Latest news with #DeepSouthConnectTeamGeorgia
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Boat explosions in Georgia: What to check on your boat to ensure safety before hitting lake
Several devastating boat explosions in Georgia recently have sparked new questions about how and why boats can explode, and what every boater must know to prevent it. Though shocking, boating experts say these kinds of explosions are often avoidable, and more common than many people realize. Here is a recap of recent boat explosions. Boat explosions in Georgia On July 4, 2025, two separate boat explosions on North Georgia lakes left at least ten people injured. The first explosion happened on Lake Lanier near the Margaritaville resorts in Hall County. A boat carrying seven people, including children as young as five, erupted into flames while being towed. Fortunately, everyone was rescued. Later that same day, another explosion occurred on Lake Nottely in Union County, severely injuring three teenage brothers during a family tubing trip. The blast happened shortly after the family had stopped to refuel their boat. All three boys sustained burns, with one 17-year-old suffering burns over 80% of his body. Both incidents are still under investigation. On July 4th, 2025, a boat exploded on Lake Lanier in Hall, injuring another seven people. Those victims ranged in age from 5 to 45. What causes boat explosions? According to BoatUS, gasoline fumes are the number one cause of boat explosions. The typical chain of events goes like this: a fuel leak releases gasoline vapors into the bilge or engine compartment, where they can accumulate. If those vapors come into contact with a spark from the engine, battery, or electrical equipment, it can trigger a powerful explosion. Fuel leaks often happen due to old, brittle hoses, corroded fittings, or faulty fuel shutoffs. Ethanol in gasoline can also degrade hoses faster than expected. Even something as routine as stepping on a fuel line during engine maintenance can cause damage that leads to a leak. How to ensure boat safety Here are key tips from BoatUS and marine safety experts to help prevent boat explosions: Inspect fuel lines and hoses regularly (if they're over 10 years old, they may need to be replaced). Use only USCG-approved A1-15 hose Run the bilge blower for at least 4 to 5 minutes after fueling to clear out any fumes. Smell for fuel before starting the engine. If you smell gas, don't start the boat. Shut off all engines and electrical systems during fueling, and make sure you're using the correct fuel fill port. Ensure all engine parts and pumps are 'ignition protected' to prevent sparks in fuel areas. Vanessa Countryman is the Trending Topics Reporter for the the Deep South Connect Team Georgia. Email her at Vcountryman@ This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Boat explosions in Georgia: How to keep your family safe on the lake Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Is recreational use of marijuana legal in Georgia? 24 states allow it
As more states across the U.S. move to legalize recreational marijuana, Georgia remains on the sidelines. While 24 states have adopted laws allowing adults to purchase and consume cannabis for non-medical use, Georgia continues to prohibit it. But what does the Peach State allow medically? Here is everything to know. Has Georgia legalized recreational marijuana? No, Georgia does not allow adult-use of cannabis. According to NORML, possession for personal use, even under an ounce, is punishable as a misdemeanor with up to 12 months in jail or up to a $1,000 fine. Possessing more than an ounce is a felony, carrying penalties of 1 to 10 years in prison and up to a $5,000 fine. Does Georgia allow marijuana medically? Georgia allows marijuana for medical purposes only, and exclusively in the form of low-THC oil (5% THC or less). Registered patients can possess up to 20 fluid ounces. What states have legalized recreational marijuana? According to U.S. News and World Report, here are the 24 states to legalize marijuana: Washington (as of 2012) Alaska (as of 2014) Oregon (as of 2014) California (as of 2016) Montana (as of 2020) Colorado (as of 2012) Nevada (as of 2016) Arizona (as of 2020) New Mexico (as of 2021) Minnesota (as of 2023) Missouri (as of 2022) Illinois (as of 2019) Michigan (as of 2018) Ohio (as of 2023) Virginia (as of 2021) Maryland (as of 2023) Maine (as of 2016) Delaware (as of 2023) New Jersey (as of 2020) New York (as of 2021) Vermont (as of 2018) Massachusetts (as of 2016) Rhode Island (as of 2022) Connecticut (as of 2021) For more information, visit Vanessa Countryman is the Trending Topics Reporter for the the Deep South Connect Team Georgia. Email her at Vcountryman@ This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Is recreational use of marijuana legal in Georgia? 24 states allow it Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Yahoo
Do you have to legally open the door for a police officer? What to know in Georgia
Many Georgians might get a knock at the door, and it's the police. But do you have to legally open the door? According to Georgia's Expungement Lawyers, the law gives residents strong protections inside their homes, including the right not to open the door to law enforcement under most circumstances. Police can legally conduct what's known as a 'knock-and-talk,' which means they are allowed to approach your home, knock on the door, and request to speak with you. However, you are not required to engage with them or let them inside unless they have the legal authority to enter. "If they do not have a warrant, then they do not have any right to come in," the legal group said. The first right every person has is the right to remain silent. If officers insist they are coming in, you're encouraged to ask to see a warrant. If they don't have one, they cannot legally enter, unless there are emergency circumstances such as someone being in immediate danger, or if illegal activity is clearly visible from outside. Home searches in Georgia typically occur under three scenarios: Warranted Search – When police obtain a search warrant from a magistrate judge based on probable cause. Exigent Circumstances – When urgent conditions, like danger to life or destruction of evidence, justify entry without a warrant. Consent Searches – When a resident voluntarily allows officers to enter and search the home. Attorneys warn that if you do give consent, even verbally, that search becomes legally valid, and any evidence found could be used in court. Vanessa Countryman is the Trending Topics Reporter for the the Deep South Connect Team Georgia. Email her at Vcountryman@ This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Do you have to legally open the door for a police officer in Georgia?
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Keeping an eye on the tropics this July 4th: National Hurricane Center tracking disturbance
As Georgia gears up for fireworks, backyard barbecues, and beach getaways this Fourth of July, there's also potential tropical trouble brewing just offshore. While the state isn't under immediate threat from a named storm, meteorologists are keeping a close eye on a developing weather system stretching across Florida from the gulf and into the Atlantic, brushing close to Georgia's coast. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has given this slow-moving system a 20% chance of becoming a tropical or subtropical storm over the next week. For now, Georgia isn't looking at a direct hit or hurricane conditions. "Towards the end of this week into next weekend, an area of low pressure could develop from a remnant frontal boundary near or along the southeastern U.S. Atlantic and or Gulf coasts," the Tropical Weather Outlook from 8 a.m. June 29 states. "Some gradual tropical or subtropical development could occur thereafter as it drifts slowly just off the U.S. coastline." Farther west in the Gulf of Mexico is Tropical Storm Barry, the season's second named storm. Though Barry is not expected to impact Georgia directly, it's a reminder that hurricane season is heating up. Here are the names for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, along with how to pronounce them: Andrea: AN-dree uh Barry: BAIR-ree Chantal: shahn-TAHL Dexter: DEHK-ster Erin: AIR-rin Fernand: fair-NAHN Gabrielle: ga-bree-ELL Humberto: oom-BAIR-toh Imelda: ee-MEHL-dah Jerry: JEHR-ee Karen: KAIR-ren Lorenzo: loh-REN-zoh Melissa: meh-LIH-suh Nestor: NES-tor Olga: OAL-guh Pablo: PAHB-lo Rebekah: reh-BEH-kuh Sebastien: se-BAS-tee-en Tanya: TAHN-yuh Van: van Wendy: WEN-dee Vanessa Countryman is the Trending Topics Reporter for the the Deep South Connect Team Georgia. Email her at Vcountryman@ This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Will a tropical storm impact July 4 celebrations in Georgia?
Yahoo
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
'It ain't ever been country music': Gavin Adcock riles up Beyonce fans about Cowboy Carter album
Georgia country artist Gavin Adcock, a Watkinsville native, is making headlines again, this time not for a viral stunt or chart-topping single, but for his take on Beyoncé's acclaimed country album Cowboy Carter. During a recent concert, the 26-year-old expressed frustration over the album ranking above his own on the Apple Music Country charts. "That s*** ain't country music and it ain't ever been country music, and it ain't gonna be country music," Adcock said. The crowd erupted in cheers as he followed up with his next song, which he called "some Southern f***ing rock." This shows the growing split in country music over what counts as 'real' country, especially when pop stars step in. Some of Beyonce's fans are outraged, even bringing race into it. Some of the comments under the post included: "Explain to me how 'Cowboy Carter' isn't a country album????? What elements is it missing outside of the hue of the singer?!?" "Tell country music to stop using Hip Hop and R&B beats" "Well, that is a country album, and she is doing country, because if it isn't, then Dolly wouldn't be considered country." "Man's upset that she's a better country artist than he is." "UUUUUUUUUUUUUM………. does he not know where COUNTRY music came from? racist mf." Adcock grew up in Oconee County, Georgia. Before he became a full-time recording artist, Adcock played football at Georgia Southern University, where he was a walk-on athlete. In September 2021, Adcock was suspended and removed from the team following a viral video showed him standing on top of a moving school bus and chugging a beer before a game. While the incident drew criticism, it also cemented his reputation as a wild-hearted Southern rebel, something his fans have come to embrace. Today, he's better known for songs like 'Deep End,' 'Ain't No Cure,' and 'A Cigarette." Adcock is currently on tour and will come to the Peach State in October, 2025: The Blue Room, Statesboro: Oct. 16 Akins Ford Arena, Athens: Oct. 17 For more about this country star and Georgia Native, visit Vanessa Countryman is the Trending Topics Reporter for the the Deep South Connect Team Georgia. Email her at Vcountryman@ This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: What did Gavin Adcock say about Beyonce? Comments rile up Bey Hive
