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  • 🚨 Tucker Man Busted in GBI Human Trafficking Raid

🚨 Tucker Man Busted in GBI Human Trafficking Raid

City responds to Cowan Road safety, restaurant closures and openings, and more

Good morning, Tucker!  

Welcome to all the new members of Tucker Today! We’re glad you’re here and hope that Tucker Today helps keep you up-to-date on all things Tucker 🙂 

In today’s edition:

  • GBI Human Trafficking Raid

  • City’s response to Cowan Road’s declining safety

  • Restaurant closures and openings!

Be sure to check out all upcoming events in our Events section.

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Stay in the Loop 💫

🚨 Tucker Man, Along with 16 Other Georgians Arrested in GBI Sting Operation

Photo Source: WSB-TV Atlanta

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) recently participated in "Operation Wrong Room," which is part of the national "Operation Coast to Coast" initiative aimed at identifying trafficking victims across the United States. The operation, spanning 26 states, resulted in 17 arrests in Georgia, including one man from Tucker.

Key points:

  • Suspects face charges including pandering, pimping, and drug-related offenses

  • $255,000 seized from suspected traffickers during warrant executions

  • Arrestees range in age from 23 to 57, primarily from Georgia, with a few out-of-state individuals

  • All suspects booked into DeKalb County Jail

The operation involved collaboration between multiple agencies, including:

  • Chamblee Police Department

  • DeKalb County DA's Office

  • Gwinnett County Police Department

  • Homeland Security Investigations

  • Criminal Justice Coordinating Council

Read more from the source: WSB-TV ATL

City Takes Action in Response to Safety Concerns on Cowan Rd

Tucker residents were increasingly worried about the safety along Cowan Road. Recent changes in the area included the removal of old buildings and an influx of unhoused individuals, some of whom were reportedly intoxicated and causing disturbances. There were several troubling incidents, such as men yelling at school children and visible drug activity near the corner store.

Councilwoman Schroeder’s response to a community post:

Councilman Nguyen and I are aware of the situation and all entities are in communication about this situation, including the county, the school district and the police. Being mindful of the safety of our students and all Tucker residents is a top priority. The City has contracted with Claratel to liaise with our unhoused population, provide education on resources and encourage them to seek help. I appreciate everyone’s feedback, and everything is taken into consideration as there is no one single solution.

Cara Schroeder, City Council District 2 Post 1 ([email protected])

On August 24th, the county cleaned up the area and helped relocate people. A big thank you to Matthew Lee, Vinh Nguyen and Cara Schroeder — Tucker residents were encouraged to see the city and its leaders take action for the city’s safety. 🙌 

🍔 McDonald’s on Lavista Shut Down

Former McDonald’s | Photo Source: Rise Property Group

The former Mcdonald’s on Lavista Road is officially up for lease. There are mixed feelings about the closure as some community members regret its closure while others are looking forward to new businesses coming into town.

What are your thoughts?

🌽 Tucker’s Farmers Market: this week’s highlights!

Tucker's Farmers Market is open every Thursday (4-7pm) at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church (4882 Lavista Road) until October. Shop from 25+ vendors providing local fruits & veggies, baked goods, and more!

Here’s the lineup of food trucks for August 29th:

🆕 New Vendor: Tanbrown Coffee
TFM welcomes a new vendor offering coffee and tea drinks as well as whole bean coffees!

SNAP/EBT is accepted at Tucker’s Farmers Market, and you can double your benefits on fresh fruits and veggies. More details here.

Small Business News 📰

 🌮 New BBQ & Tacos Restaurant Coming Soon

DBA BBQ & Tacos will be opening in the former KFC location across the street from Brocket Pub.

According to an interview with DBA owner Matt Coggin and RoughDraft, Coggin decided to shut down the popular Virginia Highland location and open two smaller restaurants instead (one in Chastain and one in Tucker).

While there is not much more information about the menu or exact opening date, it’s been reported that signage has begun to go up!

Photo Credit: DBA BBQ & Tacos

 🍣 Tucker’s Newest Osho Sushi Is Getting All the Praise

Tucker’s newest Osho Sushi & Hibachi Restaurant recently opened in the Embry Hills shopping center (3499 Chamblee Tucker Rd). So far, people are raving about the food, friendly service, and great atmosphere. Tucker residents are excited to see this addition to the neighborhood food scene.

Tip: If you return for a second dinner with your first receipt, they’ll give you 10% off your next bill!

Go check them out!

Photo credit: Jacki Gould

Photo Credit: Melanie Welsh

Tucker Moments 📸

Check out highlights from the previous First Friday Concert Series on August 2nd. Don’t miss out on the very last concert and event in the TKR Summer of Fun Series: The Return will perform on 9/6 at the Church Street Greenspace!

Photo Source: Tucker Parks and Recreation Instagram

Live music performed by The Ultimate Eagles Tribute - On the Border | Photo Source: Tucker Parks and Recreation Instagram

Tucker Treasures 💝 

Tucker Today partners with Dekalb County Animal Shelter. Every week, we highlight local animals looking for their forever home.

In this week’s edition of Tucker Treasures, we’re featuring Jenni Matilda!

Jenni Matilda (female; 3yrs, 47 lbs)

“Jenni Matilda is so special she needs two first names! She’s very playful, bouncy, and smiley. House trained, crate trained, and dog friendly too!”

Spread the word about Jennie Matilda to anyone who might be interested in adopting their newest fur baby! Email [email protected] or call 404.294.2165 for more info.

Until September 10th, all adoptions at LifeLine locations will have adoption fees waived as part of the Clear the Shelters initiative.

Tucker Events 🎟️

Don’t miss out on upcoming events!

🧘🏻‍♀️ Mint Coffee House Meditation Session

Location: Mint Coffee House
Date/time: Thursday, September 12 @ 6:15 pm - 8:30 pm

“This meditation is for people that want to de-stress but have a hard time slowing their brain down. This particular meditation class will be a peaceful walk through the forest to escape the stresses of everyday life, meet some of your spirit animals and spiritual elements of nature. In other words, grounding your energy. There are comfortable chairs you can sit in or you can bring a pillow or yoga mat. Cost $10 per person to be paid right before class. Cash preferred but also accept Venmo and Zelle.”

🍷 Weekly Wine Deals

Shoutout to Francesca Panto for putting this resource together! See all the weekly wine deals happening in and around Tucker.

Francesca Panto

📆 Other Upcoming Events

Hosting an event and want to get featured in Tucker Today? Don’t hesitate to reach out.

Event

Details

Location / Date

📚️ Book Club for Beginner Readers

This month’s selection: “Pete the Cat: Pet’s Big Lunch”. Register in advance and pick up a copy of the book!

Location: Tucker-Reid H. Cofer Library (5234 LaVista Road)

Date/time: Wednesday, September 11 (4-5pm)

🏃 Adult Field Day

Compete in events like Tug of War, Giant Pong, Cornhole Tournament, and more! Registration will include 1 meal ticket and 2 beer tickets.

Childcare available for ages 5-12 for $5 per child. Otherwise free event! Register here.

Location: Tucker Recreational Center Field

Date/time: Saturday, September 21 (5-8pm)

🔁 Recurring Events

Event

Details

Location / Date

🆕 - 🀄️Tucker Mahjong Club

A brand new event series to occur every Thursday! For beginners and advanced players. 4 mahjong sets will be provided.

Facebook page TBA.

Location: Tucker Recreational Center

Date/time: Thursday, September 5; 1:30pm - 3:30pm

🍎Tucker Farmers Market

Shop from food trucks and 25+ vendors providing local fruits & veggies, baked goods, and more! More details here.

Location: St. Andrews Presbyterian parking lot

Date/time: Every Thursday (4 - 7pm) until October

🏎️ Tucker Cruise In

An old-fashioned classic car show on Main Street in downtown Tucker!

Free to attend and $5 to register your vehicle.

Location: Downtown Tucker

Date/time: every 2nd Saturday; upcoming event on September 14th (starts 10am; ends with awards at 1pm.)

♟️Tucker Chess Club

100% free and open to all skill levels! Bring chess gear, snacks, dinner, and friends!

Contact [email protected] with any q’s.

Location: 2317 Main St

Date/time: Every 2nd and 4th Wednesday @ 7pm

🌊Aqua Fit Water Aerobics

Join us for this full-body workout via water resistance. Pre-registration is required. Read more and register here.

Contact [email protected] w/ any questions.

Location: Kelley Cofer Pool (4259 N Park Drive)

Date/time: Tuesday through Friday starting May 28th (9 - 10am)

Cost: $3 per session

🎧️Podcast Club

Join the Podcast Club every 1st Tuesday of the month!

Location: Tucker Library

Date/time: skipping August meeting and will resume on September 3rd; recurring every first Tuesday of the month from 6:30-7:30pm

Tucker Tunes - Live Music 🎵

Don’t forget that Tucker’s First Friday Concert Series is here! SERIES IS COMPLETE FOR THE SUMMER! Stay tuned for the next Live Music Series! Bring your friends and family to relax and enjoy live music on the first Friday of each month(May - September) at the Church Street Greenspace.

The space will open at 5:30pm and live music will kick off at 7pm. Bring picnic baskets, blankets, and chairs, but no pets.

You won’t want to miss this line-up— mark your calendars now!

More details here.

Other Live Music

Monday

  • Napoleon's Grill | Jazz Jam Session & Open Mic | 7:30pm - 11:00pm

Wednesday

  • Moonshadow Tavern | Open Mic Night | 8:00pm - 11:30pm

Thursday

  • Tucker Brewing Company | Live Music | 4:00pm - 9:00pm

Friday

  • Moonshadow Tavern | Live Music | 8:00pm - 11:30pm

  • Tucker Brewing Company | Live Music | 4:00pm - 10:00pm

  • The Mad Italian | Live Music | 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Saturday

  • Moonshadow Tavern | Live Music | 8:00pm - 11:30pm

  • Tucker Brewing Company | Live Music | 4:00pm - 10:00pm

Sunday

  • El Matador Mexican Restaurant | Live Music | 6:00pm - 9:00pm

Thank you, Tucker!

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Angela Ahn & David Choe

Founders + Editors-in-Chief of Tucker Today and DOA Media Group

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