Hello, Statesboro!
Happy Monday and May the Fourth be with you! We have hit Edition 30 of the Statesboro Brief, and what a week to land on it. Spring commencement is exactly one week away, the Eagles softball team heads to Lafayette for the Sun Belt Tournament, baseball wraps up its home schedule, the county commission holds a pair of critical public hearings Tuesday evening, and Mother's Day weekend is stacked with things to do.
Whether you are a graduating senior, a proud parent driving in, or just a local looking for a great Saturday, this edition has something for you. Let us jump in.
📰 TOP NEWS
Bulloch County Commission to Hold Public Hearings on Twin Moratoriums
Tuesday evening may be the most consequential local government meeting of the year so far. The Bulloch County Board of Commissioners is scheduled to hold public hearings on two 90-day moratoriums that were adopted unanimously back in February: one freezing new data center permit applications in unincorporated Bulloch County, and one halting residential and Planned Unit Development rezoning applications. Both moratoriums were put in place to give commissioners time to study the county's growth management policies before approving large-scale projects. Tuesday's hearings will determine whether those freezes are extended, modified, or allowed to expire. If you have opinions on development in unincorporated Bulloch, this is the meeting to attend.
The Board of Commissioners meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. at the North Main Annex, 115 N. Main St.
NAACP Forum Draws Candid Conversation on Policing and Accountability
On Wednesday, April 30, the Bulloch County Branch of the NAACP hosted a roughly two-and-a-half-hour public forum at the Luetta Moore Park Community Center focused on policing, use of force, and accountability in Bulloch County. The forum was convened in response to viral law enforcement videos circulating in recent weeks, including footage of a Bulloch County Sheriff's Office K-9 arrest that drew widespread community reaction.
The panel was moderated by Georgia Southern criminal justice professor Dr. Akiv Dawson and included Statesboro Police Chief Mike Broadhead, Crime Suppression Team Captain Jim Riggs, District Attorney Robert Busbee, and attorney Francys Johnson of the National Conference of Black Lawyers. Sheriff Noel Brown was absent due to health issues but provided written responses and met with branch leaders earlier in the week. Branch President Yevette McCall framed the goal as creating "a space for the community to be heard," not a debate or trial. Coverage from both Grice Connect and WSAV described an at-times emotional but productive dialogue, with officials and residents both calling for continued community engagement.
Statesboro City Council Meets Tuesday Morning
The Statesboro Mayor and City Council hold their regular monthly meeting Tuesday, May 5 at 9:00 a.m. at City Hall, 50 E. Main St. Agendas are posted at statesboroga.gov. Among the ongoing items to watch: the city's search for a path forward on fire services funding following the December termination of the city-county fire agreement, which left a roughly $2.7 million hole in the budget. A proposed fire service fee remains under legal review.
📋 LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS
Splash in the Boro Opens with Major Upgrades
Splash in the Boro kicked off its 2026 season last weekend with a full renovation on display: resurfaced and repainted slides, new luxury cabanas, and a new walking taco food stand. Aquatics Division Manager Alex Estrada called the upgrades a reflection of "our commitment to providing a high-quality, safe, and fun environment." Luetta Moore Pool also reopened May 2. Both facilities are operating weekends only through May 24 before transitioning to seven-days-a-week summer hours beginning May 23.
FYZICAL Therapy and Balance Centers Holds Ribbon Cutting Today
FYZICAL Therapy and Balance Centers held its ribbon cutting this morning at 11:00 a.m. at its new Statesboro location at 1852 Northside Drive E. The locally owned, nationally affiliated physical therapy and balance practice offers tours through 1:00 p.m. today for community members and medical professionals interested in learning more.
Second Juvenile Arrested in Groover Homes Shooting
Statesboro Police confirmed on April 27 that a second 16-year-old suspect has been taken into custody in connection with the April 23 shooting at Groover Homes apartments on Packinghouse Road. Both juveniles are now in the custody of the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice. The 16-year-old victim remains in care at Memorial Health University Medical Center.
Delilah's Flower Shoppe Opens on the Blue Mile
A new downtown business has bloomed. Delilah's Flower Shoppe opened the weekend of May 2 at 454 S. Main St., next door to Aura Tapas and Cocktails. Owner Mallory Adams built the shop around a reservation-first model centered on DIY floral arrangement classes and event work. "I did not want to do something basic," Adams told Grice Connect. "I wanted to stand out."
Frills and Company Closing; GG Formals Moving In This Summer
After nearly 20 years as a downtown formalwear staple, Frills and Company is in its final closing sale under owner Scott Marchbanks. Taking its place at 1 S. Main St. this summer will be GG Formals of Dublin, owned by Georgia Southern alumni Suzanne and Matt Lake.
Smoke Alarm Blitz Rescheduled to May 30
The Statesboro Fire Department's neighborhood Smoke Alarm Blitz, originally planned for May 2, has been rescheduled to Saturday, May 30. Crews and Red Cross volunteers will canvass W. Jones Ave. Ext., Maple St., Success St., Solomon Cir., Denmark St., and Presidents Cir.
📅 THIS WEEK'S EVENTS (May 4-10, 2026)
Monday, May 4
Senior Craft Activity | 10:30 a.m. | Statesboro Regional Library | Ages 55+ | FREE
Library Teen Leaders | 5:00 p.m. | Statesboro Regional Library | Ages 12-18 | FREE
One Boro Commission Meeting | 5:30 p.m. | City Hall, 50 E. Main St.
Tuesday, May 5
Statesboro Mayor and City Council Meeting | 9:00 a.m. | City Hall, 50 E. Main St. | Open to public
Baby Time | 10:00 a.m. | Statesboro Regional Library | Ages 0-24 months | FREE
"ME" FIRST Tutoring | 5:00-6:30 p.m. | Statesboro Regional Library | FREE
Statesboro Planning Commission | 5:00 p.m. | City Hall
Bulloch County Board of Commissioners Meeting | 5:30 p.m. | North Main Annex, 115 N. Main St. | Public hearings on data center and residential rezoning moratoriums
Wednesday, May 6
Public Reading of God's Word (Day 1 of 3) | 8:30 a.m.-8:00 p.m. | Bulloch County Courthouse Lawn | FREE
Toddler Time | 10:30 a.m. | Statesboro Regional Library | Ages 2-5 | FREE
Eagle Baseball vs. Mercer (Wellness Wednesday) | 6:00 p.m. | J.I. Clements Stadium | Tickets at GSEagles.com
Sun Belt Softball Championship Game 1: Georgia Southern vs. Coastal Carolina | 5:00 p.m. ET | Yvette Girouard Field, Lafayette, La. | ESPN+
Thursday, May 7
Public Reading of God's Word (Day 2 of 3) | 8:30 a.m.-8:00 p.m. | Bulloch County Courthouse Lawn | FREE
Library Closed for Staff Training | All day
Sun Belt Softball Quarterfinals (if Georgia Southern advances) | 2:00 p.m. ET | ESPN+
Friday, May 8
Public Reading of God's Word (Day 3 of 3) | 8:30 a.m.-8:00 p.m. | Bulloch County Courthouse Lawn | FREE
Kids History Club | 4:00 p.m. | Statesboro Regional Library | Ages 6-11 | FREE
Eagle Baseball vs. Georgia State (Farm Fest) | 7:00 p.m. | J.I. Clements Stadium | Tickets at GSEagles.com
Deadline to request an absentee ballot for the May 19 primary
Saturday, May 9
Statesboro Main Street Farmers Market | 9:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | 222 S. Main St. | Local produce, flowers, baked goods, food trucks, live music | FREE
Early Voting (Final Saturday Session) | 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. | Bulloch County Annex, 113 N. Main St., Suite 201
Statesboro Food Bank "Mom's Day Off: A Smokin' Good Fundraiser" | 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. | 506 Miller St. | Smoked brisket, ribs, Boston butt, and chicken by Five Star Catering | Adult plates $15, Kids $10 | Pre-orders pickup 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | Tickets at Givebutter
Eagle Baseball vs. Georgia State (Shuman Farms Day) | 2:00 p.m. | J.I. Clements Stadium
Pokémon GO Day | 2:00-4:00 p.m. | Statesboro Regional Library | All ages (children must be accompanied) | FREE
Statesboro Stitches Crochet and Knitting Club | 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. | Statesboro Regional Library | FREE
Sun Belt Softball Semifinals (if Georgia Southern advances) | 4:00 p.m. ET | ESPN+
Sunday, May 10 - Mother's Day
Eagle Baseball vs. Georgia State (Regular Season Home Finale) | 1:00 p.m. | J.I. Clements Stadium | Tickets at GSEagles.com
Sun Belt Softball Championship (if Georgia Southern advances) | 2:30 p.m. ET | ESPN2
🦅 GEORGIA SOUTHERN UPDATES
Commencement Week is One Week Away
Georgia Southern is preparing to celebrate approximately 4,400 graduates across four ceremonies beginning next Monday. The complete schedule is below. Livestreaming will be available for all ceremonies at georgiasouthern.edu/commencement.
Monday, May 11 at 9:00 a.m. at Allen E. Paulson Stadium: Undergraduates from Science and Mathematics, Arts and Humanities, Waters College of Health Professions, Public Health, and Engineering and Computing. Speaker: Bob Somers, Georgia Southern alumnus and Senior Vice President of Global Sales at Delta Air Lines.
Monday, May 11 at 6:00 p.m. at Hill Convocation Center: All graduate students across all campuses and colleges. Speaker: Nick Westbrook, owner-operator of Chick-fil-A Hinesville and 2020 GSU graduate.
Wednesday, May 13 at 9:00 a.m. at Enmarket Arena, Savannah: All Savannah Campus undergraduates. Speaker: Berry Aldridge, former Savannah Bananas executive.
Thursday, May 14 at 9:00 a.m. at Allen E. Paulson Stadium: Undergraduates from the College of Education, Parker College of Business, and the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences. Speaker: Kim Hartsock, CPA and inaugural chair of the Parker College Young Alumni Board.
Heather Macy Introduced as Women's Basketball Head Coach
Athletic Director Chris Davis held an introductory press conference on April 28 to welcome Heather Macy as the 10th head coach in Georgia Southern women's basketball history. Macy brings more than 27 years of coaching experience and a career record of 383-212 across 20 seasons as a head coach, including 11 seasons with 20 or more wins. She most recently coached Nova Southeastern to a 29-5 record in 2025-26. Davis called her "a proven winner with more than two decades of success leading programs at every level of college basketball."
GSU Retirees Association Honors 2026 Distinguished Retirees
The Georgia Southern University Retirees Association recognized Harry Carter, Brenda Carter, Clara Krug, and Warren Riles as this year's Distinguished Retirees at its annual meeting on April 20.
🏈 SPORTS AND CAMPUS EVENTS
Eagles Softball Enters Sun Belt Tournament as No. 7 Seed
The Georgia Southern softball team heads to Lafayette, Louisiana this week for the Sun Belt Conference Championship after clinching the No. 7 seed via tiebreaker. The Eagles finished the regular season 24-28 overall and 11-13 in Sun Belt play. They open Wednesday at 5:00 p.m. ET against No. 10 Coastal Carolina at Yvette Girouard Field on ESPN+. A win would send them to the quarterfinals Thursday against No. 2 Marshall. The championship game is Saturday at 2:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2. Senior Emma Davis leads the team at the plate hitting .349 on the season.
Eagle Baseball Closes Out Home Schedule This Weekend
After hosting No. 9 Coastal Carolina last weekend, Georgia Southern baseball plays four more home games at J.I. Clements Stadium before the regular season ends. Wednesday is Wellness Wednesday against Mercer at 6:00 p.m. The weekend brings Farm Fest and Shuman Farms Day with three games against Georgia State on Friday at 7:00 p.m., Saturday at 2:00 p.m., and Sunday at 1:00 p.m. in the regular season home finale. James McCoy continues to lead the offense with a .367 average, 16 doubles, 7 home runs, and 33 RBI. The Sun Belt Tournament follows May 19-24 in Montgomery.
🍽️ RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT
Huey's on Main Street: A Little Bourbon Street, Right Downtown
If you have not made it to Huey's on Main Street yet, Mother's Day weekend is the perfect excuse. Tucked into 232 S. Main St. in the heart of downtown Statesboro, this New Orleans-inspired Cajun and Creole restaurant is owned by Tom Scarborough and his daughters Casey Pope and River Green. Scarborough spent decades managing Huey's on River Street in Savannah before bringing the concept to the town where he raised his family. The Statesboro location opened in February 2025 and has quickly become one of the Blue Mile's most talked-about additions.
The interior sets the tone immediately: hand-painted murals by Casey Pope, a full bar pouring classic Bourbon Street cocktails, and the unmistakable smell of a kitchen that takes its gumbo seriously. The menu runs through scratch Cajun and Creole dishes including jambalaya, shrimp and grits, fried green tomatoes, fried oysters, crawfish etouffee, blackened catfish, and po'boys built on bread shipped in from Louisiana. The dessert must-order is the beignets, dusted with powdered sugar and finished with your choice of raspberry, chocolate, caramel, praline, or bourbon vanilla drizzle.
Huey's is open Monday through Sunday, 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for lunch and 4:00 to 9:00 p.m. for dinner. It is a natural stop before or after the Farmers Market on Saturday morning, and the kind of place that makes out-of-town graduation guests feel like they found something special. Reservations are recommended for Mother's Day weekend.
🌤️ WEATHER ADVISORY
Warm and Sunny Week with a Few Afternoon Storm Chances
A beautiful stretch of early May weather is in store for Statesboro this week, with highs in the upper 70s to mid-80s and mostly sunny skies through Saturday. A weak front midweek may bring a brief shower chance Wednesday afternoon, but it should clear well before evening. Mother's Day Sunday looks like a gorgeous day for brunch and a ballgame.
Day | High | Low | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
Mon, May 4 | 85°F | 62°F | Sunny, light winds |
Tue, May 5 | 82°F | 60°F | Mostly sunny |
Wed, May 6 | 78°F | 55°F | Partly cloudy, slight shower chance |
Thu, May 7 | 77°F | 55°F | Mostly sunny, coolest morning |
Fri, May 8 | 79°F | 56°F | Sunny and pleasant |
Sat, May 9 | 83°F | 62°F | Mostly sunny, great market weather |
Sun, May 10 | 84°F | 58°F | Sunny, perfect Mother's Day |
Reminder: The statewide outdoor burn ban remains in effect across Bulloch County and 90 other Georgia counties. No open burning until further notice.
👀 LOOKING AHEAD
May 8 | Absentee Ballot Request Deadline for May 19 Primary
May 9 | Final Saturday of Early Voting | 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. | Bulloch County Annex, 113 N. Main St., Suite 201
May 11 | Last Weekday of Early Voting | 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. | Bulloch County Annex
May 11 | Georgia Southern Spring Commencement Ceremony 1 | 9:00 a.m. | Allen E. Paulson Stadium
May 11 | Georgia Southern Spring Commencement Ceremony 2 (Graduate) | 6:00 p.m. | Hill Convocation Center
May 13 | Georgia Southern Savannah Commencement | 9:00 a.m. | Enmarket Arena, Savannah
May 14 | Georgia Southern Statesboro Commencement Ceremony 3 | 9:00 a.m. | Allen E. Paulson Stadium
May 14 | Downtown Live: Elizabeth as Taylor (Taylor Swift Tribute) | Food trucks 6:00 p.m., Music 7:00 p.m. | East Main Street | FREE
May 15 | Last Day of Early Voting (weekdays) | 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. | Bulloch County Annex
May 16 | First Flight Statesboro | Statesboro-Bulloch County Airport | Free intro flights for youth ages 8-19, simulators, plane tours, food trucks | FREE
May 19 | Primary Election Day | Polls open 7:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. at assigned precincts | Check your polling place at mvp.sos.ga.gov
May 22 | Last Day of School for Bulloch County Schools
May 23 | Splash in the Boro and Luetta Moore Pool transition to seven-day summer operations
May 25 | Memorial Day | City and county offices closed
May 28 | Downtown Live: Y2K Kids | East Main Street | FREE
May 30 | Statesboro Fire Department Smoke Alarm Blitz (rescheduled) | W. Jones Ave. area
✉️ THANKS FOR READING!
That is Edition 30 in the books! We hope the Force is with you today, Statesboro. May the Fourth be with you, always.
This week is a big one: vote early if you have not yet, cheer on the Eagles in Lafayette, and if you are a graduating senior or the family of one, congratulations. You made it. Statesboro is proud of you.
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See you next Monday!