Brink Drones presented its drone-as-first-responder (DFR) system to the Lakeway City Council on Aug. 3, describing a network of prepositioned drones linked to 911/CAD that can put eyes on a scene in roughly a minute and potentially clear many low-priority calls without sending ground units. Company representatives highlighted camera payloads, the ability to deliver life-saving items such as AEDs or Narcan, and a public transparency dashboard that logs missions, with markings and lights for visibility. Council members asked specifically about thermal imaging for Lake Travis rescues (effectiveness depends on water temperature and time in the water), battery life (advertised ~42 minutes, operationally closer to 30), data storage and retention, and staffing needs.
The police chief indicated the department would initially try to handle operations by reallocating existing dispatch and pilot personnel rather than adding full-time staff. No procurement decision was made; the demonstration and technical answers will feed into upcoming budget discussions. Warranty, pilot training, and FAA compliance support would be included in any future contract. A public commenter praised the concept while noting cost as a key consideration.
Lake Travis has a new barbecue option. Good BBQ Company, which got its start as a food trailer on East 12th Street in Austin, is now open at its second location inside Lake Trav...
Construction is underway on Pickleball Grove, a planned 15-court racquet sports complex at 5411 Reimers Peacock Road in Spicewood. Crews broke ground Oct. 12 on the first four o...
Canyon Ranch's new Hill Country wellness resort in Spicewood is scheduled to open for overnight guests on Oct. 22, Community Impact reports. The 600-acre property will have 141...
Community Impact's latest roundup lists 14 business changes across the Lake Travis-Westlake area, including several near the lake. In Spicewood, Infinite Hitting - Lake Travis i...
