Thursday, Dec. 17, 2025
Good morning!
We’ve made it y’all! This is the last Thursday newsletter of the year, and The Current wishes all of our amazing subscribers the happiest of holidays. Whether you’re bracing yourself for a kooky family feast, or pouring a hot cup of cocoa before getting into a gifted book, remember there is one more weekend to spend some time with the community before everything shuts down.
Let us know how we’re doing or send a suggestion to staff@thecurrentga.org
CHATHAM COUNTY
Film Screening: The stories of the Savannah Women of Vision are brought to life in Etched in History, an original SCAD film narrated by celebrated actor Phylicia Rashad. Watch the film from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18, at Arnold Hall, 1810 Bull St. The event is open to the public, but make sure to RSVP to Andreia Wardlaw at awardlaw@scad.edu.
Mint to Give: From 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18, at Mint To Be Mojito Bar and Bites, 12 W. State St. The networking and community event will be benefiting Blessings in a Bookbag, a local non profit that provides kids with food over the weekend when school is not open.
Union Mission Holiday Meal: From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18, at Union Mission, 125 Fahm St. The event is open to everyone. Visit the free clothing closet. Meals will be boxed to-go, but seating will be available. There will be a flu and COVID vaccine clinic provided by JC Lewis Healthcare.
Holiday Happenings: Watch It’s a Wonderful Life starting at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, at Trustees Theatre, 216 E. Broughton St. The screening is free and open to the public with a donation of a non-perishable food item benefiting America’s Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia, a food bank that distributes food and runs programs for children, seniors, and families along coastal Georgia.
De Soto Street Holiday Market: Grab last minute gifts and support small businesses while doing it. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, at Two Tides Brewing Co. 12 W. 41st St. The event is free and family friendly.
Islands Farmers Market: The last fall market of the season, from 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Dec. 20, at Island Farmers Market, 401 Quarterman Dr. Click here for more information.
Beach Clean Up: Volunteer for the last beach clean up of 2025 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21, at the Tybee Island Pier, 1 Tybrisa St. All equipment will be provided, except the Santa hat.
Tubby’s Coastal Christmas: From 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21, at Tubby’s Tank House, 2909 River Dr. Come together for a festive afternoon with live music, local vendors, a signature oyster roast and complimentary hot cocoa. Bring a donation for the Coastal Children’s Advocacy Center Holiday Drive, a non profit dedicated to providing care for children who have experienced abuse. Click here for more information.
City of Tybee Homestead Exemption: Applications are now being accepted for the City Homestead Exemption for qualifying senior residents. Eligible residents may receive senior rates on utility bills, and exemption from the Tybee Island ad valorem taxes on real and personal property. Click here for the 2026 Homestead Exemption Letter and click here for the application. The deadline is April 1, 2026, and you must be 62 years of age or older on Jan. 1, 2025.
CAMDEN COUNTY
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan: Camden County is actively updating the local hazard mitigation plan, which serves as a guiding framework to help protect residents, businesses, and visitors by identifying potential natural and human-caused hazards and outlining strategies to reduce associated risks. Feedback from the community is being accepted until Jan. 9. Review the draft here, and provide the county with comments to help shape future resilience efforts.
Santa with the Sheriff: From 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, CCSO Substation, 6350 GA Hwy 40 E. Join the Camden County Sheriff’s Office for a festive evening. There will be free photos with Santa and the Sheriff, hot chocolate, and cookies. There will be K9 coloring sheets and treats.
Justin’s Viewfinder
Some photos don’t always make it to the story. In this weekly newsletter, The Current GA will highlight photos from staff photojournalist Justin Taylor as a behind-the-lens look at the work put into visuals at our publication. Justin’s Viewfinder will also be featured on our Instagram alongside other news and notes from the coast.
BRYAN COUNTY
“Snow” much fun day: Winter magic is coming to you from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18, at J.F. Gregory Park, 521 Cedar St. Richmond Hill. Enjoy photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, live reindeer, and snow flurries in the park. Click here to learn more.
Used Book Sale: The Richmond Hill Friends of the Library will hold a used book sale from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursday Dec. 18, at the Richmond Hill Library, 9607 Ford Ave. All proceeds will benefit the library. Click here to see prices.
Breakfast with Santa: From 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Dec. 20, at The Outfitters at Heartwood, 35 Outfitters Dr. Savor pancakes and take keepsake photos. Tickets are limited, so make sure to register here.
GLYNN COUNTY
2026 point in time count: Safe Harbor Center is spearheading the efforts for Glynn County as the 2026 point in time count approaches. On January 26, volunteers will participate in canvassing within their local communities to gather accurate data on those experiencing homelessness. This event aims to get a snapshot of the unhoused population across the nation and relies on the support of volunteers in local communities to achieve it. For times and locations, contact PITcount@dca.ga.gov or go to the website to register for the event.
Brunswick Housing Authority approves new standards: The Brunswick Housing Authority (BHA) has approved new payment standards for 2026, which go into effect on Jan. 1, 2026. The standards vary by zip code and the number of bedrooms. These updated payment standards will take effect immediately for all new voucher holders. For all active voucher holders, the updated payment standards will be implemented at their next annual recertification. You can check the website for more information or call at 912-265-1134.
LIBERTY COUNTY
Holiday Sneaker Ball: Teenagers in grades 6 through 12 can get their kicks at the annual Holiday Sneaker Ball from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19, at the Fort Stewart Teen Center, 946 Austin Rd., Bldg. 7338. Call (571) 801-2008 to register. Admission is free.
Emerald Cove Yule Midreign Feast: At 11 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 21, sit down to a feast fit for kings and queens. Yuletide comes to Bryant Commons Park, 438 W. Oglethorpe Hwy. in Hinesville, home of the Emerald Cove Amtgard live action medieval reenactors. $10 feast fee, except for “those in the current monarchy or who were asked to contribute.” Kids 10 and under eat free. Sign up at 12 p.m. to swing your sword in cosplay clashes from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Photos with Santa: From 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18, Santa Claus will make a special stop to pose with you for photos at Liberty Regional Medical Center, 462 Elma G. Miles Pkwy., Hinesville. Catch the holiday spirit with cookies, games, and fun activities. Free and open to the public. Call (912) 432-9339 for more information.
Living Nativity: From 6 p.m. t0 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18, First Preparatory Christian Academy, at 308 E. Court St., Hinesville, will perform a living nativity scene marking the birth of Jesus, complete with music and storytelling. Admission is free.
MCINTOSH COUNTY
Business After Hours: Connect with community members and business leaders from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18, at Southeastern Bank, 1001 North Way.
End of the Year Food Giveaway: The Darien Church of Christ is hosting a food giveaway from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. (or until they run out of food), Friday, Dec. 19, at 537 McIntosh Rd. Call (912) 437-1206 for more information.
EFFINGHAM COUNTY
Toddler Playdate: From 10:30 a.m. to noon, Friday, Dec. 19, at Rincon Toddlers at Savannah Sharks, 101 Commercial Court. A morning of bouncing, climbing, and exploring. Perfect for crawlers to age 5. A great way for little ones to play, make friends, and burn energy while parents relax and connect.
ALONG THE COAST
Flu shots available: Health departments in Bryan, Camden, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, Liberty, Long, and McIntosh counties now offer updated 2025-2026 flu vaccine. Supplies are limited in some locations as vaccine shipments continue to arrive. 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. Costs are typically covered by insurance, and health departments accept many health insurance plans, and low-cost options for those without health insurance coverage. Information at coastalhealthdistrict.org/flu.
COVID shots available:The health departments in Bryan, Camden, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, Liberty, Long, and McIntosh Counties are now offering the Pfizer brand of COVID vaccine without a prescription, the Coastal Health District announced Tuesday. COVD vaccines are also available without a prescription at pharmacies, Healthbeat Atlanta reports.
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.
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