Travis County is now eligible for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Individual Assistance program, which provides direct support to individuals and families affected by the disaster. The county is also approved for the FEMA Public Assistance Program, which helps local governments and certain non-profit organizations.
The disaster declaration makes Travis County residents and organizations eligible for several forms of federal assistance:
SBA Loans: Physical Loan Application Deadline is September 4, 2025, and Economic Injury (EIDL) Loan Application Deadline is April 6, 2026
Individual Assistance: Includes temporary housing, home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and families recover
Public Assistance: Includes assistance for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities
Current Status: Travis County Judge Andy Brown updated the disaster declaration to specifically restrict recreational use of Lake Travis within 100 feet of Cow Creek’s mouth and all of Cow Creek itself, though commercial operators and emergency responders remain exempt.
Casualties and Search Efforts: There are 10 confirmed flood-related fatalities, with search operations continuing for four missing individuals. Texas Task Force 2 Urban Search & Rescue is still conducting operations.
Community Support: Due to overwhelming generosity, Travis County has paused accepting donations of clothing, food, water, and supplies, stating they have more than enough. Instead, they’re directing people to donate to the Travis County CARES Fund for direct financial assistance to flood survivors.
Services and Resources:
- A resource center at Danielson Middle School remains open daily (9 a.m.-6 p.m.) providing food, showers, supplies, and support services
- FEMA representatives are available through July 23 to help with disaster aid applications
- Free transportation is available via CapMetro and Leander ISD buses
Infrastructure Updates:
- Most previously closed roads are now open
- A new 10-foot pedestrian path was completed on Round Mountain Road
- The Sandy Creek Bridge temporary crossing is open for two-way traffic
- Some areas remain closed, including Cow Creek’s second low-water crossing
Safety Measures:
- A burn ban is in effect through August 5, 2025
- Residents with flooded wells are advised to disinfect and test their water
- Health officials warn about increased mosquito populations and disease risks
- Heat safety precautions are emphasized for workers and volunteers
The county continues coordinated emergency response and recovery efforts while seeking volunteers aged 18+ at Jim Plain Elementary School.
Health officials are urging volunteers to take precautions while helping in affected areas. From dehydration and heat-related illness to mosquito-borne viruses like West Nile, the risks go beyond the obvious.
“No one came.” — Sandy Creek reident
While floodwaters devastated parts of Texas, much of the media and public attention was understandably focused on Kerrville. Sandy Creek, just outside Leander, was hit hard—but few knew it. As official resources were delayed, the community didn’t wait. Neighbors, volunteers, and even total strangers poured in with whatever they had—chainsaws, dump trucks, heavy equipment, and compassion.
This Texas Country Reporter story documents what happened when the cameras weren’t rolling and the headlines looked the other way. It’s a story of heartbreak, grit, and the kind of quiet heroism that defines strong communities.
In Williamson County, more than a dozen local and nonprofit organizations are working together to support flood victims. (CBS Austin)
A Disaster Recovery Center will open today in Burnet County. (CBS Austin)
Austin police said a homicide investigation is underway after one person was killed and another injured early Saturday morning in north Austin.
Austin firefighters rescued two people stuck in an elevator shaft Saturday.
San Marcos Police arrested a 19-year-old in connection with the fatal shooting that occurred Saturday, resulting in two deaths.
In Bexar County, officials are searching for a man in connection to the death of his wife.
If approved by Austin City Council, changes to zoning would enable over 2,700 residential units and 1.4 million square feet of commercial space to be built across Austin. (Austin Business Journal)
A new residential high-rise at the intersection of East Riverside Drive and South Lakeshore Boulevard is planned. It will be the Riverside area’s tallest building when completed. (Community Impact)
A controversial plan to release grass carp in Lake Austin to fight hydrilla is drawing backlash from local fishermen.
WEATHER
Even before lawmakers return to Austin for the special session, members of the joint House and Senate Disaster Preparedness and Flooding committee have already scheduled public hearings.
The first hearing is scheduled for July 23 in Austin, two days after the special session starts. A second hearing is scheduled for July 31 in Kerrville.
The Texas Legislature will convene for a 30-day special session starting at 12:00 PM on Monday, July 21, 2025, called by Governor Greg Abbott.
The session focuses on several key priorities:
Primary Issues:
- THC regulation: Creating a regulatory framework for consumable hemp products containing THC, after Abbott vetoed a planned ban on most hemp products
- Emergency preparedness: Following deadly Hill Country floods over July 4th weekend, addressing flood warning systems, emergency communications, natural disaster preparation, and relief funding
- Congressional redistricting: Redrawing some of Texas’ 38 U.S. House districts ahead of the 2026 midterms after facing pressure from President Donald Trump’s political team
Additional Conservative Priorities:
- Banning abortion pill manufacturing and distribution
- Requiring bathroom use based on sex assigned at birth
- Prohibiting cities and counties from hiring lobbyists
- Various other bills Abbott previously vetoed
Abbott identified 18 agenda items total for the special session. The session was called after Abbott vetoed the original hemp ban and more than two dozen other bills that lawmakers had passed during the regular session that ended in early June.
Texas Rep. James Talarico (D) is the guest on the latest episode of The Joe Rogan Experience.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced this week that he is investigating “more than 100 potential noncitizens” suspected of casting more than 200 ballots during the 2020 and 2022 election cycles. (Texas Tribune)
Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas — who is up for re-election next year and facing a primary challenge from Lone Star State Attorney General Ken Paxton — told NBC News that he has spoken to President Donald Trump about a potential endorsement. (AOL)
“I pointed out to him, and he knows this, that if he endorsed me, the race would be over.” — Texas Sen. John Cornyn
(Episode from July 19, 2025)
SPORTS
MLB: The Texas Rangers have finally made it past the .500 mark.
Kumar Rocker took a no-hitter into the sixth inning and Rowdy Tellez hit a three-run home run in his second game with the Rangers as Texas beat the slumping Detroit Tigers 4-1 on Saturday night. (Yahoo! Sports)
Meanwhile, the Houston Astros are struggling post-All-Star break.
Rookie second baseman Cole Young hit a walk-off single in the 11th inning to give the Seattle Mariners a 7-6 victory over the Houston Astros on Saturday night. (Yahoo! Sports)
ON THE SCHEDULE
AL WEST STANDINGS
Austin is hosting the 2025 MLS All-Star Game at Q2 Stadium on July 23. A weekend of celebration for soccer fans continues today downtown at Auditorium Shores.
Step into the smoky halls of Kreuz Market — one of Texas’s most legendary barbecue joints. Located in Lockhart, the “Barbecue Capital of Texas,” Kreuz has been smoking meat with no sauce and no forks since 1900.
