AT&T Working for Victims of Alabama and Georgia Tornadoes

Terrible pictures of the paths of the Georgia and Alabama tornadoes, AT&T wanted to provide an update of their efforts there.

AT&T has deployed a FirstNet SatCOLT (satellite Cell On Light Truck) to boost connectivity for Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) first responders, as they work recovery efforts in the wake of Sunday’s devastating tornadoes. The SatCOLT is positioned in Talbotton (Talbot County), Georgia, one of the hardest hit areas. FirstNet is being built with AT&T, in public-private partnership with the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority). It’s designed with and for first responders, making public safety’s mission the priority.


In addition to the satCOLT we’ve deployed in Talbot County, Georgia, our employees have set up charging stations in Opelika (Lee County), Alabama, to help residents impacted by the tornadoes stay connected with loved ones. Two of the Opelika charging stations are at the Providence Baptist Church at 2807 Lee Road 166; another is at Sanford Middle School at 1500 Lee Road 11, the hub for first responders. The employees also donated dozens of cases of water, diapers, wipes, batteries, trash bags, nonperishable snacks, toiletries, and more, to the Providence Baptist Church, which is serving as a food and supply bank of sorts for Opelika residents.

They have also created a text donation campaign to help those impacted by the storms. People who want to help can text “REDCROSS” to 90999 to give $10* that enables the Red Cross to respond to and help people recover from this disaster

Earthquake Felt in Georgia

Happens every few years.

Michael a Cat 4 as it Approaches Florida

Residents evacuating and taking cover as this might be the most powerful hurricane to hit this part of Florida.

BlazeAmerica Sports Seeks Nominations for Those in Adaptive Sports

BlazeSports America is currently taking nominations for its annual Triumph of the Human Spirit Awards. These awards recognize athletes, volunteers, teachers, individuals and organizations in Georgia who show leadership in adaptive sports and epitomize the triumph of the human spirit.

Would you be able to mention the notification that nominations are being accepted? Social media posts are also appreciated! #‎TriumphoftheHumanSpirit‬

Anyone can nominate - details on categories can be found below. Nominations will be accepted through October 16. Nominees will be invited to attend the award event on November 5, and there is no cost to attend.

“The BlazeSports Triumph of the Human Spirit Awards honor those who have made a significant impact in Georgia through adaptive sport and recreation,” said BlazeSports America Executive Director Cynthia Frisina. “These awards pay tribute to the individuals, groups and organizations who demonstrate qualities beyond athletic achievement such as leadership and a positive attitude and who inspire, motivate and truly epitomize the Triumph of the Human Spirit.” 

 Any person, group or organization may submit a nomination.

 The nomination form is available at http://www.blazesports.org/getinvolved/triumph-of-the-human-spirit-awards-2015/. Nominations can be made until October 16.

Nomination criteria include:

v An athlete (youth, adult or veteran) with a physical disability who overcame a challenging situation to not only survive but thrive on and off the field of play who is dedicated, passionate and a positive role model to others.

v An adaptive sports team who had an inspirational performance and who demonstrated leadership in their community.

v An outstanding teacher or coach of adaptive sports/physical education who focuses not just on success and winning but who teaches valuable life lessons through sport. 

v A volunteer who has displayed outstanding involvement in the support of adaptive sport and recreation.

v A school or organization that goes above and beyond to provide youth, adults and veterans with physical disabilities with the confidence, support and opportunities to be physically active.

v Nominees can be individuals, teams, groups or organizations in Georgia who exemplify the Triumph of the Human Spirit in the field of adaptive sport and recreation for people with physical disabilities.

In addition, The BlazeSports Triumph of the Human Spirit Awards recognize leaders in community, business, government, media and healthcare who are examples of best practice in the inclusion and advancement of people with physical disabilities through adaptive sport and recreation.

 The Triumph of the Human Spirit Awards will take place on Thursday, November 5 at 7 p.m. in the Art and Angela Williams Theater at the Primerica Global Headquarters in Duluth. Fox 5 Atlanta journalist Paul Milliken will serve as the evening’s emcee.

New Boating Law in Georgia

As of July 1, 2014, new boating laws take effect in Georgia regarding mandatory boater education for young people.

As of May 15, 2013, legislation required all boats to have personal flotation devices (PFD) for each person on board.

Making young people under 13 years old wear a everyone under the age of 13 must wear a U. S. Coast Guard approved PFD while onboard any moving boat, except for when a child is in a fully enclosed cabin.

No, PFDs do not look cool to young people.  Yes, adults will be ticketed if passengers on their boats are not properly wearing life preservers / PFDs.

Now, a boater education course must be successfully completed before operators born on or after January 1, 1998 may drive a vessel.

“In an effort to provide a mechanism for ensuring that Georgia boaters are knowledgeable, boaters will be required to complete a boating education course,” says DNR Lt. Col. Jeff Weaver, assistant director of Law Enforcement. “After all, tragedy can happen quickly and making an effort to learn boating laws, rules and regulations can potentially save a life – including your own.”

There are three ways to take the mandatory boating education course: in a classroom, online or in a home study program.

Most boat rental facilities offer the course, which must be passed, before young Georgians can operate a vessel on public waters.