I'm also in 8b - Austin, TX - and just bought this house with bananas 2 months ago so am a little overwhelmed in caring for them as well as a bigger yard. The previous owners cut them down every year but I just discovered a 3rd bloom just starting and wondered if there is any way to save that bloom.
I'm going to check those videos mentioned above and try to figure out best approach. I have 2 stands of plants - one near our pool and one on the side yard - I may go science-y and cut one and wrap and protect the other and see what seemed to work best in the spring.
Banana Gallery - South Austin bananas 2