Georgia Business Focus: major housing investment, gas price relief and business updates

Middle Georgia Business Focus: New Homes, Lower Gas Prices, and Community Updates

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – From new homes and jobs to scam warnings, gas price relief, beloved restaurant reopenings and local honors, this is your Georgia Business Focus.

Baldwin County secures $2.2 million housing grant to support growth

Baldwin County has been awarded a $2,208,899 rural workforce housing grant from Gov. Brian Kemp’s OneGeorgia Authority. The funding will help develop more than 100 single-family homes on Fraizer Drive, addressing the urgent need for affordable housing amid ongoing job growth.

County Manager Carlos Tobar said the project will support new business and workforce expansion. Homes will be priced at an initial $174,900, with public safety workers, teachers and nurses receiving priority access. Construction is set to begin immediately, with the infrastructure design phase scheduled for the fall and homes expected to be ready by next year.

BBB warns of door-to-door pine straw scams

The Better Business Bureau is alerting homeowners, especially seniors, to a rise in pine straw scams. Fraudsters posing as landscapers offer discounted pine straw, then demand much higher payments after the job is done.

To protect yourself, verify proper licensing with local authorities, check identification, note vehicle details, get all agreements in writing and remember you have three days to cancel purchases over $25 made at your home.

Gas prices drop across Georgia

Drivers in Georgia are seeing relief at the pump as gas prices continue to decline. The state average for regular gasoline is now $3.67 per gallon, below the national average of $4.

The decrease follows Kemp’s recent gas tax bill and comes as the White House projects further price drops.

S&S Cafeteria set to reopen

S&S Cafeteria will reopen its Riverside Drive location by the end of April after a fire destroyed the building in September 2024. CEO Rick Pogue said the restaurant will feature a modern interior while maintaining its classic menu and service.

The location is now hiring.

Piggly Wiggly grand opening in Sandersville

Piggly Wiggly Food for Less will celebrate its grand opening at 306 S. Harris St. in Sandersville on April 15. Festivities will last six weeks and include product samples, giveaways, family-friendly events and special promotions.

Red Roof Inn Byron earns hospitality award

Red Roof Inn Byron has been recognized with the 2026 Booking.com Traveler Review Award for hospitality. Located off Interstate 75 near the Middle Georgia Regional Airport, the hotel was commended for providing comfort, value and essential amenities.