🌱 Search For Douglasville Boy, 13 + Gun Violence Claims 93 Youth

Hello there, Douglasville. I'm here in your inbox today to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on around town, including news on:

• Police search for missing 13-year-old Douglasville boy
• Church Street reopens today
• Gun violence claimed the lives of 93 teens and children so far this year

But first, today's weather:

Intervals of clouds and sun. High: 81 Low: 64.

Here are the top five stories today in Douglasville:

1. Authorities in Georgia are seeking assistance in locating a missing 13-year-old boy, Makhi Bridges, last seen on Aug. 30 in Douglasville. Described as 5 feet 8 inches tall, weighing 165 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair, he was wearing a black sweatshirt, torn gray jeans, and black and gray Nike Air Force 1 shoes when last seen at Arbor Place Mall on Douglas Boulevard. Those with information are urged to contact Det. Carlos Vazquez of Douglasville police at (678) 293-1619. (WJCL News Savannah)
2. The portion of Church Street, spanning from Rose Avenue to Club Drive, that was closed this week will be reopening today, Sep. 1, around 4:00 p.m. The closure was due to tree removal activities as part of the Town Green project. For inquiries, contact Public Services at (770) 920-3005 or reach out via email at sanitation@douglasvillega.gov. (Douglasville Georgia)
3. Gun violence has taken the lives of 93 teenagers and children in Georgia this year, with the youngest victim being a 6-month-old infant. The state has experienced a distressing frequency of gun-related incidents involving teenagers, resulting in fatalities and numerous injuries throughout 2023, including in Douglasville. Families of victims in metro Atlanta, now coping with the devastating loss of their children, are calling for an end to the rampant gun violence. (WSB Atlanta)
4. Save the dates for Douglas County's major event of the year, September Saturdays, happening on Sep. 23 and Sep. 30 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Douglas County Courthouse. This free event promises live music, games, a food court, retail vendors, and family-friendly fun. Stay tuned to social media for updates on sponsors, vendors, performers, and the festivities. (Douglas County Happenings via Facebook)
5. The Douglasville Police Department is hosting the American Red Cross for its upcoming blood drive on Oct. 3, held in the Community Room adjacent to the main police department at 2083 Fairburn Road. The drive will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. To schedule an appointment, visit www.redcrossblood.org using the sponsor code CDPD. Donors will receive a $10 Amazon gift card via email. (Douglasville Police Department via Facebook)

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Today in and around Douglasville:

Friday, September 1

• Georgia Country Music Fest At Jim R. Miller Park & Event Center, Marietta (3:00 PM)
• Happy Hour At Painting With A Twist (4:00 PM)
• Live Music: Soulful Fridays At Allure Lounge (5:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• REMINDER: Don't miss the chance to participate in the upcoming Community Yard Sale on Sep. 16 by submitting your application before Sep. 5. Contact Sgt. Shannon Dean at deans@douglasvillega.gov for applications or inquiries regarding the event. (Douglasville Police Department via Facebook)
• Are you looking for a new family member with four paws? Check out the list of adoption-ready pets in the Douglasville area at the link! (Douglasville Patch)
• Be sure to mark your calendars for a series of upcoming events celebrating community, veterans, first responders, and Douglas County's founding. Learn more about events like September Saturdays, Founders Day, Operation Greenlight, Veterans Day Parade, and the Christmas Tree Lighting at the link. (Douglas County Happenings via Facebook)

Thanks for following along and staying informed. See you all tomorrow for another update!

— Sean Peek

About me: Sean Peek is a writer and entrepreneur with a degree in English Literature from Weber State University. Over the years, he has worked as a copywriter, editor, SEO specialist, and marketing director for various digital media companies. He currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.