About Fayette County news. (Fayetteville, GA) 2009-current | View Entire Issue (Oct. 8, 2025)
A8 Fayette County News Wednesday, October 8, 2025 Photos by Dylan Shoemaker/Fayette News. See additional images at www.fayette-news.net. is SANDY CREEK HIGH SCHOOL AIR FORCE JFOTC 64-20014 Community Spirit Found at ‘Sweetest Place on Earth’ Annual Tyrone Founder’s Day Festival, Parade Draws Hundreds Dylan Shoemaker Reporter dshoemaker@fayette-news.net Tyrone’s annual Founder’s Day Festival, themed “Sweetest Place on Earth,” brought together locals and visitors to celebrate heritage Oct. 3-4. “My son is actually going to be in the parade, he is in the Young Guns Baseball Academy, and they are par ticipating,” said James Emeott prior to the parade. “It’s the first parade he has ever been in.” Food trucks from various ven dors were stationed at Shamrock Park, alongside carnival-themed at tractions such as large slides, carousel rides, a zipline, a petting zoo, pump kin decorating, and more. “It’s important that we keep our community together and honor our legacy, the people that made us who we are today,” said Councilman Billy Campbell. “Of course, the great weather is a big plus because it brings people out, but the participation today is just absolutely wonderful.” Festivities kicked off Friday, be ginning with a car show, followed by an ACTION Wrestling showcase. “This is an awesome community, and I am loving it,” said Anthony Powell, a visiting grandfather excited to see his grandson in the parade. Residents competed in a 5K Sat urday morning, and by noon, they lined Senoia Road downtown for a parade led by Grand Marshal John Kelly. The route began at Sandy Creek High School and ended at former Tyrone Elementary School building. It was led by Sandy Creek High School’s ROTC and marching band and featured decorated golf carts, floats, firetrucks, construction trucks, and other special vehicles. Children collected candy, which was tossed from passing floats and participating vehicles. “This is family and community oriented. It brings people together in a good way from all different back grounds,” said Steven Kersey. “The kids love getting candy, but from an adult perspective we feel safe, and we love this community. We will be here all day.” First Baptist Church of Tyrone re portedly won first place for the third year in a row. “When we found out that it was about peaches and sweetness, then we did the fruit of the Spirit,” said church member Linda Howard, who elaborated on the float’s design. “It was great participating, and we have been since the first one.” Families witnessed a firework show as the event concluded later in the evening. Tyrone was founded in 1911 and for more than 40 years has hosted the annual fall festival. “Founders Day is about celebrat ing community, family, and eveiy- thing that makes Tyrone so special,” organizers added. Don't let Find relief from: Varicose Veins Spider Veins Leg Swelling Tired, Achy Legs Heaviness or Fatigue Restless Legs at Night Itching, burning legs Leg ulcers your leg pain 874 W Lanier Ave. Fayetteville, GA 30214 678-833-1444 trufflesvelnspeclalists.com LANDMARK CHRISTIAN SCHOOL - (y/ 1IAN = Moratorium, Continued from Front enact the moratorium to allow time to refine residential zon ing ordinances prior to the city updating its comprehensive plan. City Manager Justin Strickland stated work to up date the plan is likely to begin in early summer 2026. During discussion, Brown noted the city has enough multi-family developments, and numerous residents have expressed wishes for no more. When asked by Council- woman Laura Johnson about tabling the vote until the next council meeting while estab lishing a more “clear goal” for zoning ordinance amend ments, Brown explained there were “compelling reasons” to vote during the work session so no developers try and rush to submit zoning applications prior to a formal moratorium being put in place. City Attorney Ted Meeker assured staff received “good direction from this discus sion” and a formal goal can be established at a later date. During the meeting, coun cil began discussion about amending the motorized cart decal placement ordinance to potentially require golf cart registration decals be affixed to the front and rear of carts rather than the currently re quired placement on the sides of carts. No other changes were presented in the draft ordi nance, recommended by PTC Transportation Advisory Group. TAG reportedly con ducted research and com munity outreach regarding decal placement and rec ommended placement on the lower passenger side of the front windshield and on the rear deck. Strickland stated he knows the topic has been dis cussed by previous councils at least since he was hired five years ago, and TAG is rec ommending the change to allow for more safety and vis ibility. He added citizens have also discussed the change. He provided the example of potentially dangerous situ ations on multiuse paths where, if someone needed to report an incident or danger- ous/reckless behavior, some one’s registration number could be more easily seen on the front and rear, rather than on the sides. Strickland also presented a reduced size of the decal plate to better fit the composi tion of today’s golf cart de signs, although registration numbers are expected to re main the same size. Council debated place ment (like whether a decal should be placed on the bot tom of a windshield or on the front deck of a cart) and the timeline for implementation, considering renewals are typi cally due Dec. 31. No action was taken, and council is expected to con tinue the discussion at the next council meeting. Also discussed during the meeting was a potential ordi nance prohibiting feeding of wildlife within the corporate limits of Peachtree City. Assistant City Manager Chris Hobby stated staff was instructed to research and prepare an ordinance on the topic during the Sept. 2 coun cil work session. He said it would create the strongest such ordinance in the state; only one other local govern ment was found with similar language, and it would be dif ficult to enforce. He added that the draft ordinance, if enacted, allows for feeding of domestic ani- mals/livestock, filling bird feeders, and other related ac tions, but prohibits feeding feral wildlife, distributing food attractants that can be ac cessed by wildlife, failure to secure trash, and baiting deer. Mayor Kim Learnard said the fact that only one other Georgia government has a similar ordinance “speaks vol umes” and is “very telling,” adding that the ordinance would be an overreach. During discussion, council agreed staff should not spend more time on the topic and in stead of an ordinance, the city will work toward educational and communication efforts about damaging effects of feeding feral wildlife. Brown agreed she would be willing to put a formal or dinance “on hold” if the city finds a better way to educate citizens on harmful effects. “You think you’re helping Bambi, and you’re not,” she added. “Most people feed deer the wrong thing anyway.” family and friends. • Assisted & Respite Care As we celebrate our 25th year of ownership at Azalea Estates we are thankful and honored that you entrusted us with the care of your • Locally Owned • 7 floor Plans • Home-Cooked Meals • Saltwater Pool • Wellness Programs • Activity Programs VISIT TODAY! LandmarkChristianSchool.org ;- 2AW * * • Transportation CALL MIRNA TODAY TO SCHEDULE LUNCH AND A TOUR 105 Autumn Glen Circle Fayetteville, Georgia 770.461.0039 www.azaleaestates.com
