{"id":245044,"date":"2026-04-24T17:30:08","date_gmt":"2026-04-24T17:30:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/245044\/"},"modified":"2026-04-24T17:30:08","modified_gmt":"2026-04-24T17:30:08","slug":"south-ga-wildfires-artists-express-dei-programs-ban-concerns","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/245044\/","title":{"rendered":"South GA wildfires, Artists express DEI programs ban concerns"},"content":{"rendered":"

Friday, April 24th: Below are the top stories WTXL ABC 27 is following around the Big Bend, South Georgia, nationally, and your Weekend forecast.<\/p>\n

1) LIVE\u00a0BLOG: Pineland Road Wildfire burns thousands of acres in Clinch & Echols County, evacuation orders issued.<\/a> Thursday night, the Georgia Forestry Commission says the Pineland Road fire has now burned more than 31,000 acres and is still 10% contained.<\/p>\n

\"FRUITLAND<\/p>\n

MALIA THOMAS<\/p>\n

South Georgia wildfires have burned nearly 30,000 acres. Crews are working to protect over 150 at-risk structures as containment remains low.<\/p>\n

2) Florida artists express concern over grant funding after governor signs legislation banning DEI programs.<\/a> Governor Ron DeSantis<\/a> signed legislation banning DEI initiatives in local governments,<\/a> raising concerns among local artists about grant funding. The law eliminates DEI offices and allows lawsuits against agencies that violate the ban.<\/p>\n

Florida artists express concern over grant funding after governor signs legislation banning DEI programs<\/p>\n

3) Gadsden County zoning board denies proposal to turn former Havana internet cafe into bar and lounge.<\/a> A building with a controversial past in Gadsden County will remain empty after the Planning and Zoning Board denied a proposal to turn it into a bar and lounge Thursday night. <\/p>\n

Gadsden County zoning board denies proposal to turn former Havana internet cafe into a bar and lounge<\/p>\n

4) “THAT’S JUST FOOLISHNESS”: Neighbors weigh in on property tax relief proposals, groups work to educate voters.<\/a> Florida lawmakers are considering property tax relief plans as Governor Ron DeSantis prepares to call a special session to address the issue.<\/p>\n

Neighbors weigh in on property tax relief proposals, groups work to educate voters<\/p>\n

5) Florida House, Senate reach budget deal, set May special session after weeks of uncertainty.<\/a> In separate memos on Thursday, House Speaker Daniel Perez and Senate President Ben Albritton said the chambers had agreed on allocations and would return next month to complete the spending plan.<\/p>\n

Florida House, Senate reach budget deal, set May special session after weeks of uncertainty<\/p>\n

6) Weekend Forecast:<\/a> We’ll once again get into the mid-80s Friday. An isolated shower can pop up along I-75 after 2:00 p.m. As for Saturday and Sunday, while it won’t be a washout, showers are expected to roll in during the afternoon and evening hours. First to Know Meteorologist Ryan Gold<\/a> has the details below.<\/p>\n

First To Know Weather – Showers Possible This Weekend<\/p>\n

Want to see more local news? Visit the WTXL ABC 27 Website.<\/a><\/p>\n

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