City of Forest Acres

08/31/2026

The City’s HTAX committee will meet tomorrow morning to discuss a grant request from Satchel Ford Elementary School.

The request is for $2500 toward their fundraiser, Freaky Friday.

The meeting is at 9:15 am in city council chambers at FAPD. Citizens may join in person or via zoom.

08/30/2026

We ask that you please keep these officers, their families, and their brothers and sisters in blue in your thoughts and prayers.

The Forest Acres Police Department stands with our brothers and sisters at the Columbia Police Department following today’s tragic shooting that claimed the life of Officer Chris DeLong and left Officer David Dymock shot in the line of duty.

This tragic incident is a sobering reminder of the dangers law enforcement officers face every day when they put on the uniform and answer the call to serve and protect our communities.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Officer DeLong’s family, Officer Dymock and his family, their fellow officers and the entire Columbia Police Department. We pray for strength and comfort for Officer DeLong’s loved ones and for Officer Dymock’s recovery.

Today, we stand with Columbia—and with every officer who puts their life on the line for our communities each day.

💙🖤💔 Columbia Police Department, SC

08/12/2026

Please join us in congratulating our very own Forest Acres Police Department Chief Robinson on his upcoming retirement 👏👏 We are grateful he served an extra five years with our city to modernize our force and lead us into the future.

Today, we share some bittersweet news: FAPD Chief Don Robinson has announced his intent to retire after nearly 35 years in law enforcement, including nearly five years of dedicated service to the Forest Acres Police Department.

“After nearly 35 years in law enforcement, I believe the time has come to prioritize my family and the next chapter of life,” Chief Robinson said. “Although I am retiring from this position, my commitment to Forest Acres remains unwavering.”

Chief Robinson has given so much to the City of Forest Acres - not only through his leadership and work to modernize our department, but through the countless hours, nights and weekends he has spent keeping Forest Acres safe. As a longtime Forest Acres resident, he has always understood what makes this community special.

“We are incredibly grateful for Chief Robinson’s leadership and his round-the-clock, relentless dedication to modernizing our police department,” said Mayor Thomas Andrews. “He has given this city five more years, and we will always be grateful for the experience, investigative talents and commitment he brought to our community.”

Chief Robinson will remain in his role while the City conducts a comprehensive search for our next Chief, helping ensure a seamless transition.

Please join us in thanking Chief Robinson for his extraordinary service to Forest Acres and congratulating him on a well-earned retirement. We are grateful for all he has given our community and wish him and his family the very best in this next chapter.

Read more here:

https://www.forestacres.net/forest-acres-police-chief-don-robinson-announces-retirement-comprehensive-search-begin

08/12/2026

Way to go, Forest Lake Elementary!!

🚀We are thrilled to announce that Forest Lake has been named a National BETA School of Distinction! A special THANK YOU to our amazing BETA Sponsors, Ms. Tierra Williams and Mrs. Tonya Williams, for your leadership, support, and commitment to our BETA students. Your dedication helps make achievements like this possible!🚀

08/11/2026

Council is back in session this week!

Just as the City heads back to school with a full agenda of lesson plans, it’s the same story for the Forest Acres City Council with a full agenda of city business this month.

Our city is made better by your participation. Join us Tuesday, August 11 at 6 p.m. inside Council Chambers at 5205 N Trenholm Road.

08/07/2026

For those of us still wondering what in the world WAS THAT yesterday - turns out, it was a significant rain event. ☔️⛈️🌂

The National Weather Service recorded four inches of rainfall in a very short period of time across Forest Acres, Columbia and Richland County.

Our current storm systems are built to withstand two inches of rainfall in an hour - this was 3-4 inches marking either a 50 year or 100-year storm.

Localized flooding is also not easily predictable. It depends on storm conditions and ground conditions. Forest Acres usual suspects for flooding: areas such as Gills Creek and Eight Mile Creek did not overflow but Pen Branch Creek did. Additionally, a woman was aided in a rescue from her flooded vehicle on Budon Court - a street that also usually does not flood to that extent.

The city and Forest Acres Police Department are extremely grateful that no serious injuries or accidents resulted from this storm system that brought heavy lightning and massive rain during a very crowded time on the roadway: school pickup and the very first day of school at that 🫣🫠😵‍💫

A good reminder for us all severe weather can happen without serious warning so it’s important to be mindful or rapidly changing conditions and change your plans accordingly - even if it means staying late safely inside school and taking off your shoes for the dash to the car so you don’t ruin those back to school sneakers 😉😉

08/06/2026

Heavy afternoon rains (during pickup on the first day of school 😵‍💫😵‍💫) brought flash flooding across Forest Acres.

Penn Branch Creek is overflowing and part of Brentwood Drive is blocked.

Also, Forest Acres Police Department report a driver was aided in escaping their flooded car on Budon Court - behind Morganellis. Thankfully, the driver is okay.

Whew. That was a doozy 🫠🫠☔️⛈️🌂

08/05/2026

Forest Acres enjoyed welcoming the Columbia Chamber and business leaders from around the Midlands this morning at CO - Columbia in Trenholm Plaza 🍣🍱

Mayor Tom Andrews served as the keynote speaker and shared details on the economic momentum happening in our city as well as new details about the redevelopment of the former Richland Mall and our new landmark 6-acre park there 🌳🛍️🌮🍷🍻🍸🍝💚

There were 100 registered for the event and it was a packed house by 8 a.m. for this quarter’s Gather and Grow hosted by the Chamber.

Forest Acres City Council and staff would like to especially thank CO and its amazing manager, Huajing Kromer, for coming in to welcome us 3.5 hours earlier than usual after closing the restaurant last night.

CO Columbia (Forest Acres) is open daily at 11 a.m. in Trenholm Plaza by Homegoods and the Post Office. The local favorite is known for its incredible sushi, pho, ramen and of course - Happy Hour Specials! And don’t sleep on half off sushi every Tuesday and Thursday night. Get there early - those nights are always packed! Date night at their bar is also a local favorite past time.

Thank you again, CO - Columbia - we’re so glad you’re here with us in The Acres!

07/30/2026

If you love Forest Acres for its premier shopping and dining, safe neighborhoods, outstanding parks, or the exciting redevelopment of the former Richland Mall, it’s worth remembering these successes don’t happen by accident. They are the result of strong leadership, thoughtful planning, and a commitment to serving our community. 🌳🌳

This summer, City Administrator Shaun Greenwood completed a prestigious government executive education program with national and international leaders at Harvard Kennedy School, bringing back new ideas to help shape Forest Acres’ future. 📈

Many may not know Greenwood’s career in local government began right here in Forest Acres after serving our country in the military. 🇺🇸

He started in Code Enforcement, became a Certified Arborist, and was mentored by former City Administrator Mark Williams. After serving as Assistant City Administrator for the City of Cayce, Greenwood returned to Forest Acres to continue the legacy of leadership that has helped our city thrive.

As Mayor Thomas Andrews shared, “Strong leadership is one of the greatest investments a city can make, and Shaun’s commitment to continuous learning reflects his dedication to serving the people of Forest Acres.”

Congratulations, Shaun, and thank you for your continued commitment to our great city.

Read more here:

https://whosonthemove.com/forest-acres-invests-in-leadership-as-city-administrator-shaun-greenwood-completes-harvard-kennedy-school-executive-education-program/