Lake Sinclair

Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

GBI investigates holiday weekend drowning on Lake Sinclair

Lynn Hobbs
Wednesday, July 15, 2026
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is now looking into the drowning of a Habersham County man on Lake Sinclair over the July 4th holiday weekend.Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills said he emailed the GBI on Thursday and requested their agency investigate the drowning of 34-year-old David Hoyt...
The Holcombe Harley entry finished runner-up in fan voting for Best Pirate Ship on Saturday. IAN TOCHER/Staff

The Holcombe Harley entry finished runner-up in fan voting for Best Pirate Ship on Saturday. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Pirates, Prizes, and ‘Pour Decisions’ for Lake Sinclair tradition

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, June 3, 2026
The forecast called for rain, but Saturday afternoon delivered sunshine and smooth sailing for the annual Lake Sinclair Pirate Parade.Nearly 20 decorated boats cruised the lake from The Front Porch restaurant alongside Hwy. 441 in Baldwin County before gathering at The Grill at Crooked Creek Marina...
Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

Personal watercraft crash on Lake Sinclair

Lynn Hobbs
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
A crash between two personal watercraft resulted in one teen being flown by medical helicopter to an area hospital for injuries, according to Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills.The crash happened around 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 11, on the Putnam County side of Lake Sinclair.Parker Dingler, 16, and...
Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

Lake Sinclair drawdown requires permit procedure

Ian Tocher
Thursday, October 9, 2025
Every five years, Georgia Power lowers the water level of Lake Sinclair through a procedure called a “drawdown,” giving property owners the rare opportunity to repair, replace, or upgrade shoreline structures that are normally underwater or hard to reach.That time is returning Oct. 25, when the...
Ian Tocher/Staff

Ian Tocher/Staff

Lake Sinclair lights up for the 4th

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, July 9, 2025
The rockets’ red glare was on full display Friday night as hundreds, perhaps even thousands, of boats carrying even more thousands of boaters dispersed across the waters of Lakes Sinclair and Oconee, taking in dozens of shoreside fireworks shows in honor of our nation’s birthday.Such was the case...
Putnam County Fire Department’s personnel scan the lake from “Sinclair 1” searching Lake Sinclair with other agencies for the missing jet ski rider. LYNN HOBBS/Staff

Putnam County Fire Department’s personnel scan the lake from “Sinclair 1” searching Lake Sinclair with other agencies for the missing jet ski rider. LYNN HOBBS/Staff

PWC accident claims life of Ellenwood man

Lynn Hobbs
Wednesday, July 9, 2025
An Ellenwood man lost his life while out on Lake Sinclair enjoying the July Fourth holiday.Christopher Grant Jr., 30, died from accidental drowning when he fell off the personal watercraft (PWC) he was riding.There were two men on the PWC, according to Baldwin County Fire Rescue Deputy Chief...
The all-women “Pour Choices” crew clearly enjoyed their Saturday afternoon on Lake Sinclair, which included two crewmembers taking home prestigious pirate awards.

The all-women “Pour Choices” crew clearly enjoyed their Saturday afternoon on Lake Sinclair, which included two crewmembers taking home prestigious pirate awards.

Lake Sinclair pirates on parade

Ian Tocher
Thursday, May 22, 2025
For the second-straight year, overcast weather did nothing to dampen spirits for the 14th annual Pirate Parade on Lake Sinclair.
The two-person crew of the “Queen’s Lair” selected a framed wooden print of Lake Sinclair as their Best Decorated runner-up prize.

The two-person crew of the “Queen’s Lair” selected a framed wooden print of Lake Sinclair as their Best Decorated runner-up prize.

Pirates parade on Lake Sinclair

Story And Photos By Ian Tocher
Wednesday, May 22, 2024
Saturday’s overcast weather no doubt hurt the turnout for the 13th annual Pirate Parade on Lake Sinclair, but it certainly didn’t dampen the spirits of the 20-odd crews who did show up.Last year’s parade probably had twice as many participants.
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