GRTM Blog

News and Events - District 3 with Commissioner Watkins
Posted on February 6, 2025 by GRTM Communications
 
 

February 2025

Watkins_2025

Hello L. David,

 

Happy Black History Month!

 

As we enter Black History Month, I would like to share my gratitude to be a part of Gwinnett's history as one of the first two Black men to serve on the Board of Commissioners. I'm fortunate to serve alongside my fellow commissioners and the first Black Chairwoman, Nicole Love Hendrickson.

 

I also want to thank and recognize the heroic efforts of District 3 resident, Keegan Tranum of Snellville, who during the height of the storm on Tuesday, January 21, risked his safety to rescue three stranded residents when their cars got stuck due to the dangerous icy conditions.

 

Keep reading below to learn more about some exciting events we have across Gwinnett this month.

Happening Around Gwinnett

County considers opting out of Statewide Adjusted Base Year Homestead Exemption

Gwinnett County has announced that it is considering opting out of the new Statewide Adjusted Base Year Homestead Exemption introduced in House Bill 581. The County has an existing Value Offset Exemption that offers greater savings for homeowners and protects property taxes from inflation.

 

The Board of Commissioners will hold three public hearings for residents to learn more and share comments. Two public hearings have already been held, with one more taking place at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center in Lawrenceville on Tuesday, February 18 at 11:00am.

Career from Here is February 11

Due to inclement weather, Gwinnett County Government's Career from Here hiring event will now be held on Tuesday, February 11 from 9:00am to 3:00pm at the Gas South Convention Center in Duluth.

 

Participate in resume reviews, resume editing, meet and greets with current employees, and interview with County representatives. All interviews will be held on a first-come, first-served basis. Business casual attire is recommended, and all attendees must register. Visit GwinnettCountyJobs.com to view current job openings and apply for positions with onsite interviews.

Celebrate Black History Month

Gwinnett County will celebrate Black History Month by recognizing the rich history of African American Labor and Black Family Reunions through the years.

 

Gwinnett will host an evening of soul food, music, special guests, and a historical exhibit displayed through the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center in Lawrenceville on Wednesday, February 19 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. Residents interested in joining the celebration can register here.

Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day

Have items you need to dispose of? Bring your hard to dispose of items to Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day on Saturday, February 8 from 9:00am to noon at the Gwinnett County Fairgrounds in Lawrenceville. Residents are invited to bring five disposable containers of items such as motor oil, batteries, cleaning chemicals, and more.

 

For a complete list of acceptable items, visit GwinnettCB.org. All containers will not be returned to residents.

What's New in District 3

Citizens Fire Academy registration now open

Registration is now open for the Citizens Fire Academy with classes scheduled for spring and fall. Residents will learn vital lessons that could prevent a fire or save a life, including CPR training, fire extinguisher training, EMS overview, and more. Classes will also offer information and demonstrations from Gwinnett Fire and Emergency Services specialty teams, including SwiftWater, Hazmat, Mass Casualty, and Trench Rescue.

 

Spring classes will be held from April 17 to June 12, while fall classes will run from September 11 to November 6. All classes will be held on Thursday evenings from 6:00pm to 9:00pm. Registration is required.

Plan your own veggie garden

Gardens of all skill levels are invited to reserve a raised plot for the 2025 growing season at one of Gwinnett's 11 community gardens. Individual plots are available on a first-come, first-served basis, with an annual $35 fee. Community Gardens in District 3 include:

  • Dacula Park Community Garden located at 205 Dacula Road in Dacula
  • Lawrenceville Community Garden located at 225 Benson Street in Lawrenceville
  • Lenora Park Community Garden located at 3195 Lee Road in Snellville

To learn more about exciting program from Harvest Gwinnett, visit LiveHealthyGwinnett.com or email HarvestGwinnet@GwinnettCounty.com.

Recycling

Emissions are required to 2001 to 2022 model cars

For 2025, all gasoline-powered and light-duty trucks (weighting 8,500 pounds or less) with model years 2001 through 2022 must undergo emissions testing for registration and renewal.

 

For testing locations, senior exemptions, and more, visit CleanAirForce.com. Once your vehicle has been tested, renew online at GwinnettTaxCommissioner.com/Renew.

Special Events and Happenings
Visit GwinnettCountyEvents.com or follow the County’s social media channels to learn about more upcoming events.

Valentine's Dance

Saturday, February 8 from 6:30pm to 9:30pm

Put on your dancing shoes for a sweet family treat, plus games and a Valentine card-making station. Open to all ages. Register here. Resident Fee: $8. Non-resident Fee: $20. Rhodes Jordan Park Community Recreation Center, 100 East Crogan Street, Lawrenceville.

 

Bus Tour: Explore Black History Month

Saturday, February 15 from 10:00am to 2:00pm

In partnership with the United Ebony Society, join us for this annual event to explore the rich history of African American culture in Gwinnett County. The tour begins at the Lawrenceville Female Seminary in Lawrenceville. Attendees are encouraged to bring a lunch to enjoy at one of our stops. Open to all ages. Register here. Resident Fee: $11. Non-resident Fee: $21. Lawrenceville Female Seminary, 455 South Perry Street, Lawrenceville.

 

Anime Afternoon

Saturday, February 22 from 11:00am to 2:00pm

Join us in designing an anime character mask and create a ramen bowl to enjoy. Open to ages nine to 14. Register here. Rhodes Jordan Park Community Recreation Center, 100 East Crogan Street, Lawrenceville.

County News

Visit our website and social media for latest news

To stay up-to-date on the County government, visit our website, GwinnettCounty.com or follow us on Facebook, X (Formerly Twitter), and Instagram @GwinnettGov.  

Gwinnett County Contacts

For questions regarding fire safety, code enforcement, and crime prevention, property owners and managers should contact:

 

Fire Safety

Daniel Beaver

678.518.4907

Daniel.Beaver@GwinnettCounty.com

 

Code Enforcement

Randy Franklin

770.513.5020

Randy.Franklin@GwinnettCounty.com

 

Crime Prevention

Community Affairs

678.442.6520

PDCommunityAffairs@GwinnettCounty.com

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