Don't Forget the Bug Spray! Holiday weekends usually can be equated with a lot of fun time outdoors with family and friends. When you must be outdoors, remember to protect yourself and your loved ones by applying insect repellent and reapplying it often. Click here to view the city's website for mosquito control tips.

July 1: Second Half of the Year Day. Yes, we can't believe it either, but it's true. We are halfway through the year 2015. If one of your resolutions this year was to be more involved in your local government, visit www.valdostacity.com to view the calendar or call (229) 259-3548 for information.

July 3:Valdosta Announces Fourth of July Sanitation Schedule. The City of Valdosta will be closed on Friday, July 3 in observance of Independence Day. The Sanitation Division will collect residential garbage only on Friday, July 3. Citizens who normally have their sanitation collected on Fridays should place their recyclables and yard waste at the curbside by 5 a.m. on Monday, July 6 for both Friday and Mondaycollections. The Public Works Department appreciates citizens' cooperation and patience as sanitation workers do their best to pick up both routes-over 7,000 customers-on Monday. Since special pickups use additional vehicles and manpower, citizens are urged to minimize any calls for special pickup requests for the adjusted Independence Day schedule. Call (229) 259-3590 for more information.

July 3:First Friday in Downtown Valdosta. The popular First Friday event will feature live music, dining specials, shopping and more of the fun that the community expects on the first Friday of every month, beginning at 6 p.m., in beautiful downtown Valdosta. Visit www.valdostamainstreet.com for more information, or call the Valdosta Main Street office at (229) 259-3577. 

July 4: No Farm Days on July 4th. The popular Downtown Valdosta Farm Days will not take place this Saturday on Independence Day. 

July 4: Fireworks Spectacular! This free community event will begin at nightfall (around 9:15 p.m.) and can best be viewed on the Valdosta Mall side of I-75, between exits 16 and 18. In the event of inclement weather, the event will be held on July 5. Call the Valdosta-Lowndes County Parks and Recreation Authority at (229) 259-3507.