Real Estate Photographer in Cedar Creek, TX

Central Texas' tech hub prowess continues to grow as yet another industry giant is developing the region's latest data center, mere miles from the Texas capital.

Global data center EdgeConneX is home to more than 80 data centers across four continents and over 20 countries, but its sights have now been set on the Lone Star State. The Virginia-based company is on deck to develop a $440 million data center facility in Cedar Creek within Bastrop County, according to filings with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation registered in July.

That facility will encompass two stories and 578,000 square feet, according to the TDLR filing. The project is on set for a June 2026 completion, based on preliminary timelines.

Online, company officials heralded the Austin area as a "welcoming climate" for data center technology. Officials said the 130-acre site under development will tease up future expansion opportunities and "provide multi-cloud access solutions and direct access to leading networks."

"Austin is a rapidly growing city in mid-Texas with a strong tech sector and a welcoming climate for tech professionals nationwide and beyond," company leaders wrote online. "Although the data center market is just beginning to grow, the city’s rich interconnection and cloud options make it an ideal location to establish a presence, with easy access to large Texan metro areas."

It'll mark the first of four buildings being constructed as part of the campus development, amounting to a roughly $1.4 billion investment, the Bastrop Economic Development Corporation confirmed in October. It also signifies the latest advancement in the county's ballooning tech footprint, supplementing the emerging industry already well underway courtesy Elon Musk.

The world's richest man has transformed Central Texas into a hotbed for his various companies, notably the Giga Texas factory in Austin. However, the city of Bastrop has become its own mini Musk oasis via Hyperloop Plaza, home to headquarters or satellite locations for X, SpaceX, Starlink and the Boring Company.

"Bastrop County is becoming an increasingly recognizable community in Texas due to strategic growth, long-term development and emerging industries, such as manufacturing, technology, and film production," the Bastrop EDC said in the fall. "As development accelerates, local leaders are dedicated to guiding the process every step of the way, leading to an exciting new economic chapter for the region."

Find it: 6752 FM535, Cedar Creek, TX 78612

A sewer overflow in Abilene released more than 100,000 gallons of wastewater into Cedar Creek, prompting cleanup efforts and water quality monitoring. City officials

ABILENE, Texas — More than 100,000 gallons of untreated wastewater spilled into Cedar Creek on Tuesday evening after a sanitary sewer overflow in Abilene’s wastewater collection system, city officials said.

The overflow happened near Stevenson Park, where wastewater entered the creek following what officials believe was a blockage or possible line collapse. Heavy rains in recent days may have contributed to the failure. The park remains open and was not directly affected by the spill.

A sanitary sewer overflow occurs when wastewater is released before reaching a treatment facility. City crews have begun cleanup and disinfection efforts and installed bypass pumps to isolate the damaged portion of the line while repairs are made.

“Preliminary assessments indicate the cause was a blockage or potential line collapse, likely triggered by inundation from recent rains,” the city said in a statement.

The Water Utilities Department is conducting water-quality testing at multiple points along Cedar Creek to track environmental impacts. Officials stressed that Abilene’s drinking water supply remains safe and has not been affected by the spill.

Residents are urged to avoid all soil, water or debris within the barricaded area surrounding the spill site. Anyone who comes into contact with contaminated water should wash thoroughly and clean any exposed clothing immediately.

People who use private wells within a half-mile of the affected area are advised to boil water for at least one minute or use distilled water until their well supply can be tested and disinfected, if needed.

City officials said they are complying with all Texas Commission on Environmental Quality requirements and will continue sampling along Cedar Creek as cleanup progresses.

For more information, residents may call Water Administration at 325-676-6200. For after-hours or holiday emergencies, contact 325-676-6000.

Are you in charge of bringing dessert for Thanksgiving? Instead of working tirelessly in the kitchen or waiting in long lines for ingredients at the grocery store, you can take a drive to the Buc-ee's of pecans in Central Texas.

Berdoll Pecan Candy and Gift Company in Cedar Creek has the world's only pecan pie vending machine. The 24-hour road stop is restocked daily with a variety of flavored pecans and its homemade full-size pies.

Located about 20 miles southeast of Austin, Berdoll is situated right off State Highway 71 not too far from Bastrop. You can't miss its massive landmark: a 14-foot-tall squirrel statue known as Ms. Pearl.

This beloved family-owned business has been selling pecans from their orchard for more than 45 years. The Berdoll family installed its original vending machine in 2008 in response to demand for pies and other treats that couldn’t be met during regular business hours, according to its website.

During the busy holiday season in November and December, the refrigerated machine is restocked everyday at midnight with fresh pecan pies, which have become the shop's best-selling item. Besides its classic and chocolate pecan pies, which are loaded with extra pecans ($30), the machine also offers snack bags ($25) of chocolate covered, honey glazed, and regular pecans at any time day or night.

Cameras placed around the machine never fails to entertain the staff as they review footage each day from the previous night of visitors squirreling to get their hands on these popular pecan goodies around the clock, the Berdoll website states.

If you're lucky enough to visit the Berdoll gift shop during business hours, you'll discover a wide range of pecan products and squirrel-themed souvenirs from five and 10 pound bags of shelled pecans to fudge, pecan oils, candles, T-shirts and so much more.

There's even an assortment of free samples inside, so if you're driving in between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m., it's worth a quick stop. In addition, the platform where Ms. Pearl is displayed is currently decorated for fall, making it the perfect photo-op for your Thanksgiving roadtrip.

And for those who don't live nearby, Berdoll also offers worldwide shipping for online orders and sells some of its products in H-E-B and other local stores.

Find it: 2626 State Hwy 71, Cedar Creek, TX 78612