Augusta, GA
Downtown Augusta businesses remain hopeful despite ongoing construction
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – It’s fair to say that Augusta saw a busy St. Patrick’s Day weekend.
Road work was a major factor that impacted some plans. These projects will still be going on as golf lovers head to Augusta.
At almost every corner in downtown Augusta, there are signs of progress and growth, and behind it all is a local shop or two.
“We’re still here. That’s right. You got it. We’ll just hope for the best,” said Luanna Hildebrant, owner of Hildebrant’s.
Hildebrant’s sits on 6th Street and has for decades.
“The construction has hindered us, but I think it’s going to be better once it’s done,” said Hildebrant.
A couple of streets over is Cafe on 8th, which opened in April 2023.
“It was definitely a slow start and with that going on, it didn’t help anything. There is a patrolman sitting right in front of the restaurant and that kind of throws people off, especially with this road being closed,” said manager Jerome Kenly.
13th Street, 5th Street, 6th Street and Greene Street are set to be completed in 2025, Telfair Street in 2026 and Broad Street in 2027.
“We get the most success from our customers and clients. They’re putting it up on our reviews and stuff like that. They’re saying don’t let it discourage you just come on down,” said Kenly.
These projects are not small and take time to complete, but businesses are looking ahead at what’s to come.
Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
Augusta, GA
Augusta Regional Airport hosts drone camp for students
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Students showcased drones they built during a two-week summer camp at Augusta Regional Airport on Friday.
12 junior and high school students attended the camp, where they learned to fly and build drones designed to help others.
Anderson Puryear, a student, said the camp focused on delivering small medical supplies.
“It was focused on delivering small medical supplies like an EPI pen or glucose packet for like diabetics and for people with allergies in need in the real world that could obviously help save lives, and if people are like in a place in a boat or like in the desert or in the forest where they can’t easily access those supplies it can save their lives,” Puryear said.
The airport partnered with Georgia Tech, state troopers and the Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting Department for the Air Edu Summer Camp.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
Augusta, GA
10th annual Juneteenth Augusta Festival draws crowds despite heat
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The 10th annual Juneteenth Augusta Festival brought families to the Augusta Fairgrounds on Friday despite the muggy heat.
Cultural and community-focused events, live music performances and food trucks were available at the celebration.
Tonia Hill, attending the Juneteenth celebration, said she loves the holiday and is supporting the community, though she acknowledged the weather conditions.
“I love Juneteenth. And I’m supporting everybody. It’s hot. It’s hot. It’s hot,” Hill said.
The festival runs until 10 p.m.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
Augusta, GA
Augusta Dream Center sees surge in families needing food as summer begins
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Augusta Dream Center is seeing more families turn to its food pantry this summer as children lose access to school lunches.
Organizations like the Augusta Dream Center see a surge in families who relied on school lunches during the academic year, according to Hallie Kohan, assistant director.
“We see a lot more families that have young kids who are in need that simply don’t have those meals they are normally getting,” Kohan said. “We see an influx of families that come through.”
Demand is up, but the food supply is not keeping pace.
“Right now we are having some food distribution issues so while we are seeing an increase in families, we are seeing a decrease in the amount of food coming through our doors,” Kohan said.
The center is asking the community to host food drives or donate kid-friendly items such as mac and cheese and oatmeal.
Every Sunday the Dream Center opens its doors for a hot meal, serving as many as 120 people.
“Families can come in and get their hot meal. They sit down, it’s dignified, it’s a diner,” Kohan said. “It’s a welcoming experience for kids to come in and not feel like they are in need.”
No paperwork is required to receive help.
“Just because you think someone is in a great situation, in today’s economy you never know,” Kohan said. “It could be your neighbor, mom, or best friend.”
The Augusta Dream Center food pantry is open Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to noon and Thursdays from 5 to 6 p.m. Hot meals are served Sundays from 5 to 6 p.m.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
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