Several businesses slated to open in Navasota, speed limit downtown reduced

NAVASOTA, Texas (KBTX) - Business is booming in Navasota, with several new businesses slated to open soon in the downtown area.

Jeff Murray started WildFlyer Mead and Beer company about five years ago.

"WildFlyer started back in 2019. We are the oldest bee farm located in the state," said Murray.

With the rapid growth in downtown Navasota, Murray decided to open a second location on Railroad Street.

This new location will be tasting room and will offer beer, mead, honey, food and more.

"With the other businesses coming into town, this was a good opportunity to join the growth," said Murray.

The City of Navasota says the streets of downtown are busier than they've been in decades.

In addition to WildFlyer Mead & Beer opening their tasting room, Blackberry & Honeysuckle are expanding to a larger location, and BK Style & Co. are joining downtown. Domino's Pizza will also be setting up shop in Navasota.

"We've seen some business growth here, a lot of businesses are interested in coming to Navasota, so we are just excited about all the potential growth," said Taylor Hughes, the Marketing & Communications Manager for Navasota.

It's an opportunity too good for Murray to pass up.

"It's been a long time coming. This project started two years ago this fall and so it's been a long time of preparation," said Murray. "People are excited about it and can hopefully come in and support us and so we can support the community."

In response to the growth, TxDOT changed the speed limit on Washington Avenue and Highway 90 in Navasota.

The speed limit was reduced by 10 miles per hour from the Highway 6 exit to Ketchum Street.

The speed limit on Washington Avenue will now be 30 miles per hour, down from 40 miles per hour.

TxDOT says this change follows a study to ensure the safest travel conditions for drivers and pedestrians.

"We have more and more congestion coming in through the state of Texas and that includes Grimes County, and so we've seen a lot of growth in that area, especially the area in front of Pecan Lakes and in front of the high school," said Bob Colwell, spokesperson for the TxDOT Bryan Division. "We are lowering the speed limit to improve the safety."