The Douglas County Flash

The Douglas County Flash We are a team of local citizen journalists who are invested in reporting timely informative news.

We are citizen journalists and are not affiliated with any DC government run agencies. Newsworthy tips can be sent to [email protected] for consideration.

The Georgia Department of Transportation is planning a significant traffic shift for Douglas County commuters. A new fou...
08/13/2026

The Georgia Department of Transportation is planning a significant traffic shift for Douglas County commuters.

A new four-legged hybrid roundabout is planned for the intersection of State Route 5 (Bill Arp Road), Banks Mill Road, and Pool Road, located about four miles south of Douglasville. The project includes reconfiguring Dorsett Shoals Road and adding a southbound left-turn lane onto Big A Road to improve traffic flow.

Drivers are encouraged to review the design specifications via GDOT. Share this update to keep your neighbors informed on the road ahead. đźš—

Douglas County authorities arrest fourth suspect in reservoir homicide investigationDOUGLAS COUNTY, G.A.— A fourth perso...
08/12/2026

Douglas County authorities arrest fourth suspect in reservoir homicide investigation

DOUGLAS COUNTY, G.A.— A fourth person has been charged in connection with the death of a 37-year-old Atlanta man whose body was recovered from a reservoir in Douglas County earlier this year, authorities said.

The Douglas County Sheriff's Office announced Tuesday that David Davonte Barber was arrested Aug. 11 and charged with felony murder, malice murder, felony battery and aggravated assault in the death of Jamal Parker.

Investigators began the case on May 15, 2026, when the body of an unidentified man was recovered from the Dog River Reservoir along Highway 166 in Douglas County. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation later positively identified the victim as Parker on June 15.

As the investigation continued, authorities arrested Brittany Amber Baker, Mario Andre Barber and Ambria Boyd. Each was charged with murder in connection with Parker's death, according to the sheriff's office.

The arrest of David Davonte Barber came after investigators developed additional information during the ongoing investigation and obtained a warrant for his arrest, authorities said.

The Douglas County Sheriff's Office said the case remains active and investigators are continuing to pursue leads.

Anyone with information about Parker or the investigation is urged to contact Investigator Natalie Poulk of the Douglas County Sheriff's Office at 770-876-4116 or by email at [email protected].

Authorities thanked the public for its cooperation as the investigation continues.

All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.



Douglasville Holds Millage Rate Steady But Your Tax Bill Could Still Go UpDouglasville officials have approved keeping t...
08/09/2026

Douglasville Holds Millage Rate Steady But Your Tax Bill Could Still Go Up

Douglasville officials have approved keeping the city’s maintenance and operations millage rate at 8.749 mills for 2026.

However, rising property assessments mean some homeowners could still see an increase in their property tax bills.
The city says the rate is 7.23% above the calculated rollback rate for 2026.

Source: City of Douglasville
Click on the link in comments to learn more.
No Paywalls!

Douglasville homeowners, have you noticed your property assessment increase this year?

If so, how much did it change? Let us know in the comments.


Sbarro at Arbor Place Mall appears to have closed.The restaurant’s food-court storefront is vacant, with its service are...
08/08/2026

Sbarro at Arbor Place Mall appears to have closed.

The restaurant’s food-court storefront is vacant, with its service area cleared and no sign of current operations.

While Sbarro’s corporate website and the mall directory still list the Douglasville location, no official public announcement has been located confirming the closing date or reason.

Recent corporate news has emphasized company growth rather than a nationwide closure plan.

We will update this story if Arbor Place Mall or Sbarro releases additional information.

Question: Can anyone identify any other former food spots that have left Arbor Place Mall over the years?

We will start it off in the comments with a burger joint that many used to go to before or after a movie. 🍿

Registration opens for Trek or Treat 5K Justice Run to support domestic violence survivorsDOUGLAS COUNTY, G.A. — Registr...
08/07/2026

Registration opens for Trek or Treat 5K Justice Run to support domestic violence survivors

DOUGLAS COUNTY, G.A. — Registration is now open for the Trek or Treat 5K Justice Run, a community event aimed at raising awareness of domestic violence while supporting organizations that serve victims and survivors.

The event will take place at Boundary Waters Park and is expected to bring together runners, walkers, families and community supporters for a morning focused on fitness, community engagement and advocacy.

The Douglas County District Attorney's Office said participants of all ages and experience levels are welcome, whether they choose to run the 5K course, walk alongside friends and family, or attend to show support for the cause.

In addition to promoting awareness, the event will help support local organizations that provide services and resources to victims and survivors of domestic violence.

The Trek or Treat 5K also will feature a festive Halloween theme, with organizers promising seasonal touches and activities throughout the event.

"This event is about bringing the community together in a meaningful way," the office said in a social media post on Facebook. "Every step helps raise awareness and support the important work being done for survivors of domestic violence."

Registration is currently open, and organizers are encouraging individuals, families and community groups to sign up and take part.

For more information or to register, interested participants can visit the event registration page and meet organizers at the starting line for a morning of community, movement and impact.

Those interested can go to: https://runsignup.com/Race/GA/Douglasville/TrekorTreat for more information.

*Photo courtesy of the Douglas County District Attorney's Office*

Douglas County students return to school August 5, 2025- Douglas County students returned to classrooms today as the 202...
08/06/2026

Douglas County students return to school

August 5, 2025- Douglas County students returned to classrooms today as the 2026–27 school year officially kicked off across the district.

At local high schools, seniors marked the occasion with traditions that celebrate their final year. Many participated in a “Last First Day” walk through their schools, greeting underclassmen and taking in the start of the year one last time as the graduating class.

Some schools also hosted senior sunrise events, where students gathered early to welcome the first day with photos, music, and pep talks aimed at launching their senior year on a high note.

With buses rolling and hallways buzzing again, the first day sets the tone for a new academic year for more than 25,000 students in the Douglas County School System.

Please join us in wishing both the students, and the staff who work hard to make Douglas County Schools great!

Everyone can always use some words of encouragement!
Comment below with your well wishes for the school year!

Douglas County Fire/EMS stayed busy throughout July According to a recent post on their page, they kept busy re...
08/04/2026

Douglas County Fire/EMS stayed busy throughout July

According to a recent post on their page, they kept busy responding to 2,149 calls for service while protecting lives and serving the community around the clock.

From emergency medical calls to fire suppression and hazardous materials incidents, local first responders continued their mission of keeping Douglas County safe.

Read more about the department's July response statistics by clicking on the link in the comments section below.




Drop your note of gratitude in the comments!

Douglas County Fire/EMS appoints first-ever Health and Safety OfficerDOUGLAS COUNTY, G.A. — Douglas County Fire/EMS anno...
08/03/2026

Douglas County Fire/EMS appoints first-ever Health and Safety Officer

DOUGLAS COUNTY, G.A. — Douglas County Fire/EMS announced July 27 the appointment of Lt. Mark Sullivan as the department’s first Health and Safety Officer, a newly created position focused on protecting the health, wellness and readiness of firefighters.

The position was created by Fire Chief Miles Allen as part of the department’s continued commitment to supporting the firefighters who serve the community.

Sullivan brings 28 years of service to Douglas County Fire/EMS and is the founder of Toxic Suppression, an innovative post-fire decontamination soap designed to help reduce firefighters’ exposure to harmful carcinogens.

As Health and Safety Officer, Sullivan will lead initiatives centered on injury prevention, firefighter wellness, occupational health and risk reduction. Department officials said the role is intended to help ensure personnel remain healthy and mission-ready.

“We cannot serve our community at our best if we are not taking care of our own,” Allen said in a press statement.

The appointment marks a significant step in Douglas County Fire/EMS' efforts to prioritize firefighter health and safety. Officials described Sullivan as uniquely qualified for the role because of his nearly three decades of service and his work developing tools to reduce occupational health risks for firefighters.

The department encouraged the community to join in congratulating Sullivan on the appointment, calling it a well-deserved recognition of his dedication to the fire service and firefighter wellness.

**Photo courtesy of Douglas County Fire/EMS Department via Facebook**

Authorities have determined that the bomb threat that prompted the evacuation of Arbor Place Mall on Saturday evening wa...
08/03/2026

Authorities have determined that the bomb threat that prompted the evacuation of Arbor Place Mall on Saturday evening was unfounded.

Following a thorough investigation, law enforcement confirmed the mall is safe. Arbor Place Mall and the movie theater remained closed for the rest of the night as a precaution.

Read the full story for the latest details.

If you were at the mall on Saturday, comment below to tell us about your experience.

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