May 4-8 is Small Business Week. National Small Business Week recognizes that small businesses are the backbone of our economy. Locally, we recognize these small businesses for strengthening our economy, providing local jobs to citizens and generously giving their time and resources for community development. For information about the Valdosta Small Emerging Business program, click here.

May 5: ZBOA Meets. The Valdosta-Lowndes County Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBOA) will hold its monthly meeting at 2:30 p.m., in City Hall Annex Multi-Purpose Room. The ZBOA hears all variance requests and appeals regarding staff interpretations of the City of Valdosta Land Development Regulations (LDR). Contact the city's Planning and Zoning Office at (229) 259-3563 for information.

May 5:Valdosta City Council Meets for Work Session. The Mayor and City Council meet for a work session on Tuesday, beginning at 5:30 p.m., which allows council members to spend an adequate amount of time discussing agenda items. The meeting is open to the general public and is held in the second floor Council Chambers of City Hall, at 216 E. Central Avenue.

May 7: VFD Firefighters "Give Burns the Boot." The Valdosta Fire Department will kick off the annual "Give Burns the Boot" drive on Thursday, May 7, joining more than 100 other fire departments throughout the state of Georgia in raising money to benefit the Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation. This event, which relies on donations from citizens, will run through Saturday, May 9. Click hereto see at what locations the firefighters will collect donations.

May 7: VPD Citizens Police Academy in Week #7. The Valdosta Police Academy will resume Thursdayat 6 p.m., for those who have preregistered for the program. Participants meet for eight consecutive Thursday evenings to get a better understanding of the internal workings of a modern day law enforcement agency. The class is free and is one of three citizens information programs designed to engage and educate citizens about their local government. Call Lt. Aaron Kirk at (229) 293-3099 for more information or to get an application for the next class.

May 7: Valdosta City Council Meets. The Mayor and City Council will meet this Thursday at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers. The meeting is open to the general public. Click here to view the agenda.

May 8: VFD Firefighters "Give Burns the Boot."Click here to see at what locations the firefighters will collection donations.

May 8-9: Congratulations VSU Graduates! Valdosta State University will host their spring commencement ceremonies on Friday, May 8, at 5 p.m., and on Saturday, May 9, at 9 a.m., 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. All commencement ceremonies will be held in the P.E. Complex, located on Baytree Road and Sustella Avenue. Motorists are advised to plan for the increased traffic in and around the VSU campus during these times of the weekend, or avoid that area of the city, if possible.

May 9: Build a Bouquet for Mom. On Saturday, May 9, from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., citizens can participate in an interactive day with merchants, which results in a beautiful floral arrangement for Mom. For every minimum $20 purchase with one of the participating downtown merchants, your receipt becomes your ticket to collect a flower from all of the participating merchants (while supplies last). Visit www.valdostamainstreet.com for more information, or call (229) 259-3577.

May 9: VFD Firefighters "Give Burns the Boot." Click here to see at what locations the firefighters will collection donations.