On Saturday, Aug. 26, Deeb Street in Valdosta will officially be renamed “James R. Wright Drive” in honor of the former Valdosta City Councilman. Community members are invited to the street dedication that takes place at 10 a.m. on the corner of Brookwood Place and Deeb Street.
 
City officials, community leaders and several local ministers of faith will speak at the event about Wright’s significant impact on the community. A ribbon cutting will follow with the unveiling of the new street sign in Councilman Wright’s name.
 
“Councilman Wright’s contributions as a public servant for 12 years has been of great value to this community, and he specifically helped to enhance and improve his district and surrounding areas,” said Mayor John Gayle. “His positive impact on District 1 will be forever remembered through the renaming of this street.”
 
As the District 1 Councilman from 2004 until the end of 2015, Councilman Wright was faithfully dedicated to the people of Valdosta. Following his death in early 2017, a petition was received asking the city to rename Deeb Street in his honor.
 
“Councilman Wright was a tireless advocate for District 1 and very passionate about issues such as housing and community development,” said City Manager Larry Hanson. "He had a heart for serving the people of Valdosta, and he never stopped caring about our city and our citizens.”
 
Deeb Street, which lies between Vallotton Drive and Brookwood Drive, is neighbored by twelve properties, of which the majority signed the petition in favor of the name change.