AUSTIN, Texas – The City of Austin is preparing for its “Star-Spangled Fest” Fourth of July celebration.

The backstory:

Friday morning, crews were setting up at Auditorium Shores.

The morning portion on Saturday will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The afternoon portion will start at 4:30 p.m. and will go until 10 p.m.

There will be music, food, drinks, and plenty of activities for all ages.

It’s a free event. The city estimates past celebrations have drawn about 70,000 people.

“It’s in its 49th year so we know it’s important to the city. We know it is important to bring all different Austinites together,” Teri Smart, producer of the Star-Spangled Fest, said.

The grand finale will include a drone show and fireworks show, with 2,500 blasts going off.

“The symphony will be playing, there will be a drone show celebrating the last 250 years of travel evolution, so a little different spin on the 250th for America. And then the fireworks will go off, so it’s just going to be one thing after the other,” Smart said.

DPS Statewide Enforcement

If you’re hitting the road this weekend, you may see more state troopers on the highways. Texas DPS is cracking down on speeding, DWIs, and distracted driving. 

DPS expects more people on the roads for America’s 250th anniversary celebrations, plus World Cup events in Dallas and Houston.

“We know there’s going to be increased traffic, so we’re going to increase our presence on the highways and make sure everybody’s safe, and we can get everybody home safely,” Sgt. Billy Ray with Texas DPS said.

During last year’s Fourth of July enforcement campaign, DPS issued more than 64,241 citations and warnings, including 5,042 for speeding; 1,632 for no insurance; and more than 398 for individuals without seat belts or child seat restraints. DPS also arrested 277 people on DWI charges and 281 people for other felony charges.

Make sure your car is working well before you hit the road. Plan your route, and don’t drive distracted. If you see someone who might be intoxicated on the road, call law enforcement. 

Boating safety

If you’re going to be out on the water, be mindful of your safety as well. 

FOX 7 caught up with some boaters getting an early start to celebrating the Fourth of July at the Loop 360 boat ramp.

“It’s just like driving. Be defensive. You know, watch out for all the other people because there’s some crazy a** people out there, sorry, there’s some crazy people out there,” Darwin German said. 

“Please don’t drink and drive. Please be safe out there. Look out for others too, and not only for others, but for yourself as well, be safe,” Manuela Atilano said.

It wasn’t but two years ago that Texas boasted one of the nation’s best passing defenses. Back in 2024, the Longhorns’ first year in the SEC, the Texas passing defense finished No. 7 nationally, allowing just 173.8 passing yards per game. 

Yet, despite bringing back contributors like veteran safety Michael Taaffe, Jaylon Guilbeau, and Jelani McDonald, the Longhorns’ passing defense turned from a strength into a weakness last season. Texas went from finishing inside the top-10 in passing defense to finishing barely inside the top-100 at No. 97.

Now, though, fresh off giving up 234.9 passing yards per game, the Longhorns look intent on not letting that happen again. With defensive coordinator Will Muschamp and defensive passing game coordinator Blake Gideon back on the Forty Acres, the Longhorns are putting together what may be the nation’s best defensive back recruiting class.

 John Meredith – Five-Star CB

Nothing may bring fans more joy than the Longhorns beating their archrival on the field, but seeing Texas beat out Texas A&M for the No. 2 player in the nation may be second. 

That is exactly what the Longhorns did when they landed Fort Worth, Texas, native John Meredith, who announced his commitment to a nationwide audience via the Pat McAfee Show. 

He is the No. 1 cornerback in the class, and his Rivals profile gives him a comparison to two-time first-team All-Pro Sauce Gardner.

Brandon Sherrard – Four-Star CB

The most recent defensive back to join Texas’s class, committed to the Longhorns on Wednesday over LSU and Texas A&M, among others. Rivals ranks him as the No. 21 cornerback in the class at 6-foot-1 and 180 pounds. 

Montre Jackson – Four-Star CB

Then right behind Sherrard in the rankings is the fellow Texas commit from Garland, Texas. Jackson verbally committed to the Longhorns back at the end of June, picking them over the likes of SMU, Oklahoma, and Ole Miss. 

He ranks as the No. 25 cornerback in the class per Rivals. 

Junior Tu’upo – Four-Star S

The Alabaster, Alabama, native is the lone safety currently in the class. He also chose Texas back at the end of June and ranks as the No. 22 safety in the class and No. 256 prospect nationally. 

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AUSTIN, Texas – Two murder suspects wanted out of Austin were arrested on Thursday.

Officials said the suspects were wanted in connection with separate murder investigations. 

Timeline:

The Austin Police Department requested assistance from the U.S. Marshals Lone Star Fugitive Task Force to find two suspects wanted for murder.

23-year-old Jaylon Plummer

On June 23, APD requested help looking for 23-year-old Jaylon Plummer, of Manor. He was wanted in connection with a man’s death on April 3 in the 10900 block of Brazoria Lane.

23-year-old Jaylon Plummer

On July 2, the task force went to an apartment complex in the 10500 block of Wildhorse Ranch Trail in Manor. He barricaded himself inside an apartment. 

Plummer later surrendered and was arrested without incident.

26-year-old Sierra Rodriguez

On June 26, APD requested help looking for 26-year-old Sierra Rodriguez, of Austin. She was wanted for the murder of a victim who was found dead on June 24 in the 5100 block of Lambs Lane.

26-year-old Sierra Rodriguez

On July 2, Rodriguez was arrested at an apartment complex in the 700 block of W. William Cannon Drive. 

She surrendered without incident.