Augusta, GA

Downtown Augusta business owners share safety concerns with sheriff

Published

9 months ago

May 30, 2025

Downtown Augusta business owners share safety concerns with sheriff

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Business owners in downtown Augusta shared safety concerns with the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office on Thursday.

The sheriff’s office says they’re increasing deputies in the area, specifically at night to keep families safe.

The goal is to collaborate with these business owners.

Sheriff Brantley says having these face-to-face conversations is key when it comes to ensuring safety for those who live, work and visit downtown.

When you’re talking about businesses – homes – apartments – these are places people are proud of .

“At the end of the day, if you take good care of your house and you have a presence in your house, your house will be respected,” said Ernest Jones, CEO, Realty One Group Visionaries.

Many look at downtown Augusta as home.

“And I think that’s what Richmond County authorities are doing, they’re taking and having a presence in the downtown area, so this space will be respected,” said Jones.

Having face-to-face conversations is a start.

“And also to let them know that we want to know when there are concerns of theirs and make sure that we hear them and their concerns are being met with actions,” said Sheriff Brantley.

It’s something many business owners have asked for, going back several years.

“The change already is good with everything else, it just takes time. So really it just. I’m looking forward to how it, when it all comes down and the smoke settles, ‘cause it’s still new. Five months into the year, it’s still all new. A year from now, two years from now, I mean, who’s to tell? Downtown’s gonna be great,” said Adrian Estrada, owner, The Loft.

Safety is the key to making downtown thrive. “Like I said, we still have some things we have to tweak and work on to continue to make downtown safer and make people want to come and enjoy what we have to offer downtown,” said Brantley.

The sheriff’s office downtown safety plan is already in place.

During the day, they have community safety officers out to observe and report any potential issues while assisting business owners with their needs.

At night, the sheriff says they have one deputy per block on foot patrolling, they have a mix of marked and unmarked cars out as well.

However, he says they are prepared to add more staff as needed, especially as summer events start soon.

“We will have a mobile command staff that will be available that deals with large events and event staff,” said Brantley. “It will be a host of traffic crime suppression and different specialized units working in the area to make sure we have enough coverage to be able to deal with any problems that may arise.”

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Augusta, GA

Protestors in downtown Augusta speak out after strikes on Iran

Published

3 minutes ago

March 1, 2026

Press Room

Protestors in downtown Augusta speak out after strikes on Iran

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Local protestors made their voices heard after Israel and the U.S. announced strikes on Iran Saturday, ones that killed Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, reports say.

Protesters lined 13th Street in Downtown Augusta and walked across the river to North Augusta to make sure as many people as possible heard them.

50501 CSRA already had a march planned for Saturday, but in light of the strikes on Iran, decided to expand its focus.

Local leaders spoke about their concerns for the strikes, and roughly 60 people showed up to share theirs as well.

One of the event organizers said to make your voice heard your voice heard.

“Just call your people, call your representatives, if you don’t like that Iran was bombed, I don’t either. But call people and let them know, email them. Let it be relentless. Congress did not approve this. They have a say in this,” Zee Cook said.

The strike is being called “Operation Epic Fury,” with Iran responding with multiple missile and drone strikes across the Middle East.

In a social media post, President Trump said the bombing of the country will continue “as long as necessary.”

People across the world began lining the streets as well in support and against the decision.

Leaders across the world reacted to the news, including those in Georgia and South Carolina.

There’s a protest planned in Charleston and other regional cities this week.

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Augusta, GA

Lock and Dam Park closing to public for a month in Augusta

Published

12 hours ago

February 28, 2026

Press Room

Lock and Dam Park closing to public for a month in Augusta

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.

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Augusta, GA

Augusta 911 call center earns statewide honor

Published

1 day ago

February 28, 2026

Press Room

Augusta 911 call center earns statewide honor

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.”

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