New Year prompts a look back at stories that will affect Augusta’s future
Three is usually my magic number, but to wrap the year that was 2024, I thought a Top Ten would be more appropriate. Below is my list of stories – both local and national – that I feel not only have had the greatest impact on our community in the present but will continue to affect Augusta and its environs moving forward. So, as the taillights fade on what was a most eventful 12 months, let’s take a look, in no particular order, at a few of the 2024 stories that could prove definitive.
Jimmy Carter: As a son of the state of Georgia and a man who made his home and life here, the death of former President Jimmy Carter feels particularly poignant. While many may disagree with his politics, it’s difficult to argue with the model for public service he strove to establish during his lifetime. Augusta would be well-served to embrace his ideals of inclusiveness and concern into the fabric of the community.
Hurricane Helene: Usually when someone says things will never be quite the same, it is easy to write it off as hyperbole. Not this time. The level of devastation and drastic change to the landscape have made such a tremendous impact that much of what we recognize and talk about will, undoubtedly, be divided into before- and after-the-storm commentary.
Garnett gets the vote: While not completely true, for many years the office of mayor in Augusta has been regarded as something of a ceremonial role. That’s because, until this year, the office did not come with a Commission vote unless it was in the interest of breaking a tie. It’s an interesting evolution and one that gives the Mayor Garnett Johnson – as well as those that will eventually follow – far more skin in the governmental game.
Trump elected: Supporters and detractors alike agree on one thing – sweeping change is afoot. What exactly that change looks like and how it might filter down to this community is, yet, unwritten. It’s a little like getting a birthday present from your odd uncle – it could be great, and it could be something he dug out of his basement. Here’s hoping for the former.
Eugene ‘Gino’ Brantley elected: Speaking of change, after 12 years there is change at the top for local law enforcement. The election of Eugene ‘Gino’ Brantley marks the beginning of a new era for the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office and Brantley already seems like a man on a mission, bumping up salaries and adding longevity stipends so the Sheriff’s can become a place law enforcement professionals seek out instead of end up.
Twenty percent S&P 500 gains in back-to-back years: There has been much gnashing of teeth over the state of the economy in 2024. That’s not a surprise. Teeth always seem to gnash in election years. So, in response, here is a fun and somewhat encouraging, fact. The S&P 500, the index used to track stock performance for 500 of the largest companies on the stock exchange, registered a 23.3% gain in 2024. That follows on the heels of a 24% gain in 2023. That’s real growth and the first time the S&P has recorded two years over 20% since the 1990s. Now if we could only get the price of eggs down.
War – what is it good for: Absolutely nothing. The thing about war – be it in Israel, Ukraine, Sudan, Yemen, or Myanmar – is that is often feels distant and removed from our day-to-day lives. It is easy to dismiss those battles as the problem of others. But war, violence, and unrest – I believe – perpetuates itself. Every war fought represents an opportunity for diplomacy lost, and the more that happens the more it becomes the acceptable response to discord. That’s bad for everyone, no matter how far from the front lines we may be.
James Brown Arena demolition/construction: I have a lot of memories tied to the old James Brown Arena, and, truth be told, I will probably miss that big barn’s peculiar ambiance. I certainly believe those that remember will speak of it with some fondness in years to come. But I’m also pretty bullish on progress, and the new area slated to be constructed in its place represents just that. The technology, space, and assets planned mean Augusta gets an arena built to succeed rather than merely function. That’s an important distinction.
Vogtle goes live: In April, the construction on Vogtle 3&4 came to a definitive end when Vogtle Unit 4 started producing commercial power, making Plant Vogtle the largest nuclear power plant in the United States. Did it take longer than expected to complete? Much longer. Did it cost more than expected to complete? Much more. But now that it is done and kicking out the watts, let’s hear it for a few generations worth of clean and plentiful power.
Augusta Today: Is this inclusion both self-serving and taking advantage of our digital space? Absolutely. But we at Augusta Today are proud of this Little Engine that Can, a want to thank our readers for making its first few fledgling months such a pleasure. We look forward to spending many more new years with you and yours. Have a great 2025.