Waco just made Southern Living's list

Good morning, Waco! This is The Waco Buzz, the newsletter that feels like the first hit of air conditioning when you walk into HEB in June.

In this edition:
🌞 Summer is here. Heat is coming.
🚣⛳ Waco youth sports on the national stage
🏘 Two housing updates worth knowing
🗑 Your trash pickup is changing
📅 What to do Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday

Let's get to it!
— Sam Harper

🌞 Summer is official. The heat is coming.
Sunday was the solstice. Days are getting shorter from here, which means two things: football season is closer than it was last week, and triple digits may show up within the next two weeks. Cameron Park at 7 a.m. is a different planet than Cameron Park at 2 p.m. Plan accordingly.

🚣⛳ Two Waco programs had a big week.

Waco Rowing Center just came home from the 2026 USRowing Youth Nationals in Sarasota with the 2nd and 23rd fastest U17 Men's singles in the country. The program is only five years old. That result against clubs with decades on them is worth stopping to appreciate.

And the timing couldn't be better. Summer rowing is open now, five mornings a week on the Brazos. Youth and masters programs, no experience needed. If you've been looking for a workout that doesn't involve staring at a wall in an air-conditioned gym, the river is calling. Follow along on their Instagram to see what they're building out there, or show up and find out for yourself wacorowingcenter.org.

The Texas Youth Classic Golf Tournament is back for year two, June 30 to July 1, played across Cottonwood Creek and Bear Ridge. Registration closes Thursday. Each player picks their own adult caddy, who gets a personalized vest for the weekend. Monday night, June 29, registered players and their families get a VIP event at Urban Air with Baylor head golf coach Mike McGraw talking about what it takes to play college golf. Urban Air is also offering a $10,000 scholarship for a hole-in-one during the tournament.Register at TexasYouthClassic.com.

🍽 Community Corner

Wednesday evening is our June Dinner Club. We’ve got 92 people going out to dinner while I look for trout in the Rockies. Can’t wait to hear about the new friendships that are made and to jump back in next month!

On the travel front: the Bucket List Travel Club idea from Sunday got a 99% approval rating. There were only three people who said they live for the July heat and wouldn’t fathom going on a trip then. I consider it unanimous. Alaska 2027. It’s on.

Waco to Tampa, $320 Roundtrip in August

Looking to squeeze a beach trip in before the school year kicks back off? Clearwater Beach is a personal favorite if you're looking for a suggestion. If a beach trip has been on the list, this is a reasonable excuse to book it. Look at the flight deal here.
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🏘 Two housing updates

The neighborhood going up on Baylor's old Floyd Casey Stadium site just got a national stamp of approval. Cordova Springs was named a Southern Living Inspired Community, hand-picked for design, quality, and what the magazine calls Southern character. Three local builders are putting homes up there: Sorrells & Co., Jim Bland Construction, and Cooper Custom Homes. A Southern Living Showcase Home opens for tours this fall, with admission going to Isaiah 117 House. Visit cordovasprings.com or stop by 3200 Desarrollo Dr to see what they are up to.

More than $30 million in new apartments are coming to Legends Crossing. Developers from around the state are building a 204-unit complex called The Parker at Legends Crossing at 5803 Legend Lake Parkway, right next to Holiday Inn and Saltgrass. Construction has started and is set to open in 18 to 24 months out.
👉Read more on the Trib ($)

🗑 What's changing with your trash pickup
Starting October 1, yard waste goes in your gray cart. The green yard waste cart is being phased out. You have until October 1, 2027 to decide: return it, or keep it free as an extra gray cart until then. After that, there's a monthly charge.

Holiday weeks slide one day later starting this October. Tuesday pickup on a holiday moves to Wednesday. No more early surprises.

A small number of households will also see their regular pickup day change, but not citywide. The city will contact affected residents directly before October. Full details here.

🚚 Food truck owners: July 1 is the deadline.
A new state law replaces local food truck permits with a single statewide license from the Texas Department of State Health Services. One license, valid anywhere in Texas. Already licensed locally, you can keep operating while your state application processes. Not yet licensed, you cannot operate until your inspection clears. Applications are live now at dshs.texas.gov. Pass this one along.

LOOKING AHEAD
🎆 Fourth of July Weekend at the Silos — July 3-5

Magnolia is going all out for the Fourth. Face painting, balloon art, temporary tattoos, live music, cotton candy, and a Market Sidewalk Sale with items up to 60% off. You can also build a custom hat, which is exactly the kind of thing kids will talk about for the rest of the summer.

Worth noting: the Silos will be open Sunday the 5th too, which doesn't happen often. It's free and outdoors all weekend. See everything they're putting on that weekend here.^*

Tuesday, June 23:

Wednesday, June 24:

Thursday, June 25:

Want your event featured? Reserve an upcoming Featured Event listing here.

🔥 Waco Buzz readers can join HOTWORX Woodway for $1 in June and get your first workout free.

🧗‍♀️ This summer, Basin Climbing + Fitness is offering $25 off their summer camp using code WACOBUZZ. If you or your child wants to try climbing before signing up, swing by the gym any day and give it a try together.

🚗 Your neighbors at Chevrolet of West have been taking care of Waco drivers for years with new and pre-owned trucks, SUVs, and cars just 20 minutes up I-35 in West, TX. Stop by or browse their inventory today.

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💪Move better. Recover Faster. Live Stronger. Waco Bodymend is a world class space built for everyday movers, athletes, and anyone who wants to feel their best.

Thanks for reading The Waco Buzz today. If you found something helpful, share it with your co-worker who just got back from their PTO.

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