Augusta, GA
Downtown Augusta shops adjust as development projects reshape city center
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Downtown Augusta businesses are working through ongoing construction as the city center continues to take shape.
Andi Klinginsmith, general manager of Sosal, said the work has required extra effort to keep customers informed.
“When they’re doing construction directly in front of your building and the sidewalks open, but the road is closed, it’s about letting people know that, hey, we are still open,” Klinginsmith said. “There is still room to get by. Flagging them in and coming down to see us so they know that we’re still in business, still rocking and rolling.”
Evan Grantski, owner of Grantski Records, said his business plans to use social media and email to communicate with customers if access becomes more difficult.
“If it gets worse, we’ll just reach out to our people on social media and let them know or send them an email,” Grantski said. “But I’m sure they’ll be able to get to us and everything will be okay.”
Business growth trending up
Margaret Woodard, executive director of the Downtown Development Authority, said business growth is moving in a positive direction.
“Last year I believe it was around 45 net businesses opened up on the Broad Street quarter and as of today we’ve got 15,” Woodard said. “So we are pacing in the right direction.”
The Downtown Development Authority said new development projects are designed to bring more foot traffic into downtown. Woodard said the James Brown Linear Park will be part of that effort.
“There are some amenities in the streetscape projects such as the James Brown Linear Park that’s gonna attract visitors and residents downtown, where there’s actually an interactive park and things to do,” Woodard said.
Klinginsmith said the return of the arena will also draw people to the area.
“I think we need a place that everybody can come together and celebrate and be excited and the arena coming back will be a big part for that,” Klinginsmith said. “It’s gonna bring people into the city as well who aren’t from here. People who don’t normally come downtown will come more this way because of that.”
Grantski said he hopes the improvements will bring more activity to downtown.
“Life downtown, people walking the sidewalks and shopping and eating and drinking and bringing families,” Grantski said.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
Augusta, GA
Augusta Regional Airport hosts drone camp for students
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Students showcased drones they built during a two-week summer camp at Augusta Regional Airport on Friday.
12 junior and high school students attended the camp, where they learned to fly and build drones designed to help others.
Anderson Puryear, a student, said the camp focused on delivering small medical supplies.
“It was focused on delivering small medical supplies like an EPI pen or glucose packet for like diabetics and for people with allergies in need in the real world that could obviously help save lives, and if people are like in a place in a boat or like in the desert or in the forest where they can’t easily access those supplies it can save their lives,” Puryear said.
The airport partnered with Georgia Tech, state troopers and the Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting Department for the Air Edu Summer Camp.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
Augusta, GA
10th annual Juneteenth Augusta Festival draws crowds despite heat
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
Augusta Dream Center sees surge in families needing food as summer begins
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.
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