Augusta, GA

Super Bowl alcohol sales are on tap for now in Augusta

Published

2 years ago

January 8, 2024

Super Bowl alcohol sales are on tap for now in Augusta

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – For now, the Super Bowl will be on the sole Sunday this year for alcohol sales at Augusta bars.

After an uproar over a decision last year leading to bar closures on New Year’s Eve, Augusta Commission members have been unable to reach a decision for this year that they’re comfortable with. They polled bar owners but weren’t able to get a good read on their sentiments.

The matter was discussed Monday when Augusta Commission members met at the committee level.

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Georgia only allows bars to sell liquor on one Sunday a year, and local governments can decide what day that is. Super Bowl Sunday is usually the automatic decision for the Augusta Commission, and that’s what leaders decided last year.

But that meant bars couldn’t sell alcohol on New Year’s Eve, which was also a Sunday.

No one seemed to realize the extent of the problem until a few weeks before the end of 2023, when it was far too late to do anything about it.

For this year, there had been talk of possibly choosing Cinco de Mayo or St. Patrick’s Day as the designated Sunday.

So a survey went out to more than 60 bars on Wednesday, asking for their views.

The survey got only 15 responses, with St. Patrick’s Day as the top vote.

Only two said they wanted Cinco De Mayo for Sunday sales.

Unsatisfied with the number of responses, commissioners decided not to make any changes for now.

This means Super Bowl Sunday as the sole Sunday for bars to sell alcohol this year unless something else is done.

New Year’s Eve is a Tuesday this year.

Also at Monday’s committee meetings:

Emergency funds for the Charles B. Webster Detention Center got consent and the matter was moved to a meeting of the full Augusta Commission.
Discussion on the Augusta Boat House was pushed to the next committee meetings. Pipes broke in the building, leading to mold contamination, and city leaders have been discussing its future.
A discussion on slumlords dipped into previous conversations on blight and negligent landlords. City leaders agreed to develop an ordinance to address property neglect in 60 days.

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Augusta, GA

Lock and Dam Park closing to public for a month in Augusta

Published

32 minutes ago

February 28, 2026

Press Room

Lock and Dam Park closing to public for a month in Augusta

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The city of Augusta announced a temporary closure of New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam Park.

Closure of the park at 2105 Lock and Dam Road will allow the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to repair the lock and dam structure.

The park will be closed from March 4 to April 7.

All areas of the park will be closed.

However, the Baurle Boat Ramp will remain open and accessible to the public for fishing and boating activities.

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Augusta, GA

Augusta 911 call center earns statewide honor

Published

13 hours ago

February 28, 2026

Press Room

Augusta 911 call center earns statewide honor

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Augusta 911 center has been named 2025 Communications Center of the Year at the Georgia Emergency Communications Conference in Athens.

The award recognizes excellence in public safety communications, innovation, leadership and service.

The award recognizes a center that demonstrates strong performance in emergency response coordination, training, technology and community engagement.

The Augusta center was selected among agencies statewide for its consistent service, professional standards and coordination with public safety partners.

“This recognition reflects the work our team does every single day,” said Daniel R. Dunlap, 911 director. “Our communications officers are the first point of contact during some of the most difficult moments in a person’s life. They provide reassurance, direction and critical coordination until help arrives. I am incredibly proud of the dedication and strength they show.”

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Augusta, GA

Popn’ Off Gourmet Popcorn opens on Broad Street in Augusta

Published

1 day ago

February 27, 2026

Press Room

Popn’ Off Gourmet Popcorn opens on Broad Street in Augusta

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A new gourmet popcorn shop has opened on Broad Street, bringing a Chicago-style twist to downtown Augusta.

Popn’ Off Gourmet Popcorn and Nuts, located at 716 Broad Street next to the Miller Theater, opened late last year. Owner Sheila Jones moved to Augusta from Chicago, where she said gourmet popcorn has a strong following.

“I’m from Chicago where gourmet popcorn is kind of a big deal,” Jones said.

Specialty flavors made in house

The shop offers specialty flavors including caramel, strawberry drizzle, peppermint, Oreo, green apple, and peanut butter — all made in house. Jones said the experience starts before customers even reach the counter.

“The smell is part of the experience. Green apple, strawberry, strawberry drizzle with chocolate. We have a new peanut butter flavor I just did,” Jones said.

A business built for family

Jones said her move to Augusta and her decision to open the business were driven by her son, who is on the autism spectrum. She said she believed he would be more comfortable in Augusta and wanted to build something that would benefit him long-term.

“I wanted him to have something when he gets older. He has a job already if he wants one. He already has a business,” Jones said.

Jones said starting the business has been harder than she expected. She handles most operations herself, with some help from family. She said the purpose behind the shop keeps her motivated.

“Coming into this every day is fulfilling because I built it. I’m building it and I just wanna see how high we’ll go,” Jones said.

Popn’ Off Gourmet Popcorn and Nuts is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The shop is also holding a pop-up Saturday at noon on Gordon Highway.

Here’s a link to their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61584084467886#

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