Thursday, April 23, 2026
Good morning!
Have you ever wondered, why isn’t there a Trader Joe’s near me? Well, this weekend, we’ve got an answer at our free community forum all about housing in the local area.
Got more free time? Check out Earth Day celebrations through the weekend, run in a Turtle Trot or enjoy a free screening of documentary highlighting local Civil Rights history.
Let us know how we’re doing or send a suggestion to staff@thecurrentga.org
CHATHAM COUNTY
“Why Don’t We Have a Trader Joe’s?”: Join The Current GA from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, April 25 at Trinity United Methodist Church for a free community forum that breaks down why housing feels so expensive, complicated, and slow to change and how those realities shape everything from rent prices to the kinds of businesses that choose to locate here. This event is free and open to the public. Food and refreshments provided and take-home resources and giveaways available.
Savannah Earth Day Festival: The 26th annual Earth Day Festival is set for 4-7 p.m. on Friday, April 24 in Daffin Park, rain or shine. This year’s theme ‘Local Action, Global Impact’ highlights the power of everyday choices and community collaboration in driving meaningful environmental change. The event is free to the public and will feature over 60 vendors and offer a wide range of engaging activities, including interactive exhibits, live music, face painting, a community drop-off station, and a bicycle repair tent.
Dorchester Documentary: A public screening of the documentary “Dorchester Academy: A Legacy of Liberty” happens 7 p.m., Thursday, April 30, at Savannah State University’s Torian Auditorium, Howard Jordan Building, 3219 College St., Savannah. This Liberty County Black Reconstruction Era school trained Civil Rights workers across the South. Featuring Ambassador Andrew Young. Courtesy of Dorchester Improvement Association, filmmaker Kay Flowers Johnson and executive producer Brynn Grant. Free.
Blessing of the Fleet: Thunderbolt honors its maritime heritage at the 5th Annual Blessing of the Fleet from noon to 5 p.m., Saturday, April 25, River Drive along the Wilmington River. Low country boil shrimp for sale 1 to 5 p.m. Commercial fishing boats, shrimp boats, recreational boats, and personal watercraft welcome to receive a ceremonial blessing for safety and prosperity by Father Brannen of St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Tybee Island. Email events@thunderboltga.org for details.
Turtle Trot 5K: Help protect loggerhead sea turtles by joining the 2026 Turtle Trot from 9 to 11 a.m., Saturday, April 25 at Tybee Island Marine Science Center, 37 Meddin Dr., Tybee Island. Race is on the beach, starting and ending by the boardwalk next to TIMSC. Family-friendly and costumes encouraged! $45 registration by today, Thursday, April 23. Can’t make it? Virtual 5K also available!
Cake Party Fundraiser: Loop It Up Savannah is hosting its second annual Cake Party fundraiser from 6-8 p.m. Sunday, May 3, at Collins Quarter at Forsyth Park. The cost to attend the party is $35 for adults and $20 for kids 12 and under, until Monday when adult tickets go to $45. For the home bakers, cake registration is $35, which includes admission to the party. Cake registration closes Monday. Tickets include appetizers from Collins Quarter and about as much cake as you can eat.
CAMDEN COUNTY
NAACP Town Hall: Join members of the NAACP Camden County GA Branch at 6 p.m. this evening, Thursday, April 23, at First African Missionary Baptist Church, 495 N. Lee St., Kingsland. Learn more about the group, meet local branch leadership, and find out how you can be part of the movement.
Woodbine Crawfish Fest: Mudbug lovers, rejoice! Come out from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, April 24 and 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, April 25 at the Satilla River Waterfront Park in downtown Woodbine. Enjoy crawfish étouffée, music, arts and crafts, kids’ amusement area, the Crawfish Parade, and the Doreen Myers 5K Walk/Run. Full schedule here. Benefits Woodbine Elementary School Jack Christmas Read Aloud Club and other school projects.
BRYAN COUNTY
Richmond Hill Resources: Looking for help with food, clothes, housing, medical care, or other needs in Richmond Hill? Meet local nonprofits from 5 to 8 p.m., Thursday, April 23 at the Richmond Hill City Center, 520 Cedar St. in J.F. Gregory Park. They’ll answer your questions about services and programs. Come out, get connected to helpful resources, and learn about volunteer opportunities.
GLYNN COUNTY
Wetlands on Trial: A Lunch Hour Deep Dive: Join us noon to 1 p.m on April 28 via Zoom to learn about the history of our case, Glynn Environmental Coalition, Inc. et al. v. Sea Island Acquisition, LLC. From the early investigations and the initial filing in 2019, to actions in the 11th Circuit, and our recent Supreme Court petition. We’ll unpack the case in plain language, explore what’s at risk, and discuss how these decisions impact water quality, wildlife, and our community. RSVP here.
LIBERTY COUNTY
Vote Early: Advance In-Person Voting takes place 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday April 27 through Saturday, May 2, at the Historic Courthouse, 100 Main St., Hinesville and the Liberty County Community Complex, 9397 E. Oglethorpe Hwy., Midway. Early voting will continue 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, May 4 through Saturday, May 9 and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on May 11 through May 15 before the May 19 primary election. For more information, call Elections and Registration at (912) 876-3310.
Golf for Fresh Starts: Join the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office and Liberty County Re-entry Coalition’s 10th annual Swing for Re-entry Charity Golf Tournament, 8:30 a.m., Saturday, April 25, at Taylor’s Creek Golf Course, Fort Stewart. Tee time 9 a.m. $85 entry fee per person, teams of four. Includes 18 holes, cart, lunch, drinks, contests and prizes. Proceeds directly benefit the SOAR Re-entry Center, which supports formerly incarcerated people transitioning back to freedom. Register at 912-318-9419 or online.
Midway Day: Join friends and neighbors at the annual Midway Day celebration, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 25, at Cay Creek Wetlands Interpretive Center, 189 Charlie Butler Rd., Midway. This year’s theme: “Loving Midway through Education.”
Relay for Life Yard Sale: Check out curios, clothing, and other treasures at Relay for Life’s Yard Sale, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, April 25, in the parking lot next to the Courthouse Annex at 112 N. Main St., Hinesville. Proceeds help fight cancer. For more information, call 912-749-9537.
MCINTOSH COUNTY
Name That Tree: Earth Day celebrations continue 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Thursday, April 23 at Fort King George Historical Site, 302 McIntosh Road SE, Darien with a ranger-guided tree identification hike. Suitable for kids and adults. You’ll make tree rubbings, spot native and non-native trees, and get to know the local ecosystem. Dress for a leisurely hike (wear sturdy closed-toe shoes). Bug spray and sunscreen provided. Fort admission $8.25 adults, $6.25 seniors 62+, $4.75 youth, $2.75 kids under 6.
No Camera Needed: Try the 19th century art of cyanotype, using chemicals and sunlight to make photographic prints, 1 to 2 p.m. Thursday, April 23, at Fort King George Historical Site, 302 McIntosh Rd. SE, Darien. You’ll prepare the materials and arrange plants to make a print. Lemonade while you wait. Weather permitting. $10; advance registration required at 912-437-4770. Ages 8 and up due to chemical use. Wear old clothes you don’t mind staining and/or an apron.
Bird Nerdery: Get a good look at the birds of the Altamaha from 3 to 4 p.m., Friday, April 24 at Fort King George Historical Site, 302 McIntosh Rd. SE, Darien. This ranger-led bird walk will introduce you to species like bald eagles, cormorants, woodpeckers, songbirds, and other Coastal Georgia friends. Wear suitable hiking clothes (closed-toe shoes). Bring binoculars if you have them; supply is limited. Fort admission $8.25 adults, $6.25 seniors 62+, $4.75 youth, $2.75 kids under 6.
Dance, Peace, Love, Plants: Groovy music, eco-friendly fun, and native plants will trip you out at the Peace, Love & Native Plants Dance Party, 7 to 9 p.m., Friday, April 24, at the Darien Lions Club, 905 E. Broad St. For nature lovers, environmental advocates, and people who just love to dance. Live DJ spins classic rock and contemporary beats. Native plants for sale. Information booths on sustainability and conservation. 60s/70s-inspired outfits or come as you are. All ages welcome. Free.
EFFINGHAM COUNTY
Earth Day Festival: Learn about green issues specifically in Effingham County and surrounding areas at the Guyton & Effingham Earth Day Festival from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday. April 25, on the north end of the Downtown Walking Trail, West Central Boulevard, Guyton. Free, fun nature festival with hands-on activities, immersive booths, live music, demonstrations, prizes, vendors, exhibitors, green egg hunt, garden exchange, and a giant insect parade.
ALONG THE COAST
Protect yourself: All branches of the Coastal Health District are offering free testing for sexually transmitted infections this month. One in five people in the U.S. are infected yet often don’t realize it until long-term serious damage develops. Protect yourself and the ones you love—get checked. See the schedule by county for an STI testing event near you.
Flu shots available: Health departments in Bryan, Camden, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, Liberty, Long, and McIntosh counties now offer updated 2025-2026 flu vaccine. Supplies limited in some locations. Call your local health department to confirm availability and schedule an appointment. A yearly flu vaccine is the best way to prevent serious flu-related illness for everyone age 6 months and older. Insurance usually covers costs. Low-cost options available if you’re uninsured.
COVID shots available: The health departments in Bryan, Camden, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, Liberty, Long, and McIntosh Counties are offering the Pfizer brand of COVID vaccine without a prescription,the Coastal Health District announced.
Cast Net features nuggets from Coastal Georgia that we hope you’ll find interesting, fun or useful. All that said, we’ll need to hear from you to make sure we’re on the right track.
We’re always working to make sure our newsletters are as useful as they can be, and we’ll be experimenting over the next few months in this Thursday space.
We want to meet your friends! If you like this newsletter be sure to share it.
Coastal Georgia wildfires prompt health warnings, emergency declaration
By Mary Landers
The Coastal Health District is encouraging residents to take precautions due to the ongoing wildfires in Coastal Georgia, which have caused unhealthy air quality in the area and could be harmful to those with chronic conditions, pregnant women, children, and first responders.
Georgia Democrats decry steep drop in ACA enrollment
By Alander Rocha/Georgia Recorder and Jill Nolin/Georgia Recorder
More than 500,000 Georgians have lost their health insurance coverage due to the expiration of pandemic-era enhanced health insurance subsidies, resulting in a 37% enrollment decline from January 2025 to April 2026.
Right whale calving season yields 23 babies
By Mary Landers
North Atlantic right whales produced at least 23 calves this season, giving researchers hope for the future of the highly endangered species.
Spreading fire in South Georgia forces evacuations
By Justin Taylor and Emily Jones/WABE, Grist
A wildfire in South Georgia has spread over 30,000 acres prompting a state of emergency and evacuations amid drought conditions.
The Current GA is part of The Trust Project. Read our policies.
Support independent, solutions-based investigative journalism without bias, fear or favor on issues affecting Savannah and Coastal Georgia.
You must be logged in to post a comment.