Bridging the town gap of past and present with shared economic prosperity is the opportunity of the Blue Mile.

 

“We want the blue mile to be more of a destination for entertainment and enjoyment,” said Darren Burnette co-chair of the Blue Mile Committee.

 

This committee is something Burnette is very passionate about. There are a lot of significant things going on. Old buildings are being renovated and upgraded and abandoned buildings are being occupied by new businesses Burnette said.

 

On any given day hundreds of cars travel this strip whether it’s travelers passing through, or students and residents just going into town this landmark is something that shows that Statesboro is more than just a small town.

 

“It creates a lot of opportunity for new jobs and new businesses, so when you create new opportunity like that it gives everybody the chance to start something new,” said Casey Owens who is a student at Georgia Southern.

 

Owens has been a student since 2014 and used to live off South Main St. Over the years the Blue mile has grown and has really brought some life to Statesboro. The dull area needed some energy and the Blue Mile has brought just that Owens said.

 

The Blue Mile is more than just a road, it’s the heartbeat of Statesboro. The One-mile road that connects Georgia Southern's campus to downtown is full of vibrant businesses and social platforms for people of all ages.

 

Popular destinations like Three Tree Coffee and Daylight Donuts are student favorites. They are more than just businesses, it’s a haven for students to relax and unwind while also adding some diversity to the community.

 

“I think that Three Tree provides a unique experience in that we offer experiences and opportunities to engage the world as well as the people of Statesboro,” said Michael Murphy a Three tree employee.

 

They are active in the Farmers Market, work one on one with local farmers and build interpersonal relationships with businesses and the community. Students come here to relax, study and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea with friends.

 

“Without our students we wouldn’t be anything,” said Randy Nintell, current owner of the business.

 

College students are the main customers and supporters of this business. Having people that appreciate tradition and real, handmade food is what drives him to keep going, Nintell said.

 

Connecting traditional styles with the new age of students is the flare Daylight Donuts adds to the area.

 

Businesses like these that are active in the community as well as the student population highlight the mission of the Blue Mile Committee which is to revitalize, reclaim and renovate and are the backbone of the economy Statesboro seeks to build.

 

The Blue Mile Committee has an event coming up in mid December to let the community know about future plans coming up at the beginning of next year.