May 1-6 | It's National Small Business Week
May 1-6 is National Small Business Week, and Valdosta Mayor John Gayle will kick off the local observance with a proclamation on Monday, May 1, at 2:15 p.m., at Valdosta City Hall.  The event recognizes the critical role that small businesses play in our local economy and quality of life. To view other events taking place this week, visit www.ValdostaMainStreet.com.

May 2-3 | Portion of E. Mary Closed
A portion of East Mary Street will be closed in both directions between North Patterson Street and Slater Street for necessary street repairs on Tuesday, May 2 through Wednesday, May 3, from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. Motorists are urged to drive with caution through this area and adhere to all traffic control devices. For more information, contact the Engineering Department at 229-259-3530.

May 2 | Zoning Board of Appeals Meets
The Valdosta-Lowndes County Zoning Board of Appeals will meet on Tuesday, May 2, at 2:30 p.m., at the City Hall Annex, Multi-Purpose Room, located at 300 N. Lee Street.  See city calendar.

May 3 | VPD hosts Community Forum
The Valdosta Police Department is hosting the first Community Forum of 2017 on Thursday, May 4, from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. at the Church of the Nazarene located at 4434 North Forrest Street Ext. in Valdosta. All community members and leaders in South Georgia are invited. See city calendar.

May 3 | Deadline to Apply for Board Opportunities
If you have always wanted to be more active in the community, consider one of 15 opportunities to serve on the city’s boards, commissions, authorities and advisory committees. View positions, or contact City Clerk Teresa Bolden at 229-259-3503 for more information and to obtain the required forms. The closing date for submitting the General Board Application and Code of Ethics form is May 3, by 5 p.m. The Mayor and Council will appoint citizens to these positions at the May 11 City Council meeting.

May 4 | VFD Gives Burns the Boot  
The Valdosta Fire Department will kick off the annual “Give Burns the Boot” drive on Thursday, May 4, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., joining more than 100 other fire departments throughout the state of Georgia in raising money to benefit the Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation. Learn more about locations and times.

May 4 | Public Arts Advisory Committee hosts Public Forum
The Valdosta Public Art Advisory Committee encourages residents to attend two sessions on Thursday, May 4, 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., at the City Hall Annex, Multi-Purpose Room, located at 300 N. Lee Street. The public forum will discuss the new City Center Arts District.

May 5 | VFD hosts Give Burns the Boot
The Valdosta Fire Department will host their annual “Give Burns the Boot” drive on Friday, May 5, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., joining more than 100 other fire departments throughout the state of Georgia in raising money to benefit the Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation. Learn more about locations and times.

May 5 | First Friday Featuring Art Walk
May’s First Friday event will take place on Friday, May 5, from 5 to 8 p.m. and will feature the popular Art Walk. Art Walk is an enjoyable event that combines the love of art and Historic Downtown Valdosta. The event will include a wine tasting experience at participating Art Walk locations. Wrist bands for the wine experience will be available at each location for $20 per person with all proceeds going to Downtown beautification projects. See city calendar.  

May 6 | VFD hosts Give Burns the Boot
The Valdosta Fire Department will host their annual “Give Burns the Boot” drive on Saturday, May 6, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., joining more than 100 other fire departments throughout the state of Georgia in raising money to benefit the Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation. Learn more about locations and times.

May 6 | Community and Family Empowerment Day
The 5th annual Community and Family Empowerment Day will be held on Saturday, May 6, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., at Saunders Memorial Park. This event is sponsored in part by Goodwill Industries of The Southern Rivers and the VLPRA to help connect families with quality of life resources.