Happy New Year, Statesboro!
Welcome to 2026, and welcome to the first Statesboro Brief of the year. If you're still writing "2025" on everything, you're not alone. But this isn't just about flipping the calendar. This is the week Statesboro officially steps into a new chapter. Georgia Southern's spring semester kicks off, both Eagles basketball teams are dominating their conferences, and that extra penny you're now paying at checkout is already working to lower your property taxes. The energy shift is real. Students are trickling back into town, restaurants are ramping up for the semester rush, and the post-holiday quiet is giving way to the familiar rhythm of Eagle Nation in full swing. Before we dive into what's ahead this week, let's take a quick look back at the moments that made 2025 unforgettable for our community.
2025: The year Statesboro paved every road and made history
Looking back at 2025, our community achieved milestones that will shape Statesboro for decades to come. Anderson Street became the final dirt road to be paved within city limits, meaning every single road in Statesboro is now paved for the first time in history. The city's FY2024 resurfacing project covered 5.66 miles across 17 streets, fundamentally transforming our infrastructure.
We made major strides in affordable housing with a $1.37 million CHIP grant (our first successful application since 2001), which will fund nine single-family homes along Pine Street through Habitat for Humanity. Economic development surged with a $1.5 million industrial grant for the Interstate Gateway park, supporting projects tied to Hyundai suppliers that represent $897 million in capital investment and over 1,100 jobs.
Georgia Southern hit a record $1.167 billion annual economic impact, a 1.9% increase over 2024. The university unveiled a statue of Freedom, the beloved bald eagle mascot who passed away in March, outside Paulson Stadium. Four Bulloch County schools earned state recognition, with Brooklet Elementary and Nevils Elementary making the Distinguished Schools list (top 5% of Title I schools statewide) while Julia P. Bryant and Mattie Lively earned Reward School status.
Statesboro earned "Retail Ready" designation from Georgia Power (one of only six Georgia communities selected) and won two GFOA national awards for financial reporting excellence. In November, voters overwhelmingly approved E-SPLOST 6 (66.57%) and FLOST (71.67%), while Mayor Jonathan McCollar won re-election with nearly 70% of the vote.
Kroger's rezoning was approved in December for a nearly 100,000-square-foot supermarket at Cypress Lake Road and Veterans Memorial Parkway, set to open in coming years. The Hyundai Mobility Training Center opened in adjacent Bryan County, and Bulloch County received approximately $11 million (primarily from FEMA) for hurricane cleanup and recovery efforts.
On a sadder note, we lost longtime community members and closed the chapter on beloved traditions like the TMT Farms Christmas lights display, which ended after 25 years. But through it all, Statesboro proved its resilience and forward momentum.
FLOST tax takes effect January 1, adding ninth penny to sales tax
The biggest financial change hitting Statesboro in 2026 started on New Year's Day. The Floating Local Option Sales Tax (FLOST) officially went into effect January 1, raising the local sales tax from 8% to 9%. That extra penny you're paying at the register isn't just disappearing into government coffers. It's specifically designated for property tax relief, and the impact will be substantial.
Revenue from FLOST can only be used to reduce property taxes. For Statesboro, city officials estimate the new tax could slash the millage rate from 8.625 mills to approximately 5 mills, translating to roughly $3.4 million annually in property tax relief for homeowners. The catch? Relief won't hit until fall 2027, about 18 months after collection begins, since the tax revenue needs time to accumulate before rates can be adjusted.
The new tax works in tandem with a "floating homestead exemption" that limits annual increases in taxable home values to the inflation rate, protecting homeowners from sudden tax spikes when property values skyrocket. This policy shift reflects growing concerns about affordability as Statesboro continues to grow and develop.
Critics point out that sales taxes disproportionately burden lower-income residents who spend a higher percentage of their income on taxable goods. But supporters argue the trade-off is worth it for long-term property tax stability, especially for seniors and families on fixed incomes watching their home values (and tax bills) climb year after year.
Spring semester arrives: Georgia Southern welcomes students back January 9-12
The energy in Statesboro shifts this week as Georgia Southern students return for spring 2026. Residence halls open for check-in on Thursday, January 9 at noon, with spring semester classes officially beginning Monday, January 12. That means the next few days will see a familiar influx of moving trucks, emotional parent goodbyes, and students reconnecting after winter break.
Fee payment deadline hits January 12 (the first day of classes), with drop/add running through January 15 at 11:59 p.m. After that, a $100 late registration fee kicks in, and classes will be canceled for non-payment on January 16. The university observes Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday on Monday, January 19, giving students and faculty a long weekend just one week into the semester.
This semester marks the first full term following Georgia Southern's December 8 consolidation with East Georgia State College, officially reducing the University System of Georgia from 26 to 25 institutions. EGSC's Swainsboro and Statesboro campuses now operate as "Georgia Southern University - East Georgia campuses" while maintaining EGSC's open-access mission.
Spring semester also brings key academic dates: early registration for Fall 2026 begins March 23, the last day to withdraw without academic penalty is April 3, spring break runs March 16-21, and final exams happen May 7-12 with commencement ceremonies scheduled for May 13-17.
For students and parents planning ahead, campus dining plans begin January 9, and Georgia Southern will host various welcome back events throughout the first week including student organization fairs on both the Statesboro and Armstrong campuses later in January.
Eagles basketball teams start 2026 undefeated with conference dominance
Georgia Southern's basketball programs are making serious noise heading into the new year. The women's team enters 2026 riding an eight-game winning streak after defeating Appalachian State 67-54 on December 20. At 9-3 overall and 2-0 in Sun Belt Conference play, the Eagles are showing why they're legitimate title contenders this season.
Kishyah Anderson reached a major milestone, becoming the third Eagle this season to surpass 1,500 career points and joining teammates Destiny Garrett and McKenna Eddings in that elite club. The defense has been suffocating, holding Georgia State to just 47 points in their conference opener (the fewest ever allowed against GSU in series history). The Eagles traveled to Old Dominion for a Wednesday, January 1 matchup and face Coastal Carolina on Saturday, January 3.
The men's program is equally hot, carrying a seven-game winning streak into 2026 at 10-5 overall and 3-0 in Sun Belt play. Most impressive? The Eagles are a perfect 7-0 at The Hill this season, extending their home winning streak to 10 games. Those 10 wins represent the earliest point in any season the program has reached double digits in victories.
Tyren Moore made history during a 100-58 demolition of Coastal Georgia, becoming the 47th player in program history to eclipse 1,000 career points. The men also traveled to Coastal Carolina on Wednesday, January 1 and hosted Old Dominion on Saturday, January 3 at 3:30 p.m. Both programs are scheduled to face James Madison on January 7 (women at 6 p.m., men at 8 p.m.) at The Hill Convocation Center.
This dominant start positions both teams for potential Sun Belt Conference championships and possible NCAA tournament bids. With Anderson, Garrett, and Eddings all over 1,500 career points, the women have unprecedented scoring depth. The men's balanced attack and home court dominance make them dangerous in every matchup.
Energy assistance available starting today for Bulloch County residents
If you're struggling with heating bills this winter, help arrived today. The Coastal Georgia Area Community Action Authority (CGACAA) began accepting applications Monday, January 5 for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which provides financial assistance to low-income households with energy costs.
The program offers two types of assistance: Crisis Intervention (immediate assistance for households facing energy emergencies like shut-off notices, lack of fuel, or broken heating equipment) and Regular Heating Assistance (one-time benefit to help with winter heating costs). Eligibility is based on household income, with priority given to households with elderly members (60+), young children (under 6), and individuals with disabilities.
Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are exhausted, so early application is strongly encouraged. CGACAA serves Bulloch County along with Bryan, Camden, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, Liberty, Long, and McIntosh counties from their Statesboro office.
Required documentation typically includes proof of income for all household members, Social Security cards, proof of residence, recent utility bills, and any shut-off notices if applicable. The program runs through the winter heating season, but funding is limited and applications are accepted until resources run out.
For many families, especially seniors on fixed incomes and households with young children, LIHEAP assistance can make the difference between keeping the heat on or choosing between utilities and other necessities. If you know someone who might qualify, sharing this information could genuinely help them through the winter months.
This week's events and activities (January 5-11)
Here's what's happening around Statesboro this week:
Monday, January 5 Table Games Activities at Bethany Community Commons Building, 3:30 p.m.
Tuesday, January 6 Statesboro City Council Meeting, 9:00 a.m., City Hall Council Chambers Baby Time (ages 0-24 months), 10:00 a.m., Statesboro Regional Library Graphic Novel Book Club (ages 6-11), 4:30 p.m., Statesboro Regional Library "ME" FIRST Tutoring, 5:00-6:30 p.m., Statesboro Regional Library
Wednesday, January 7 Toddler Time (ages 2-5), 10:30 a.m., Statesboro Regional Library Georgia Southern Women's Basketball vs James Madison, 6:00 p.m., Hill Convocation Center
Thursday, January 8 Root Beer Float Social at Bethany Community Commons, 3:30 p.m. "ME" FIRST Tutoring, 5:00-6:30 p.m., Statesboro Regional Library Rotary Club of Downtown Statesboro Meeting, details via rotaryclubofdowntownstatesboro.org
Friday, January 9 Georgia Southern residence halls open for spring semester check-in, noon Cribbage Club (ages 18+), 1:30 p.m., Statesboro Regional Library
Saturday, January 10 "Bring One for the Chipper" tree recycling event, 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., Food World parking lot (2949 Northside Drive West). Free Bald Cypress, Catalpa, and White Oak seedlings plus mulch available. Statesboro Stitches (crochet and knitting club), 10:00 a.m.-noon, Statesboro Regional Library Georgia Southern Women's Basketball vs Old Dominion, 1:00 p.m., Hill Convocation Center Dungeons and Dragons Youth Club (ages 12-18), noon-4:00 p.m., Statesboro Regional Library
Sunday, January 11 Christmas tree drop-off deadline at City of Statesboro Public Works (5 Braswell Street)
The "Bring One for the Chipper" event is particularly popular, offering free native tree seedlings (Bald Cypress, Catalpa, and White Oak) to anyone who brings a live Christmas tree for recycling. It's a great way to dispose of your tree responsibly while contributing to Statesboro's urban canopy. Mulch from the chipped trees is also available free to residents.
Looking ahead: key dates for January and beyond
As we settle into 2026, here are the important dates to mark on your calendar:
January 12 Spring semester classes begin at Georgia Southern
January 19 Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday (no classes, administrative offices closed, no city services)
January 20 Bulloch County MLK Observance and Parade, 11:00 a.m.
January 21 Spring 2026 Student Org Fair at Russell Union Rotunda (Statesboro Campus), 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Spring 2026 Student Org Fair at Georgia Southern Armstrong Campus, 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
February 11 Off Campus Housing Fair at University Store Plaza, 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Ongoing Infrastructure Projects The city continues work on several major projects entering 2026. The Cawana Road intersection improvements (featuring roundabouts at Brannen Street and S&S Railroad Bed Road) are expected to begin construction soon. A traffic signal at U.S. 80 and Akins Pond Road is targeted for winter 2026 installation. The Cypress Lake Road bridge replacement project aims for April 2026 procurement with an August 2027 completion target. Hurricane recovery ditching projects should wrap up by May 1, 2026.
The downtown streetscape improvement project along West Main and East Main streets will add a new parking lot at 45 West Main Street while replacing aging storm drains and improving pedestrian safety. Community input meetings have already taken place at the Averitt Center.
Community notes
Uptown Cheapskate, the trendy resale boutique in Statesboro, has announced its January sale lineup with rotating deals throughout the month. The store, known for buying and selling gently used clothing and accessories, provides an affordable alternative for fashion-conscious shoppers looking for brands at discount prices.
Saucy Shrimp recently hosted its first-ever stand-up comedy show on Friday, January 2, featuring headliner Eric Bailey and comedians from across the U.S. The "Saucy After Dark" event represents the restaurant's expansion into entertainment programming beyond its signature seafood menu.
The Galactic Table Top Gamers Club continues to meet every Friday night at the Statesboro location for open gaming. All experience levels are welcome, and participation is free. The club maintains an active Discord community for event coordination and discussions beyond Friday night meetups.
Operation Safe Disposal is scheduled to return to Statesboro soon, offering residents an opportunity to safely dispose of unwanted medications, sharps, and other items that shouldn't go in regular trash. Watch for announcements on specific dates and locations.
Welcome to 2026, Statesboro
We're just getting started. The spring semester energy, basketball momentum, new tax policies, and ongoing development projects all point to a dynamic year ahead. Whether you're a student moving back into the dorms this week, a homeowner watching how FLOST affects your tax bill, or a basketball fan riding the Eagles' winning streaks, there's plenty to be excited about.
Next Monday's edition will cover the first full week of spring semester, MLK observance and parade details, and more updates on how our community is settling into 2026. Until then, enjoy the relatively quiet early January days before the full Eagle Nation energy kicks back in.
See you next Monday!
The Statesboro Brief publishes weekly on Monday mornings, covering news, events, and community stories from Statesboro and Bulloch County, Georgia.