Augusta, GA
Pride organizers work to keep public safe during weekend activities
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – June is Pride Month, and Augusta’s celebrations are some of the largest in the Peach State.
Last year, a record 16,000 people came to Pride to celebrate.
We were live in downtown Augusta where Beats on Broad held its hours-long music party at the Augusta Common.
With so many people expected to turn out this weekend, public safety is top of mind.
It’s a time to recognize everyone in the CSRA.
“We’ve grown and grown every year. And we’re hoping that we have at least 15 to 16,000 people show up in the next two days,” said Augusta Pride Secretary James Mintz.
It’s a weekend Mintz says you can come as you are with no fear.
He says organizers took great lengths to try and make that a reality.
“We utilize Richmond County Sheriff’s Department to do our security. And we’re very happy with the announcement that there are more patrols in downtown Augusta to just try and give people more a sense of safety and crime is down in general nationwide. So, there’s no reason why you can’t come out to the Augusta common tonight and tomorrow and celebrate,” he said.
It’s an atmosphere vendors say they are willing to take the extra effort to maintain.
“We’ll keep an eye out for everybody’s boots. Like our young lady over here. She had to walk away. We’re gonna watch out for everybody to make sure there’s no crime going on. And if so, we know who to report it to,” said vendor Kirby Eckleberry.
Organizers say it’s a bright weekend of festivities to look forward to.
“A hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, drink plenty of fluids. Several booths will be offering free water and just come check out each booth that’s available here because we think that there’s some good resources here,” said Mintz.
The festivities don’t stop after Friday night, the parade and festival will be happening tomorrow on Saturday.
Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
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.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
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.”
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
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#
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
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