🌱 Presidents Day Closures + 2020 Protest Settlements + Dine Solo

Gabriela Couvillion
Updated ·5 min read

Happy Friday, Austin! Let's get you all caught up on what's happening locally to start today off on an informed note.

First, today's weather:

Sunshine and cool. High: 58 Low: 37.

Here are the top stories today in Austin:

  1. Monday, Feb. 21 is Presidents Day and in observance of that holiday, administrative offices and other municipal facilities in the City of Austin will be closed and will resume normal business hours on Tuesday, Feb. 22. For questions regarding city services or information please call 3-1-1 or you can also submit service requests from the Austin 3-1-1 mobile app. For a list of city office closures on Presidents Day, please visit: (AustinTexas.gov)

  2. On Thursday, Feb. 17, "The Austin City Council... approved paying a combined $10 million to two people injured when officers fired beanbag rounds into crowds during the 2020 social justice protests." One of them is "Justin Howell, who was 20 years old when police shot him with a beanbag round" causing a cracked skull and brain damage, and he will receive $8 million. The other one is Anthony Evans, who was 26 when a police officer shot him with a beanbag round, resulting in "extensive medical treatment in his jaw," and he will be paid $2 million by the city. According to Austin Mayor Steve Adler, "the settlements 'remind us of a real difficult and painful moment in our city.'” For more details visit: (Huntsville Item)

  3. If you're planning to dine alone in Austin, "there are plenty of restaurants that are great for solo dining ventures" as well as "food trucks with outdoor seating." While you dine solo, you can also "people watch, eavesdrop, read a book, check your phone" or just stare off in the distance. However, before you venture out, make sure to check with the venues to see if they're "open or if there are updates on current offerings and service models, as things are changing constantly" during the COVID-19 pandemic, and please wear a mask and tip well. If you decide to order for delivery, try to order directly from the restaurant themselves. Bon appétit! (Eater Austin)

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Today in Austin:

  • Virtual Zumba Free Online Class by Stronger Austin. (8 a.m.)

  • ILLfest 2022 Discount Promo Code "RSVP" at Travis County Exposition Center. (9 a.m.)

  • “Building St. Peter’s” Free Webinar Online Event. (4 p.m.)

  • Resound Presents: The Greeting Committee at The Parish. (7 p.m.)

  • Resound Presents: Twin Shadow at Empire Garage. (8 p.m.)

  • VryLATIN: A Latin Music Experience w/ DJ Vrywvy at Empire Control Room. (9 p.m.)

From my notebook:

  • "With five first half dimes, Rori Harmon of Texas Women's Basketball officially surpassed the 100-assist mark on the year! She becomes just the seventh freshman in school history to eclipse 100 assists in a season! Hook 'em!" (Facebook)

  • Big news! The Austin Public Library is going fine free! The Austin City Council adopted an ordinance eliminating overdue fines for library materials returned or renewed past their due date. 'The Austin Public Library is committed to providing free and equitable access to all of our resources for the citizens of Austin,' stated Austin Public Library director Roosevelt Weeks. Check out our FAQ to understand what this change means for you when accessing APL resources and materials: https://bit.ly/3sO8TjB#Libraryforall #AustinPublicLibrary." (Facebook)

  • "Congratulations to Lauryn Oliver, Haitian Women’s Senior National Team Camp and Jill Shimkin, alternate for the U.S. U-20 Women's National Team for Texas Longhorns Soccer!" (Facebook)

  • "In 1964, James Means became the first African-American student-athlete for the Texas Longhorns Men’s Track and Field team! James helped us win two Southwest Conference titles during his tenure and is a Longhorns History Maker! Celebrate Black History Month! Hook Em!" (Facebook)

  • "Before the premiere of CNN's new 4-part series on Lyndon Johnson on Sunday, Feb. 20, check out some behind-the-scenes content, plus learn about free admission to the LBJ Library on Monday, Feb. 21, Presidents' Day! Subscribe to our newsletter at Behind the Scenes of CNN's New Series on LBJ + Free Admission on Presidents' Day (constantcontact.com)." (Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Friday. See you all tomorrow morning for another update!

— Gabriela Couvillion

About me: I'm an active mom of two grown sons and lifelong San Antonio resident. I received a BA in Spanish from the University of Texas at San Antonio, and in my free time I immerse myself in creative writing. Thanks for reading Patch, and feel free to reach out if you have any news and happenings you think may appeal to our readers!

This article originally appeared on the Austin Patch