD WORK UPDATE: Lohmans Crossing/Lohmans Spur
After numerous resident complaints, the city issued an update on May 22 that included this timeline:
- June 7 (approximately): Lohmans Spur to reopen.
- June 9: Intersection improvements begin at Bella Toscana and Lohmans Crossing (traffic signal, median redesign, paving).
- Week of June 23: Target for project completion.
Memorial Day Observance in Lakeway
City of Lakeway’s Memorial Day Ceremony will be held Monday, May 26, 11AM, at Emmaus Catholic Church (1718 Lohmans Crossing), remembering and honoring military personnel who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. More info here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/2141/Memorial-Day
Lake Travis Democrats
Banned Book Club—Tuesday, May 27, 6:30PM, at Lake Travis Community Library (1938 Lohmans Crossing). The book is Interior Chinatown: A Novel, by Charles Yu.
LTDems is taking a summer break, but check here for any announcements and events: https://www.laketravisdemocrats.com/
Community Garage Sale
The next community garage sale is Saturday, May 31, 8AM to noon, at Lakeway Activity Center. Admission is FREE, but in the LAC lobby you can drop off non-perishable or canned food items, to be donated to local food banks and charities. You can also donate new or gently used children’s books for the Free Little Books bin at the entrance. Want to sell stuff? Space permitting, LAC members ($30) and non-members ($35) can reserve a booth, call 512-261-1010.
Pave The Way Tiles—Deadline is May 31
Recognize someone special with a memorial tile installed in the Lakeway Activity Center courtyard. Tiles are a great way to celebrate loved ones, mark anniversaries, promote clubs and organizations, and more. Several tile sizes are available, including 8×8, 4×8, 12×12. The deadline for this group of orders is May 31. Call 512-261-1010 for information you need.
House Watch
If you are traveling this summer or only occupy your home here part-time, Lakeway Police Department provides a House Watch program, at no charge. Just let them know, and officers will perform close patrols of the address and contact you if anything appears suspicious. Call 512-261-2800 for info and go here to sign up: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1305/House-Watch-Request
Fun at the Pool
- Mermaid Day: On Sunday, June 1, head over to Lakeway Swim Center (3103 Lakeway Blvd.) 1-3PM, for Mermaid Day. Dress up, enjoy games and photo ops, and pal around with local mermaids. Daily Swim Center Fee Applies.
- Shark Pool Party: On Sunday, June 22, Lakeway Swim Center (3103 Lakeway Blvd.) 1-3PM hosts its annual Shark Pool Party. Enjoy giveaways and the always-popular MECHANICAL SHARK. Daily Swim Center Fee Applies.
Cool Arts REGISTRATION starts June 1.
Lakeway’s 2025 Cool Arts Show is August 23, with Studio Tours Aug. 24-25. Local artists creating paintings, pottery, and jewelry can register here starting June 1 (booth price is $35): https://secure.rec1.com/TX/lakeway-tx/catalog?filter=c2VhcmNoPTMzMzY3NDI=
Summer Reading Programs at the library in June and July
Lake Travis Community Library (1938 Lohmans Crossing) has Reading Challenges, age-appropriate Reading Lists, Camps, and Special Programs this summer. Go here for info: https://laketravislibrary.org/summer-reading-program/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Summer%20Reading%20Program&utm_campaign=New%20Newsletter%20Template
Summer Camps at LAC
Camps start in June. Go here and click on Youth Summer Camps for info: https://secure.rec1.com/TX/lakeway-tx/catalog Or, for a full list of camps, email lac@lakeway-tx.gov or stop by Lakeway Activity Center and pick up a printed copy.
Brush Recycling Offered 1st Thursday of Every Month
City of Lakeway offers free yard waste drop off for Lakeway residents the first Thursday of every month, at the Public Works Department (3303 Serene Hills Drive) 7AM-3:30PM. Limit is one pickup truck load of yard waste or up to one 8’X5′ pile. Go here for details, including what is accepted: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/62/Public-Works
Oak Pruning PROHIBITED February through June
Due to high risk of oak wilt transmission, pruning oaks is prohibited through June. More info here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/353/Prune-when-the-Risk-is-Low
Medicare Talk at the Library
On Thursday, June 12, 10:30-11:30, local licensed Medicare Agent Lee Green will talk about Medicare health insurance (coverage options, costs, sign-up time frames, and more). Stop by Lake Travis Community Library (1938 Lohmans Crossing) for valuable info and get your questions answered. (I went to Lee’s talk a couple years ago, and it helped me A LOT. Lee really knows his stuff, and there is no charge for his help. This is a complex area, with serious negatives for screwing up, so you need an expert in your corner.)
REGISTER to participate in Lakeway’s July 4 Parade—deadline is June 23.
Celebrating 50 YEARS as a beloved tradition in Lakeway, our 2025 parade will be held on Friday, July 4. The theme is: Lakeway: A Golden Legacy. Register now (FREE of charge), to participate. Deadline to register is June 23. More info and registration here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/718/July-4th-Celebration
July 4 Parade
Attend Lakeway’s favorite event, the Independence Day parade, Friday, July 4. The parade starts at 8:30AM, at the Live Oak Golf Course driving range, running up Lakeway Drive, and culminating at the Activity Center (105 Cross Creek). The LAC hosts a Hotdog Reception at 9:30AM. Come early to get a good vantage point along Lakeway Drive. Parking is NOT permitted on Lakeway Drive; parking is available at the Activity Center, Justice Center, Lakeway City Hall, the Lakeway Church, and on side streets. This FAQ has info for spectators as well as parade participants: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/Faq.aspx?QID=142
July 4 Celebration at the Galleria
The Hill Country Galleria celebrates Independence Day on Friday, July 4. In addition to all the usual shops and restaurants at the Galleria, from 4PM-10PM you can browse over 40 unique vendors lining the Galleria streets. Plus, there will be food vendors, music, fair rides, water games and more. After sunset, enjoy a fireworks display. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and relax on the lawn as you take in the show.
Lake Travis Community Library DELIVERS
For those homebound due to mobility or medical issues, staff will deliver books, DVDs, audios and more, on a monthly basis. Call (512) 263-2885 or complete a sign-up form here: https://laketravislibrary.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Home-Delivery-Sign-Up-UPDATED.pdf
TexArts Productions
TexArts has productions scheduled for the rest of 2025 and well into 2026. Its new theater is located in the heart of Lakeway at 1110 Ranch Road 620 South. Go here for details and to buy tickets: https://www.tex-arts.org/events
- July 11-Aug. 10: Bye Bye Birdie
- Sept. 19-Oct. 5: Greater Tuna
- Nov. 21-Dec. 21: Irving Berlin’s White Christmas
- Feb. 13-March 1: Beehive: The 60s Musical
- July 10-Aug. 9: Rock of Ages
Need a RIDE? Want to VOLUNTEER to drive seniors?
Chariot is a FREE service providing rides (for medical appointments and grocery shopping) to non-driving folks age 60 and over. Chariothas been operating across Central Texas (including Lakeway!) since 1988. Riders must be mobile to use the service; wheelchairs cannot be accommodated. Mission statement: “Chariot enriches lives and communities by providing transportation and socialization to non-driving seniors, helping them to age in place.” Volunteer drivers, who must be over 21 with a high school diploma or higher plus a valid driver’s license, are critical to Chariot’s success and use their own vehicles. Click this link or call 512-445-5552 for info and to either set up a ride or volunteer as a driver: https://chariot.org/
Drop off Unwanted Medication at Lakeway Police Station
Monday through Friday, 8AM-5PM, residents can drop off expired/unwanted controlled pharmaceuticals AND over the counter medications at Lakeway Police Station (1941 Lohmans Crossing). Just go inside, and the volunteer at the reception desk will assist in depositing items into the secure bin. (Liquids and needles are NOT accepted.)
Council Met on May 19.
RESULTS: All members attended the meeting, all in person.
Consent Agenda: Council Member Szimanski pulled Item 10 (Appoint members to the Zoning and Planning Commission) out of the Consent Agenda, and demanded discussion in closed Executive Session (see below).
Council Member Sherman pulled Item 15 (Discussion and Action as to having outside experts review–cost of $50,000–the possible annexation by the city of Rough Hollow’s MUDS 11, 12 and 13) out of the Consent Agenda for open discussion (see below).
–ASIDE FROM Items 10 and 15, the Consent Agenda was UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.
ITEM 10: Appoint members to the Zoning and Planning Commission (7 members and 2 alternates). These are the nominations: Mayor Kilgore–Gretchen Vance (serves as Chair); Council Member O’Brien–Ed Hermann; Council Member Forton–Logan Brown; Council Member Szimanski–Josh Cobb; Council Member Sherman–Dan Vardell; Council Member Mastrangelo–Wes Hook; Council Member Brynteson—no nomination yet made, so Nick Boyle remains for now. ALTERNATES: Mayor Kilgore– Fritz Weiss; Mayor Pro Tem is not yet designated, so Ed LeBlanc remains for now.
–Upon return from Executive Session, Council APPROVED all the nominees except Dan Vardell by vote of 6:1 (Sherman). Then, Council DISAPPROVED Dan Vardell, also by a vote of 6:1 (Sherman).
NOTE: Over the years, I have seen Council commit vile acts, but the perfidy displayed here took my breath away.
ITEM 15: Discussion and Action as to having outside experts review—at a cost of $50,000–the possible annexation by the city of Rough Hollow’s MUDS 11, 12 and 13.
–After discussion about missing data and uncertainty as to Lakeway MUD’s intentions, Council UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED postponing this matter until the June meeting.
ITEM 18: Financial Report.
–The city is running $1.3MIL to the good, compared to budgeted revenue and expenditures.
ITEM 21: Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Serene Hills Median Maintenance. (The HOA requests the city assume responsibility for landscaping, irrigation, and lighting along Serene Hills Drive.)
–After discussion, staff was directed to do more cost benefit analysis, including exactly what services are needed and what is included in the $85,000/YR landscape quote.
ITEM 22: Oaks at Lakeway PUD Amendment #5. (The new agreement would give Developer Stratus ANOTHER 12 months to build the portion of Main Street on its tract behind HEB, one puzzle piece in a fully completed Main Street flowing through City Center.)
–WITHDRAWN by the applicant. Council went into Executive Session and emerged, with the Mayor noting: Stratus earlier today also filed notice it was withdrawing from the PUD Agreement as a whole. As a result, Stratus is in violation of the 2022 PUD Agreement, and the city will no longer defer enforcement of said agreement.
NOTE: Somebody’s in trouble…. Finally.
ITEM 23: Special Use Permit for a private club to operate as an automobile garage and gallery on 0.6673 acres at 101 RR 620 North. (At its May 7 meeting, ZAPCO voted 4:2 to deny this SUP; Council would need a super-majority—6 of 7 votes—to overrule ZAPCO and approve this request.)
–WITHDRAWN by the applicant.
ITEM 24: Discussion and action regarding ordinance for the withdrawal of zoning applications. (Council and ZAPCO both reviewed and modified provisions suggested by city staff, aimed at limiting the ability of zoning applicants to pull items strategically after notice has been sent to neighboring property owners and agendas are released.)
–UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.
ITEM 25: Discussion and Possible Action Regarding the Implementation of Traffic Safety Measures at the Roundabout, Highlands and Tavish, and Lakeway Blvd. (Following up on a previous Council review, this proposal includes beacons, raised crosswalks, mast arms, extended medians, additional striping, and more at the 3 specified areas on Highlands in Rough Hollow. Estimated total cost of the work is roughly $838,000, with funding options including the 2022 transportation bond and the road sales tax fund.)
–After discussion, a motion to have staff implement raised crosswalks and mast arms at Tavish and Highlands, raised crosswalks at the Highlands Roundabout, and contract design work for safety changes on Lakeway Blvd. at both the Highlands and The Hills intersections (funding likely from the Capital Reserve Fund) was UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.
ITEM 26: Discussion and possible action on a streamlined Hotel Occupancy Tax fund distribution program for advertising purposes. (In a program limited to $250,000 annually, a lodging property would be eligible to receive up to $25,000 per year in matching funds for advertising efforts aimed at increasing stays, to be reviewed and approved by staff, instead of going through Council.)
–After discussion, Council asked staff to prepare a report on HOT Fund requests for advertising expenses to date, for review at the July meeting.
ITEM 27: Discussion and Possible Action Regarding the Lakeway Activity Center Designation as an Election Polling Location.
–After discussion, Council directed staff to add a clause to all rental contracts for Activity Center space, requiring parties to comply with state election rules prohibiting electioneering when voting is taking place at the Activity Center.
ADJOURNED at 11:07PM.
View the Agenda, Meeting Packet, and/or Presentation (scrolling down to City Council documents) here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/archive.aspx Go here to watch the Council meeting online: https://lakewaytx.new.swagit.com/videos/343204
Daring Mighty Things
NASA created a 2-minute video showing super-close footage of Pluto, taken in 2015 on New Horizon’s fly-by as it exited our solar system. (Image credit: NASA, JHUAPL, SwRI, P Schenk & J. Blackwell/LPI.) Watching it is like taking a quickie vacation 3 billion miles away. https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap250518.html
BONUS—this 1-minute video shows New Horizon’s footage of Charon, Pluto’s moon: https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap250519.html
The above image of M63 (also called the Sunflower Galaxy) was recently captured by an amateur astrophotographer in his backyard in Ontario, Canada. The glow is from the radiation of giant newly-birthed white-blue stars, whose light travelled over 27 million light-years to reach that backyard in Canada and the rest of planet Earth. (Image credit: Ronald Brecher.) Amateur astrophotographer catches a cosmic sunflower in bloom 5/17/25 https://www.space.com/stargazing/astrophotography/amateur-astrophotographer-catches-a-cosmic-sunflower-in-bloom
Above, the International Space Station is seen crossing in front of the sun, one day last month. (Image Credit Pau Montplet.) https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap250521.html
Bill Nelson, NASA’s former Administrator, said the Trump’s administration’s $6 Billion budget cut for NASA takes “a chainsaw and a meat-ax” to its mission. In particular, Nelson warned about gutting NASA’s science budget. “You’ve got this incredible agency populated by what I call a bunch of wizards that, on a daily basis, make the impossible possible. … You are going directly at what NASA is all about, which is a science, research and development agency with cutting-edge technology, and you’re cutting the guts and the heart out of that.” Nelson said. Former NASA chief: Trump’s budget takes ‘a chainsaw and a meat-ax’ to space agency 5/15/25 https://www.politico.com/news/2025/05/15/nasa-cuts-trump-bill-nelson-00351639
British officials are concerned that the last 2 Starship test flights exploded and rained debris down on British territories in the Caribbean. As a result, the UK government presented safety concerns to the FAA, particularly as to the British Virgin Islands, Anguilla and the Turks and Caicos Islands—all of which face debris risk from the upcoming launch of Starship 9. The British letter to the US State Department asked for a change in launch trajectory or at least altering launch timing to minimize risk and economic impact. Instead, the FAA expanded the “Aircraft Hazard Area” for Starship 9, stretching from the Gulf of Mexico to the Caribbean, potentially affecting 175 commercial flights. That hazard area nearly encompasses the Turks and Caicos Islands in their entirety. The agency said the changes were due to the prior Starship problems and because SpaceX plans to reuse a previously launched Super Heavy booster rocket — something it will be doing for the first time. (Image credit of March Starship launch: Ronaldo Schemidt/AFP via Getty Images.) After Two SpaceX Explosions, U.K. Officials Ask FAA to Change Starship Flight Plans 5/15/25 https://www.propublica.org/article/spacex-starship-explosions-uk-turks-caicos-faa-launches
On May 22, the FAA cleared SpaceX’s giant Starship rocket for its next experimental launch, which will be Flight Nine. The last 2 launches ended quickly in massive and messy explosions. However, the FAA decided SpaceX had addressed the causes of the past “mishaps” and granted “return to flight” status to Starship. SpaceX is headed by Elon Musk, Trump’s largest campaign contributor; while in DC for the last few months, Musk involved himself in many matters, including ousting the previous FAA chief. Tuesday, May 27, is likely to be the start of the launch window for Starship 9. SpaceX gets FAA approval for Flight 9 of Starship megarocket 5/22/25 https://www.space.com/space-exploration/launches-spacecraft/spacex-gets-faa-approval-for-flight-9-of-starship-megarocket
With liberty and justice for all … except women.
The Texas Legislature last week passed a bill that standardizes the medical exception in the state’s abortion ban, and requires doctors to receive training on what is permissible under the law. It also clarifies that doctors may treat a life-threatening condition before a patient faces imminent death or harm. However, there is no change to who qualifies for a legal abortion; in Texas, abortion is prohibited from fertilization, and there are no exceptions for rape, incest or fetal anomalies. “For a medical exception to apply, a pregnant woman must have a life-threatening condition, period,” a legislator stated. Gov. Abbott is expected to sign the bill into law. Texas House overwhelmingly passes bill to clarify medical exception to state abortion ban 5/21/25 https://www.statesman.com/story/news/politics/state/2025/05/21/abortion-law-texas-house-senate-bill-31-clarify-exceptions-greg-abbott/83582388007/
In March, the State of Texas filed its very first criminal case under the state’s 2021 abortion ban. The case accused a Houston-area midwife of performing illegal abortions, but she says Attorney General Ken Paxton was so desperate to bring an abortion case that his office “conducted a shoddy investigation and leapt to wild conclusions.” Maria Rojas says she only performed midwife services, as she is licensed to do. She has not yet been formally indicted on the criminal charges, but the Attorney General brought a civil suit to shut down her clinics. She is asking the First Court of Appeals to overturn a temporary injunction that prevents her from offering midwife services and operating her clinics, citing numerous errors and oversteps in the state’s case. Houston midwife accused of illegal abortions appeals clinic closures 5/14/25 https://www.texastribune.org/2025/05/14/texas-abortion-illegal-arrest-houston-midwife/
Back to me….
Summer is here with a vengeance. Don’t even THINK about leaving a pet in your vehicle.
Just wanted to pass along a recommendation for those needing estate planning, wills and trusts, or probate work done right here in Lakeway. Taylor Bosworth & Bullard PLLC, (512) 575-3000, 1921 Lohmans Crossing Road, Ste. 210, Lakeway www.tbblaw.com
I recently had Rachel Bosworth re-do my will (plus all the ancillary paperwork, like financial and medical powers). She was previously with the ever-changing Thrash firm, but she and 2 other attorneys have formed their own law firm here in Lakeway. Great work, prompt completion, convenience, good price. Plus, Rachel had valuable ideas that improved my estate plan while keeping things simple, and she made the process enjoyable. (Since I practiced estate planning and probate decades ago in Dallas, I’m pretty hard to impress in this area, but Rachel did exactly that.)
Community Impact just did a short profile on the new firm: https://communityimpact.com/austin/lake-travis-westlake/business/2025/05/16/taylor-bosworth-bullard-pllc-now-offering-estate-planning-services-in-lakeway/
FAWN SEASON!
Want your own yard sign (above) to protect fawns in your neighborhood? Local artist Victoria Waite created these a while back and sells them for $20 each (to cover printing costs). She will even deliver to your house, locally. Contact her at victoria.waite.art@gmail.com to get a sign.
If the fawn’s ears are curled or its bottom is dirty, Mom has been gone too long, and it needs help. Our closest expert is Leanne Dupay, permitted wildlife rehabilitator with Texas Parks & Wildlife 512-694-1811. (She lives in The Hills.)
Finally, I spotted FAWNS on my morning walks–several of them, actually, contentedly parked in Old Lakeway. Here are some deer photos I took recently.
