When most folks think of Lake Bridgeport today, they picture fishing boats, jet skis, and peaceful evenings along the water. But during the 1940s, this same lake echoed with the rumble of aircraft engines and played a surprising role in World War II. Training for the Skies of War During World War II, the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps used Lake Bridgeport as an auxiliary training area. Its wide-open waters and remote setting made it the perfect place for pilots to practice maneuv

Before there was a lake - or even the town of Bridgeport - there was the bridge. In the mid-1800s, travelers heading west faced a major obstacle: crossing the West Fork of the Trinity River. Stagecoaches, wagons, and cattle drives all needed a reliable way to get across and that’s where the story of Bridgeport begins. A Mail Route and a Mission From 1858 to 1861, the famous Butterfield Overland Mail route stretched from St. Louis to San Francisco, carrying passengers, freigh

November 14 - 15, 2025 Mark your calendars for Friday and Saturday, November 14–15, as the second annual Smoke on the Water returns to the Runaway Bay Event Center (513 Port O’ Call, Runaway Bay, TX)! This fun-filled weekend brings together neighbors, visitors, and BBQ lovers for one of the most anticipated community gatherings of the year. Hosted by the Outlaw BBQ Association and supported by the Runaway Bay Economic Development Corporation, the event features incredible foo

Runaway Bay’s landmark Golf Ball Water Tower is now undergoing a full rehabilitation and it's one of the most significant infrastructure projects in recent city history. While many residents recognize the tower for its distinctive “golf ball on a tee” silhouette, this 100,000-gallon elevated tank is far more than a local icon - it’s a vital part of the City’s water system, ensuring consistent pressure, reliable storage, and safe drinking water for our community. Built in 1983

September 16, 2025 At the September 16th Council meeting, the Runaway Bay City Council approved Ordinance No. 638, updating our participation in the Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS) - a statewide retirement program designed to provide long-term financial security for municipal employees. This may sound like a lot of government talk, but here’s what it really means for our team - and for you as a resident. What’s Changing Employee contribution: 7% of pay (the require