Austin, TX
Travis County issues disaster declaration ahead of April 8 total solar eclipse
A map of April 2024’s total solar eclipse
A total solar eclipse will cross North America in April. This animated map shows the path of totality across parts of Mexico, the U.S. and Canada. (Feb. 29) (AP Animation: Panagiotis Mouzakis and Marshall Ritzel)
Travis County leaders issued a disaster declaration on Friday, bracing for the county’s population to double as people visit to view the 2024 total solar eclipse.
This influx of people is expected to increase traffic and put a strain on first responders, according to a press release from Travis County. The declaration, signed by County Judge Andy Brown, takes effect on Friday.
2024 solar eclipse: Where are the best spots to view the total solar eclipse in Texas? Here are a few options
Issuing a disaster declaration allows the county to “protect the health, safety, and welfare of residents and visitors and position itself for aid and assistance if needed,” according to Friday’s press release.
“This disaster declaration will allow our first responders and public safety officials to better manage traffic and crowds as we anticipate the population to potentially double in size, and we want to ensure everyone can enjoy the total solar eclipse in Travis County,” Brown said in the press release.
County residents expecting to host a private watch party with 50 or more people are asked to inform the county of this gathering by filling out a form online. Informing the county of large gatherings will allow first responders to plan accordingly, the release states.
Bell County officials also declared a disaster declaration last month in preparation for the eclipse.
Tips for Travis County residents ahead of the 2024 solar eclipse
Officials suggested residents take the following actions to prepare for the swarm of people expected to descend on the county:
- Plan ahead for traffic congestion the weekend before and all day Monday, April 8, especially after the eclipse when people leave at the same time.
- Reschedule non-urgent appointments for a different day.
- Get gas and groceries and run errands before the eclipse day.
- Watch the eclipse at home or near your home.
- If traveling to watch the eclipse, plan ahead and download the What3Words app, which can help first responders locate 911 callers in an emergency.
More information about the eclipse can be found on the county’s website, traviscountytx.gov.
Where is the 2024 solar eclipse path of totality in Texas?
More: What is the path of the 2024 solar eclipse in Texas? See interactive map
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.
The Source: Information from the Austin Police Department
AUSTIN, Texas — CBS Austin will air a special newscast Friday night examining where flood recovery efforts stand across Texas and what lies ahead, followed by a town hall streamed online.
“Rising Waters: One Year After the Floods” airs Friday at 6:30 p.m. on CBS Austin, taking a look at the current state of recovery efforts one year after the deadly flooding and posing the question of what’s next to state leaders.
Immediately following the special, a town hall will stream at 7 p.m. on CBSAustin.com and the station’s YouTube page.
AUSTIN, Texas – The Austin Police Department (APD) Lake Patrol Unit will be enforcing the City Ordnance that prohibits the use and operation of personal watercraft, wet bikes, motorized surfboards, and similar devices on Lake Austin.
The Austin Parks and Recreation Department and the Austin Police Department want the public to enjoy the parks and lakes but urge people to make this a safe holiday.
This city ordinance only applies to Lake Austin.
Personal watercraft ban
The backstory:
This ban will go into effect beginning at sunset on Friday, July 3, and ending on Sunday, July 5, at sunrise as outlined in Ordinance 8-5-81.
Non-motorized devices such as kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards can still be used along with watercraft designed for the conventional manner of sitting or standing in the vessel.
The annual ban on personal watercraft is necessary to ensure the safety of many people using the lake and parks over the July 4th holiday weekend.
Police will patrol Lake Austin this holiday weekend and urge people using waterways to follow the Texas Water Safety Act and City of Austin boating laws and ordinances. Police urge all boaters to practice safe boating and to call 9-1-1 for all reckless operation of boats or emergencies.
What is city ordinance 8-5-81?
- A person may not use or possess a jet ski, wet bike, motorized surfboard, or similar device on Lake Austin:From sunset on the Friday before Memorial Day until sunrise on the Tuesday after Memorial DayFrom sunset on the Friday before Labor Day until sunrise on the Tuesday after Labor DayFrom sunset on July 3 until sunrise on July 5
- From sunset on the Friday before Memorial Day until sunrise on the Tuesday after Memorial Day
- From sunset on the Friday before Labor Day until sunrise on the Tuesday after Labor Day
- From sunset on July 3 until sunrise on July 5
- A person operating a motorboat on Lake Austin shall stay on the right side of the lake, except when assisting a downed water skier.
- A person may not operate a watercraft on Lake Austin at a speed that is greater than reasonable and prudent under the existing circumstances.
The Source: Information from the Austin Police Department
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