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Fulton County is taking a stand against the alarming rise in synthetic kratom use among children, urging lawmakers to act now before more lives are at risk.

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#GA #CitizenPortal #SubstanceAbuse #PublicHealth #YouthProtection #GeorgiaCommunity
Fulton County resolution and student witnesses press Georgia lawmakers to ban synthetic kratom extracts
Fulton County commissioners and high school students urged the study committee to ban synthetically altered kratom products and to restrict marketing and sales that make such products accessible to children, citing pediatric poison calls and deceptive packaging.
citizenportal.ai
September 26, 2026 at 11:12 PM
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Despite staff objections, the planning commission has voted to recommend a 24-hour Circle K convenience store, igniting a debate on community needs versus local rules.

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#GA #GeorgiaCommunity #CitizenPortal #UrbanPlanning #PublicSafety
Commission backs 24-hour operation for proposed Circle K despite staff opposition
Staff recommended disapproval of a variance to permit 24-hour operation for a proposed Circle K at 5549 Columbia Road, citing county rules that generally limit 24-hour uses to parcels near I-20. Circle K argued 24-hour service supports nontraditional-hour workers and public safety; the commission voted to recommend approval.
citizenportal.ai
September 11, 2026 at 2:00 AM
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A controversial rezoning proposal for a concrete plant on Gordon Highway has been withdrawn after vocal opposition from concerned residents about health and environmental impacts.

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#GA #GeorgiaCommunity #CitizenPortal #EnvironmentalImpact #PublicSafety #CommunityInput
Developer withdraws Gordon Highway industrial rezoning after community opposition
An applicant withdrew a rezoning request to allow a concrete plant and waste transfer station on Gordon Highway; the commission accepted the withdrawal after numerous neighbors raised concerns about truck traffic, dust and water/well impacts.
citizenportal.ai
August 11, 2026 at 11:20 AM
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Stephens County has postponed a critical decision on waiving permit fees for ASI Southeast's $45 million expansion, but approved a waiver for a private driveway—what's next for this major investment?

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#GA #GeorgiaCommunity #CitizenPortal #LocalGovernance #EconomicDevelopment
Stephens County postpones permit-fee waiver for ASI Southeast expansion, approves driveway/address exception
Commissioners postponed a decision on waiving permit fees for ASI Southeast's planned $45 million expansion until the July 28 meeting to allow staff and the company to firm up cost estimates; the board approved a separate waiver allowing ASI to create a private driveway and use an address point.
citizenportal.ai
July 16, 2026 at 6:20 PM
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Elder Freeman's shocking testimony reveals alleged police misconduct and missing evidence in Stephens County, as he calls for federal investigations to uncover the truth.

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#GA #CivicAccountability #GeorgiaCommunity #CitizenPortal #LawEnforcementReform #PublicSafety
Public commenter urges Stephens County commissioners to request outside investigations into alleged law-enforcement misconduct
During public comment, an individual identifying himself as Elder Freeman accused a former deputy and others of excessive force, alleged destroyed body/dash-cam footage and called on commissioners to ask the GBI, FBI or DOJ to investigate; the board did not state a formal response on the record.
citizenportal.ai
May 14, 2026 at 10:52 AM
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Columbia County's Planning Commission has recommended a controversial quarry expansion by Vulcan Materials, promising to reduce truck traffic but raising concerns over noise, water quality, and wildlife habitat.

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#GA #GeorgiaCommunity #CitizenPortal #EnvironmentalImpact
Planning Commission recommends quarry rezoning for Vulcan Materials after mixed public reaction; conditions include withdrawal of access from local roads
The commission voted 3–1 to recommend rezoning roughly 319+ acres for overburden storage and future quarry expansion by Vulcan Materials; Vulcan highlighted mitigation measures and a claim it would avoid 40,000 truck trips, while many residents warned of noise, wetlands loss and water quality risks.
citizenportal.ai
May 9, 2026 at 4:45 PM
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The Stephens County Board of Commissioners made significant decisions, approving property variances while denying a controversial pallet-recycling permit amidst community concerns about noise and safety.

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#GA #LandUseRegulations #GeorgiaCommunity #CitizenPortal
Stephens County commissioners approve four variances, deny pallet‑recycling permit and postpone data‑center rule changes
The Stephens County Board of Commissioners approved four front-yard/accessory-structure variances, denied a conditional-use permit for on-site pallet recycling and split consideration of land‑use ordinance changes — approving accessory-structure amendments while postponing data‑center provisions for additional study and a work session.
citizenportal.ai
April 30, 2026 at 4:45 AM
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The House Rules Committee is tackling crucial issues like teacher pay, online gaming protections, and special-needs services that could reshape Georgia's future.

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#GA #CivicAccountability #GeorgiaCommunity #CitizenPortal #EducationReform #PublicSafety
Rules Committee advances range of study resolutions and sets supplemental calendar
The committee advanced multiple study and urging resolutions — on teacher pay steps, design-procurement, online gaming protections, special-needs services, the Georgia Capitol Museum oversight and others — and set a supplemental calendar listing numerous bills and resolutions for further consideration.
citizenportal.ai
April 5, 2026 at 3:53 AM
shinemycrown.com
‘She Had So Much to Live For’: Young Woman Killed in Tragic Prom Night Crash: A Georgia community is mourning the loss of 18-year-old Patience Price, a high-achieving student who died in a tragic car crash just…… #PatiencePrice #PromNightTragedy #CarCrashAwareness #GeorgiaCommunity #YoungLivesLost
‘She Had So Much to Live For’: Young Woman Killed in Tragic Prom Night Crash
A Georgia community is mourning the loss of 18-year-old Patience Price, a high-achieving student who died in a tragic car crash just… The post ‘She Had So Much to Live For’: Young Woman Killed in Tragic Prom Night Crash appeared first on Shine My Crown.
dlvr.it
March 31, 2026 at 9:38 PM
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Sen. Dickerson's new bill aims to tighten regulations on noncitizen commercial driver's licenses, linking their validity to visa expirations and mandating retesting for interstate transfers to boost highway safety.

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#GA #NoncitizenLicensing #DriverStandards #GeorgiaCommunity
Sen. Dickerson’s bill ties noncitizen CDL expiration to visa status, requires retest for interstate transfers
Sen. Dickerson told the committee that his substitute to SB 442 would make noncitizen commercial driver's licenses expire with visa terms or five years (whichever is sooner) and require retesting when a noncitizen transfers a CDL into Georgia; the committee passed the measure unanimously after technical Q&A.
citizenportal.ai
March 7, 2026 at 4:00 PM
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House Bill 753 aims to tackle blight in Georgia by creating a fund that utilizes existing grants, but concerns about local government powers and fiscal implications are raising questions.

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#GA #GeorgiaCommunity #CitizenPortal #LocalControl #CommunitySupport #BlightRemediation
Committee holds hearing on DCA-managed blight fund; seeks more detail before advancing
The committee held a hearing on House Bill 753, which would authorize a DCA-administered "Better Georgia Without Blight Fund" using existing grant funds to support local blight remediation. Members raised property-rights, fiscal-note and staffing questions and asked DCA for follow-up before advancing the bill.
citizenportal.ai
February 21, 2026 at 12:36 AM
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A new bill in Georgia aims to change the way we handle theft of essential items, focusing on support instead of punishment for those in urgent need.

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#GA #PovertyAlleviation #GeorgiaCommunity #CitizenPortal #SocialServices #CriminalJusticeReform
Subcommittee hears bill to steer low‑value essential‑item thefts toward services, not jail
HB1175 would create alternative sentencing options for low‑value thefts of essential items — such as referrals to nonprofits, food pantries, or community service — and the committee kept the bill for further drafting to resolve statutory fee and restitution language.
citizenportal.ai
February 20, 2026 at 6:33 AM
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Witnesses are calling for essential funding to transform rural health services, from peer support programs for new mothers to revitalizing free dental clinics—these investments could save lives and strengthen communities.

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#GA #GeorgiaCommunity #WorkforceRetention
Advocates and rural providers urge state investments in peer support, dental clinics and hospital infrastructure
Witnesses at the appropriations hearing urged funding for peer‑based recovery supports for pregnant and postpartum women, revival of regional free dental clinics, targeted investment to counter falling PeachCare enrollment and capital help for rural hospitals expanding residency and clinical services.
citizenportal.ai
February 1, 2026 at 4:01 AM
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The Jasper City Planning Commission has given the green light for a new drive-through restaurant at the Gateway center, paving the way for a mixed-use community hub with more green space and pedestrian-friendly amenities!

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#GA #CitizenPortal #GeorgiaCommunity
Planning commission backs Gateway drive-through and grants parking variance
The commission recommended approval of a special-use permit for a drive-through at Gateway Commercial’s master-planned center and recommended a variance reducing required parking from 127 to 108 spaces subject to conditions, including a shared-parking agreement and minimum on-site spaces. Staff said the center as a whole will provide 232 parking spaces across parcels.
citizenportal.ai
November 29, 2025 at 2:44 PM
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Newnan’s City Council has officially denied a major mixed-use rezoning proposal that could have transformed McIntosh Parkway into a bustling hub of apartments and commercial space, raising questions about the area’s future development.

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#GA #CitizenPortal #GeorgiaCommunity
Council rejects large McIntosh Parkway mixed‑use rezoning after staff and public scrutiny
The council denied RZ2025-01, a proposal to rezone ~29.26 acres at 3000 McIntosh Parkway to MXD for 329 apartments, 70 townhomes and ~26,760 sq ft of commercial space; staff found mixed-use merits but raised concerns about service impacts, and the Planning Commission had recommended denial.
citizenportal.ai
November 28, 2025 at 3:33 PM
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Stephens County commissioners made waves by unanimously approving a series of land-use variances and crucial administrative changes that will shape the future of the community.

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#GA #CitizenPortal #GeorgiaCommunity #PublicAdministration #CommunityDevelopment #LandUsePolicy
Commission approves variances, handbook changes, contract renewals and an annexation
After the land‑use public hearing commissioners approved all eight land‑use items (variances and rezoning), extended a camper permit, renewed a striping contract, adopted harassment‑training and vacation payout policies, approved an annexation, and accepted routine invoices. Most votes were unanimous.
citizenportal.ai
November 3, 2025 at 5:35 AM
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As the new school year approaches, a passionate call for unwavering community support has been made to ensure every student thrives throughout the entire academic journey.

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#GA #CitizenPortal #GeorgiaCommunity #EducationSupport #SchoolYearReadiness
Principal Highlights Community Commitment Ahead of School Year Launch
Principal urges community to maintain energy and support for students throughout the school year.
citizenportal.ai
July 31, 2025 at 10:50 PM
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Addison Colbert's inspiring journey from personal tragedy to triumph at Convocation 2025 highlights the transformative power of mentorship and community support in shaping the future for students.

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#GA #CitizenPortal #GeorgiaCommunity #MentorshipMatters #CollectiveAction
Rutland High School's Addison Colbert Celebrates FFA Achievements and Inspires Peers
Addison Colbert honors advisors and encourages student leadership during inspirational speech.
citizenportal.ai
July 31, 2025 at 5:58 AM
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The upcoming Convocation 2025 in Georgia promises to unite the community through collaboration, education, and shared aspirations—an event you won’t want to miss!

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#GA #CitizenPortal #GeorgiaCommunity #PublicParticipation #CommunityInvolvement #EducationDevelopment
Student Honors Cheer Coach Miss Lockett for Lifelong Influence and Support
Student dedicates speech to cheer coach Miss Lockett for her impactful guidance and support.
citizenportal.ai
July 31, 2025 at 5:54 AM
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Georgia officials are revolutionizing public engagement by prioritizing audio clarity, ensuring every voice is heard in community meetings.

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#GA #CitizenPortal #GeorgiaCommunity #TechnologyInGovernance #AccessibilityInitiatives
County Conducts Audio Livestream Equipment Testing for Upcoming Events
Officials test mic levels and gain structures for New County audio livestream.
citizenportal.ai
July 30, 2025 at 7:56 PM
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Bexar County's Board just rolled back taxes while investing in school safety by fully funding 24 school resource officers—what does this mean for your community?

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#GA #CitizenPortal #GeorgiaCommunity #PublicSafety #EducationSecurity #FiscalResponsibility
Bexar County Board Approves Millage Rate Cut and SRO Funding Changes
Board endorses lowering millage rate and covering full costs for school resource officers.
citizenportal.ai
July 26, 2025 at 4:30 AM
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Residents are raising alarms over Toccoa's proposed budget and the unsettling rise in property tax assessments, questioning how these changes will impact their wallets.

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#GA #BudgetTransparency #CitizenPortal #GeorgiaCommunity #PropertyTaxation
Toccoa Commissioners Face Public Concerns on Fiscal Year 26 Budget and Tax Assessments
Public voices concerns over Toccoa's proposed budget and rising property tax assessments.
citizenportal.ai
June 29, 2025 at 12:40 AM
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Senator Nikki Merritt and the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus are amplifying community voices to shape a more inclusive future—discover how personal stories are driving real change!

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#GA #CitizenPortal #GeorgiaCommunity #RepresentationMatters #InclusivePolicy
Senator Nikki Merritt leads discussion on Georgia Legislative Black Caucus initiatives
Senator Merritt emphasizes the importance of community stories for Georgia's future progress.
citizenportal.ai
June 25, 2025 at 1:10 PM
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Westside High School's 2025 graduation will spotlight an inspiring class of diverse achievers, embodying the community's spirit and commitment to educational excellence.

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#GA #CitizenPortal #GeorgiaCommunity #EducationExcellence #InclusivityInEducation #StudentSuccess
Community honors graduates at local recognition ceremony
Local event celebrates achievements of students from various educational backgrounds.
citizenportal.ai
May 31, 2025 at 10:26 AM