Austin Public Health gave an update this morning on the latest with vaccinations. It was indicated about 25% of individuals in Travis County have received at least one dose of the vaccine. For those 65 and older, that number is around 50%. Click here for helpful links on vaccinations, including the pre-registration portal with Austin Public Health.

Travis County moved from Stage 4 to Stage 3 of the risk-based guidelines last weekend. This is due to a continued decline in area-wide hospitalizations. Stage 3 guidelines recommend businesses operate anywhere between 50% to 75% instead of the Stage 4 recommendations of operating at a 25% to 50% capacity. Additionally, there is no longer a recommendation to avoid non-essential travel. It's still recommended to keep social groups to no more than 10, and for those at higher risk to avoid dining/shopping unless essential. Click here to read more about the guidelines.

A total of 77,916 cases have been reported to date in Travis County, with 1,141 active cases at this time (down from 1,250 last week) and 181 individuals hospitalized in the region (down from 221 last week). A total of 127,066 individuals have received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine in Travis County through Austin Public Health according to the latest update to their dashboard (up from 92,968 last week). Click here to review the COVID-19 case dashboard, which includes an interactive map to see cases by your zip code. Click here for more details on hospitalizations.

Whether you have or have not received a vaccine, it's still strongly encouraged to continue to social/physical distance between individuals not in your household, wear a proper face covering, and wash your hands regularly. Thank you for continuing to follow these guidelines.

On Friday, March 12, 2021, LCRA received test results showing toxicity from blue-green algae in samples taken at 10 locations on Lake Travis, including Lakeway City Park. LCRA is strongly urging pet owners not to allow dogs to play in or eat algae in any of the Highland Lakes. LCRA has not received any additional reports of dogs becoming ill after swimming in Lake Travis in the last few weeks. LCRA did earlier receive reports of two dogs dying and five others becoming ill after swimming in the Travis Landing neighborhood near Hudson Bend/Comanche Point. LCRA will take additional water and algae samples from other parts of Lake Travis and the other Highland Lakes. Those results will be shared as soon as they are back from the lab.

For people, algae toxins can cause skin and eye irritation or rashes. Severe reactions can occur when large amounts of water are ingested, and can range from diarrhea, cramps and vomiting to fainting, dizziness and numbness, or tingling in lips, fingers and toes. It's important to call your doctor if you are experiencing symptoms related to possible exposure to harmful algae.

Animals can experience symptoms within minutes of exposure, including drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, difficulty breathing, seizure, and even death. Contact your veterinarian if your dog is experiencing these symptoms after swimming in the lake.

You can minimize risk of exposure through the following tips from LCRA:

Click here for more information from LCRA.

The regular City Council meeting for March was this past Monday, March 15 at 6:30 p.m. through video conference. Here is a brief recap:

FINANCIALS: The City of Lakeway's Finance Director gave an overview of the city's budget to date and found that the revenue is $236,519 over budget due mainly to favorable sales tax income, and expenditures are $271,960 under budget due mainly to salary savings with vacant positions.

ZONING REQUEST: A vote on the zoning change request for 15617 Flint Rock Road in relation to a proposed development of 126 detached single-residential homes was moved until the next regular City Council meeting in April.

ANNUAL REPORTS: The city's Building & Development Services Department, along with the City Building Commission and the Zoning and Planning Commission gave a report highlighting work completed in 2020. In that year, the BDS Department issued 1,376 residential permits with the top permits focused on fencing, new home construction, landscaping and swimming pools/spas.

LIEBELT CABIN RESTORATION: City Council voted in favor of beginning work to repair the historic Liebelt Cabin (located next to City Hall) and limit further deterioration. The work includes repairing log rot, replacing door thresholds and other minor repairs for a total of $17,304.58. City Council also voted in favor of the city applying for a grant with Lakeway Civic Corporation to help complete the restoration project.

Click here to watch the full meeting, and to review the agenda.