CeCe Jean Saunders is once again facing the challenge of rebuilding after floodwaters inundated her dance and cheerleading studio in Kerrville, Texas, for the second time in two years. The studio, perched on the banks of the Guadalupe River, experienced significant flooding in July last year—the first in its 40-year history—resulting in roughly $100,000 in damages. This week, floodwaters returned, this time arriving on the morning of July 27, sweeping through the property and causing further destruction.
Ms. Saunders recalled that last year’s floodwaters came from behind the studio, but this time the water came from all directions, rushing through the building and carrying away a props shed containing costumes and cheerleading accessories. The flood also damaged the expensive wooden cheer floor, which had just been replaced after last year’s repairs.
By Friday, as rains eased across the Texas Hill Country, the studio’s parking lot remained coated with sludge while the Guadalupe River carried felled trees and debris downstream. Volunteers gathered to assist with cleanup efforts, providing support in various ways—from power washers to hot meals. Despite the damage, Ms. Saunders expressed gratitude for the community’s response and for the absence of injuries or loss of life.
The dance studio has been part of the Saunders family for decades. Ms. Saunders, who began teaching cheerleading in the 1990s alongside her mother, Peggy Anne Hannemann, said the studio currently serves approximately 350 students. Among them is 7-year-old Taylen Long, who was helping sweep out floodwater on Friday and expressed affection for her teachers. Taylen’s mother, Shyla, also once took classes there, underscoring the studio’s longstanding role in the community.
The flooding in Kerrville comes nearly a year after Central Texas experienced a catastrophic event, with more than 130 fatalities reported across the region in July 2021. Kerrville and surrounding towns in Kerr County were among the hardest hit areas. The tragic drowning of 28 girls at Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp, spurred improvements in flood warning systems and safety measures statewide.
This week’s flood, while causing property damage and disruption, resulted in no known fatalities in Kerrville. The city’s mayor confirmed that all residents were accounted for following the latest surge. Local business owners reflected on their ability to recover from previous disasters, with some expressing cautious optimism about rebuilding once again.
Across from the dance studio, Ann Torres, 13, helped her family clear out a flooded apartment complex. The floodwaters swept in early Thursday, rising quickly and carrying away a family vehicle. The family, who had just begun replacing belongings lost in last year’s flood, now plans to relocate but intends to remain part of the Kerrville community. Ann’s father described the town as “a good place to live” when conditions are stable.
As cleanup continued Friday afternoon, sunlight broke through lingering clouds, and Ms. Saunders remained resolute. While open to moving if flooding recurs next year, she was determined to persist for now, holding onto memorabilia that survived the flood. “The top hats are saved,” she said with a smile, symbolizing resilience amid adversity.