Florence

Williamson County Judge Steve Snell, left, Central Texas Community Foundation executive director Amy Merida, center, and Travis County Judge Andy Brown, right, provide and update on the financial assistance to the July Floods, December 1, 2025. Sun Archive.

Williamson County Judge Steve Snell, left, Central Texas Community Foundation executive director Amy Merida, center, and Travis County Judge Andy Brown, right, provide and update on the financial assistance to the July Floods, December 1, 2025. Sun Archive.

One year later: Williamson County looks back at July 5 flood, follow up support

One year after devastating floods forever changed communities across Central Texas, the Central Texas Community Foundation has released its one-year impact report. The findings show that an outpouring of community support helped hundreds of families rebuild their lives.
The Old Town July 4 parade travels trough the neighborhood as residents walk to San José Park in Georgetown in 2023. (Sun Archive)

The Old Town July 4 parade travels trough the neighborhood as residents walk to San José Park in Georgetown in 2023. (Sun Archive)

July 4 festivals, activities abound across Wilco

This week, the United States of America celebrates 250 years of independence, and groups across Williamson County are hosting patriotic activities, fireworks and more.
This appears to be a $20 bill, but text on the front and back states that it’s for motion picture purposes only, indicating that it’s fake and of no monetary value. Fake or prop money like this has been circulating in town. (Courtesy First Texas Bank)

This appears to be a $20 bill, but text on the front and back states that it’s for motion picture purposes only, indicating that it’s fake and of no monetary value. Fake or prop money like this has been circulating in town. (Courtesy First Texas Bank)

First Texas Bank sees a rise in fake money in business deposits

Businesses across Central Texas are increasingly depositing prop money that resembles U.S. currency, according to First Texas Bank, which says its tellers in Georgetown and other branches have seen a noticeable rise in the fake bills over the past three months.
Zane Guerra of Jourdanton, Texas prepares to take part in Team Roping  during the Williamson County Sheriff’s Posse Rodeo on Friday, June 27, 2025. (Sun Archive)

Zane Guerra of Jourdanton, Texas prepares to take part in Team Roping during the Williamson County Sheriff’s Posse Rodeo on Friday, June 27, 2025. (Sun Archive)

Annual Williamson County Sheriff’s Posse Rodeo this weekend

The Williamson County Sheriff’s Posse will celebrate its 82nd annual rodeo this weekend on June 26 and 27 in Jarrell. It takes place at the WCSP Arena, 1600 County Road 305.
A New World screwworm fly. (Mexican-American Commission for the Eradication of the Screwworm)

A New World screwworm fly. (Mexican-American Commission for the Eradication of the Screwworm)

Destructive livestock parasite makes its way to Central Texas

Earlier this month, the Texas Department of Agriculture confirmed its first cases of New World Screwworm, one of which was in Central Texas in Gillespie County near Fredericksburg. Texas has confirmed 15 total cases across the state as of June 22.
Williamson County Tax Assessor-Collector Larry Gaddes. Photo courtesy of Williamson County.

Williamson County Tax Assessor-Collector Larry Gaddes. Photo courtesy of Williamson County.

Williamson County Tax Assessor-Collector relinquishes position

Williamson County Tax Assessor-Collector Larry Gaddes is leaving his elected office to accept a position as deputy executive director of the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.On Tuesday, June 9, the Williamson County Commissioners Court accepted Mr. Gaddes' resignation.
Florence residents line the pews as they wait to speak against an incoming 750-home subdivision during public comment at the June 9 Williamson County Commissioners Court meeting. From left: Howard Creasy, Frank Elverado (center), Melissa Rosenbusch-Spicer and Cristy Daniell. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Florence residents line the pews as they wait to speak against an incoming 750-home subdivision during public comment at the June 9 Williamson County Commissioners Court meeting. From left: Howard Creasy, Frank Elverado (center), Melissa Rosenbusch-Spicer and Cristy Daniell. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Florence-area development sparks debate

A new 750-home subdivision is coming to unincorporated land just outside the City of Florence.
The Williamson County Justices of the Peace attend the June 9 Commissioners Court to advocate entering into a contract with Tranquil Mortuary. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

The Williamson County Justices of the Peace attend the June 9 Commissioners Court to advocate entering into a contract with Tranquil Mortuary. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Commissioners, JPs debate exemption for transport contract

The Williamson County Commissioners Court voted to allow Hutto-based Tranquil Mortuary to continue providing transport services for recently-deceased bodies while directing county staff to pursue a formal contract, following debate over whether the service should have been competitively bid under...