Downtown visitors still on edge after weekend shooting

Published

2 years ago

June 13, 2024

Downtown visitors still on edge after weekend shooting

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WFXG) –
Saturday’s shooting in Downtown Augusta remains at the top of many minds who live in the area.

It’s been several days since the Downtown Augusta shooting and two people are currently in custody.

People in the area are still being cautious. Some of them are wondering what the city is planning to do next.

Sharon Jones works downtown, and she told FOX54 that she is constantly think about what could happen while at work.

“The first day back on Monday there was a lot of investigators walking around…” Jones explained.

She says that she’s worried that something like that can happen in broad daylight. “I don’t even come downtown anymore.”

As of right now, nothing has been presented publicly. City leaders are discussing options like a potential curfew for certain ages and a no-loitering policy.

Business owners like Brandi Jones of Tiffinie Bleu Bridal says there need to be a great police presence at night.

“Cars are definitely not a deterrence for people doing things they are not supposed to.” Said Jones.

Locals and business owners are looking towards the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office for answers.

Some Commissioners applaud their efforts. ” He’s doing the best with what he has.” Said, Tony Lewis, District 6 Commissioner.

While others like District 10 Commissioner, Wayne Guilfoyle believe that more needs to be done.

“Hopefully Roundtree can get his house in order and focus on protecting the citizens.” Said, Guilfoyle

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Related Topics:augusta Brandi commissioners county downtown Featured Jones richard Richmond Roundtree sheriff shooting

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Augusta now has two finalists for planning and development director

Published

4 hours ago

February 13, 2026

Press Room

Augusta now has two finalists for planning and development director

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – It’s been the better part of a year since Augusta-Richmond County’s planning and development director announced her resignation, but now there are two finalists seeking to succeed her.

Officials announced Friday that the two candidates are Ryan A. Bland and Adleasia J. Cameron.

Officials haven’t yet released information about them, but News 12 requested their job applications and resumes, which are covered under state open records laws.

Carla Delaney resigned as planning and development director effective May 30.

“Augusta has been home to me for many years, from my time as a middle and high school student to earning my graduate degree. It has truly been a privilege to work here and contribute to the community’s growth, sustainability, and development,” Delaney said in her letter of resignation.

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Augusta, GA

School officials address recorded fight incident at Belair Middle

Published

16 hours ago

February 13, 2026

Press Room

School officials address recorded fight incident at Belair Middle

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Belair Middle School families received a letter Thursday after a fight was caught on camera.

According to the letter, as a bus driver was leaving the building Wednesday, students engaged in a fight that was filmed by others during after-school dismissal.

School officials said the bus driver pulled back in and administrators and public safety officials addressed the incident in accordance with the code of student conduct and discipline.

The students involved were removed from the bus, the letter states.

“Incidents of this nature are unacceptable and will not be tolerated in our school,” said Principal Rischa Sturgis.

If you or your children have any safety concerns, please report them to the school or call the Safety Tip Line at 706-828-1077.

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Augusta, GA

Georgia homeowners rally at Capitol for more oversight of HOAs

Published

1 day ago

February 12, 2026

Press Room

Georgia homeowners rally at Capitol for more oversight of HOAs

ATLANTA, Ga. — Georgia homeowners took to the Capitol for “HOA Day,” with many fearing they could lose their homes to their community associations.

Atlanta News First Investigates has documented hundreds of homeowners reaching out in the last year. Of those, almost half are in lawsuits with their HOA and 30% have liens on their homes. The average fine they’re facing is near $10,000, and they have no office to go to for help.

HOA Day at the Georgia Capitol began with homeowners gathering in Liberty Plaza. Dozens of homeowners pleaded with lawmakers to help.

“The frivolous fines are like your trash can from your backyard, your mailbox and your driveway should be pressure wash. And your fines are in excess of tens of thousands of dollars,” said Rose Lummus of Decatur.

“There’s no lawyers to fight for a homeowners because there’s more lawyers getting money from the homeowners association because of the financial gain,” said Rosalind Grigger of Smyrna.

Darrell Taylor of Villa Rica said his HOA wants to foreclose on his house. “We say we never got what we were promised, so why do I have to give you what you were promised?”

Even some HOA board members showed up to support reform.

“There’s some board members that are good… so we’re just trying to educate,” said Tamara Chase of Fairburn.

HOA Day was organized by Representatives Viola Davis, Kim Schofield and Sandra Scott and Senator Donzella James. The event continued with a call to action for all lawmakers to prioritize and protect Georgia homeowners.

There are several bills involving HOA oversight in both the Senate and House, but lawmakers are pushing two to the forefront: SB 406 and HB 1035. The bills would assign oversight to the Secretary of State and stop foreclosures for unpaid dues.

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