MASK UP VALDOSTA

Valdosta Mayor Scott James Matheson launched a ‘Mask Up Valdosta’ campaign on Thursday encouraging Valdosta residents to wear face-coverings 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.

Greater Lowndes Planning Commission Work Session
Monday, August 24, 2020
 5:30pm

The mission of the Greater Lowndes Planning Commission (GLPC) is to look beyond short-term solutions in planning for the future of the Greater Lowndes community; to improve the public health, safety, convenience and welfare; and to provide for the social, economic and physical development of communities on a sound and orderly basis, within a governmental framework and economic environment which fosters constructive growth and efficient administration. The Commission provides assistance to local governments in updating, amending, and implementing county-wide comprehensive plans and developing land use ordinances and policies to ensure compatibility with regional and local plans, goals, objectives and recommend appropriate action to the elected officials.
 

The Greater Lowndes Planning Commission meets the fourth Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at the South Health District Administrative Office, Conference Room, located at 325 West Savannah Avenue.  View the 2020 meeting schedule.

The Work Sessions are held the second to last Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at the South Health District Office Conference Room at 325 W. Savannah Avenue.  These meetings are open to the public.

For more information, please contact Teresa Bolden, City Clerk, at (229) 259-3503 or E-mail or contact Matt Martin, Planning & Zoning Administrator, (229) 259-3563 or E-mail.

Citizen’s Police Academy

The Valdosta Police Department is seeking applicants for its 32nd Session of the Citizen’s Police Academy (CPA) which will be held each Thursday night from September 10, 2020, to November 5, 2020.

The goal of this nine-week program is to give citizens a better understanding of the internal workings of a modern-day law enforcement agency and at the same time, promote a team concept between the Valdosta Police Department and the citizens we serve. During the academy, students are exposed to a variety of topics to give students a more in-depth understanding of law enforcement. Students will be given a tour of the Valdosta-Lowndes Regional Crime Lab, experience shooting simulation training, and the opportunity to ride along with patrol officers, as well as an introduction to the function and mission of each bureau within the department. 

There are no fees to attend and all materials needed are furnished free of charge. The students will meet each Thursday evening from 6:30 p.m. to around 9 p.m. during the nine (9) week class and there will be a graduation ceremony at the end of the academy. 

Citizens who are interested need to contact Captain Kari Williams at (229) 293-3099 or [email protected] for an application. The class is limited in size and applicants are selected on a first-come basis. The CPA is given twice a year, once in the spring and again in the fall. Those applicants not selected for this session may be selected to attend the CPA in Spring 2021.