🌱 Two Year Anniversary Of Spa Shootings + Flex Lanes Closed For Good

Hey, friends! It's Friday in Sandy Springs and I'm back in your inbox to get you caught up on the most important things happening in town. Hope you all have a great day.

But first, today's weather:

Couple of thunderstorms. High: 63 Low: 35.

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Here are the top three stories today in Sandy Springs:

1. Local leaders in the Atlanta area reflected on the two-year anniversary of the Atlanta spas shootings that took place on Mar. 16, 2021, where eight individuals were murdered including six Asian women. On Thursday, the lives lost were honored with a series of events, including a justice rally and a documentary screening, intended to continue the push for action against hate and violence. In addition, a press conference was scheduled for Thursday morning at 8:30 a.m. at the Georgia State Capitol by State Rep. Michelle Au (D-Johns Creek) and members of the Georgia Legislative Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Caucus. (FOX 5 Atlanta)
2. Beginning today, Mar. 17, at 9:00 p.m., Fulton County roads will be getting a big change with flex lanes closing for good on Georgia 400. After the change, drivers will no longer be able to use the shoulder lanes on the highway between the Pitts Road overpass and Holcomb Bridge Road. The left lane on Georgia 400 will also be closed from 7:00 p.m. today until 7:00 p.m. Sunday. (WSB Atlanta)
3. Early Wednesday morning, the Atlanta police department responded to a shooting at a Shell gas station on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive that resulted in one man dead in his neighbor's yard. Witnesses on the scene said an argument ensued at the gas station before a shoot-out occurred between a group of people. The victim took off running before collapsing in the yard and eventually passing. In an active search to find those responsible for the shooting, police are currently reviewing security footage and talking to those in the area. (WSB Atlanta)

Today in and around Sandy Springs:

• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You!, At 5600 Roswell Road (9:00 AM)
• Live Music - Tyronee Jackson Trio Featuring Karla Harris, At Rays On The River (6:30 PM)
• SUBTRONICS – ANTIFRACTAL TOUR - Coca-Cola, At Roxy in Atlanta (8:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Sandy Springs Officer Greene had the opportunity to speak with the students of Spalding Drive Elementary School last week and was lucky enough to end up with a partner for the road to help with his patrol! Click the link to view photos from the visit. (Sandy Springs Police via Facebook)
• Mt. Vernon at the intersection of Roswell Rd. will be closed on Mar. 21 and 22 for the installation of GA power transmission poles, and detours will be in place. You can also expect road closures at points throughout the days from Mar. 20 to Apr. 23 as things are being completed. (Sandy Springs, Georgia: City News via Facebook)
• Chef Rob's Caribbean Café is back in business right here in Sandy Springs. The grand re-opening will be from 1:00-2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Mar. 29. Come give chef Rob a Sandy Springs welcome back! (Sandy Springs Perimeter Chamber via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Atlanta Academy — (Visit website)

Featured events:

• Irish Song and Dance (March 17)
• Saint Patricks Day Latin Night Atlanta - Ladies in free b4 midnight w/ FB check in (March 17)
• 3hr Salsa Boot Camp at HDC Studio + Evening Latin Night Tonys Johns Creek (March 18)
• Rugby ATL's Bark In The Park (March 18)
• Music from Seven Continents (March 18)
• Saint Patrick's Weekend Latin Night @ Tonys Johns Creek Sat Mar 18th (March 18)
• Open house: free class (stretching and meditation) + Aura Readings (March 19)
• Meet the Winners! DeKalb Symphony Orchestra (DSO) (March 21)
• Gent's Lunch - A Benefit for the High Museum Wine Auction (March 22)
• High Revelry, a benefit for the High Museum Wine Auction (March 23)
• 3hr Bachata Boot camp Atlanta @ HDC Dance & Fitness Sat March 25, 2023 (March 25)
• John Stango Solo Artist Show (March 25)

That's it for today! See you tomorrow for your next update.

— 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.