Augusta, GA
Augusta cuts dozens of trees on Broad Street, raising maintenance questions
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Augusta has removed dozens of trees along Broad Street as engineers work to repair aging infrastructure. The city plans to replant, but questions remain about long-term maintenance.
Long-term neglect can lead to mold and rot and become a public safety threat, according to the city’s engineering director, who warned leaders about the issue before Hurricane Helene.
Historic trees at risk
In Augusta, one of Georgia’s oldest crape myrtles stands as a reminder of the city’s history. The southern crape myrtle was planted by the Spanish as far back as 1717, according to Sterling Mantlow, who specializes in ethical land management.
Mantlow pointed to signs of neglect on the historic tree, including brown growth, dead branches and lightning marks.
Without regular maintenance, the historic water oaks in Old Towne risk the same fate as the trees that once lined Broad Street.
Infrastructure damage revealed
Roots have strangled power meters and choked water lines, causing infrastructure damage that was invisible until construction workers cracked open Broad Street.
The excavation revealed layers of Augusta’s history, including brick that covered Broad Street more than 120 years ago. The layers show wood pipes, clay pipes and lead pipes from the 1960s.
Mantlow said the city has maintained and patched over time but never started fresh with all construction at once.
City requested funds for tree management
In 2022, the engineering director sent a request to city leaders for a SPLOST 8 project seeking $4 million for tree management and removal.
He wrote that the city has numerous unhealthy trees along its roadways that present significant hazard to the general public. He said removal, pruning and replacement would enhance public safety.
The request was made before Hurricane Helene hit. City leaders gave him $1 million for the project, a quarter of the funds he requested for tree maintenance.
Mantlow said if the city does not maintain new trees, the results will be known quickly.
Tree commission seats vacant
Augusta has a tree commission with 10 members appointed by commissioners plus two additional members appointed by the county’s legislative delegation. Currently, five of the seats are vacant.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
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. (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.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Construction continues on the James Brown Linear Park in downtown Augusta, with ceiling tiles now installed inside the park structures.
The tiles feature designs showcasing the Godfather of Soul from different years in his career.
According to the city, the completed park will include an interactive water feature that will “dance” to Brown’s greatest hits. A statue of the music icon will return to a new stage at the park.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
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