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Brunswick and the Golden Isles aren’t sleepy anymore. Grocery stores are closing. Large developments are getting approved by razor-thin margins. Police cameras are coming to intersections. Downtown events are sparking turf wars. Growth is accelerating — and so are the conversations about what kind of community we actually want to be.
This week, we’re leaning into it. Welcome to the debates defining Brunswick.
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📰 What’s New at The Lantern
We’ve added something new… and we’re diving straight into the conversations shaping Brunswick and the Golden Isles.
💬 Introducing: Community Conversation
A new section dedicated to the local debates, tensions, and “this comment section is getting interesting” moments that reflect where our community really is.
We kicked it off with three stories that hit close to home:
Exit 29’s Winn-Dixie Is Closing. And It’s Not Just About Groceries.
When a grocery store shuts down, it’s never just about milk and bread. It’s about growth patterns, access, neighborhood shifts — and what Exit 29 becomes next.
👉 https://goldenisleslantern.beehiiv.com/p/exit-29-winn-dixie-is-closing
The Smell of Money? Brunswick’s Industrial Legacy and the Debate That Won’t Go Away
Is it jobs vs. air quality? Growth vs. history? We unpack the long-running tension between economic reality and environmental concern.
👉 https://goldenisleslantern.beehiiv.com/p/the-smell-of-money-brunswick
First Friday, Food Trucks & The Fight Over Fairness
Should downtown events be open to everyone… or protected for brick-and-mortar businesses? This one got spicy.
👉 https://goldenisleslantern.beehiiv.com/p/first-friday-food-trucks-fight
🌴 New “Locals Recommend” Guides
Because sometimes you just want the straight answer from people who actually live here.
Best Beaches on SSI & Jekyll (With Parking + Bathrooms)
Not all beach access points are created equal. We break down the best spots — and the practical stuff that matters.
👉 https://goldenisleslantern.beehiiv.com/p/best-beaches-on-ssi-jekyll
Fun Things to Do in Brunswick on a Saturday Night (No Alcohol Required)
Turns out there’s more to do than bowling and “stay home.” We pulled together legit options for a fun, social night out — without the bar crawl.
👉 https://goldenisleslantern.beehiiv.com/p/fun-things-to-do-in-brunswick
County Narrowly Approves 450-Lot Development
After a divided vote and plenty of public comment, Glynn County officials narrowly approved a proposed 450-lot residential development this week.
The vote wasn’t unanimous — and that’s the headline. Commissioners debated traffic impact, infrastructure strain, school capacity, and whether the county is moving too fast on large-scale growth. Residents voiced familiar concerns: road congestion, drainage, density, and whether current services can realistically support hundreds of new homes.
Supporters argued the project aligns with long-term growth plans and provides needed housing inventory in a tight market. Opponents questioned timing and infrastructure readiness.
The narrow margin underscores something we’re seeing more of lately: growth in Glynn County isn’t theoretical anymore. It’s here. And every large development vote now feels like a referendum on what Brunswick and the surrounding areas should look like in five, ten, or twenty years.
Expect this one to stay in conversation.
Police Cameras at City Intersections Approved
The City Commission has approved the installation of police cameras at select intersections across Brunswick.
The move is aimed at strengthening public safety efforts — giving law enforcement better tools for investigating crimes, identifying suspects, and tracking vehicles tied to active cases. Officials say the cameras will primarily be used as investigative tools rather than for routine traffic enforcement.
As with most surveillance-related measures, the discussion included questions about privacy, data retention, and oversight. Supporters emphasized the cameras as a modern policing tool that can help solve crimes more quickly. Others raised concerns about long-term monitoring and how the footage will be stored and accessed.
The approval reflects a broader trend seen in cities nationwide: more tech layered into public safety strategy. Whether residents see it as overdue modernization or creeping surveillance will likely depend on how transparently the system is implemented and used.
This one will be worth watching — especially as rollout details become clearer.
🔗 Local Links
Here are two solid recent pieces worth your time from The Brunswick News:
🌮 Food Truck Park Eyes Glynn Avenue Revitalization
A proposed food truck park along Glynn Avenue is aiming to become part of the corridor’s long-discussed revitalization effort. The vision includes a centralized space for rotating food vendors, outdoor seating, and a more walkable, community-friendly vibe along one of Brunswick’s busiest stretches.
🎶 The Goldies Return for 4th Annual Music Awards
The Goldies — our local music awards ceremony — are back for their fourth year, celebrating the artists, bands, and behind-the-scenes players who keep the Golden Isles music scene alive.
What’s Happening This Week
Monday, February 23
🎨 New Year Exhibition Featuring Don Farrell & Guest Artist Timmy Morris
🕰️ 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
🎯 ArtTrends Gallery, Brunswick
Layered abstracts meet award-winning watercolor in this ongoing exhibition (through Feb 28). Live music by In The Moment adds atmosphere — making this less “quiet gallery stroll” and more “creative coastal evening.”
🏃 6th Annual IRun with Maud 2.23 Run/Walk
🕰️ 5:30 PM
🎯 Old City Hall, Brunswick
A meaningful 2.23-mile community run/walk hosted by Golden Isles Track Club in memory of Ahmaud Arbery. Free event. No fees. No awards. Just community and movement together.
🇺🇸 American Legion Post 9 General Meeting
🕰️ Dinner 5:45 PM | Meeting 6:30 PM
🎯 4470 Highway 17N, Brunswick
Dinner (donations appreciated) followed by the General Membership Meeting. Veterans are encouraged to attend and learn more about local initiatives.
🏃♂️ Monday Night Runs
🕰️ 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
🎯 Game Changers Running Company, 262 Redfern Village, SSI
All paces welcome. Run, walk, shuffle, train. Mondays are better when you move.
🍷 Around the World in a Year — A Monthly Wine Experience
🕰️ 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
🎯 Driftwood Wine & Cocktails, 205 Gloucester Street, Brunswick
Four wines. Curated bites. Regional storytelling. A stamped “wine passport.”
$50 per person. Limited seating.
🎶 4th Annual Golden Isles Music Awards
🕰️ Doors 6:00 PM | Show 7:00 PM
🎯 Ziggy’s, SSI
The Golden Isles’ own night of local music glory is back. Come celebrate the artists, bands, and songwriters who make our coastal soundtrack what it is. Doors open at 6 — show starts at 7. Expect performances, awards, and plenty of hometown pride.
More info: http://goldenislesmusicawards.com
🗣️ Socrates Café
🕰️ 7:00 PM – 8:15 PM
🎯 Spiral Wanderers, Brunswick
Big questions. Thoughtful conversation. No shouting. Just curiosity and coffee-shop philosophy energy.
Tuesday, February 24
🌿 Naturalist 101 Field Trip: A Day on Sapelo
🕰️ 8:30 AM departure
🎯 Departing from Brunswick (ferry access)
A full immersive day exploring ecology, history, and Gullah Geechee heritage on Sapelo Island with One Hundred Miles. Includes lunch at Miss Lulu’s Café. Registration required.
$125 (Members) | $150 (Non-Members)
🧘 Tai Chi (Adult Beginners)
🕰️ 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
🎯 Ida Hilton Library, 1105 North Way, Darien
Slow down. Breathe deeper. Move with intention. Instructor Sandra Double leads this beginner-friendly Tai Chi class designed for balance, calm, and better mobility. A peaceful midday reset.
🌮 Cactus Mexican Restaurant Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting
🕰️ 12:00 PM (Ribbon Cutting 12:30 PM)
🎯 1305 Gloucester Street, Brunswick
Downtown gets spicier. Expect live entertainment and 2-for-1 margaritas all day. Come welcome Cactus properly.
🎗️ Support Group — Cancer Awareness
🕰️ 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
🎯 New Roots Glynn, 1507 Reynolds Street, Brunswick
For survivors, fighters, and supporters. A safe space to share stories, experiences, and encouragement. Hosted by Georgia Oncology and Hematology Consultants.
🎸 The Stifftones Play for Tips
🕰️ 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
🎯 Tipsy McSway’s, Brunswick
Road-tested rock & roll revival — a mix of Bakersfield country grit and punk-energy swagger.
🏛️ Urbana–Perry Park Neighborhood Planning Assembly
🕰️ 6:00 PM
🎯 100 Miles Conference Room, 7 Glynn Avenue (enter from Macon Ave), Brunswick
Residents and business owners in the Urbana–Perry Park area are encouraged to attend this neighborhood planning assembly. A chance to make your voice heard and stay informed on local developments affecting the community.
Contact: [email protected]
Wednesday, February 25
💼 Brunswick Resource Fair (Industrial & Skilled Trades)
🕰️ 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
🎯 249 Village at Glynn Place, Brunswick
Job seekers take note: skilled trade positions available and assistance with the TWIC badge process.
🧘 Afternoon Yoga at the Library
🕰️ 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
🎯 Casino Building, Room 108, SSI
Free weekly yoga. Beginner-friendly. Bring your mat if you have one.
🔫 Gun Safety – Community Town Hall
🕰️ 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
🎯 208 Gloucester Street, Brunswick
Hosted by Golden Isles Gun Club and AJ Alston. A free, public in-person conversation focused on responsible ownership, safety practices, and building a stronger, safer community through dialogue.
Free event.
🧠 Trivia Night at Tipsy’s
🕰️ 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
🎯 Tipsy McSway’s, Brunswick
General knowledge showdown hosted by Mallory & Michael. Possible CHUG-OFF tie-breaker. You’ve been warned.
🎬 Film: A Real Pain
🕰️ 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
🎯 St. Simons Casino Theater, SSI
Indie film night on the Island.
Starring Jesse Eisenberg and Kieran Culkin, A Real Pain follows two mismatched cousins on a journey through Poland to honor their grandmother — where family tensions resurface against a powerful historical backdrop.
Rated R | 129 minutes
$5 – pay at the door
Closed captioning will be on
Thursday, February 26
🌱 Master Your Garden
🕰️ 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
🎯 Glynn County Extension Office, Brunswick
Master Gardener-style knowledge without the full commitment.
$5 per class
Call 912-554-7577
Email [email protected]
💃 Rhythmic Dance & Movement for Kids
🕰️ 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
🎯 Golden Isles Belly Dance, 1312 Newcastle Street, Brunswick
For ages 7–12. Energy, rhythm, coordination — and a healthy outlet for all that after-school wiggle.
Monday, February 23
🎹 Tim Akins @ Georgia Sea Grill, SSI – 6–9pm
🎤 Golden Isles Music Awards ft. The Maple Street Band, Levi Moore, Dream Crisis, Twig & Lear, Jade., Gap Year University @ Ziggy’s, SSI – Doors 6pm, Music 7pm
🎸 Eddie Pickett @ Wee Pub Beach, Jekyll – 7pm
Tuesday, February 24
🎸 Joey Thigpen @ Tortuga Jack’s, Jekyll – 5–8pm
🎤 Soulful Dave @ Mellow Mushroom, SSI – 5:30–7:30pm
🎸 Crawford Perkins @ Downtown Cooter Brown’s, Brunswick – 6–9pm
🎹 Michaele Hannemann @ Georgia Sea Grill, SSI – 6–9pm
🎸 Eddie Pickett @ Wee Pub Beach, Jekyll – 7pm
🎺 Seraph Brass (Island Concert Association February Festival) @ St. Simons Presbyterian Church – 7pm (Free, limited seating)
Wednesday, February 25
🎸 Ted Stuckey @ 24 Coastal Grill, Jekyll – 5–8pm
🎸 Brody Williams @ Porch SSI – 5–8pm
🎸 The Pine Box Dwellers @ Boondox Tavern, Brunswick – 5–9pm
🎸 Levi Moore @ Catch 228, SSI – 6–9pm
🎹 Tim Akins @ Georgia Sea Grill, SSI – 6–9pm
🎸 Joey Thigpen @ Hilton Garden Inn/Garden Grill, Brunswick – 6–9pm
🎸 Roy Gentry @ Mack’s Bar-B-Que, Brunswick – 6–9pm
🎤 Cody Marlowe @ Uptown Tap & Cigar, SSI – 6–8pm
🎸 Tony Adams @ Village Inn & Pub, SSI – 6–8pm
🎤 Open Mic Night @ Wine Alley/Wine, Body & Soul, SSI – Sign-up 6pm, Music 7pm
🎸 Live Music @ Captain Stan’s Smokehouse, Woodbine – 6:30pm
Thursday, February 26
🎸 Live Music @ Mellow Mushroom, SSI – 5–8pm
🎸 Crawford & Jim @ Tipsy McSway’s, Brunswick – 6–9pm
🎸 Jacob Sands @ Fish Tales Pub & Grill, Brunswick – 6–9pm
🎸 Rob Willis @ Tortuga Jack’s, Jekyll – 6–9pm
🎸 Rider @ The Wharf, Jekyll – 6–9pm
🎤 Songbird Open Mic Night (Family-Friendly) @ Hootenanny’s in the Yard, Brunswick – 6–8pm
🎸 Troubadour South @ Rafters, SSI – 7–10pm
🎸 WharfRatz @ Wee Pub Beach, Jekyll – 7–10pm
🎸 Ryan Wilson @ Strand Bistro/Chophouse, Jesup – 7–10pm
🎸 Tony Adams @ Bennie’s Red Barn/Tree Bar, SSI – 8pm
🎸 Live Music @ Village Inn & Pub, SSI – 8–11pm
🎷 Hot Banana Coffee @ Reid’s Apothecary/The Study, Brunswick – 9pm
Did we miss something? Have an event to share? Interested in advertising with us? Drop us a line at [email protected]!
