Thursday, July 3, 2025
Good morning.
Today’s newsletter was intended to be short and sweet for the 4th of July holiday, pointing you to news and fireworks around Coastal Georgia. But we’re topping it today with a statement on the multiple shooting in Savannah early Wednesday evening.
Statement from Savannah Mayor Van Johnson
Today, our community experienced an incident of gun violence at Oglethorpe Mall. At least three individuals sustained injuries and were transported to local hospitals with what thankfully appear to be non-life-threatening injuries. Additionally, there was three medical emergencies at the scene that was not related to the gunfire. They have been transported as well and remain in our prayers.
I want to be clear: This was not a random act of violence, nor was it an active shooter situation.
The Savannah Police Department, with the cooperation of the Savannah Fire Department and our local partners, conducted an intensive sweep of the mall to ensure the safety of everyone present. Their investigation into this incident is ongoing.
I extend my cooperation to the Chatham County Sheriff, Richard Coleman, the Chatham County Police Department, the Chatham Emergency Management Agency, Chatham Emergency Medical Services and everyone who showed up to assist. We are one community and we show up together.
Let me assure our residents and visitors: we will find those responsible, and we will hold them accountable to the fullest extent of the law.
We remain committed to ensuring that Savannah is a safe place to live, work, shop, and visit.
Check here for updates on Thursday.
News & notes for your Independence Day holiday
This is the 249th year since the 13 original British colonies issued the Declaration of Independence, signed by Button Gwinnett, Lyman Hall, and George Walton — all from Coastal Georgia. Slept through history? Refresh your memory with a crash course from the American Battlefield Trust!
– Robin Kemp
Let us know how we’re doing or send a suggestion to staff@thecurrentga.org
CHATHAM COUNTY
Stars and Stripes Celebration: Enjoy a full weekend of Fourth of July celebrations at the Plant Riverside District on 400 West River Street. Starting at 3 p.m. July 4 and going through 7 p.m. on July 7, attendees can enjoy arts and crafts sessions, live music, specially hosted brunches and a movie night.
River Street Independence Day: Savannah’s free July 4 celebration features the U.S. Army 3rd Infantry Division Band at Rousaksi Riverfront Plaza at 7:30 p.m. and professional fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Chairs and blankets only. No alcohol allowed other than one plastic cup per person in the To-Go Cup Zone. All River Street ramps close to vehicles at 7 p.m. until after fireworks; cars parked on River Street before 6 p.m. must stay until street reopens. Metered spaces are free Friday; city garages are $20.
CAMDEN COUNTY
Back to School Health Clinic: The Camden County Health Department, 101 Winding Road, Kingsland, will host a back to school health clinic on July 7 and July 10 for children to get their necessary vaccines and screenings done before school starts. The clinic is from 8 to 10:30 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m. on July 7. Hours for July 10 are 8 to 10:30 a.m. and 1 to 5:30 p.m. Call (912) 882-8515 to schedule an appointment. Walk-ins are accepted.
BRYAN COUNTY
Airport authority: The Richmond-Hill Bryan County Airport Authority’s 11 members include Bryan County Manager Ben Taylor, Commissioner Gene Wallace and Daniel Defense’s Marty Daniel for Bryan County. Richmond Hill tapped Mayor Russ Carpenter, City Manager Chris Lovell, ex-commissioner Glen Willard and Christian Rushing of Lowcountry Flight Company. County legislators chose pilot Eric Rice, Dozier Worldwide Cranes VP John Seckinger, and the Development Authority’s Ryan Purvis and Trip Addison.
Independence Day celebration: On Saturday, July 5, Fort McAllister State Park is holding a historic celebration of Independence Day from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The celebration will feature historical demonstrations, such as musket firings, artillery displays and “old-timey” games.
Back to school checkups: The Bryan County Health Department will hold a Back to School vaccination and screening event from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 8 , 66 Capt. Matthew Freeman Dr., Richmond Hill. Call (912) 756-2611 to schedule an appointment. Many insurance plans are accepted and low-cost options are available if you don’t have health insurance. Vaccines available while supplies last.
GLYNN COUNTY
Public transportation coming to Brunswick: Brunswick has long sought to establish a public transit system, and that will happen. The city is working with VIA to introduce microtransit to the Golden Isles. The system will operate much like a ride-share service, rather than a fixed-route framework, meaning that it will provide transportation to any location within the service area. As of now, the system will operate in all areas within the city, east to St. Simons, north to the airport and exits 36 and 38 on I-95. The service is expected to launch in September or October.
LIBERTY COUNTY
Fort Morris Celebration: Fort Morris State Historic Site, 2559 Fort Morris Rd., Midway, celebrates Independence Day at Colonial Sunbury, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 5 and Sunday, July 6, with historical blackpowder weapons demonstrations on the hour, old-fashioned toys and games, sack races, jump rope, and bean bags. Admission $3.50-$5. Call (912) 884-5999 for more details.
Fleming fireworks: Grace Point Church, 624 Freedman Grove Rd, Fleming, hosts a fireworks show July 4 “at dark” and will be selling concessions to raise money for air conditioning. All are welcome.
Midway time capsule: Midway residents soon will be able to contribute items to a time capsule marking the city’s 100th anniversary, Aug. 3. The city and chamber are planning an Aug. 9 celebration. Call (912) 884-3344 for updates.
MCINTOSH COUNTY
National champions: McIntosh Academy can celebrate a national championship. Luke Todd won a gold medal in Marine Service Technology. Its SkillsUSA team was recognized as one of the 24 Model of Excellence schools. State champions from MCA competed in the 5-day event in Atlanta and the team got a police and fire escort as it returned home.
EFFINGHAM COUNTY
Freedom Rings Parade and Music Festival: The annual parade and festival will be at 10 a.m. Saturday. The parade begins at Rincon Elementary with floats from the Marine Corps marching bands and local businesses. The celebration will shift to a music festival at 2 p.m., featuring a performance from Savannah native Brian Gerrald. Attendees can also view a spectacular fireworks show at 9:15 p.m.
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.
South Georgia librarian is fired over LGBTQ children’s book included in summer reading display
By Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder
A Pierce County librarian was fired after a book about a transgender child was displayed in the library, sparking political pressure from a group called Alliance for Faith and Freedom.
Chatham District Attorney forms a new citizens review board for police complaints
By Tyler Davis
Chatham County District Attorney Shalena Jones has formed a civilian review board to evaluate complaints about law enforcement agencies in the county, in response to a series of incidents involving excessive force by Savannah police officers.
Surveillance concerns rise over Bryan County’s new use of drones during traffic stops
By Tyler Davis
Bryan County Sherriff’s Office has begun using drones to identify drivers committing traffic violations, which has sparked concern about the use of passively collectively surveillance data.
DA Cook Jones breaks down decision on Savannah police arrest with body-cam video
By Tyler Davis
Chatham District Attorney Shalena Cook Jones explained how an arrest last summer in Savannah complied with Savannah Police Department’s use-of-force policy, citing the suspect’s refusal to comply with police commands, fleeing from police and failure to comply with verbal and physical commands.
Renovation contract marks Midway’s step towards reinstating fire services
By Domonique King
Midway City Council has approved a $356,000 contract to renovate its fire station, in an effort to restore its fire services and have the state certification reinstated.
Hearings over Georgia Power energy plan, rate freeze get contentious
By Emily Jones/WABE, Grist
Georgia Power has proposed a temporary rate freeze, which is set to be voted on on July 1, and a long-term energy plan that includes a mix of resources, including solar, to meet an increase in demand, but critics have raised concerns about the transparency of the process and the future impacts of the plan.
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