Augusta, GA
Augusta town hall on recovery from Hurricane Helene underway
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) -The Augusta town hall on recovery from Hurricane Helene is underway.
City leadership is gathering to provide an update on where we are, going on three months since the storm.
We were out in some of our harder-hit neighborhoods on Tuesday and there are many mixed emotions about how people feel about where the city stands after the hurricane.
People are bringing their questions with them and some even submitted them ahead of time.
All asking about debris pick up, wire and cable collection, recycling and construction debris.
And local leaders say they are ready to answer any questions people might have.
“This is going to last well into 2025, and I think we need to set realistic expectations with everybody on what’s going on,” said Sean Frantom, District 7 commissioner.
It has been more than 70 days since the hurricane and more than 70 days of people waiting for the city to get back to a new normal, but local leaders say it takes time.
“People have to understand that the resources are spread between Florida, Georgia and even Columbia County and that there’s only so many resources to go around,” said Frantom.
He thinks they’re making good progress and is hoping the meetings will help explain how.
“We just opened up a new site off Sand Bar Ferry Road for that,” said Frantom. “We’re getting about 11,000 cubic yards each day going there to try to lighten the load over at Eisenhower. As far as like, where we are as a community, I think we’re doing very well, but this is going to be a process that people just got to be patient with.”
All while also trying to clear confusion and relieve any stress.
“FEMA is the paying agency. These are contractors to the contractor that we’ve hired to come and do this,” said Frantom. “We have over 80 trucks right now moving through the community. They’re going to come back, but if things are not at the road, they’re not going to be picked up.”
While reminding everyone that those who are helping us are people too.
“We’ve picked up 1.8 million cubic yards. I think the only day they’ve taken off is Thanksgiving,” said Frantom. They’re going to take off some days around Christmas, and people are going to be like, ‘Where are they?’ ‘Why hasn’t this been picked up?’ people are having Christmas parties, and they think that the medians and everything is going to be clear, so people can park there. Unfortunately, just not going to happen. I mean, and I think when you have a little grace and appreciate these people, because they’ve been in our community for 80 days now, nonstop, and they’re doing an incredible job, but it’s just going to take time.”
Even though the FEMA deadline is approaching, they are trying to get it extended.
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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.
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.
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.
Drought-fueled wildfires burn across Georgia, Florida
Wildfires in Georgia and Florida have forced evacuations, road closures and burn bans as the drought-fueled fires burn thousands of acres.
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.
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.
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.”
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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