Waco Has Heart

From real ways to support flood victims to what’s reopening, what’s playing, and what happening in Waco this week.

Good morning, Waco! This is the Waco Buzz, a small way to stay connected in a week that feels heavy.

In today’s edition:

  • How to Help After the Floods ❤️

  • Where Are We?! 📸

  • Live Music and Events this week 🎶

  • Little Shop on Bosque Reopens 🫶

Sam Harper

Buzzworthy News

💔💔 How to Help After the Floods

This past weekend, tragedy struck Texas. Many are asking how to help. Start with the Texas Hill Country Relief Fund, or call 830-465-4794 or the Salvation Army at 830-465-4797—the official response organizations.

While the physical cleanup will take months, the emotional recovery will take much longer. Grief is normal. Mourning is healthy. If you or someone you know is struggling, talk to a pastor, a counselor, a friend. You don’t have to walk through this alone.

And check on your neighbors this week.

Former Waco Detective and Director of Law Enforcement Training and Operations, Joseph Scaramucci has been sharing updates consistently on what is needed at this time as well as ways that attempts to help may actually be hurting the process.

Together with GoodKind

Our family has been using the Graticube from GoodKind these past few weeks, and it’s helped us focus on gratitude even when life feels overwhelming. It’s a simple tool that gets us talking about what we’re thankful for, from small things to recognizing the gift it to be alive.

Our kids light up when they get to share what made them smile, and as a parent, there are few things better than hearing your child say “thank you” without being prompted. It’s become a little ritual that grounds us at dinner, even on the hard days.

If you’re looking for a way to hear “thank you” more often in your home, and maybe spark some meaningful conversations along the way—I can’t recommend Graticube enough. Plus, you can get 15% off with the code WACOBUZZ15.*


Want to get your business in front of a sold out HoT Coliseum sized audience without people being distracted by kids riding on sheep or someone cracking a whip with fire on the end? Let’s chat.

🧳 Local Business News

Magnolia’s little shop on Bosque reopens Wednesday after having been closed for the last couple of years. What’s new about this next run is that it’ll be where you can find last chance Magnolia items and “just less than perfect” items. If you’re the type who loves a bargain and doesn’t mind a little character, this may be your new happy place. The shop will be open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The China Spring coffee race is nearing the finish line with Starbucks claiming the westbound side of China Spring Highway while Omaha, Nebraska-based Scooters takes the eastbound side. Hard to see how Starbucks beats Scooters' $1 coffee when they finally open their doors. Have you had Scooters coffee before? Let me know how it is.

Bahamabucks beloved Waco location is up for sale. The snow cone staple that Waco loves is making $104K in profit and asking $415,000 for someone to become the new owner of those legendary shaved ice dreams. That’s a lot of snow cones!

Alliance Bank was ranked #1 bank in Texas by Forbes. Local banking powerhouse proving that sometimes the hometown team really does win especially when you're competing against the big boys from Dallas and Houston. With locations around Central Texas and HQ in Woodway this one is worth recognizing!

Just tried Luna Clean Food Cafe as they serve up healthy eats for families who want to skip the guilt. Had their sirloin tacos ($14) and Yasubu coffee myself. They makes it easy to eat well and feel good about it. I’ll be back.

⚖️CIVIL NEWS

💧Let’s talk water (and your vote)
There’s $1 billion in state water infrastructure funding on the ballot this November—and McLennan County Talks wants you to understand what that means for us.

They’re hosting a free, three-part Voter School series all about where our water comes from and whether we have enough for the future.

Led by the City of Waco’s own Mark Keeley, these sessions start this Thursday at 6 p.m. at the Mayborn Museum (1300 S. University Parks Dr), with two more on July 17 and 31.

More info: mctalks.org

✈️ TSA PreCheck in Waco this week
Skip the long security lines—TSA PreCheck enrollment is available now through Friday at Baylor’s Hurd Welcome Center (901 S. University Parks Dr).

Walk-ins welcome 9 a.m.–noon and 1–5 p.m. daily. Bring your ID, get fingerprinted, pay $76.75, and if approved, you’ll get 5 years of faster airport security.

📸WHERE ARE WE?!

Watch this space for a random picture from somewhere in Waco. Where are we? Only a true Wacoan will know. Take your best guess below.

That really is a stone gorilla with googly eyes.

Where does this gorilla call home?

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🎶Midweek Live Music and Events

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Hawaiian shirts. Kalua pork. Tropical drinks. Island vibes.
Luau Night is back, and it’s bringing the island magic to the Baylor Club — and yes, it’s open to the public.

Saturday, July 12 | 6–8 PM
📍 Baylor Club

Native Hawaiian chef Michael Speasmaker is serving up an authentic island feast, with games, limbo, cocktails, and laid-back tunes. This is a great opportunity to meet new people in Waco and have fun at the same time.

SPORTS🐻

This one’s just for the kids — but it’s the kind of thing you’ll wish existed when you were 12. Kenrich Williams, NBA champion with the OKC Thunder and proud University High Class of 2013 grad, is back in Waco to host his annual free basketball camp for local youth. It’s one day only — Wednesday, July 23 — and spots will go fast.

THANKS!

Thanks for reading the Waco Buzz today. If you found something helpful, share it with that friend whose porch is basically an Amazon warehouse with how often boxes show up.

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