In Valdosta this Week
Tuesday, August 4th, 2020
The friendly competition, which was open to the public, seeks to aid the American Red Cross in their life-saving efforts.
This year the Valdosta Police Department attracted the most donors. Each year the winner earns bragging rights and a trophy. The competition is based on a friendly wager that the other team will now be required to wash a number of safety vehicles. When all is said and done, the American Red Cross and the recipients of the donations are the true winners. There were 47 units of blood were collected.
VFD Hosts Promotion Ceremony
The Valdosta City Fire Department promoted four Firemen to Sergeant back in March of this year. These Sergeants were recognized at a promotion ceremony held on Thursday, July 30, 2020, in the Women’s Building, located at 1409 N Patterson St.
In previous years the VFD staff members being promoted would be joined by their families, coworkers, and friends. However, as a response to social gathering and distancing protocols, attendance was limited to immediate family and select city officials. The ceremony was live-streamed on the Fire Department’s Facebook Page for maximum convenience.
None the less the Firemen are ready and committed to taking on their new roles as Sergeants.
“It feels good to be in this position, we worked hard for it. It took us a year to get into our classes and then several months of studying to make sure we were ready so it was definitely challenging but in the long run it is very rewarding. ” Said Sergeant Brandon Tebedo.
The event recognized the following VFD staff promotions.
Promotions to Sergeant:
Lamar Berrian
Brandon Tebedo
TJ Manus
Nicholas Kester
Valdosta-Lowndes Co. Zoning Board of Appeals
Tuesday, August 4, 2020
2:30pm
City Hall Annex Building, Multi-Purpose Room
The Valdosta-Lowndes County Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBOA) was established to hear appeals and variance requests of the City of Valdosta Land Development Regulations (LDR) as well as the Lowndes County Unified Land Development Code (ULDC).
The ZBOA meets the first Tuesday of each month at 2:30 p.m. in the City Hall Annex Building, Multi-Purpose Room located at 300 North Lee Street. View the 2020 Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting Schedule.
For more information, please contact Teresa Bolden, City Clerk, at (229) 259-3503 or E-mail or contact Matt Martin, Planning & Zoning Administrator, at (229) 259-3563 or E-mail.
MASK UP VALDOSTA
Valdosta Mayor Scott James Matheson launched a ‘Mask Up Valdosta’ campaign on Thursday encouraging Valdosta residents to wear a face covering in public as a safeguard to slow the spread of COVID-19. This voluntary mask campaign is done in full support of Governor Kemp’s "Wear a Mask" Flyaround Tour of Georgia held earlier this month.
“We want to keep our economy open and ensure our healthcare system has the capacity to treat all patients who need medical care,” said Mayor Matheson. “My mask protects you and your mask protects me. Together, we all can stop the spread of COVID – 19.”
Health experts recommend that people wear cloth face coverings in public settings and when around people who don’t live in your household, especially when social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.
To practice social or physical distancing:
• Stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) from other people
• Do not gather in groups
• Stay out of crowded places and avoid mass gatherings
Currently, surgical masks and N95 respirators are critical supplies that should be reserved for healthcare workers and other first responders. Face coverings can be more than just masks. Scarfs, bandanas, etc. will also serve the purpose. Wearing a cloth face covering limits the spread of germs. Residents should wash their cloth face coverings every day.
Residents are encouraged to take photos wearing their face covering and share via social media using the hashtag #MaskUpValdosta.
“We all have a responsibility to slow the spread of COVID-19 and keep our communities safe. Let’s all do our part to protect one another!” said Matheson.
