🌱 "Old Joe" Statue Relocation + FL Law Worries GA Advocates

Hello, everybody. It's Saturday in Gainesville and I'm back in your inbox to get you caught up on the most important things happening locally.

But first, your local weather:

• Saturday: An afternoon thunderstorm. High: 93 Low: 70.
• Sunday: A shower and t-storm; humid. High: 93 Low: 71.

From our sponsor:

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Here are the top three stories in Gainesville today:

1. Officials in Gainesville are engaged in discussions regarding the relocation of the "Old Joe" Confederate monument. The monument, currently situated in front of the Hall County Courthouse, has sparked controversy and calls for removal. Stakeholders are exploring potential alternatives for the monument's relocation, considering factors such as historical preservation and community sentiment in their decision-making process. (Subscription: Forsyth County News)
2. Immigrant advocates in South Georgia are expressing concerns over a recently enacted law in Florida. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has signed a measure that criminalizes the transportation of undocumented immigrants into the state. This law has raised worries among advocates, who fear that it will lead to restricted access to healthcare for undocumented workers and increased scrutiny of Latinos entering Florida, potentially subjecting them to unnecessary vetting and profiling. As a result, some organizations, such as the Georgia Latino Association for Human Rights, are advising individuals with accents to avoid traveling to Florida altogether. (GPB News)
3. Gainesville city offices will be closed on Tuesday, Jul. 4, in observance of Independence Day. City officers will return to business as usual on Jul. 5. A full list of affected offices is available at the link. Please plan accordingly. (Gainesville)

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Today and tomorrow in Gainesville:

Saturday, July 1

• Cocktails In The Garden Gainesville At Atlanta Botanical Garden, GAINESVILLE (5:00 PM)
• Live Music - Foster Greene At Skogies Lakefront Restaurant (6:00 PM)

Sunday, July 2

• Live Music - Mike And Mike At Pelican Pete's Tiki Bar & Grill (11:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• FYI: Chattahoochee Golf Course will be closed for aeration from Jul. 5-6. Learn more about the facility at the link. (City of Gainesville, Georgia via Facebook)
• Jedwin Smith will be giving a free talk at the Gainesville Branch library this Saturday, discussing his journey of returning to Vietnam and retracing the events preceding his brother's death. (Hall County Library System via Facebook)
• Volunteer your time at Lake Lanier Olympic Park! Learn more about opportunities at the link. (City of Gainesville, Georgia via Facebook)

Thanks for following along and staying informed. I'll be in your inbox soon with a new update!

— Lauren Kubiak

About me: Lauren is an Editor for Lightning Media Partners. She graduated from Rowan University with a Bachelor’s in journalism. She was previously a full-time editor at an association management firm, editing peer-reviewed nursing journals, textbooks, and newsletters.