🌱 Central EMS Is New Augusta Ambulance Provider + City Parade Funding

Hello, Augusta! It's me, Michelle Paul, your host of the Augusta Patch newsletter. Let's get this Thursday started off right, with a quick dive into everything you need to know about what's happening in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Thursday: Cloudy. High: 62 Low: 49.
• Friday: Cloudy, a shower and t-storm. High: 58 Low: 49.

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Here are the top three stories in Augusta today:

1. Georgia Department of Public Health Commissioner Kathleen Toomey has recently confirmed that Central EMS will soon be the new ambulance provider for the city of Augusta. The transition is expected to take place by May 8, with Central already having 20 brand-new ambulances ready for deployment. While the two parties work out the details of their agreement in the coming weeks, Gold Cross EMS will continue to provide service to Augusta residents. (The Augusta Chronicle)
2. Augusta's Juneteenth and St. Patrick's Day Parades are causing concerns now that both events have officially received city funding. City commissioners have approved $20,000 for Band of Brothers to hold the Juneteenth celebration downtown, but did not provide funding for the event last year. With other groups expected to seek funding in the future, commissioners are now considering establishing a festival funding policy with parameters to ensure the responsible use of funds. (WJBF-TV)
3. The construction of a new $73 million six-lane bridge over the Savannah River at the state line began almost four years ago with an expected completion date of this year, but it has now been pushed back to 2024. The project includes replacing old bridges over the Augusta Canal and the Savannah River and widening I-20, adding an extra lane, and 12-foot extra-wide shoulders on the inside and outside. With Masters week approaching in about a month, the Georgia Department of Transportation is hoping to finalize the alignment on the westbound side before the event begins to ensure smooth traffic flow. (WRDW)

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Today and tomorrow in Augusta:

Thursday, March 9

• The Curated Palette At Westobou Gallery (5:00 PM)
• Sushi Rolling Class At Solé Augusta (6:30 PM)

Friday, March 10

• Aiken-Augusta Gem, Mineral & Fossil Show At Julian Smith Casino (10:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• Georgia Senate Bill 231, which would give Augusta’s mayor a full-time commission vote, passed the senate along party lines 32-22 on Monday. All 22 Democrats voted against the bill, which will now move on for further approval. (Subscription: The Augusta Press)
• The 45th annual Augusta St. Patrick’s Day Parade will kick off at 2:00 p.m. next Friday, Mar. 17, at 7th and Telfair Street. Full details on the parade route and local festivities are available on the city’s website. ( Augusta Georgia)
• Did you know the Georgia Department of Public Health offers free, comprehensive wellness screenings to women over 40, including a PAP, HPV, and clinical breast exam plus mammogram referral? Early detection can save lives, so residents are encouraged to take advantage of this free public health service. Visit the link for more details. ( WJBF)

Alrighty, you're all caught up for today. See you all soon for another update!

— Michelle Paul

About me: Michelle Paul is a Utah-based writer and photographer with a professional background in content management and registered nursing. When not working on projects ranging from photo editing to copywriting, they enjoy traveling, video games, and expanding their skills.