Hello, Statesboro!
Summer is officially in full swing, and this week is delivering on all fronts. Statesboro's longest-serving city manager just announced he is stepping down, city council wrapped up a closely watched vote on data centers, and one of the biggest nights of the summer concert season lands right in the middle of your week. Oh, and if you have not voted yet in the June 16 runoff, early voting opened this morning. We have everything you need to stay informed and make the most of your week. Let's get into it.
📰 TOP NEWS
City Manager Charles Penny Announces Retirement Effective January 1, 2027
Near the close of the June 2 City Council meeting, City Manager Charles W. Penny announced that he will retire effective January 1, 2027, ending what will be a 7.5-year run leading the city's day-to-day operations. Penny arrived July 1, 2019, and during his tenure Statesboro's resident population grew past 35,000 and the city government expanded to nearly 360 employees.
Reading from a prepared letter with his wife Edith in attendance, Penny said the timing was intentional: "The last time I retired in 2017, I only gave the community a 60-day notice because I don't like long goodbyes. However, I felt it was important for this organization to give you the opportunity to select a manager while I'm here." He said he plans to see the budget process, the millage-rate decision, and the police chief search through to completion before he leaves. He and Edith will return to North Carolina to be near family.
City Council Approves Data Center Ordinance in 3-1 Vote
After weeks of public debate over water use, power demand, artificial intelligence, and local control, the Statesboro City Council voted 3-1 on June 2 to adopt new data center regulations. The final ordinance eliminated the originally discussed hyperscale option that would have allowed facilities up to 200 acres and capped the maximum size at 50 acres instead.
Critically, data centers are not granted a use by right under the new rules. Any future proposal would still require a special-use permit and a full public hearing before council. Facilities must use closed-loop cooling systems and connect to city water and wastewater infrastructure. Noise from data center equipment cannot exceed existing ambient conditions or 50 dBa at nearby sensitive receptors, whichever is greater, and emergency generator testing is restricted to weekdays between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., capped at one hour per session.
District 5 Councilwoman Shari Barr cast the dissenting vote, citing unresolved concerns about water. Mayor Jonathan McCollar estimated that an edge data center could generate roughly $2 million per year for the city, which he said could help reduce the tax burden on residents.
Police Chief Search Underway; Community Town Hall Set for June 15
With Statesboro Police Chief Mike Broadhead retiring July 1 after nine years, the city has contracted with Durham, N.C.-based Developmental Associates to lead the search for his replacement at an expected fee of $32,900. The same firm guided the 2016-17 chief search. Broadhead's career spanned more than four decades, beginning with the U.S. Army military police in 1984 and including 22 years with the Littleton, Colorado Police Department and seven years as chief in Riverton, Wyoming.
A community town hall to gather input on the qualities residents want in the next chief is scheduled for Monday, June 15 at 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Statesboro City Hall, 50 East Main Street. The session will be led by Janice Allen Jackson, senior consultant for Developmental Associates. All residents are welcome.
📋 LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS
Early Voting Is Open Through June 12
Early voting for the June 16 General Primary and Federal Runoff Election runs Monday through Friday, June 8-12, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Bulloch County North Main Annex, 115 N. Main Street, Suite 201. There is no Saturday early voting. The local runoff pits Toby Conner against Dr. Ted Redman for Bulloch County Commission Seat 2B. Photo ID is required. Find your precinct at mvp.sos.ga.gov.
Little Harts Children's Boutique Reopens Downtown
The beloved children's boutique at 16 S. Main Street held its grand reopening Friday, June 5 under new owner Peyton Mediate, who purchased the shop from founder Cali Newhart. Mediate plans to expand offerings to include heirloom pieces and durable everyday wear, and will add in-house monogramming. If you have kids to shop for, it is worth a stop on your next downtown visit.
Historic Statesboro Inn Listed for Sale
Two of the Blue Mile's most recognizable landmarks are on the market together: the Historic Statesboro Inn and the adjacent James Alonzo Brannen House, built in 1881 by Statesboro's first mayor. The combined property sits on 1.65 acres and includes approximately 13,836 square feet with 20 bedrooms, 24 bathrooms, and two rear cottages. For inquiries, contact listing agent Jake Sammons of Weichert, Realtors at 912-334-9355.
Bulloch County Budget Public Hearing Tuesday
The Bulloch County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing on its proposed fiscal year budget Tuesday, June 9 at 5:30 p.m. at the North Main Annex. The county is factoring in newly available FLOST sales-tax revenue, approved by voters in November 2025, which raises the local sales tax to 9 cents on the dollar but is earmarked to offset property taxes. A formal vote on the budget is expected June 18.
GreenRock Recycling Is Keeping Statesboro Out of the Landfill
Grice Connect spotlighted GreenRock Recycling, the local operation founded by Jon Cook that offers $28-per-month curbside recycling pickup in Statesboro and Brooklet. What sets GreenRock apart is what happens to the material: collected plastic and glass are processed into pavers, blocks, and landscaping rock, keeping more than 50 tons of material per year out of Bulloch County's landfill. If you have been looking for a curbside recycling option, this is a local one.
📅 THIS WEEK'S EVENTS (June 8-14, 2026)
Downtown Live: The Tams Thursday, June 11 | Food trucks at 6 p.m., show at 7 p.m. | East Main Street in front of the Bulloch County Courthouse | FREE
The legendary beach-music and classic soul group The Tams close out the 2026 Downtown Live concert series Thursday night on East Main Street. This traditionally draws the largest crowd of the season, so arrive early to stake out a good spot. Food trucks open at 6 p.m. Presented by the City of Statesboro with Visit Statesboro, the Downtown Statesboro Development Authority, and the Averitt Center for the Arts.
Free Fishing Day at Georgia Lakes Saturday, June 13 | All day | Public waters statewide | FREE
Georgia residents can fish public waters without a license, trout license, or Lands Pass on Saturday as part of National Fishing and Boating Week, running through June 14. It is a great excuse to get out to one of Bulloch County's lakes or ponds for the morning before the heat peaks.
Statesboro Main Street Farmers Market Saturday, June 13 | 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. | 222 S. Main Street (behind the Visitors Center) | FREE admission
Fresh local produce, meats, baked goods, artisan goods, and food trucks every Saturday through the season. Market2Go online ordering is also available year-round if you want to pre-order your haul.
Splash in the Boro Open daily | Mill Creek Regional Park, 1388 Highway 24 East
Summer hours are in full effect. New for 2026: a refurbished trio slide, luxury cabanas, and a new Walking Taco Stand. Hours vary by day, so check ahead before you go.
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday and Saturday: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday: 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Statesboro Regional Library Summer Reading Programs All week | 124 S. Main Street | FREE
The 2026 Summer Reading Program is in full swing with a dinosaur theme. This week's highlights include Senior DIY Fossil Stone (Monday, 11 a.m.), Baby Sensory Time (Tuesday, 10 a.m.), Toddler Fossil Fun and Fossil Storytime (Wednesday), a "Diggery Digger's Rock n' Roar Dino Show" by Sean Driscoll (Thursday, 10:30 a.m.), the B.Y.O.B. Book Club (Thursday, 5:30 p.m.), D&D Adventure and Ukulele Lessons (Friday), and Cookie Excavation (Saturday, 2 p.m.). All ages. Register on Beanstack. Call 912-764-1341 to confirm times.
Government Meetings This Week
Bulloch County Board of Elections and Registration: Monday, June 8 at 1:30 p.m., Board of Commissioners Room, North Main Annex.
Bulloch County Board of Commissioners Budget Public Hearing: Tuesday, June 9 at 5:30 p.m., North Main Annex. Open to the public.
Bulloch County Board of Education Regular Session: Wednesday, June 11 at 6:30 p.m., Central Office boardroom, 150 Williams Road. The board is expected to vote on Torian White's superintendent contract.
🦅 GEORGIA SOUTHERN UPDATES
Model UN Team Wins Outstanding Delegation for 15th Straight Year
Georgia Southern's Model UN delegation earned Outstanding Delegation honors at the National Model United Nations Conference in New York, marking the 15th consecutive year the program has received the distinction. The team also won awards for Position Paper Writing and Outstanding Delegate in Committee. Advisor Barry Balleck, Ph.D., credited the students' genuine belief in diplomacy: "They have a passion for Model UN and they believe in the diplomatic process." The program dates to 1972 and is one of the oldest in the country. The team will host three middle and high school conferences next year, bringing nearly 1,200 students to campus.
GSU Joins the Georgia Research Alliance
Georgia Southern has been named a member of the Georgia Research Alliance, joining UGA, Georgia Tech, and Georgia State in the state's flagship research network. The university's projected FY2026 research expenditures surpass $56 million, and the membership reflects its trajectory toward Carnegie R1 research classification. The General Assembly has appropriated funds for Georgia Southern's inaugural Eminent Scholar position.
Summer Orientation Continues; Minimester II Begins June 22
SOAR orientation sessions for incoming students continue through the summer, with a virtual session set for June 17 from 1 to 5 p.m. Minimester II courses begin June 22. If you have a student heading to Georgia Southern this fall, now is the time to lock in orientation.
🏈 SPORTS AND CAMPUS EVENTS
Football Season Tickets on Sale Now
Season-ticket packages for the 2026 Georgia Southern football season start at $100 for all six home games. The Eagles open September 5 at Paulson Stadium against Charleston Southern and host Houston on September 26 in a matchup that will be the first Power Four program to play in Statesboro. A Thursday-night road game at Old Dominion is scheduled for October 15. Order at GSEagles.com or call 1-800-GSU-WINS Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Men's Golf Caps Strong Season at NCAA Regional
The Eagles' men's golf team finished 12th at the NCAA Corvallis Regional as the No. 9 seed in May, posting four of the top 11 low three-round totals in program history. Parker Claxton led the team at even par. Coach Carter Collins said the program is "resetting the culture," and the finish suggests the work is showing up on the scorecard.
Southeast Bulloch Names New Flag Football Coach
Southeast Bulloch High School, home of a three-time state champion flag football program, has named Curtis Bruer as its new head coach. Bruer comes in with 14 seasons of coaching experience and led Langston Chapel Middle's inaugural flag football team this past year while posting the best record in Bulloch County Recreation flag football in 2025. Former head coach Marci Cochran stepped down effective April 2.
🌮 RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT: Del Sur Taqueria and Cantina
If you have been sleeping on Del Sur, consider this your wake-up call.
Del Sur Taqueria and Cantina opened in 2017 at 514 S. Main Street on the Blue Mile, founded by Al Chapman, the local restaurateur also behind Gnat's Landing just across the street and one of the most committed boosters of downtown Statesboro's revitalization. Chapman leased and renovated the building, formerly a Hardee's location, to create something the Boro was genuinely missing: a gourmet taco shop with serious food and an equally serious bar.
The menu leans into fresh ingredients and unexpected combinations. The Sweet Heat tacos are a perennial customer favorite and a good starting point if you have never been. The blackened chicken Baja bowl, barbacoa tacos, homemade jalapeno fries, fresh plantains, and poke bowls round out a menu that covers more ground than your typical Tex-Mex spot. On the drinks side, Del Sur keeps 20 premium draft beers on tap alongside a full bar with craft cocktails like mojitos and Moscow mules. The weekend brunch is worth knowing about too.
The patio vibe on the Blue Mile is relaxed and welcoming, and Del Sur has since expanded with a second location in Pooler, which says plenty about how well the concept has connected. It is ranked among the top restaurants in Statesboro on Tripadvisor and earns consistent praise for its food, service, and atmosphere.
Hours: Monday 4 to 10 p.m. | Tuesday through Friday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. | Saturday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. | Sunday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Weekend brunch Saturday and Sunday.
Address: 514 S. Main Street, Statesboro | (912) 225-3117
🌤️ WEATHER ADVISORY
Summer heat is building this week. Here is what to expect heading into the weekend:
Day | High | Rain Chance | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
Mon, June 8 | 88°F | 20% | Partly sunny, slight afternoon shower chance |
Tue, June 9 | 87°F | 10% | Mostly clear, good day to vote early |
Wed, June 10 | 90°F | 45% | Storm chance building mid-week |
Thu, June 11 | 93°F | 15% | Hot but mostly clear for Downtown Live |
Fri, June 12 | 94°F | 25% | Very warm, isolated afternoon storm possible |
Wednesday carries the highest storm chance this week, so plan accordingly for any outdoor activities. Thursday looks good for the Downtown Live concert, though with temperatures near 93, you will want to hydrate before heading to East Main. The weekend beyond Friday was not in the forecast window, but summer afternoons in Statesboro typically bring a chance of pop-up storms, so keep an eye on conditions if you are heading to the Farmers Market Saturday morning.
👀 LOOKING AHEAD
Monday, June 15 | Police Chief Town Hall 6 p.m. | Council Chambers, City Hall, 50 E. Main Street | Open to all residents This is your opportunity to shape what the city looks for in its next police chief. Developmental Associates consultant Janice Allen Jackson will lead the session and take community input directly to the search process.
Tuesday, June 16 | Runoff Election Day Polls open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at all Bulloch County precincts. Photo ID required. This is the last day to cast your ballot in the Conner vs. Redman race for Commission Seat 2B. Find your polling place at mvp.sos.ga.gov.
Tuesday, June 16 | City Council Budget Adoption (Tentative) 5:30 p.m. | City Hall Council Chambers Council is expected to take a final vote on the FY2027 budget, including the proposed millage rate increase. This is the vote that determines whether the 3.835-mill increase becomes law. Next Monday's edition will have the full outcome.
Thursday, June 18 | Bulloch County Commission Budget Vote 5:30 p.m. | North Main Annex The board is expected to formally vote on the county's fiscal year budget.
Monday, June 22 | Georgia Southern Minimester II Begins Summer semester continues for Georgia Southern students on all campuses.
Thursday, June 25 | Downtown Live Season Finale: Papa Sol 7 p.m. | East Main Street | FREE The final concert of the 2026 Downtown Live season wraps up two weeks after The Tams. Mark it now.
✉️ THANKS FOR READING!
That is Edition 35! It is a big week for the community on multiple fronts: an era of city leadership is coming to a close, downtown comes alive Thursday night, and the June 16 runoff is right around the corner. Make sure you vote if you have not yet, and we will see you back here next Monday with full results and everything else happening in Statesboro and Bulloch County.
Got a news tip, event to share, or just want to say hi? Hit reply. We read every message.
Know someone who would love the Statesboro Brief? Forward this email to a neighbor, a coworker, or anyone who just moved to town. And follow us on social media for updates throughout the week!
See you next Monday!
