Middle Georgia Minute

From industrial growth bringing environmental challenges to cultural celebrations, Middle Georgia continues to be a region where tradition meets transformation. The month of September brought news of industrial development concerns in Twiggs County, an Indigenous heritage celebration at the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park, new colorful murals around Downtown Macon, and a brand new print publication covering entertainment in Macon. The following is a short run down of some of the things going on recently in the heart of Georgia. 

Data Center Developments Raise Environmental Concerns

A proposed data center in western Twiggs County has sparked community concern due to its potential impact on the Ocmulgee River Corridor and the proposed Ocmulgee Mounds National Park and Preserve.

This development is part of a larger trend sweeping across Middle Georgia and the state, as similar data centers are being planned throughout the region.These facilities consume enormous amounts of electricity and water, raising concerns about environmental impacts, rising electricity costs, and strain on local water resources.

Data centers require large amounts of water and electricity, and could decrease the amount of water flowing through the Ocmulgee River (Photographer Nate Weeks)

The Twiggs County Board of Commissioners held public Q&A sessions in mid-September to address citizen concerns about the industrialization of this culturally and environmentally sensitive area.

While many citizens showed up to express their disapproval of the project, especially after such a short time of discussion and claims the environmental study done was not, the Twiggs County Commissioners ended up approving the rezoning of over 290 acres for the proposed data center.

This will not be the last time Middle Georgians consider this issue: Jones County recently changed zoning rules to allow for future data centers. While progress, tax dollars, and new jobs are generally good things, citizens should be educated about the experiences others have had who lived close to where data centers were built, and what that means for the life quality and health of the nature in our area in the future.

Ocmulgee Indigenous Celebration Honors Ancestral Heritage

The annual Ocmulgee Indigenous Celebration at Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park brought together the community for a weekend of cultural education and celebration.

The event featured traditional performances by the Duck Creek Ceremonial Grounds Social Stamp Dance troupe, Mvskoke storytelling, and demonstrations of traditional skills.

Click here to see scenes from the 2nd day of the 2025 Ocmulgee Indigenous Celebration

Principal Chief David Hill delivered moving opening remarks during the two-day event, while visitors enjoyed presentations from various tribal representatives, including members of the Mvskoke (Creek) Nation, the Seminole Tribe of Florida, and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

This event reminds us that most of us have ancestors who were once immigrants to this great nation. The cultures of the many different peoples who inhabit this land should be respected and appreciated as a part of what makes our country unique and powerful. 

Macon Mural Festival Brightens City Streets

The 3rd Annual Macon Mural Festival continued to transform the city's landscape with new public art installations earlier this month. 

This year's talented artists included Bobby MaGee Lopez from Denver, Taylor Shaw from Mobile, Courtney Hicks and Chris Alvarez from Tucker, and Layton Scarbrough from Virginia.

The mural by Bobby MaGee Lopez is located next to the Fickling Building (Photographer Nate Weeks)

The murals, located at various sites including 240 Second Street and Hotel 45, bring art to underresourced neighborhoods while creating community gathering spaces and economic benefits for the area.

Click here to see the finished version of all the murals created during the 2025 Macon Mural Festival

Large scale art is a way to beautify Macon and increase the pride Middle Georgians can feel in living in a city with such a rich culture. Macon Arts Alliance's Macon Mural Festival has brought many amazing works of art to Macon for everyone to enjoy during the three years of this special event. 

Cherry Bomb Magazine Launches to Spotlight Local Entertainment and Music Scene

Macon Magazine has announced the arrival of Cherry Bomb, a new free bi-monthly publication focusing on entertainment and Middle Georgia's music scene.

Co-founded by Susannah Cox Maddux and Julia Anne Morrison, the magazine will events taking place and articles about local musicians. Cherry Bomb will be distributed at various Macon businesses, and the September edition is already waiting to be found by the adventurous.

Cherry Bomb can be found at various businesses in Downtown Macon (Photographer Nate Weeks)

The launch represents another chapter for Macon Magazine, which has been artfully telling Middle Georgia's stories since 1986.

Click here to see more about Macon Magazine's new publication, Cherry Bomb

There have been so many other events this month that I have not covered in this article, but each event has further made one thing certain for me: every different group of humans, no matter what race, religion, sexuality, or political party, are united by the innumerable similarities that make us human. 

If we can come together at the many special events that take place in cities across Middle Georgia, we can also finds other ways to learn from each other and appreciate what each of us contributes to our human society. 

When we move past the differences that powerful interests would have us focus on, we can create a more enjoyable and powerful living experience for everyone.

Stay tuned for more updates on what's happening in the heart of Georgia.