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  • Smoke on the Water: Contests Now Open for Sign-Ups!

    Runaway Bay’s biggest fall event of the year is heating up! The 2nd Annual Smoke on the Water Festival is right around the corner, and sign-ups are officially open for several fun community contests. Whether you’ve got a creative streak, a four-legged best friend, or a little one with a big smile, there’s something for everyone to join in on the fun. 🐾 Dog Costume Contest Get your furry friend ready to strut their stuff! Dress up your fur baby and show off their best look at the Smoke on the Water Dog Costume Contest. Details: Two categories: Small (under 30 lbs) and Large (over 30 lbs) Limited to 10 dogs per category Open to all of Wise County! Bring your pup, have a laugh, and maybe take home bragging rights for the best-dressed dog in the Bay! 🌟 “Cuties” Contest We’re excited to introduce the 1st Annual Cuties Contest — a heart-warming showcase for our youngest community members! When: November 15 • Starts at 11:00 AM Entry Fee: $10 Categories: 3 months – 2 years 3 years – 6 years 7 years – 9 years Each “cutie” will walk across the stage (with or without a parent) to be judged on Personality, Smile, and Outfit. Every participant will receive a prize! 🍰 Community Dessert Contest Do you have a secret family recipe or just love to bake? The Smoke on the Water Dessert Contest is your chance to show off your sweet side. When: November 15 • Entries due by 3:00 PM • Awards at 4:00 PM Where: Runaway Bay Event Center – 513 Port O’Call, Runaway Bay, TX Entry Fee: $10 Prize: Winner receives $50! Open to all Wise County residents — and any dessert is eligible! Just remember to bring it in a disposable pan. 💙 Proceeds from these contests will go toward local organizations that support and strengthen the Runaway Bay community. So grab your apron, your leash, or your camera, and be part of the fun this November!

  • Smoke on the Water: Turkey Trot

    The City of Runaway Bay is kicking off the fall season with a community favorite: the Smoke on the Water Turkey Trot 5K. This fun and family-friendly event will take place on Saturday, November 15th at 513 Port O’ Call, Runaway Bay, Texas. The 5K run begins at 10:00 a.m., and registration is $35 per participant. Those who pre-register at RaceRoster.com will receive a free event T-shirt, guaranteed with registration. Shirts will also be available for purchase at the event. Supporting a Local Cause All proceeds from the Turkey Trot benefit the Runaway Bay Fireworks Fund, helping to support the city’s annual celebration that brings families and visitors together each summer. By participating, runners not only enjoy a morning of fitness and fun but also contribute to one of Runaway Bay’s most beloved community traditions. Awards and Contests Participants will have the opportunity to earn awards, and a Turkey Costume Contest will be held with prizes for both adults and children (12 and under). Awards are donated by Shredderz Graffix, with event operations supported by Yesterday’s 50’s Diner. Join the Fun The Turkey Trot promises a lively atmosphere, friendly competition, and the perfect opportunity to enjoy the crisp November air. Whether you’re an experienced runner or simply joining for fun, this event welcomes everyone to come out, get active, and celebrate community spirit in Runaway Bay. For details and registration, visit RaceRoster.com and search for Runaway Bay Turkey Trot.

  • November 14 - 15 | Smoke on the Water

    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 food, friendly competition, and small-town fun for all ages. 🔥 BBQ Cookoff & State Championship Competitors will fire up their pits to take on the Outlaw BBQ State Championship, cooking up the best in: Beef Brisket Pork Spare Ribs Chicken With an 80/20 payout and over $5,000 in prizes, this is sure to be a sizzling showdown. The entry fee is $200, and the competition kicks off Friday morning with setup beginning at 9 a.m. and the cooks’ meeting at 8 p.m. Friday Night: Community Chili Supper Join us Friday, November 14th from 5–8 p.m. for the Greater Runaway Bay Alliance Community Chili Supper, featuring chili, cornbread, toppings, drinks, and cookies. Tickets are $8 in advance or $10 at the door ($5 for kids 5 & under). Cash only, please! The evening also includes: Raffle baskets (4 p.m. & 8 p.m.) Wine tasting with Marker Cellars Winery BINGO! $1 per board or $5 for 6 boards - and plenty of prizes! Saturday Fun for the Whole Family The festivities continue Saturday, November 15th starting at 9 a.m. with more fun and games! Expect activities for all ages including: Games and bounce houses Face painting and contests Local vendors and raffles A Turkey Trot 5K and 1-Mile Run/Walk And of course - the Runaway Bay Volunteer Fire Department Fish Fry! Judging & Awards The main BBQ judging begins Saturday afternoon: Chicken Turn-In: 1:00 p.m. Pork Ribs: 2:00 p.m. Brisket: 3:00 p.m. Dessert: 3:00 p.m. Awards Ceremony at 4:00 p.m. Come cheer on your favorite teams and celebrate the champions! A True Community Effort This event is proudly organized and led by volunteers and local groups who make Runaway Bay such a special place to call home. It ’s the perfect opportunity to gather with family and meet new friends. Don’t Miss It! Come for the BBQ, stay for the fun, and leave with full bellies and warm hearts. We can’t wait to see you at the Runaway Bay Event Center, November 14–15, for Smoke on the Water 2025! #RunawayBay #CommunityEvent #SmokeOnTheWater #VolunteerStrong #SmallTownProud

  • Gone Fishin’ at Lake Bridgeport

    Few things say Runaway Bay like a quiet morning on the pier. Whether you’re casting a line or soaking up the sunset over Lake Bridgeport, our community fishing pier is one of the Bay’s most loved spots. A big thank you goes out to the Runaway Bay Parks & Recreation Board for their continued care and maintenance of this area! We appreciate their support to keep it beautiful, safe, and welcoming for everyone. Don’t Forget Your Texas Fishing License Before heading out to fish, make sure you’ve got your Texas Fishing License. Here’s what you need to know: Residency To qualify as a Texas resident, you must have lived in the state for at least six months before purchasing your license. Accepted proof includes a Texas driver’s license, voter registration, or a current utility bill. Choose Your License Freshwater – for lakes and rivers like Lake Bridgeport Saltwater – for coastal fishing All-Water – covers both freshwater and saltwater Senior (65+) – discounted rate for seniors Lifetime License – one-time purchase for lifelong access Where to Buy Online: txfgsales.com Phone: (800) 895-4248 In Person: One Stop, the Shell Station, local sporting goods stores, bait shops, or Texas Parks & Wildlife offices Carry It While Fishing Your license can be carried digitally through the Texas Hunt & Fish or Outdoor Annual apps — or simply as a printed copy while fishing. Bonus Tip: Kids under 17 fish free! No license required - just bring a pole and a smile. Official Pier Rules To keep our pier safe, clean, and family-friendly, please follow these posted rules: No cleaning of fish on or around the pier Do not leave trash or belongings on the pier Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult No glass containers on the pier No alcoholic beverages allowed No diving or swimming from the pier No pets allowed on the pier No adding of structures under or around the pier About the Pier This community pier was made possible through a Texas Parks and Wildlife Habitat and Angler Access Grant, with additional funding and support from: Runaway Bay Economic Development Committee Greater Runaway Bay Alliance Runaway Bay Parks & Recreation Board Residents of Runaway Bay We’re proud to offer this space as part of our ongoing effort to enhance recreation, wildlife appreciation, and community togetherness here on Lake Bridgeport. Common Fish Species in Lake Bridgeport If you’re wondering what’s biting — these six species are most common around Runaway Bay: Largemouth Bass Black Crappie Channel Catfish White Crappie Freshwater Drum Longnose Gar Runaway Bay | Life on the Lake Let’s keep our lakefront clean, our pier respected, and our community proud. Whether you’re fishing for dinner or just for peace of mind, thank you for helping us preserve this beautiful piece of Runaway Bay. #RunawayBayTX #LakeBridgeport #TexasFishing #ParkAndRecPride #CommunityPier #LifeOnTheLake #WiseCountyTX

  • From the Desk of Mayor White | Infrastructure Improvements

    Wastewater Infrastructure Improvements October 2025 Dear Residents, I had a very exciting and productive meeting this week with our representatives from Oncor (Lane Whitman and Sabrina Easley) along with Steve Reynolds, Richard Griffin, Roddy Boston and Barry Schimpf to coordinate the next phase of Runaway Bay’s Wastewater Restructuring Project. This is part of my long-term effort to modernize our infrastructure, protect Lake Bridgeport, and ensure reliable wastewater service for years to come. I am also eager to share that after months of outreach and coordination, Runaway Bay has been awarded 2 grants to correct aging components in our wastewater system that have contributed to overflow concerns in the past. A major focus of this work is on our 17 lift stations, the sites where pumps move wastewater through the system when gravity alone can’t do the job. Many of these lift stations are now operating at or near capacity due to growth and system age. To meet future demand, several will require increased electrical power and upgraded equipment. These are not simple fixes; they involve industrial-level electrical service (three-phase power), which requires careful design, new poles, transformers, and system planning from Oncor. I am grateful for the ongoing partnership with Oncor and for their significant $5 million investment in infrastructure improvements here in Runaway Bay.   Meeting Highlights The meeting focused on evaluating current and future power needs at each lift station and identifying where upgrades are most critical. Oncor emphasized the importance of gathering accurate data to design the right electrical infrastructure for each site. Key takeaways include: Several lift stations already require power upgrades to maintain dependable service. Future planning must account for population growth and wastewater volume increases. Oncor will need detailed usage data and mapping information from the City to begin system design. Moving Forward This initiative represents more than maintenance. It’s an investment in the reliability and safety of our public infrastructure. By partnering with Oncor, Runaway Bay is building a system capable of meeting both today’s needs and tomorrow’s growth. I appreciate the patience of our residents as this work moves forward. Infrastructure projects like this are not always visible, but they are vital to the health and future of our community.   With Appreciation,   Mayor Herman White City of Runaway Bay

  • City Council Recap: October Highlights

    Runaway Bay’s October City Council meeting was filled with thoughtful ideas, community appreciation, and updates across every board and department. Here’s a recap for residents who couldn’t attend. Public Forum: Jerry St. John of the Bay Church opened the evening by personally thanking Mayor Herman White for his professionalism and quick response to a difficult situation that recently arose at the church. He also invited everyone to join the Bay Church’s 50th Anniversary Celebration on November 23. Jerry encouraged continued collaboration between the church and city as they wish to move forward with their construction project. Kay Fite spoke about her desire of reopening the Runaway Bay Golf Course as a full 18-hole facility. She also shared fun ideas for adding new recreational amenities, including pickleball courts and local food trucks. David Springfield proposed lowering vendor fees for city events to help encourage more local participation. He praised how well our community groups including the GRBA, EDC, Fireworks Committee, and Fire Department have worked together on events like Smoke on the Water. His message to residents: get involved and volunteer! Great things happen when we all pitch in! City Council Action Items: • Jim Walters Road Repair: The Council approved using remaining project funds to complete repairs along Jim Walters Road. • Parks & Recreation Appointment: Welcome to Susan Elsas, newly appointed to the Parks & Recreation Board! • Retaining Wall / Property Deed: Council approved final documentation related to the retaining wall project and property deeds, keeping construction progress on track. • Vendor Permit Fee Reduction: Vendor fees for City-sponsored events will be lowered to $50, making it easier for local businesses and artisans to join community events. Fees will go directly to the city for background checks and administrative processing. Council Member & Department Updates Todd Low – Parks & Recreation Commended the dedicated volunteers who keep our parks looking beautiful. New upgrades include a grill and concrete pad at the Cricket Ridge Gazebo. Todd reminded residents that everyone on Parks and Rec is a volunteer, and no one is paid like in larger cities. Our progress is powered by community spirit! Richard Griffin – Economic Development Corporation Preparations for Smoke on the Water are moving right along, thanks to great collaboration among city boards and volunteers. The EDC continues to manage event funds and coordinate community participation. Carolyn Moody – Cemetery Board The next Cemetery Board Meeting will be held Thursday, October 23 at 6:00 PM at the Civic Center, where members will discuss ongoing maintenance and long-term planning for cemetery grounds. Steve Holt – GRBA (Greater Runaway Bay Alliance) Steve shared a full slate of community happenings: • The sailboat logo restoration is complete. •  Hwy 380 Trash Cleanup: November 1 at 9:00 AM, meet at the Civic Center - a great way to earn volunteer hours! •  Chili Supper & Raffle: November 14, with raffle baskets and plenty of hometown fun. •  Bingo Night: Sponsored by the Fireworks Committee. • Golf Cart Parade: December 4 at 7:00 PM - lineup begins at the Civic Center! Chris Petty (presented by Steve Reynolds) – Fire Department The Fire Department responded to 21 calls this month: 16 medical, 3 grass fires, 1 fire investigation, and 1 stranded boater. Crews continue to train hard and serve with pride. Mark your calendars: Annual Fire Department Fish Fry -November 15! Steve Reynolds – Police Department Officers issued 198 citations and warnings, primarily for code violations like overgrown grass. The department successfully closed several theft investigations following a recent search warrant. Scam reports have decreased, but residents are urged to stay alert and continue reporting suspicious activity.   Mayor Herman White – City Update Mayor White announced that new electrical poles are being installed across the city, a key improvement that will help prevent outages and strengthen our power grid for future weather events. He also shared the launch of an official city website: www.runawaybaybulletin.com - your new home for updates and community information. The mayor thanked residents for their patience as ONCOR Electric continues infrastructure upgrades throughout Runaway Bay. In Closing From infrastructure improvements to volunteer efforts, this month’s meeting reflected what makes Runaway Bay special. Stay tuned for more updates right here on the Runaway Bay Bulletin and don’t forget to mark your calendar for all the great events ahead!

  • Greater Runaway Bay Alliance: Hwy 380 Trash Clean Up

    Runaway Bay residents - mark your calendars! The Greater Runaway Bay Alliance is hosting a community clean-up along Highway 380 on Saturday, November 1 at 9:00 AM. Volunteers will meet in the parking lot of the Norma Coble Civic Center before heading out to tackle roadside litter and keep our community looking its best. All necessary supplies - safety vests, grabbers, and trash bags - will be provided. Community service hours are available for students who need them, and high school seniors who participate will be entered into a $500 Student Volunteer Award drawing in May. Please note that additional golf carts will not be available, so participants are encouraged to carpool or walk safely along assigned sections. Whether you’re a longtime resident or new to town, this is a great opportunity to meet neighbors, give back, and help keep Runaway Bay beautiful! Meeting Point: Norma Coble Civic Center parking lot Date: Saturday, November 1 Time: 9:00 AM Questions? Email grbatx@gmail.com for details. Together, we can make a big difference - one bag of trash at a time!

  • Water Tower Maintenance

    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 by Caldwell Tanks, the structure stands approximately 120 feet tall and has long served as a symbol of Runaway Bay’s character and resilience. Today, the City is investing in its renewal to ensure it continues to serve for decades to come. Inspection Cover Inspection and Findings In May 2025, the City contracted Texas Tank Services of Whitehouse, Texas, to conduct a full inspection and in-service cleaning of the Golf Ball Tower. Certified divers followed AWWA Standard C652-02 for potable water systems, ensuring complete disinfection, safety, and compliance with all regulatory standards. The inspection confirmed that the tower’s overall structure remains sound and stable, but noted that its coatings and protective layers had reached the end of their lifespan. Corrosion, thinning paint, and sediment buildup were identified both inside and outside the tank. Based on those findings, Texas Tank Services recommended that the facility be rehabilitated as soon as possible - and the City has taken action. ⸻ Work Now in Progress Crews are now performing a complete rehabilitation of the Golf Ball Tower to ensure its long-term safety and reliability. The work includes: • Sandblasting and recoating all interior and exterior surfaces with NSF-approved epoxy. • Replacing corroded ladders and safety gates to meet modern safety standards. • Installing new “Confined Space Entry” signage at all hatches and entry points. • Cleaning out sediment and disinfecting the interior, using Blue Earth Labs’ Floran solution to remove staining and buildup. • Repainting the tower in its classic Runaway Bay color scheme - preserving its familiar look while protecting it from future corrosion. The project also includes upgrades to the center riser pipe, overflow flume, and roof plates, addressing areas where corrosion had developed over time. ⸻ Why This Matters Although the new paint will brighten Runaway Bay’s skyline, this project is far more than a visual upgrade. Repainting and rehabilitation are required by state regulations to protect public health, water quality, and system reliability. By addressing corrosion and reinforcing protective coatings, the City is safeguarding its drinking water supply and extending the tank’s service life for future generations. Residents may notice equipment and scaffolding around the site in the coming weeks as contractors work on the tower’s exterior. All work is being performed in compliance with TCEQ safety and water-quality standards. ⸻ Background: 2025 Inspection Summary • Structural Integrity: Foundation, ladders, catwalks, and fencing were in good condition. • Exterior: Peeling and thinning coatings with early signs of corrosion. • Interior: Staining and corrosion along sidewalls, roof plates, and ladders both above and below the waterline. • Sediment Layer: About ¾ inch of silt was measured at the tank floor. • Water Quality: Fair clarity and cool temperature at 75% capacity — no oils, insects, or odors reported. • Recommendations: Full rehabilitation, sediment removal, ladder replacement, and safety upgrades. ⸻ Commitment to Runaway Bay’s Infrastructure Through careful planning and budgeting, the City has successfully funded this critical maintenance project. The rehabilitation of the Golf Ball Tower underscores the City’s ongoing commitment to safe, reliable, and sustainable infrastructure. When complete, the tower will continue to stand proudly over Runaway Bay. Renewed, protected, and ready to serve our community for many years to come. #RunawayBay #GolfBallTower #CityHallNews #Infrastructure #SafeWater #CommunityStrong #CityUpdates #SmallTownBigHeart #BuiltToLast

  • Fall Fun in the Bay: Local Church Events

    Runaway Bay is full of fall spirit this season, and our local churches are hosting two fantastic events you won’t want to miss! These family-friendly gatherings are open to everyone and are a wonderful way to connect with neighbors and celebrate the season together. 🎃 The Bay Church Annual Fall Fest Sunday, October 26, 2025 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM The Bay Church | 20 Runaway Bay Drive The Bay Church is keeping tradition alive with their Annual Fall Fest! Bring the whole family out for a fun-filled afternoon packed with: Candy & Games Cake Walk Mechanical Bull Family Activities and more! This annual celebration is all about fellowship and creating memories with friends and neighbors. Whether you’re wrangling the mechanical bull or cheering on the little ones at the cake walk, it’s sure to be a great time in the heart of the Bay. 💡 Just Jesus Church: Light Up the Darkness Friday, October 31, 2025 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM Just Jesus Church | 513 Port-O-Call Drive Join Just Jesus Church for their 1st Annual “Light Up the Darkness” event - an evening filled with light and community fun! Expect tons of family entertainment, including: Full-sized candy bars & goody bags for kids Bounce house & obstacle course BBQ sandwiches, hotdogs, popcorn, cotton candy & baked goods Face painting, games, and even a fire truck! Glowstick-lit praise and worship to end the night on a joyful note This event is designed to be a faith-filled celebration for all ages and a glowing way to spend your Halloween evening right here in Runaway Bay. Bringing the Community Together Both events highlight the strong community spirit that makes Runaway Bay such a special place to call home. Whether you stop by one or both, these fall gatherings are a great reminder of the faith and fellowship found right here in our city.

  • Powering the Bay: ONCOR Energy Infrastructure Upgrades Underway

    If you’ve noticed ONCOR trucks or road crews working around town lately - especially along Doaks and Tryall - here’s the good news: it’s all part of a major power upgrade project for Runaway Bay. ONCOR Energy is investing over $5 million dollars in system improvements across our area to strengthen reliability, reduce outages, and prepare our infrastructure for future growth. What’s Happening: Crews are currently replacing transformers, installing new poles, and completing major vegetation management and tree trimming. These upgrades are designed to help protect power lines and reduce storm-related outages that can occur when branches or debris come into contact with the system. The Big Picture: This work is part of the City and ONCOR’s ongoing reliability initiative that began after severe winter freezes caused widespread power interruptions years ago. The upgrades also include the construction of a new Runaway Bay substation, which will provide more stable power delivery for homes and businesses throughout the city. Why It Matters: These upgrades aren’t just about keeping the lights on. They’ll help prevent outages, improve safety, and reduce liability risks during high winds or freezing weather. Additional Work Notes: ONCOR is also working with the City to ensure our water system infrastructure runs efficiently. Currently, only one pump is active, but the city requires two pumps of the same size for optimal performance. Crews are changing out transformers to deliver the correct voltage needed for this setup. At the Port O’Call and Tryall intersection (south side), a three-phase power upgrade is underway to support underground pumps and improve system reliability in that area. These efforts tie directly into the city’s larger goal of maintaining dependable, storm-ready utilities for all residents You may see ONCOR crews in the neighborhood over the next several months as work continues. Please use caution when driving near work zones and thank the crews for their hard work in keeping Runaway Bay powered and protected!

  • Enjoying Our Public Beach Safely

    There’s nothing quite like a sunny day at Runaway Bay’s public beach, with soft sand, cool lake water, and one of the prettiest views on Lake Bridgeport. It’s the perfect spot to relax, swim, and make memories with friends and family. Before you grab your towel and sunscreen, here’s a quick reminder from the City of Runaway Bay to help keep our beach safe and enjoyable for everyone. Safety First — No Fishing in the Swim Area Fishing is strictly prohibited along the public beach. 🎣🚫 Fishing hooks and lines can easily tangle or injure swimmers’ feet, especially children playing in shallow water. For everyone’s safety, please cast your lines only from our designated fishing pier, built just down the shoreline for that very purpose. It’s a beautiful spot and a safe distance from swimmers. Beach Rules to Know Our Beach Rules are posted at the entrance and help keep this community space clean, safe, and family-friendly. Highlights include: No swimming beyond the buoy markers No watercraft launching in the swim area No alcoholic beverages or glass containers No pets on the beach No open fires or grills on the sand No vehicles beyond the posted area Hours: Sunrise to sunset Please don’t feed the geese — they’re cute, but it encourages overpopulation and messy conditions! And remember: No lifeguard is on duty. Please swim at your own risk and keep a close eye on little ones. Our Beach Pavilion Looking for shade? The city pavilion provides a covered picnic area with tables and nearby grills — perfect for a family lunch with a lake breeze. Please be kind and leave the area as you found it by picking up your trash before you go. A clean beach is a happy beach! Help Keep Runaway Bay Beautiful Our beach is a perfect gathering spot - a place where friend swim, kids build sand castles, families picnic, and sunsets never disappoint. By following the posted rules and sharing the space responsibly, you help protect this special corner of our community. Thank you for doing your part to keep Runaway Bay safe, clean, and welcoming to all! We’ll see you by the water! #RunawayBayTX #LivingInTheBay #BeachSafety #CommunityFirst #KnowTheRules #LakeBridgeport

  • Lake Bridgeport's Hidden WWII Story

    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 maneuvers away from populated areas. Young aviators stationed at nearby bases like Fort Worth and Grand Prairie, were brought here to learn advanced flying and combat tactics. Over the lake, they rehearsed: Low-altitude strafing runs Skip-bombing techniques used to target ships Glider landings and takeoffs on temporary runways along the shoreline The training was intense, and many of these pilots would later fly missions across the Pacific. Early Drone Testing Lake Bridgeport was also part of a remarkable - and little-known - chapter in aviation history. The military tested early radio-controlled aircraft here, part of the secretive Interstate TDR Assault Drone program. These unmanned planes carried explosives and could be guided by remote control, decades before the modern drone era. While the technology was ahead of its time, it laid the foundation for the precision systems we know today. An aerial view of Lake Bridgeport around 1949, showing the dam and early shoreline development. The Bay Before the Bay At that time, “Runaway Bay” didn’t exist yet. The land surrounding the southern part of the lake was mostly ranchland and scrub oak, visited only by fishermen, hunters, and a few families who lived along the backroads. Yet even then, the lake was already shaping the area’s identity. It was bringing in new visitors, fueling curiosity, and planting the seeds for what would one day become our community. A Legacy Beneath the Waves Next time you’re out on the water or crossing the bridge, imagine the roar of training aircraft overhead and remember that these peaceful waters once helped young Americans prepare to defend freedom. Our little corner of Wise County played a quiet but meaningful part in the story of World War II. A legacy that still ripples across Lake Bridgeport today. #ThrowbackThursday #BayHistory #RunawayBay #WWIIHistory #LakeBridgeport

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