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One of the lesser known ways we reporters find our stories is by stalking social media forums in our beats. For me, this means following dozens of Katy and Fort Bend community pages to see what residents — i.e., readers — are saying.
That’s how I spotted a post from a panicked Katy resident warning about an alligator in a neighborhood lake. The replies? Just as freaked out. Then I noticed something they all had in common — they’re new to town.
That tracks. Katy and Fort Bend have exploded in population recently, drawing folks from all over — including many who’ve never lived near the coast.
There's an ancient tradition that says that if you want to know if a body of water in coastal Texas has an alligator in it, walk up to the water, and carefully touch the water. If the water is wet, it has an alligator in it.
OK, I made that up.
But seriously, gators are native to coastal Texas. They’re everywhere. And while they mostly steer clear of people, you should still be cautious around lakes and ponds, especially with kids or pets.
If one does wander into your yard, don’t panic. Call local law enforcement — they’re used to gently relocating the grumpier ones.
Alligators have been around for about 230 million years and survived two mass extinctions. They’re not going anywhere. Just give them space and go about your day.
Latest Developments
Photo by: Melissa Phillip, Houston Chronicle
Terraflow Energy, a relatively new energy storage company based in Katy, has announced an ambitious slate of investments along the Gulf Coast.
Your Schools
 Photo by: Kirk Sides, Houston Chronicle |
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Your Government
 Photo by: Yi-Chin Lee, Houston Chronicle |
Prosecutors have detailed new allegations against Fort Bend County Judge K.P. George in his money laundering case. |
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 Photo by: Melissa Phillip, Houston Chronicle |
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The City of Rosenberg has announced the launch of its My Government Online’s customer portal platform. The digital platform offers a more user-friendly, efficient and streamlined experience for permitting, inspections, contractor registrations and contractor registration renewals.
To get started, visit https://www.mgoconnect.org/cp/portal. |
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Stay in the Know
- Blo Dry Bar will be opening a new Katy location in Grand Lakes. The styling bar will open at 6645 South Fry Road in November.
Last Thoughts
A heat dome over Texas brings Houston temperatures to near 100 degrees this week, our newsroom meteorologist Justin Ballard tells us.
And that doesn't account for the heat index, which can top out at 115 degrees this week.
We're mid-way through August, so none of this is particularly surprising, but it's a good reminder to stay hydrated and keep to shaded areas when you're outside. |
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Events at the Chronicle
Photo by: Houston Chronicle Staff
Chronicle readers are invited to join a free, live virtual roundtable with female suburban mayors and lawmakers on leadership, growth and the changing face of Houston politics.
