From zoo updates to Q&A’s with mayoral candidates, check out the 10 top-read stories across the San Antonio area from March 23-27.
1. Gorillas settle into new San Antonio Zoo exhibit marking the return of gorillas after 35 years
On Dec. 13, the San Antonio Zoo opened Congo Falls, marking the return of gorillas to the city after over 35 years.
“Congo Falls doesn’t just bring gorillas back to San Antonio—it raises the global standard for how gorillas are cared for, challenged and seen,” Roth said.
Home to two troops, with seven western lowland gorillas in total, the exhibit includes three distinct habitats—the lowland basin, the gorilla gorge and the indoor rainforest. Unique features of the exhibit include the 30-foot-tall Will Smith Foundation Infinity Falls and the world’s largest gorilla tower, Silverback Peak, which is 70 feet tall and offers the gorillas a panoramic view of the city.
Though Congo Falls is a large habitat, the design has accounted for future expansion, including the addition of new gorillas.
Learn more from Reporter Parks Kugle.
2. Outback Steakhouse closes in Northeast San Antonio after 25 years
Outback Steakhouse closed its location at The Forum at Olympia Parkway in Selma on March 15 after its lease expired, Elizabeth Daly, director of corporate Communications for Bloomin’ Brands, Inc., said in an email to Community Impact.
“We appreciate the community’s support the past 25 years and look forward to serving you at our De Zavala, San Antonio or one of our other restaurants in the area,” Daly said in the email.
Check out the full story by Reporter Andrew Creelman.
3. Locally-owned senior living facility doubles in size with expansion project
A San Antonio-based senior living facility is getting ready to finish an expansion project that will nearly double its overall capacity.
BeeHive Homes of Crownridge—a senior living facility located in northwest San Antonio—is currently constructing a new building that will double its capacity, Jordan Sikora told Community Impact.
Read the full story by Reporter Andrew Creelman.
4. Q&A: Meet the candidates running for New Braunfels mayor
Four candidates filed to face off in the May 2 election for New Braunfels mayor.
The list includes incumbent Neal Linnartz, who was sworn into office in 2023, communications professional Michael French, local business CEO Jonathon Frazier and planning commissioner Angela Allen.
As of March 12, Frazier has endorsed Linnartz for the May 2 election.
“After spending more time speaking with Mayor Neal Linnartz and discussing the future of New Braunfels, we realized we share a very similar vision for the community. Rather than approaching this as adversaries, we have decided to work together moving forward,” Frazier said in an email to Community Impact.
Read the full story by Reporter Ethan Thomas.
5. New Braunfels housing development faces setback as rezoning motion fails
The future of a proposed New Braunfels housing development is up in the air after a motion to rezone 38 acres for a new subdivision failed 3-2 on March 23.
Council members Michael Capizzi and April Ryan, and Mayor Neal Linnartz voted to approve the rezoning, while council members Toni Carter and Mary Ann Labowski dissented. Mayor Pro Tem Lawrence Spradley was absent, and council member D. Lee Edwards recused himself from the item, as he is a party involved in the potential sale of the property, city officials said.
Read more by Reporter Ethan Thomas.
6. Anthony’s opens food truck in Cibolo
Anthony’s Cibolo opened a food truck at 700 FM 1103 in February. The food truck serves a selection of fried food, seafood, street food and more.
Check out the full story by Reporter Andrew Creelman.
7. Pawn shop changes name following new ownership in New Braunfels
Comal Pawn, located at 1105 W. San Antonio St., changed its name to Cash America Pawn as of early March, store staff told Community Impact. The shop was previously owned by the Scheel family, who have since retired, according to Comal Pawn’s website.
Read the full story by Reporter Andrew Creelman.
8. Q&A: Learn more about the candidates running for Live Oak mayor
Two candidates are vying for Live Oak mayor in the May 2 election.
Incumbent Mary M. Dennis is running for reelection against Christina Lichtenberg.
Learn more from Editor Amira Van Leeuwen.
9. Q&A: Meet the candidates running for New Braunfels City Council District 5
Two candidates filed to face off in the May 2 election for the New Braunfels City Council District 5 seat.
The list includes incumbent Mary Ann Labowski, who was first elected to office in 2023, and current member of the city’s planning committee, Chase Taylor.
Learn more from Reporter Ethan Thomas.
10. Check out 6 of the latest permit filings in the San Antonio Area
From Bluebonnet Volkswagen to the Hampton Inn, check out six of the latest filings to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation in the San Antonio area. These listings are preliminary and subject to change.