July 3, 2025, started as just another day in Liberty Hill. As the community wiped the sleep from its eyes, it was the usual routine of getting the kids situated and off to their summer activities for the day, grinding through the workday and eagerly anticipating one of America’s most cherished holidays – Independence Day.
On the eve of Lady Liberty’s 249th birthday, the community stirred with excitement. The fireworks stands filled one sack after another with sparklers, the grocery stores sold hot dogs, beer and ice by the ton, and the City of Liberty Hill geared up for its annual Independence Day Spectacular, which is amongst its most popular festivals.
But the party would soon be crashed by a bittersweet act of Mother Nature herself. In a region desperate for rain, the precipitation was welcomed, but with the polite suggestion of maybe coming back for a visit later that weekend. But, as is typically the case, the rain followed its own schedule.
So, with the forecast for more rain, along with the already-saturated festival grounds, city officials made the unprecedented call to cancel the event. The community was both shocked and saddened by the announcement, but any heartbreak conceived would soon pale in comparison to what was to come.
As the sun rose on July 4, a horrific story quickly began to unfold. Rain totals not seen in decades were accumulating at an exponential rate and many Central Texas area creeks and rivers were being pushed past historic flood stages, all during the most popular time of the year for waterfront getaways. News began breaking at mind bending speed and Central Texas, soon to be joined by the rest of the world, felt their hearts shatter over the numerous reports of missing creekside campers and residents, the majority of whom were children.
The reports quickly began to center around the Kerville community as the Guadalupe River reached unimaginable heights due to the tropical storm system.
But with major tributaries such as the north and south forks of the San Gabriel River running right through Liberty Hill, multiple tragedies would soon take place right here at home.
Every nearby creek eventually succumbed to the unfathomable flooding in the early morning hours of July 5, and would sadly claim numerous homes, livestock and the most precious commodity of them all – the lives of those deeply loved by their families and friends.
Sherry Richardson, 64, an employee of Hope House, which was also hit hard by the floods, tragically lost her life along with 22-year-old Kaitlyn Swallow and 36-year-old Kent Wattinger. As this tight-knit community came to terms with these horrific realities, the pain quickly turned into fuel for continued action and the efforts of those near and far will echo in eternity.
Katie Amsler, the city’s director of communications and community engagement, laid out those efforts in detail. When the call to action came, the city immediately answered.
“When the flooding struck Liberty Hill on July 5, our phones and inboxes were overwhelmed with people needing help and others eager to provide it,” said Amsler. “In the middle of the chaos, we knew we had to bring some kind of structure to the response – and quickly.”
Amsler, along with Liberty Hill Mayor Crystal Mancilla and the entire city staff, quickly sprang into action, launching a dedicated webpage to provide critical information, connecting those in need with available resources, and collecting data from residents and volunteers.
“Within hours, we had forms online for flood victims to request help and for volunteers and donors to offer support," she continued. “That initial step gave us the ability to start organizing efforts and building a path forward while the county finalized its coordinated response. We were able to match volunteers with flood victims and pass along that early data to the Austin Disaster Relief Network once they were activated through Williamson County – that handoff was seamless and allowed recovery efforts to continue without interruption.”
Amsler closed her statement with a heartfelt outpour of appreciation for those who made it all possible.
“I can’t say enough about our volunteers," she said. “Individuals, churches, businesses and especially Cross Tracks Church – who served as a Red Cross shelter and gave us a launching point for donations and supplies, which were later transferred to Liberty Hill Middle School. These volunteers made it possible for neighbors to help neighbors in the most tangible ways. I’m deeply proud of how Liberty Hill responded – with a big heart, with urgency and with unity. This was a hard moment for our community, but it brought out the very best in us.”
Mancilla echoed Amsler’s sentiment of profound appreciation for the countless volunteers along with the city that she took an oath to represent at the highest level, no matter the circumstances.
“The devastating floods on July 5 left a deep mark on Liberty Hill, displacing families, damaging homes and upending lives,” said Mancilla. “Our hearts go out to the 38 households who experienced severe damage or total loss. Please know that your city stands with you – not just in words, but in action.”
Mancilla didn’t stop there, turning her attention to those who responded without question.
“In the face of this crisis, I witnessed something powerful – a community that refused to stand still,” she said. “Volunteers mobilized immediately. Local churches and businesses offered food, supplies and shelter. I’m thankful for Mayor Pro Tem Diane Williams, Communications Director Katie Amsler, first responders and volunteers for working with me around the clock to organize the response and support our residents. What started as a flood of destruction quickly became a flood of compassion. From the moment we put out the call for help, Liberty Hill stepped up. I want to personally thank every volunteer who contributed to the supply center and offered services, as well as the Austin Disaster Relief Network and Williamson County for stepping in with long-term support.”
In closing, Mancilla recognized the very community that once again proved that the size of its heart knows no bounds.
“Liberty Hill is resilient,” she said. “We care for each other. We show up for each other. As we move into the recovery phase, that spirit will continue to carry us forward. Thank you for proving, once again, what makes this city so special.”
Reverend Dr. Brad King of Cross Tracks Church, during a prayer vigil held just days after the flooding had subsided, spoke of the days leading up to his arrival to Liberty Hill just one year ago. He’d heard Liberty Hill was “a strange place that didn’t fit into any stereotypical box” and followed with his own pleasantly surprising discovery that “the people here truly seem to believe that loving their neighbor isn’t up for debate.”
King hit the nail on the head and the response of those who hold this town so close to their hearts is all the proof one will ever need.
Whether it’s in hard times or in joyous celebration, this town shows up. If one were to ever study Liberty Hill’s spot on the map from 10,000 feet above, their widened perspective would find a community that lives and dies by its own people.
When a business needs help, Liberty Hill rallies around it and lifts it to new heights. When one of its own makes it to the big leagues, whether in athletics or otherwise, Liberty Hill celebrates the achievement together as if it were their very own son or daughter. When a member of the community hurts or, even worse, leaves this world for good, Liberty Hill joins hands and mourns as one.
There are a great many small towns across America, but there is only one Liberty Hill.
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