🍇 Comfortable May Days

Good morning, Spalding County!

Usually by the middle of May, Griffin is already starting to feel like someone left the oven door open and poured a glass of water on the floor for good measure. The heat shows up, the humidity settles in, and suddenly every quick walk across a parking lot feels like a small personal challenge.

This year, though, we’ve had a pretty nice break from that. The mornings have been a little more forgiving, the evenings have been worth spending outside, and the yard work has not felt quite as punishing as it usually does this time of year. Enjoy it while it lasts, because the rhythm around town is about to change. School will be out before long, summer schedules will take over, and the calendar will start filling up with camps, vacations, pool days, church events, sports, family visits, and all the little things that make this season feel both fun and slightly chaotic.

So consider this your reminder to take advantage of these last few relatively comfortable May days while we have them. The real heat is coming, but for now, Spalding County has given us a pretty nice little break.

- Chad Robert

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Griffin leaders are considering new rules that would regulate data centers inside city limits, an area not currently covered by the city’s Unified Development Code. At an April 28 work session, city staff presented proposed amendments that would require minor and major data centers to receive a special use permit under Planned Industrial Development zoning. A minor data center would be a single building up to 10,000 square feet, while a major data center would range from 10,000 to 275,000 square feet. The city is not recommending approval of hyperscale data centers at this time. Those projects, which are 500,000 square feet or larger, are considered heavy industrial uses and may not fit Griffin’s current layout, where many possible sites are near residential areas. No vote was taken. The discussion was for information only.

A group of Sun City Peachtree residents recently practiced what to do if severe weather hits close to home. The neighborhood drill, held on Peach Blossom Court, gave trained Community Emergency Response Team volunteers a chance to walk through a simulated tornado response. Participants practiced setting up communications, organizing assignments, checking on injured residents, and creating areas for triage and pet safety. The exercise is especially relevant in Sun City Peachtree, where many homes sit close together and the community includes a large senior population. In a real emergency, trained neighbors could provide early help before first responders arrive. Spalding County has offered CERT training since 2012, teaching residents basic disaster response, fire safety, light search and rescue, and emergency organization. More than 400 residents have completed the program, including over 100 from Sun City Peachtree.

Monday & Thursday: Carver (610 Carver Rd) and Woodroof (4245 Old Atlanta Rd) 11am-7pm

Tuesday & Friday: Blalock (5756 Newnan Rd) and Cabin (3865 Jackson Rd)
11am-7pm

Saturday: All centers open 7am-1pm (plus Akin for bulky items only)

Sunday & Wednesday: Closed

Got big stuff? The Akin Collection Center (841 S McDonough Rd) is for bulky items only—no regular household garbage. Open Saturdays 7am-1pm.

All centers closed on county holidays.

Peace Officers Memorial Day Event
When: Friday, May 15, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
What: The City of Griffin will honor fallen heroes Officer Kevin Jordan and Sgt. Todd Thomas on Peace Officers Memorial Day. The event features a tree‑planting ceremony and a community gathering with food. Residents are invited to join local public‑safety departments in remembering those who served the community.
Where: Chappell Street Community Green Space (beside the City of Griffin Police Department, 234 North Hill Street, Griffin).

Georgia Farm Bureau’s 2026 Spring Shootout
When: Friday, May 15, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
What: The fourth annual Spring Shootout brings together friendly competition, outdoor recreation and a good cause. Teams of colleagues, families and youth shoot sporting clays, with proceeds benefiting the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture to support future agricultural leaders.
Where: Cherokee Rose Sporting Clays, 895 Baptist Camp Road, Griffin.

Griffin Farmer’s Market 2026
When: Friday, May 15, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
What: This weekly farmers market, hosted by UGA Extension Spalding County, features vendors selling fresh produce, honey, boiled peanuts and more. It’s a great opportunity to stock up on local goods and support area growers.
Where: Kiwanis Fairgrounds, 1025 South Hill Street, Griffin.

Walkin’ the Line  - Tribute to Johnny Cash
When: Friday, May 15, 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
What: Bennie Wheels and the band “Walkin’ the Line” deliver an authentic tribute to Johnny Cash and the Tennessee Three. The show recreates Cash’s Folsom Prison‑era performances and is hailed as the nation’s most accurate representation of the “Man in Black”.
Where: Griffin Opera House, 102 North Hill Street, Griffin

Community Book and Media Swap Event
When: Saturday, May 16, 10:00 AM
What: Spalding County Leisure Services is hosting a free community book and media swap where residents can bring gently used books, movies, games, puzzles, and other media items to trade for something new-to-them. Participants receive one ticket per donated item, up to 10 items total. The event is family-friendly and designed to encourage sharing, recycling, and community connection. Organizers say the final 30 minutes of the event will be free for everyone to browse and take items.
Where: Spalding County Senior Center, 885 Memorial Drive, Griffin, GA 30223

The Ray Shavers Band
When: Saturday, May 16, 8:30 PM – 11:30 PM
What: Country music group The Ray Shavers Band will perform live Saturday night at Nic McKay’s Irish Pub in downtown Griffin. The show will feature three hours of live country music in one of downtown’s newest entertainment spots. Organizers note there is a $5 cover charge and guests must be 21 or older to attend.
Where: Nic McKay’s Irish Pub, 133 South Hill Street, Griffin, GA 30223

Nothing in this section is sponsored. They're just the things you need to know. I'll always let you know when something's sponsored.

78° 🌡️ 52° | ☀️ | 1% | 💨 7 mph SE

85° 🌡️ 64° | ⛅ | 10% | 💨 5 mph S

Sunday: 88° 🌡️ 64° | ⛈️ | 30% | 💨 Light/variable

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Have a great weekend, Spalding County.

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