Georgia
Have you given blood lately? Georgia communities in urgent need as winter threat continues
ATLANTA — February is the month of love. In a month filled with gifts and gestures, another way to show someone that you care: donate blood.
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According to the American Red Cross, weather systems can disrupt blood drives and the ability to provide critical blood products to hospitals.
While thousands have donated, blood supply is needed now more than ever.
TRENDING STORIES:
The Red Cross states that people of all blood types–especially type O blood donors are the most needed blood group by hospitals.
Platelet donors are needed daily to ensure blood products are available for hospitals at a moment’s notice.
Citizens who donate in February will receive a $20 Amazon.com gift card by email.
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For the full list of counties’ dates and availability or to schedule an appointment to give blood or platelets, click here. Citizens can also download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or call 1-800-RED CROSS.
Here are a few upcoming blood donation opportunities beginning Feb.12 throughout metro Atlanta:
Clayton County: Morrow
- 2/15/2024: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., City of Morrow, 1500 Morrow Rd
- 2/28/2024: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Morrow High School, 2299 Old Rex Morrow Road
Riverdale
- 2/16/2024: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Clayton County Fire Department, 7810 Highway 85
Clayton County: Jonesboro
- 2/20/2024: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Perry Career Center, 137 Spring St
Cobb County: Acworth
- 2/12/2024: 3 p.m. – 7 p.m., St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church, 6301 Cedarcrest Road
- 2/13/2024: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Freedom Church, 3611 Cobb Parkway
- 2/14/2024: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Freedom Church, 3611 Cobb Parkway
- 2/16/2024: 11:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Georgia Fitness, 3362 Acworth Summit Blvd
Atlanta
- 2/15/2024: 1 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Atlanta Braves, 755 Battery Avenue Southeast
- 2/15/2024: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Atlanta Braves, 755 Battery Avenue Southeast
Austell
- 2/19/2024: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Wellstar Cobb Hospital/Women’s Center, 3950 Austell Road
Kennesaw
- 2/15/2024: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., Bullard Elementary School, 3656 Old Stilesboro Road
- 2/22/2024: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Legacy Park, 4201 Legacy Park Circle
- 2/29/2024: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Northwest Family YMCA, 1700 Dennis Kemp Lane
Marietta
2/12/2024: 8 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., Cobb Blood Donation Center, East Lake Shopping Center, 2145 Roswell Road Suite 250
2/13/2024: 1 p.m. – 7:45 p.m., Cobb Blood Donation Center, East Lake Shopping Center, 2145 Roswell Road Suite 250
2/13/2024: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., St. Paul UMC, 244 Kurtz Road
2/14/2024: 1 p.m. – 7:45 p.m., Cobb Blood Donation Center, East Lake Shopping Center, 2145 Roswell Road Suite 250
2/14/2024: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Cobb County-Marietta Water Authority, 1170 Atlanta Industrial Drive
Powder Springs
- 2/12/2024: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., Macland Presbyterian Church, 3615 Macland Rd
- 2/13/2024: 3 p.m. – 8 p.m., Church of Latter Day Saints – Powder Springs, 2595 New Macland Rd.
Smyrna
- 2/12/2024: 3 p.m. – 7 p.m., Smyrna Community Center, 200 Village Green Circle
- 2/13/2024: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Wellstar Vinings Health Park, 4441 Atlanta Rd
DeKalb County: Decatur
- 2/12/2024: 3 p.m. – 7 p.m., North Decatur UMC, 1523 Church Street
- 2/21/2024: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., First Christian Church of Decatur, 601 West Ponce de Leon Avenue
- 2/23/2024: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Decatur Library, 215 Sycamore Street
- 2/27/2024: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Dekalb Medical Center Women’s Center, 2701 N. Decatur Road
Tucker
- 2/20/2024: 12 p.m. – 4 p.m., City of Tucker Parks and Recreation, 4898 Lavista Rd
- 2/22/2024: 2:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Tucker First United Methodist Church, 2397 Fourth Street
DeKalb County: Clarkston
- 2/27/2024: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., CN-Bookstore, 555 N Indian Creek Dr
Decatur
- 2/25/2024: 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., House of Hope Atlanta, 4650 Flat Shoals Pkwy
Douglas County: Douglasville
- 2/13/2024: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Douglasville Public Safety Complex, 2083 Fairburn Rd
- 2/14/2024: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Douglasville First United Methodist Church-Tidwll Hall, 6167 Prestley Mill Road
Peachtree City
- 2/26/2024: 1 p.m. – 5 p.m., Keller Williams Peachtree City, 1200 Commerce Drive, Suite 110
Fulton County: Alpharetta
- 2/12/2024: 1 p.m. – 7:45 p.m., Alpharetta Blood Donation Center, 3000 Old Alabama RD, Suite 110
- 2/13/2024: 12:45 p.m. – 7:45 p.m., Alpharetta Blood Donation Center, 3000 Old Alabama RD, Suite 110
- 2/14/2024: 12:45 p.m. – 7:45 p.m., Alpharetta Blood Donation Center, 3000 Old Alabama RD, Suite 110
- 2/14/2024: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., Hewlett Packard Enterprise, 5555 Windward Parkway, Mail Stop A3D702C
Atlanta
- 2/12/2024: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., Midtown Blood Donation Center, 1955 Monroe Drive
- 2/13/2024: 1 p.m. – 7:45 p.m., Midtown Blood Donation Center, 1955 Monroe Drive
- 2/13/2024: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Urban Life Building, 140 Decatur Street
- 2/13/2024: 12 p.m. – 4 p.m., Piedmont Atlanta Hospital 1984 Building, 1968 Peachtree Road, NW
Duluth
2/12/2024: 1 p.m. – 7:45 p.m., Duluth Blood Donation Center, 3090 Premiere Pkwy, Suite 500
2/13/2024: 12:45 p.m. – 7:45 p.m., Duluth Blood Donation Center, 3090 Premiere Pkwy, Suite 500
2/14/2024: 12:45 p.m. – 7:45 p.m., Duluth Blood Donation Center, 3090 Premiere Pkwy, Suite 500
2/15/2024: 12:45 p.m. – 7:45 p.m., Duluth Blood Donation Center, 3090 Premiere Pkwy, Suite 500
2/16/2024: 9:30 a.m. – 4:15 p.m., Duluth Blood Donation Center, 3090 Premiere Pkwy, Suite 500
2/17/2024: 8 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., Duluth Blood Donation Center, 3090 Premiere Pkwy, Suite 500
Suwanee
2/15/2024: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Riverwatch Middle School, 610 James Burgess Road
2/15/2024: 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Gwinnett County Public Schools Instructional Support Center, 437 Old Peachtree Road NW, Instructional Support Center
2/22/2024: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., City of Suwanee, 330 Town Center Ave
2/29/2024: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m., Richland Community Clubhouse, 2074 Quinton Place
Gwinnett County: Lawrenceville
2/28/2024: 12 p.m. – 4 p.m., Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology, 970 McElvaney Ln NW
Henry County: McDonough
2/27/2024: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., McDonough Presbyterian Church, 427 McGarity Road
2/27/2024: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Henry County Academy for Advanced Studies, 401 East Tomlinson Street
Stockbridge
2/28/2024: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Piedmont Henry, 1133 Eagles Landing Parkway
Rockdale County: Conyers
2/12/2024: 12 p.m. – 7 p.m., Conyers Blood Donation Center, 2445 Salem Road SE, Suite 206F/207G
2/13/2024: 12 p.m. – 7 p.m., Conyers Blood Donation Center, 2445 Salem Road SE, Suite 206F/207G
2/14/2024: 12 p.m. – 7 p.m., Conyers Blood Donation Center, 2445 Salem Road SE, Suite 206F/207G
2/16/2024: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m., Conyers Blood Donation Center, 2445 Salem Road SE, Suite 206F/207G
2/17/2024: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m., Conyers Blood Donation Center, 2445 Salem Road SE, Suite 206F/207G
IN OTHER NEWS:
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Georgia
Florida Continues Push to Beat Out Georgia for Top LB Recruit
After a huge ratings boost in the updated Rivals300 rankings that now has Joakim Gouda as a top-30 prospect in the 2027 class, the Florida Gators remain in contention for the elite Georgia linebacker despite an apparent leader in his recruitment.
Gouda, once unranked by Rivals, is now the second-highest-rated linebacker in his class. He has seen multiple expert predictions to land with Kirby Smart and the in-state Georgia Bulldogs recently. However, the Gators have consistently been in the mix for the athletic backer under Jon Sumrall, with both schools making his top five, as well as Texas, Auburn and Alabama, and official visits scheduled to all remaining contenders.
Despite the smoke around Georgia, Florida will still have a strong shot at the 6-foot-2, 225-pound defender with plenty of time left before his decision is officially made.
“Florida is definitely still strongly in the race,” Gouda told Florida Gators on SI. “I’m just focused on building relationships and taking my time. I’m not rushing a commitment — I want to make the best decision for me and my future.”
Though the Gators offered Gouda only just over two months ago, Florida has wasted no time in aggressively pursuing the talented athlete, who is expected back on campus for a visit this spring on top of his scheduled official visit from June 4 to June 6. While still somewhat early in the building of a relationship, the new staff member has stood out.
“Florida sits in my top 5 because I really like the program and the energy around it right now. Even with a lot of competition, I believe in my ability to compete and contribute.” Gouda said. “I think I could fit in well with Sumrall and the new staff because I’m coachable, hardworking, and focused on team success. I like their energy and vision for the program, and that’s earned them a real chance in my recruitment.”
Florida’s chances will rely heavily on the next few months, however, as Gouda goes through his visits looking for the best program fit amongst multiple premier options. With a long way to go till signing day, the Gators will have plenty of time to prove to the elite prospect that they meet his criteria.
“From Florida, I’m looking for a staff that truly believes in me, a system where I can develop, and a culture that feels like family,” Gouda said. “A program will earn my commitment by showing consistency, developing players, and giving me the best opportunity to grow on and off the field.”
After making 100 tackles during junior season at South Pauling High School (Ga.), Gouda is expected to surge up recruiting rankings as he heads toward a decision next year. While becoming one of the largest risers in his class as of late, the four-star is not getting complacent.
“The attention on Rivals feels good because it shows people are noticing my work,” Gouda said. “…I think it’s just a result of staying consistent and improving every day, but I’m still keeping my head down and grinding.”
The Gators will likely be in it till the end for the potential future five-star Gouda, with Sumrall and staff looking to fight off Smart in his home state and land one of the more exciting prospects at his position in 2027.
More From Florida Gators on SI
Georgia
South Georgia honors Officer Caleb Abney
VALDOSTA Ga. (WALB) – Family, friends, and law enforcement agencies from across South Georgia gathered at Martin Stadium to remember Officer Caleb Abney.
First responders from across the region stood alongside Abney’s family as Lowndes County opened the stadium for the service.
Lowndes County Board member Chris Buescher said community attendance was important.
“Obviously, these first responders give their all to our community. It is important to come out and support them. We are all heartbroken as a community as one Lowndes family,” Buescher said.
Abney’s ties to the community
Buescher noted Abney’s deep roots in Lowndes County, describing his connection to the area beyond his role in law enforcement.
“Caleb was not only a first responder in terms of the fire department, a police officer. He was a former Lowndes County High graduate. He was a former Georgia Bridgeman. So he marched on this very field that these last respects were paid to. So his mom and dad were big volunteers within the school system. So it is important to recognize the sacrifices these first responders make for all of us in the community,” Buescher said.
Procession travels through Lowndes County
The procession exited Lowndes High School and traveled through several roadways across the area. Family members, guests, and first responders made their way to Fellowship Baptist Church.
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To stay up to date on all the latest news as it develops, follow WALB on Facebook and X (Twitter). For more South Georgia news, download the WALB News app from the Apple Store or Google Play.
Copyright 2026 WALB. All rights reserved.
Georgia
Man accused of raping University of Georgia student, police say
ATHENS, Ga. – A 19-year-old is facing assault-related charges after police said he raped a University of Georgia student early Saturday morning while she was walking home.
What we know:
Tydarius Wingfield of Athens allegedly approached the student in the area of 400 North Thomas Street just before 1:40 a.m. and asked to walk her home.
Wingfield and the victim did not know each other.
Wingfield then forced the woman behind a building where he sexually assaulted her, police said.
Investigators used the Real Time Crime Center’s camera system to see where the assault happened and track the victim and Wingfield’s movements. Officers continued tracking Wingfield until his arrest and positively identified him using the RTCC technology.
He is charged with rape, kidnapping, aggravated sexual battery and battery.
An investigation is ongoing.
What we don’t know:
It is unclear whether the victim was taken to the hospital after being attacked.
What you can do:
Anyone with information on this case is asked to contact Detective Burgamy at Charles.Burgamy@accgov.com or 762-400-7173.
The Source: Information in this report comes from the Athens-Clarke County Police Department.
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