Rome's River District Remains Open for Business After Courthouse Fire

Elected officials urge residents to support local businesses impacted by downtown traffic disruptions.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 9:43pm

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A recent fire at the Floyd County Historic Courthouse in downtown Rome, Georgia has shut down Fifth Avenue and disrupted traffic patterns throughout the city's River District. Despite the setback, local officials are encouraging residents to continue supporting businesses in the area as the busy crab, crawfish, and oyster season gets underway.

Why it matters

The River District is a key commercial hub in downtown Rome, home to many locally-owned shops, restaurants, and other small businesses. Maintaining foot traffic and sales is crucial for these enterprises, which could face financial hardship if the courthouse fire and road closures keep customers away.

The details

The fire at the historic courthouse has forced the closure of Fifth Avenue, a major thoroughfare in downtown Rome. This has affected traffic patterns and accessibility to the nearby River District, potentially impacting businesses in the area. However, local officials like Rome City Commissioner Craig McDaniel are urging residents to make a concerted effort to patronize River District establishments during this challenging time.

  • The fire at the Floyd County Historic Courthouse occurred last week.
  • Crab, crawfish, and oyster season is just starting in the Rome area.

The players

Craig McDaniel

A Rome City Commissioner who is encouraging residents to support local River District businesses impacted by the courthouse fire and road closures.

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What they’re saying

“Crab, crawfish and oyster season is just starting,”

— Craig McDaniel, Rome City Commissioner

The takeaway

The resilience of Rome's small businesses will be tested in the wake of the courthouse fire, but local leaders are rallying the community to ensure the River District remains a vibrant commercial hub despite the temporary disruptions.