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🌱 Patch AM: How Cameron Park Zoo handled Sunday’s bomb threat and sudden evacuation

Make time for Waco Independent Film Festival on the Waco Patch calendar

Wednesday May 20th Patch AM

Hello Waco! Stay connected with the latest updates from around town. Let's dive in! ☕️️

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In today's newsletter:

  • How Cameron Park Zoo handled Sunday’s bomb threat and sudden evacuation
  • Filled up on Valley Mills Drive? What drivers say happened next
  • Will Waco’s west side trade quiet streets for big box stores?

Also on today's calendar: Waco Downtown Farmers Market and 4 more events.

Today's riddle: Whatz the difference between Dubai...and Abu Dhabi? 🤔 (Answer below!)


From our Partner Today's Waco Patch AM is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. After investing billions to light up their network from big cities to small towns, T-Mobile is America's best mobile network in the US, according to Ookla Speedtest. We thank T-Mobile for their support in helping to keep communities like ours connected and for making today's Waco Patch AM possible. Find a T-Mobile store near Waco.


Weather forecast:

  • Wednesday: Mostly cloudy and humid, with a high of 80 and low of 68 degrees.
  • Thursday: Heavy rain and a thunderstorm, temps: high: 76, low: 67.
  • Friday: A shower and t-storm; humid, with a high of 85 and low of 69 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Cameron Park Zoo reopens after bomb threat forces evacuation, financial losses (conchovalleyhomepage.com) — Cameron Park Zoo in Waco is back open after a Sunday bomb threat forced a rapid evacuation, cutting short visits for about 1,000 guests and wiping out a full day’s revenue. Police later deemed the threat not credible, animals and staff remained safe, and officials are now processing refunds and tallying the financial hit while emphasizing how smoothly emergency procedures worked.    

2. Drivers report possible contaminated fuel after filling up at Waco gas station (kxxv.com) — Several Waco drivers say their vehicles were damaged after buying what they believe was contaminated fuel at a RaceWay station on Valley Mills Drive. Mechanics report finding significant water mixed with gas, and state regulators urge affected drivers to save receipts, document damage, and file complaints while the incident is investigated.    

3. Waco considers major development on 252 acres of unused land near I-35 and Highway 6 (kxxv.com) — A 252-acre tract on Waco’s west side near I-35 and Highway 6 could soon be transformed by big box stores and a $24.9 million city-backed infrastructure package, projected to generate $3.5 million a year in sales tax. Neighbors are split, with some eager for new shops, restaurants, and a park, while others worry about heavier traffic, safety for children, and losing the area’s quieter feel.    

4. Waco Approves Major Retail Development Partnership Along I-35 South (kwtx.com) — Waco City Council has approved a major public‑private partnership to build a large retail development along I‑35 South near New Road and Loop 340, backed by up to $33 million in infrastructure spending. The city may also reimburse up to $18 million in sales taxes if revenue targets are met, raising both big economic hopes and questions about long‑term taxpayer risk.    


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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • This guy had to be at least 5’ long!!
    Right by my door!! This is a garden snake right?? (Nextdoor Foxborough)
  • Okay this is just a frustrated post I guess rant on The quality of Chilis food.
    I took my wife out today because I start a new job which will probably be 6 days a week so I was spending quality time with her. I ordered the… (Nextdoor Cedar Ridge)
  • PepsiCo, Inc. posted a job opening for Merchandiser - Seasonal in Waco. Apply here.
  • Dollar Tree Family Dollar - Dollar Tree, Inc. posted a job opening for Assistant Manager I in Waco. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Waco here.

Ok Waco! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: In Dubai, the people don't watch the 'Flintstone's'. But people in Abu Dhabi Do! (Thank you Jerri E. for sending it in!)Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!


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We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what’s happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.


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