Thursday, April 23rd: Below are the top stories WTXL ABC 27 is following around the Big Bend, South Georgia, nationally, and your Thursday forecast.<\/p>\n
1) Clinch, Echols County wildfires prompt mandatory evacuations, state of emergency across 91 local counties.<\/a> So far, the fires have burned thousands of acres, destroyed homes, and forced residents to evacuate. Governor Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency for 91 Georgia counties<\/a> on Wednesday, directing the Georgia Forestry Commission and other state agencies to mobilize all necessary resources.<\/p>\n Clinch, Echols County wildfires prompt mandatory evacuations and State of Emergency across 91 local counties<\/p>\n 2) South Georgia farmers face growing wildfire threat as drought worsens.<\/a> Nearly 98% of Georgia is experiencing moderate to exceptional drought conditions. The dryness has fueled a sharp rise in wildfires, pushing the number of fires above the five-year average this month.<\/p>\n South Georgia farmers face growing wildfire threat as drought worsens<\/p>\n 3) Tallahassee city staff complete first technical review meeting for proposed Buc-ee’s location.<\/a> The first of two application review meetings for a proposed Buc-ee’s near Northwest Capital Circle and I-10 is complete. City staff spent hours reviewing plans and identifying what still needs to be addressed for the 30-acre site. City leaders say the project area is part of a planned unit development that has been on the books for years due to Tallahassee’s growth.<\/p>\n Tallahassee city staff completes the first technical review meeting for a proposed Buc-ee’s location<\/p>\n 4) Wakulla High School student overcomes injury to compete in local Special Olympics<\/a>. Wakulla High School student Ethan Larson is competing in the Wakulla County Special Olympics<\/a>, refusing to let the lingering effects of a traumatic brain injury stop him from playing the sports he loves.<\/p>\n Wakulla High School student overcomes traumatic brain injury to compete in the local Special Olympics<\/p>\n 5) Florida redistricting effort draws new pressure after Virginia vote.<\/a> After Virginia voters approved<\/a> a mid-decade redraw that could help Democrats in the U.S. House, increasing pressure on Florida Republicans to move forward with a map of their own.<\/p>\n Florida redistricting fight draws new pressure after Virginia vote, as Democrats warn of political blowback<\/p>\n 6) Thursday forecast:<\/a> We’ll get into the mid-80s today. There can be an isolated shower or two heading into the evening hours. First to Know Meteorologist Ryan Gold<\/a> has the details below.<\/p>\n First To Know Weather – Showers Chances Going Up<\/p>\n Want to see more local news? Visit the WTXL ABC 27 Website.<\/a><\/p>\n Stay in touch with us anywhere, anytime.<\/p>\n Like us on Facebook<\/a><\/p>\n Follow us on\u00a0Instagram <\/a>and X.<\/a><\/p>\n