🌱 Smyrna Possible $13M Grant + Smyrna Mayor State Of The City Address

Hi all. It's me, Danielle Fallon-O'Leary, your host of the Smyrna-Vinings Patch newsletter. Here's all the local news you need to know right now.

But first, today's weather:

Hot; an afternoon t-storm. High: 95 Low: 72.

Here are the top three stories today in Smyrna-Vinings:

1. The federal government may provide $13 million to Smyrna for the renovation of a section of South Cobb Drive between Concord and Windy Hill roads. The city had already secured $17 million, but additional efforts by officials in Washington, D.C., resulted in the potential extra funding, making it the top bipartisan joint funding request from U.S. Reps. David Scott and Barry Loudermilk for the year. The project aims to improve the area with travel and local access lanes, landscape medians, traffic signals, pocket parks, and bicycle and pedestrian trails, with work expected to start in late 2025 or early 2026 after citizen input for the final design in the fall. (The Center Square)
2. During his State of the City address, Smyrna Mayor Derek Norton highlighted his efforts to revamp the downtown area and pledged to continue these projects if re-elected for a second term. The ongoing renovations include the creation of a new greenspace, a splash pad, and a plaza with benches and trees. Additionally, Norton discussed plans for a brewery and a small park, as well as the potential purchase of nine acres of land from Smyrna First Baptist Church for further redevelopment. Norton also emphasized the city's efforts to become more energy-efficient and reduce its carbon footprint through various innovations. (MDJ Online)
3. The Cobb County Police Department is mourning the loss of Detective James Uzee, a long-serving officer who passed away on Wednesday after a two-year battle with brain cancer. Uzee had been with the police department for 23 years, serving in various roles and leaving a lasting impression on his colleagues and the community. The department is asking for people to pay their respects and offer prayers for his family during this difficult time. (Fox 5 Atlanta)

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Today in Smyrna-Vinings:

Saturday, July 29

• Back 2 School Food Drive At Restoring The Years Global Ministries (11:00 AM)
• Team Trivia At Varners Tavern (8:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Join Rivers Alive on Sep. 23 from 9:00 a.m. to noon by registering to volunteer for the annual cleanup at the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area at Paces Mill Unit. Keep Smyrna Beautiful, in partnership with Cobb County Water System and the National Park Service, is organizing the event. Registration is available here. (Keep Smyrna Beautiful via Facebook)
• The Smyrna Fire Department has launched the Future Firefighter Program with three main objectives: to establish a pipeline of future firefighters, to assist aspiring firefighters in becoming "career ready," and to recruit with a clear purpose. For further details, individuals can inquire by emailing joinsfd@smyrnaga.gov. (Smyrna Fire Department via Facebook)
• REMINDER: Vinings Farmers Market takes place on Thursdays from 2:00-5:00 p.m. at Vinings Jubilee. (Vinings Farmers Market via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• Schoolhouse Brewing Adult Back to School Party (July 29)
• Mezzo-Soprano Gabrielle Beteag in Concert (July 29)
• Steven Quartly Artist Show (July 30)
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You're officially in the loop for today. I'll see you back in your inbox soon with a new update!

— Danielle Fallon-O'Leary

About me: Danielle Fallon-O’Leary is a content manager with content creation agency Lightning Media Partners and assists Patch.com with community newsletter curation. Danielle also holds a Master’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and works part-time as a pediatric speech therapist.