🌱 Gov. Kemp Signs Mayor Voting Bill + Authentic Augusta Experiences

Good morning, everybody. It's me, Michelle Paul, your host of the Augusta Patch newsletter — back in your inbox with all the most important things happening in town these days.

But first, your local weather:

• Saturday: Clouds breaking, a shower. High: 79 Low: 52.
• Sunday: Partly sunny and nice. High: 77 Low: 54.

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Here are the top three stories today in Augusta:

1. Gov. Brian Kemp has signed a new bill that would allow Augusta Mayor Garnett Johnson to vote as a full voting member on Augusta-Richmond County Commission matters. Without the bill, Augusta's mayor can only vote on commission matters if there was a tie. The bill will now move on to the ballot as a referendum to be determined by voters for next year's Primary Election. (WJBF-TV)
2. Local organization Destination Augusta is partnering with 10 Augusta businesses to launch the new Authentic Augusta Experiences Collection. The 10 experiences will be offered twice a month at minimum with the option to schedule a custom time for large groups and include a series of experiences and attractions that the initiative hopes will showcase the best of what Augusta has to offer. A full list of the experiences is available at the link and includes Bartender for a Day, Canal to Cloth, and Time Detectives. (WRDW)
3. Today is Earth Day, and the City of Augusta, Augusta University, and the Phinizy Center for Water Sciences are partnering together to host the Earth Day Augusta 2023 celebration. Today's (Apr. 22) annual event is free and open to the public and will be held at Phinizy Swamp Nature Park from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. It will feature earth-friendly vendors, family-friendly activities and entertainment, and exhibits and information to raise awareness about sustainable living and protecting the environment. (WFXG)

Today and tomorrow in and around Augusta:

Saturday, April 22

• Super Hero Family Fun Day At The Salvation Army Kroc Center Of Augusta (11:00 AM)
• Sixth Annual Augusta Craft Beer Festival At SRP Park, North Augusta (1:00 PM)

Sunday, April 23

• Spring Market At The Marina At 5th Street Marina (12:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• What better time to bring home a new furry family member than this spring? Check out these adorable pets waiting for adoption in the Augusta area and see if you can find your new furry best friend. (Augusta Patch)
• “A Taste of North Augusta” is running now through Sunday! Don't miss out on trying the specials at 15 restaurants throughout downtown, Riverside Village, and Hammonds Ferry. Learn more about the participating restaurants at the link. (WRDW)
• Mark your calendar for the library's 2023 Summer Reading Program & Kickoff Event on Jun. 3 at 11 a.m. at Brookfield Park. Come out and enjoy free food, live music, a petting zoo, games, giveaways, and more! (Augusta-Richmond County Public Library System via Facebook)
• May 6 is Free Comic Book Day! Visit any of the six Augusta-Richmond County Public Library System locations to pick up your free comic books. (Augusta-Richmond County Public Library System via Facebook)

You're all caught up for today. I'll see you around!

— 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.