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Augusta, GA

Accelerate Augusta aims to help downtown business owners

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Accelerate Augusta aims to help downtown business owners


AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – In six months, a building in the middle of Broad Street in downtown Augusta will become the region’s newest small business incubator and micro-enterprise center.

It’s called Accelerate Augusta.

It’s in partnership with Augusta Tech and the Downtown Development Authority.

Two years ago, Senator Raphael Warnock sent over $2 million in funding for the project.

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This new resource is meant for everyone in the community.

600 Broad Street is getting a new facelift aimed at setting entrepreneurs up for success while expanding downtown Augusta all at the same time.

“This is beyond exciting,” said Dr. Jermaine Whirl, president of Augusta Tech.

It’s a project years in the making and a big boost right in the heart of downtown.

“We have so many small businesses that have been wanting and needing these resources, and so to have this construction get started today. It’s a big, big opportunity for us to really assist those companies,” said Whirl.

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When the doors open in early 2025, Accelerate Augusta will have resources Whirl says hit three markets needed in the Garden City.

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“We have micro sprints, which might be a one-day class, eight hours. You come in in the morning, you’re done by five, and you get everything that you need,” said Whirl. Other individuals, might need two, or three month’s worth of training because they have a concept. So, they’ll spend several weeks with us from start to finish, to really grow out their business plan.”

And you don’t need a student ID to use it.

“If you want to build your business out, this is a place that you can do that from start to finish,” said Whirl.

Leaders say the plan is to continue the successful halo effect they’re already seeing downtown.

Margaret Woodard with the Downtown Development Authority said: “This block looks a lot different than it did when we got here last November. Buildings have sold. That building across the street will be the future home of 33 market-rate apartments, which we’re very excited about. Jake, who owns Sole Augusta, is opening a barbecue restaurant one block on Fifth Street.”

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With phase one under construction, leaders tell me they have their eyes set on phase two, which is an incubator that will help entrepreneurs fine-tune their business models and then connect them with an actual location to open on Broad Street.



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Augusta, GA

25-year-old woman killed in shooting on Cameron Drive

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25-year-old woman killed in shooting on Cameron Drive


AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – One person has died after a shooting on Cameron Drive in Augusta early Friday morning.

The Richmond County Coroner’s Office has identified the victim as 25-year-old Khyla Rodriguez, of Augusta.

Richmond County deputies responded to the 3600 block of Cameron Drive around 1:11 a.m. for a suspicious situation.

While on scene, deputies spoke to the complainant who stated they got a call form an unknown person saying their friend was dead at the incident location.

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Deputies then searched the area, where they found Rodriguez on the ground unresponsive with several gun shot wounds to the stomach area.

The coroner’s office says Rodriguez was pronounced dead at 2:27 a.m. An autopsy has been scheduled.

As of 4:15 a.m., at least one deputy and crime scene crews were still on scene.

Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.



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Augusta, GA

Four indicted in Augusta on federal drug trafficking charges

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Four indicted in Augusta on federal drug trafficking charges


AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – Four individuals from Augusta have been indicted by a federal Grand Jury on federal drug trafficking charges, the U.S. Department of Justice’s Southern District of Georgia announced Thursday.

The following individuals were indicted:

(Indictments contain charges, and defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty.)

  • Tyriquez McFadden, 39, and Nichael Lessey, 44, both of Augusta, charged in a five-count indictment with Possession with Intent to Distribute 400 Grams or More of Fentanyl; Possession with Intent to Distribute 28 Grams or More of Crack Cocaine;  Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
  • Roman Kelly, 51, of Augusta, indicted for Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine; Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin; and Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine.

These charges carry statutory penalties up to life in prison, substantial financial penalties and a period of supervised release upon completion of any prison term.

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Augusta, GA

South Georgia wildfires 90% contained, but hot spots still a concern

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South Georgia wildfires 90% contained, but hot spots still a concern


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  • Two large wildfires in south Georgia have burned approximately 54,000 acres and are now 90% contained.
  • Suppression costs for the fires are estimated to exceed $18.3 million, with crews still managing hot spots.
  • Georgia remains in an extreme drought, increasing the risk of fires throughout the summer.

Two large wildfires burning in south Georgia were now 90% contained, as of Wednesday, after consuming about 54,000 acres, according to the Georgia Forestry Commission.

The Pineland Road Fire has burned 32,575 acres. The Highway 82 Fire has burned 22,420 acres.

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However, fuel conditions remain extremely dry, officials said. Containment continues to improve on both fires, but crews remain actively engaged in patrol, suppression, and mop-up operations.

Seth Hawkins, urban and community forestry program coordinator for the Georgia Forestry Commission, worked on the Highway 82 Fire in Brantley County, which is still about 22,000 acres. Suppression costs are estimated to exceed $18.3 million.

“The rain put out the active flame on that fire,” Hawkins said. “However, there’s still that deep layer, that organic material, burning, and hot spots can still flare up as soon as humidity drops.”

Hawkins said 166 people are still working hot spots on the Highway 82 fire, setting up sprinkler systems where needed.

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As of May 12, the State Forester burn ban has been lifted, but the Environmental Protection Division’s summer burn ban remains in place. Many counties may still have local ordinances. Georgia residents are encouraged to check with their county before burning.

The state remains in an extreme drought.

“It’s just unique down there because of all that organic fuel,” Hawkins said. “And when it dries out, it’s very susceptible to ignition. It’s going to be a long, hot, dry summer. We’re telling folks to keep their guard up and be safe with campfires and debris burning.”

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This reporting content is supported by a partnership with Journalism Funding Partners.

Erica Van Buren is the climate change reporter for The Augusta Chronicle, part of the USA TODAY Network. Connect with her at EVanBuren@usatodayco.com or on X: @EricaVanBuren32.



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