Florence

50 acres burnt near Parmer Lane: an overview shot shows an area in Cedar Park impacted by the Parmer Lane fire in August 2023. [Sun archive photo]

50 acres burnt near Parmer Lane: an overview shot shows an area in Cedar Park impacted by the Parmer Lane fire in August 2023. [Sun archive photo]

Williamson County issues county-wide burn ban

The Williamson County Commissioners Court issued a county-wide burn ban effective 10:18 a.m. on Tuesday, March 25, for a period not to exceed 90 days due to severe drought conditions. These conditions include above-average heat, low humidity, low fuel moisture, and high winds.
 Williamson County Constable Kevin Wilkie, left, Florence Police Chief Wayne Thompson, center, and Mayor Ben Daniel, right, host a Meet the Mayor and Chat with the Chief meeting at Dwell Coffee House, March 6.  Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Williamson County Constable Kevin Wilkie, left, Florence Police Chief Wayne Thompson, center, and Mayor Ben Daniel, right, host a Meet the Mayor and Chat with the Chief meeting at Dwell Coffee House, March 6. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Flourishing forward: Florence admin, staff take action to improve city

The City of Florence will start to see changes in the near future with new initiatives and development, starting with Spring Clean-up Day.Mayor Ben Daniel and Florence Police Chief Wayne Thompson held the first Meet the Mayor and Chat with the Chief meeting at Dwell Coffee House, March 6.
The Williamson County Commissioners Court on March 14 — from left Terry Cook, Cynthia Long, Valerie Covey and Russ Boles — set the interview date for interim county judge candidates. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

The Williamson County Commissioners Court on March 14 — from left Terry Cook, Cynthia Long, Valerie Covey and Russ Boles — set the interview date for interim county judge candidates. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Williamson County Commissioners set date for candidate appointments

Williamson County Commissioners Court on March 14 set a timeline to announce an interim County Judge, who will step in to finish out Bill Gravell’s current term.Each of the four commissioners – Terry Cook, Cynthia Long, Valerie Covey and Russ Boles – will be taking resumes and cover letters from...
Former County Judge Bill Gravell sits as an audience member, hearing the Commissioners wish him well on his next adventure after he resigned as County Judge, March 11. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Former County Judge Bill Gravell sits as an audience member, hearing the Commissioners wish him well on his next adventure after he resigned as County Judge, March 11. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Bill Gravell reflects time as Williamson County judge, embraces new role as federal advocate

Earlier this week, Bill Gravell announced his resignation as Williamson County Judge to work as the Region Six Advocate in the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Chief Economic Development Officer for the City of Cedar Park Arthur Jackson, front, and Chief Operating Officer of Firefly Aerospace Dan Fermon, back, explain the economic impact of a spaceport during the meeting. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Chief Economic Development Officer for the City of Cedar Park Arthur Jackson, front, and Chief Operating Officer of Firefly Aerospace Dan Fermon, back, explain the economic impact of a spaceport during the meeting. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Williamson County greenlights spaceport liftoff

Following Firefly Aerospace’s successful lunar landing, Williamson County is working toward creating a new spaceport development corporation board to “provide fiscal guidance and ongoing governance” of spaceport operations in Williamson and Burnet counties.
Bill Gravell, left, is sworn in by Judge Besty Lambeth, right, as the Region Six advocate for Small Businesses in America in the Office of Advocacy, March 11. Jill Gravell, center, holds a Bible as Mr. Gravell recites the oath. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Bill Gravell, left, is sworn in by Judge Besty Lambeth, right, as the Region Six advocate for Small Businesses in America in the Office of Advocacy, March 11. Jill Gravell, center, holds a Bible as Mr. Gravell recites the oath. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

County Judge Bill Gravell resigns

After six years of service, Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell resigned from office Tuesday, March 11, to accept a position under the Trump Administration.
County Engineer Adam Boatright, front, and David Glenn, director of government relations with Home Builders Association, back, explain the new subdivision regulations during the March 4 Commissioners Court meeting. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

County Engineer Adam Boatright, front, and David Glenn, director of government relations with Home Builders Association, back, explain the new subdivision regulations during the March 4 Commissioners Court meeting. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

County officials adopt new subdivision regulations

Real estate developers have to follow new regulations passed on March 4 by the Williamson County Commissioners Court.
Strong winds led to a dusty landscape as seen along County Road 124 near Weir on Tuesday, March 4, 2025.   Photo by Andy Sharp.

Strong winds led to a dusty landscape as seen along County Road 124 near Weir on Tuesday, March 4, 2025. Photo by Andy Sharp.

Dust in the Wind

Strong winds led to a dusty landscape in Williamson County Tuesday afternoon, March 4. Dry conditions and strong winds led to extreme fire weather, and a warm, breezy and hazy afternoon.    Photos by Andy Sharp.  
County Judge Bill Gravell, center, holds up a Level III/IIIA rifle-resistant body armor that will be for Sheriff Deputies. Photos by Nalani Nuylan.

County Judge Bill Gravell, center, holds up a Level III/IIIA rifle-resistant body armor that will be for Sheriff Deputies. Photos by Nalani Nuylan.

Grants could support new sheriff equipment, trainings

Sheriff Matt Lindemann is pursuing federal grants to help fund the Sheriff’s Office’s Victim Services Unit and new body armor for deputies.