Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has extended a suspension of the gasoline sales tax a second time, through the middle of August.
Kemp made the announcement this week, ahead of the July 4 holiday weekend, as gas prices in the state and metro Atlanta are in something of a holding pattern.
He cited continuing issues with “the federal government’s gross mishandling of inflation and to renew efforts to address supply chain issues” for extending the tax suspension, which was authorized by the Georgia legislature in April.
The latest extension lasts until Aug. 13, after most schools in Georgia have resumed. Georgia motorists pay a 29-cent excise tax on every gallon of gasoline.
According to AAA-The Auto Club Group, the average gas prices in Georgia have fallen to $4.40 a gallon, down seven cents from last week.
That average is a little higher in metro Atlanta and in East Cobb.
The group estimates that it costs $66 to fill a 15-gallon tank of regular gasoline, around $22.35 more than this time last year.
The national average, according to AAA, is around $4.80 a gallon.
For more Georgia gas price data from AAA-The Auto Club Group, click here.
AAA is estimating that more than 1.5 million Georgians will be traveling more than 50 miles this weekend, more than 3 percent higher than 2021 and more than 4 percent since 2019.
Most of that travel, around 1.4 million, will be via automobile, estimated to be the highest since 2001.
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The following Cobb food scores for the week of June 27 have been compiled by the Cobb & Douglas Department of Public Health. Click the link under each listing for inspection details:
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The signature event in Cobb County for Independence Day is the parade and Glover Park celebration in the City of Marietta on Monday, but there are plenty of other events around the county and in East Cobb to enjoy the holiday.
The Mohs family fireworks in East Cobb in 2021.
In East Cobb, the Mohs family will be setting off “professional quality” fireworks around 9 p.m. or sunset at their home at 465 Shadowlawn Road.
That’s three houses up from the intersection of Paper Mill Road, and you’re asked to park in the parking lot at Sope Creek Elementary School (3320 Paper Mill Road).
They said NO parking will be allowed along Shadowlawn or in the Mohs driveway, but there will be transport via a neighbor’s golf cart between the home and the school parking lot for those needing a lift.
In a NextDoor post(which includes a video of last year’s fireworks), Diana Mohs said attendees are welcome to bring blankets or folding chairs, and can arrive early to take a garden tour and visit the Koi fish pond.
The fireworks should last 30-45 minutes, and kids will get glowsticks. Bottled water and some snacks will be provided.
In Marietta, the Let Freedom Ring Parade begins at 10 a.m. Monday at Roswell Street Baptist Church and continues east on Roswell Street to the Square.
More than 110 entries, 2,000 participants and an estimated 30,000 spectators are expected.
IF YOU’RE GOING: The Marietta Police Department said that roads along the parade route will close 45 minutes before and during the parade, and that roads surrounding the Square will be closed all day.
WHAT’S ON TAP: The Festival runs from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., featuring free live concerts, arts and crafts show, food and carnival games, followed by fireworks at dark.
Here’s the full schedule:
10 a.m. Let Freedom Ring Parade
10 a.m.-9:00 p.m Festival – Arts & Crafts, Kid’s Zone, Festival Food, Free Concerts
12 p.m. Concert featuring Scott Thompson
2 p.m. Bell Ringing Ceremony
2:30 p.m. Concert featuring the Atlanta Concert Band
7 p.m. Concert featuring Josh Jones
8 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Concert featuring Departure: The Journey Tribute Band
TIGHT PARKING: Police are encouraging attendees to use a ride share because of a limited number of parking spots. The parking lot at First United Methodist Church will be closed due to a state fire parking law, and businesses on and around the Square will be open on their own holiday schedules.
TO PICK UP AND DROP OFF PASSENGERS: You’re asked to use the intersection of Lawrence and Waddell streets.
DON’TS FOR THE DECKS: Fireworks are not allowed on any of the decks around the Square; nor will open alcohol containers or consumption.
MAPS: Here’s a look at downtown Marietta parking availability.
MORE INFO: The city of Marietta has all of the July 4 particulars here.
At The Battery Atlanta, the Atlanta Braves will be playing Monday night at Truist Park against the St. Louis Cardinals, followed by fireworks. First pitch is 7:10 p.m.
If you’re going to try your hand at fireworks, keep in mind the Cobb ordinance about when you can do that, and how to do it safely.
From Cobb Government:
Cobb County Code bans the use of fireworks from 9 p.m. to 10 a.m. This is spelled out in the county’s code under the noise ordinances. Violations are a misdemeanor offense and you can view the noise ordinances by going here: Cobb County Noise Ordinance
Use of fireworks in Cobb County parks Pyrotechnics are prohibited at ALL county parks per County Ordinance § 90-63. Sec. 90-63. – Restricted or Prohibited Uses of Park Facilities 1. Pyrotechnics prohibited It shall be unlawful for any persons to possess, display, use, set off or ignite any firecracker, fireworks, smoke bombs, rockets, or other pyrotechnics.
Exemptions carved in by state law The state legislature has spelled out several exemptions to county code in O.C.G.A. § 25-10-1 et seq. This allows exemptions to county ordinances for use of fireworks on specific dates and times.
December 31 (New Year’s Eve) – Fireworks may be discharged until 1 a.m.
January 1 (New Year’s Day) – Fireworks may be discharged until midnight.
On the last Saturday and Sunday in May – Fireworks may be discharged until midnight.
July 3 – Fireworks may be discharged until midnight.
July 4 – Fireworks may be discharged until midnight.
On the first Monday in September – Fireworks may be discharged until midnight.
To view the Georgia code section regarding fireworks visit: O.C.G.A. § 25-10-2
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The Cobb Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs offers free pickup spikeball activities for adults each Wednesday at Terrell Mill Park.
Spikeball, according to Cobb Parks, “is a team sport played by two teams of two players. Opposing teams line up across from each other with the Spikeball net in the center. Once the ball is served players can move anywhere they want. The object of the game is to hit the ball into the net so that the opposing team cannot return it.”
The pickup sessions are free and take place each Wednesday from 6:30-10 p.m. at the turf field at Terrell Mill Park (480 Terrell Mill Road).
Spikeball sets will be provided but participants may bring their own.
For more information click here or contact Conor Hoyne at 770-528-8861.
Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!
