Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026
Good morning!
We’re fully into the new year, so it’s time to start planning activities for the spring. There are fitness routines to start, homestead exemptions to file, movies and more to check out.
Let us know how we’re doing or send a suggestion to staff@thecurrentga.org.
CHATHAM COUNTY
Check the beat: If you are starting a new fitness regimen for the new year or you just need a check, you can check out a heart monitor at Live Oak Public Library branches at Hinesville, Bull Street, and Southwest Savannah.
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.
Little League Softball Registration now open: Softball divisions for ages 2-16 include Foam Bat, T-Ball, Farm Club, Minors, Majors and Juniors. For more information: 417-392-0634 and chathamcountylittleleague.com.
CAMDEN COUNTY
Theater auditions: St. Marys Little Theatre will hold auditions for “Evening with the Starts” at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 10, at Fiese Studio of Music, 104, Arnow Drive in St. Marys. The show will feature look-alike and sound-alike performing artists. Call 954-290-9873 for info.
Parade prep: The Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. Unity March and Celebration is set for 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 19, at the Kingsland Lions Park, 583 S. Grove Blvd. the march will begin at the park and proceed to First African Missionary Baptist church, 495 N. Lee. St, in Kingsland, for a 11 a.m. program. Info: naacpcamdenga.org.
JUSTIN’S VIEWFINDER
Some photos don’t always make it to the story. In Cast Net, we share photos from staff photojournalist Justin Taylor as a behind-the-lens look at the work put into visuals at our publication. Look for Justin’s work on Instagram @thecurrentga
BRYAN COUNTY
Scholarship applications open: Richmond Hill and Bryan County high school seniors may apply for a one-time scholarship from the Bryan County NAACP of up to $2,000 to cover the cost of educational needs in 2026. Recipients must attend an accredited community college or univeristy. To apply, click here.
See the art for free: Need some inspiration? If you live in Chatham, Liberty, Bryan, Effingham, Beaufort, or Jasper County, you can get into the SCAD Museum of Art free of charge on Sunday, Jan. 11 — and the second Sunday of every month! Students from any institution of higher learning can show their college ID for free admission every Saturday. Visit 601 Turner Blvd. in downtown Savannah. The rest of the week, tickets for adults are $10; seniors, $8; students, $5; and kids under 14 always get in free. See current exhibitions here.
Want to share your priorities with your elected state officials? They work for you, so they need to know. Weigh in here on our annual survey and we’ll let them hear your choices and follow up with what they do.
GLYNN COUNTY
Musical lunch: The Coastal Symphony of Georgia will host a free public concert at noon, Monday, Jan. 19, at Selden Park, Brunswick. This concert is part of the after-parade festivities and offered in collaboration with the MLK parade organizers. It will feature music by African American composers and other tunes for all ages.
Forward Brunswick 2026 leadership: Forward Brunswick, an organization looking to bring affordable workforce housing to the city, has announced its 2026 board members. The board has elected Stephen Moreno as Chair, Julie Martin as Vice Chair, and Van Waters as Secretary/Treasurer. The organization built 46 units on Reynolds Street, with priority given to those in service roles including first responders, city police officers, and city employees with a goal to encourage people to work and live in Brunswick.
LIBERTY COUNTY
Missing voices: The Liberty County Board of Commissioners kicked off 2026 by asserting it need not allow a public comment period during meetings. County Attorney Kelly Davis said state law does not require one and that citizens can submit comments via email, mail, or other means. The law also does not prohibit a public comment period.
Film Society Networking: The Liberty County Film Society holds a free networking event from 5 p.m.-7 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 11, at Latin Nation, 1008 W. Oglethorpe Hwy., Hinesville. Whether you’re a film buff, actor, director, writer, other creative, or supporter, meet like-minded people who might want to collaborate with you on your next production. Bring good energy and share your vision — this group aims to build film culture in Liberty County by empowering filmmakers, crew, writers, and storytellers.
MCINTOSH COUNTY
Recycle your glass: A $2,500 grant renewal from Keep Georgia Beautiful Foundation will fund an effort to collect and recycle glass through Keep McIntosh Beautiful. Call KMB at 912-289-1083 to sign up and get a glass recycling tub to collect glass in your neighborhood and set up pickup or dropoff plans.
Join the parade: Apply now to march in the Martin Luther King, Jr., Observance Day Parade on Saturday, Jan. 17. For info, call 912-571-1012. Applications are available at The Darien News office, 219 Walton St., Darien. Parade starts at 10 a.m. from Bluestein parking lot on U.S. 17.
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 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.
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