🌱 TikTok Sparks Atlanta Car Thefts + 114-Home Subdivision Denied

Good morning, neighbors! Nicole Fallon-Peek here with your Thursday edition of the Sandy Springs Patch newsletter. Keep reading to find out all the local information you need to know right now.

But first, today's weather:

Very warm and more humid. High: 78 Low: 62.

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Here are the top three stories in Sandy Springs today:

1. Atlanta police have reported a surge in the theft of certain Kia and Hyundai cars since a TikTok trend last summer showed people how to steal them. The number of these vehicles stolen in Atlanta has risen by more than 300 percent this year compared to the same period in 2022. The TikTok videos are instructional guides that show people how to steal cars that use a key, lack electronic immobilizers, and can be bypassed with a USB cable, making the process easy for thieves. (FOX 5 Atlanta)
2. Former Georgia Gov. Roy Barnes' proposal to rezone his 190-acre farmland near Stout Park into a 114-home subdivision was unanimously denied by the Cobb Board of Commissioners. The developer, David Pearson, refused to present new site plans requested by the board, which was a key factor in their decision, according to Commissioner Monique Sheffield. Nearby residents have opposed the development, citing concerns about flooding in the area. (MDJOnline.com)
3. Former police officer Miles Bryant has been charged with kidnapping and felony murder concerning the death of Susana Morales, a 16-year-old Norcross resident. Her skeletal remains were found earlier this month in a wooded area off State Route 316. Police believe that Morales was killed within four hours of her disappearance on Jul. 26 and that a handgun reported missing by Bryant was found near her remains. (Subscription: Gwinnettdailypost.com)

Today in and around Sandy Springs:

• Tremedy Integrative Health Center Grand Opening At 1301 Hightower Trail, Suite 120, Atlanta (2:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Adventure Bags, a nonprofit organization that provides backpacks filled with toys and supplies to children facing traumatic events, was thanked by the Sandy Springs Police Department for a generous donation of backpacks, which are designed for specific age groups and contain items such as toiletries, teddy bears, blankets, books, and toys. (Sandy Springs Police via Facebook)
• Savannah-based coffee roaster PERC Coffee will open its third location in nearby Tucker in the spring, featuring a classic drink menu enhanced by signature beverages, made-to-order waffles, bagel sammies, and fresh pastries. The new location will be open daily from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and will complement downtown Tucker's craft food and drink culture. (What Now Atlanta)
• Congratulations to The Sunshine School in nearby Marietta, which has been recognized as part of the Quality Rated Class of 2012 by the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning! This highlights its consistent delivery of high-quality care and education to young learners in Georgia, earning a 3-star rating and becoming one of only five providers in Marietta and 126 providers in metro Atlanta to be included in this exclusive group. (EAST COBBER)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Thursday! I'll see you around.

— Nicole Fallon-Peek

About me: Nicole Fallon-Peek is a journalist and copywriter with a degree in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University. She has served as a freelance reporter, managing editor, copy editor, and editorial director for a variety of B2B news outlets. She currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.