November 14th Weekly Update
SwampLine Weekly Update – November 14, 2025
This week, Waycross is all about Playoff Football and a critical, community-wide effort to support local heroes.
Tonight, the Ware County Gators begin their journey for a state title, bringing the entire community together under Friday Night Lights.
We also take time to recognize the incredible service of our local veterans following the successful Veterans Day events across the region and recap the success of the recent Okefenokee Fair.
Plus, we're focusing on the Waycross Fire Department’s Boot Drive, a major Pierce County road closure, and vital updates on the SNAP benefits restoration.
From the gridiron to honoring our heroes, SwampLine is here to keep you informed, connected, and ready to cheer on your community.
Friday Night Lights: GHSA Playoffs Round 1
The Ware County Gators begin their run for the state championship tonight! SwampLine encourages everyone who can to come out and show their support for the team.
• Matchup: Ware County vs. Flowery Branch
• When: Tonight, Friday, November 14, 2025
• Kick-off: 7:30 PM
• Where: Falcon Stadium
• Can't make it? The game will be live-streamed on the NFHS Network.
Community & Regional Recognition
Okefenokee Fair: A Wonderful Success!
The annual Okefenokee Fair was a huge success this year, providing wonderful fun and entertainment for families across Waycross and Ware County. SwampLine extends a massive thank you to the Waycross Exchange Club for their hard work in organizing and hosting this traditional event. We also recognize the Ware County Sheriff's Office for their dedicated presence, ensuring the safety and protection of all attendees throughout the duration of the Fair.
Honoring Our Veterans
Veterans Day (November 11) was a huge success across Southeast Georgia, with communities coming together to honor the sacrifices of our active military and veterans. SwampLine extends its deepest gratitude to all who have served. The OHC Celebration and SFW meal provided a meaningful gathering place for local veterans and their families. The Savannah Veterans Day Parade saw a massive turnout, serving as the region's largest demonstration of respect and thanks for those who have defended our freedoms.
Community Spotlight: Fallen Firefighters Scholarship Boot Drive
The Waycross Fire Department is kicking off its annual Boot Drive this weekend to support the Fallen Firefighters Scholarship, which is awarded to Ware County High School seniors.
• When: Starting tomorrow, Saturday, November 15, and running through Sunday.
• Where to Donate: Look for firefighters with their boots at:
• Walmart Supercenter
• Walmart Neighborhood Market
• Rural King
• Lowe's
Local & Regional Updates
Purple Ribbons Display: The Ware County Board of Elections reaffirmed that the purple ribbons displayed locally honor Sergeant Kennedy Sanders, a Waycross resident killed in action, as a symbol of sacrifice and community unity.
Road Closure Advisory (Pierce County): Hacklebarney Road is closed to through traffic and completely closed at Whitney Lakes until January 1, 2026. Please plan alternate routes.
Tri-County Road Planning: Commissioners from Ware, Pierce, and Brantley Counties are planning a joint resolution to move forward with the study and planning of the Perimeter Road/Cross-River Bypass to improve regional traffic flow.
Freeze Watch & Warm Up: Southeast Georgia experienced a cold snap, prompting local shelters to open. Warmer weather is returning, but local dry conditions are raising drought concerns.
YMCA Youth Development Center: A new YMCA Youth Development Center opened in Blackshear, serving over 400 children in Pierce and Ware Counties—a major positive for local families.
Bus Crash on US 1: A crash near Folkston in Charlton County caused major traffic disruption and sent five people (two adults, three children) to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Brunswick Missing Persons Case Closure: Through advanced DNA testing, remains found in 2021 were identified as Christopher Lamont Williams, providing closure for a long-running missing persons case in the region.
Georgia / State News
Shutdown Aftermath
SNAP Benefit Restoration: Crucial news for local families—Georgia SNAP recipients who received partial payments during the federal shutdown are expected to receive the rest of their benefits this week.
Hemp Industry Threat: Federal legislation used to end the shutdown contains a provision that could potentially outlaw most consumable hemp products in Georgia.
This weekend, as we cheer on the Gators in the playoffs and support our Fire Department, let's carry the spirit of service and gratitude we showed on Veterans Day and the community fun shared at the Okefenokee Fair.
We encourage everyone to stay informed about the ongoing Tri-County road planning and the SNAP benefit restoration, which directly impacts our neighbors. And once again, a heartfelt thank you to all our Veterans—your service is the foundation of our community.
Have a great, safe weekend. Go Gators!
