A major shake up in seasonal maintenance of a popular Austin lake is causing Lake Austin boat operators to push back against its governing body. Operators say a planned 10-foot drawdown could force cancellations, cut into tourism revenue and leave businesses scrambling during one of Austin’s busiest visitor months.
One operator could be out as much as $100,000 if the proposed cleanup takes place this October.
David Callejas, 40, is one of several Central Texas boat business owners that relies on a body of water to feed his and more than two dozen of his employees’ families. Born and raised in Austin, he started Float On Boat Rentals in 2013 as a way to showcase tourists and residents his favorite part of the city — Lake Austin…