This week’s shaping up to be a busy one around the Golden Isles. There’s a new restaurant opening downtown, a full slate of live music and events, and important updates on the Brantley County fires that continue to impact our neighbors. Whether you’re looking to get out and enjoy the week or stay informed on what’s happening nearby, we’ve got you covered.

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The latest update on the Highway 82 wildfire in Brantley County shows the situation remains serious, even after some rainfall moved through the area.

The fire has now burned 22,615 acres and is only 6% contained, continuing to impact communities near Atkinson and Waynesville. While recent rain helped ease conditions slightly, officials say it will not come close to putting the fire out.

Mandatory evacuations remain in place for a large section of the county, including all areas between Highway 32 (north), Highway 82 (south), Highway 110 (west), and Post Road (east). Residents within this zone are still urged to stay out until officials say it is safe to return.

Several key road closures remain active as crews continue damage and safety assessments:

Officials are emphasizing that these closures are in place for public safety and to allow emergency personnel to do their work. Do not attempt to enter restricted areas.

More than 400 personnel, along with helicopters, engines, and heavy equipment, are actively working to strengthen containment lines and protect structures. However, shifting winds are expected to push the fire westward, which could challenge those containment efforts.

Smoke remains a concern across the region, with the potential for dangerous visibility conditions, especially along Highway 82 where intermittent closures may occur.

A curfew (8:30 PM – 6:30 AM) remains in place for Brantley County, along with a burn ban across South Georgia.

A Red Cross shelter is open in Brunswick at Selden Park for those displaced, including accommodations for small pets.

This remains a rapidly evolving situation, and officials say conditions can change quickly as crews continue working to contain the fire.

As recovery efforts continue following the devastating wildfires in Brantley County, local organizations are putting out the call for volunteers to help manage the growing influx of donations.

UGA Extension Brantley County is asking for community support to assist with organizing, sorting, and distributing supplies to families impacted by the fires. With donations steadily coming in, extra hands are needed to ensure resources get to those who need them most.

Volunteers can help at the Brantley County Extension office and through Brantley County Family Connection between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Whether you can give a few hours or a full day, your time can make a meaningful difference during this critical time.

For more information or to sign up, call 912-462-5724 or 904-574-0854.

In moments like this, it’s the community showing up that makes all the difference.

Downtown Brunswick is getting a new addition to the food scene this week, as B&Js Steak and Seafood officially opens its doors on Tuesday at 10:30am.

The new spot, located right in the heart of downtown, will offer a mix of steak and seafood with a casual, approachable setup. According to the announcement, B&Js plans to serve lunch Monday through Wednesday, with expanded lunch and dinner service Thursday through Saturday.

Early buzz online shows plenty of excitement from locals as another storefront comes to life downtown—always a good sign for the area’s continued growth.

If you’re looking for a new lunch option (or an excuse to try somewhere new), tomorrow might be the perfect time to check it out.

Monday Night Runs
🕰️ 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
🎯 Game Changers Running Company, SSI

Not a couch night—this is your sign to get moving. Whether you’re a runner, walker, or somewhere in between, this weekly group run is about showing up and getting after it (at your own pace). All skill levels welcome, and yes…run/walk counts. Community vibes > competition.

Mahjong Class
🕰️ 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
🎯 Marsh Pirate

Ready to finally learn Mahjong? Here’s your chance to pick it up from a certified instructor in a fun, low-pressure setting. Spots are limited (12 per class), so this one tends to fill up. Great mix of strategy, socializing, and “wait…how did you win that hand?” moments.

Trivia Tuesdays at Mack’s Bar-Be-Que
🕰️ 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
🎯 Mack’s Bar-Be-Que, Brunswick

Brains + BBQ + beverages = a pretty solid Tuesday night. Hosted by Scott Ryfun, this one leans competitive but still fun. Bring a team or roll solo—either way, there are prizes on the line (and yes, bragging rights count).

Afternoon Yoga at the Library
🕰️ 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
🎯 Casino Building, Room 108, Brunswick

Need a midweek reset? This free, beginner-friendly yoga class at the library is a great excuse to slow things down, stretch it out, and breathe a little deeper. No experience needed—just show up and unwind.

Bring your own mat if you have one, but extras will be available if you don’t. Easy, relaxed, and open to everyone—exactly what a Wednesday afternoon should feel like.

Local Artists LIVE! at Mack’s Bar-Be-Que
🕰️ 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
🎯 Mack’s Bar-Be-Que, Brunswick

Live music, laid-back vibes, and a back porch setting that just feels right this time of year. Hosted by Roy Gentry—bring your guitar, bring your voice, or just bring yourself and enjoy the show under the lights. A great midweek reset.

Wednesday Night Trivia with Mark Douglas
🕰️ 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
🎯 The Hangout Bar & Grill, Brunswick

Short, sweet, and straight to the point. If you want a quicker trivia fix without the full-night commitment, this is your move. Test your brain, grab a drink, and see how you stack up.

Trivia Night at Tipsy’s
🕰️ 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
🎯 Tipsy McSway’s, Brunswick

General knowledge chaos in the best way possible. Expect everything from pop culture to history—with the occasional “how did anyone know that?” question. Food, drinks, prizes, and a possible tiebreaker chug-off if things get heated.

Spring Memorial Service
🕰️ 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
🎯 First Baptist Church (Twitty Chapel), Brunswick

Hosted by Hospice of the Golden Isles, this meaningful service is open to the community and offers a time to reflect, remember, and honor loved ones. A thoughtful and welcoming gathering for anyone who wants to be part of it.

ArtTrends Gallery 11th Anniversary Exhibition Opening
🕰️ 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
🎯 ArtTrends Gallery, SSI

A big one for the local arts scene. ArtTrends is celebrating 11 years with a new exhibition featuring nine regional artists—and welcoming five new artists into the fold. Expect a strong mix of styles, fresh work, and a great crowd. If you’ve been meaning to “get more into art,” this is a perfect entry point.

More info: (Visit Website button shown in event listing)

Community + Coffee Event
🕰️ 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
🎯 The Facility Coffee, Brunswick

Coffee, conversation, and a good cause. This one supports Golden Isles Veterans’ Village and brings together folks looking to connect, network, or just enjoy a relaxed evening out. Bonus: bring a business card and you might walk away with some range passes.

Anchored in Excellence: Alumni Networking Mixer
🕰️ 6:00 PM
🎯 Don Que’s Southern BBQ, Brunswick

Calling all CCGA alumni—this is your night to reconnect, network, and support one of your own. Hosted at Don Que’s, this mixer blends professional networking with casual Southern BBQ energy. Whether you’re there for connections or just the food, it’s a strong play for a Thursday night.

This week’s Live Music Roundup is sponsored by Dreamweavers DJ — a father-and-son DJ team helping couples celebrate across Brunswick, SSI, Jekyll, Savannah, and Jacksonville.
https://dreamweaversdj.com

🎹 Tim Akins @ Georgia Sea Grill, SSI – 6–9 PM
🎤 Open Mic Night @ Palm Coast Coffee, SSI – 8:30 PM (Sign-up at 8 PM, $5 for non-performers)
🎸 Andy Johnson @ Wee Pub Beach, Jekyll – 7 PM
🎸 Rastar @ Rafters, SSI – 10 PM–12 AM

🎤 Lanie Mae @ Downtown Cooter Brown’s, Brunswick – 6–9 PM
🎹 Michaele Hannemann @ Georgia Sea Grill, SSI – 7–9 PM
🎸 Joey Thigpen @ Tortuga Jack’s, Jekyll – 5–8 PM
🎸 Andy Johnson @ Wee Pub Beach, Jekyll – 7 PM

🎸 Ted Stuckey @ 24 Coastal Grill, Jekyll – 5–8 PM
🎸 Rider Duo @ Tortuga Jack’s, Jekyll – 5–8 PM
🎸 The Pine Box Dwellers @ Boondox Tavern, Brunswick – 5–9 PM
🎤 Roy Gentry Acoustic Open Mic @ Mack’s Bar-B-Que, Brunswick – 6–9 PM
🎹 Tim Akins @ Georgia Sea Grill, SSI – 6–9 PM
🎸 Joey Thigpen @ Hilton Garden Inn, Brunswick – 6–9 PM
🎸 Levi Moore @ Catch 228, SSI – 6–9 PM (Restaurant currently closed as of 4/23)
🎸 Tony Adams @ Village Inn & Pub, SSI – 6–8 PM
🎤 Open Mic w/ Rastar @ Wine Alley, SSI – 7–10 PM (Sign-ups at 6 PM)
🎶 Live Music @ Captain Stan’s Smokehouse, Woodbine – 6:30 PM

The Golden Isles Lantern continues to grow, and we’re opening a few spots for local sponsors who want to reach an engaged audience across Brunswick, St. Simons, Jekyll, and the surrounding area.

If you run a local business and would like to get in front of Lantern readers each week, I’d love to talk. Sponsorships help keep the newsletter free while supporting more local coverage, events, and community conversations.

Interested?
Email: [email protected]

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