Let's Talk Valdosta, A City of Valdosta Podcast

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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.

What is the action City Council took on Thursday, March 11?

On Thursday, March 11, Valdosta City Councilmembers approved a Public Transit Contract between River North Transit, LLC (Via) and the City of Valdosta. Via is an On-Demand/Microtransit company.

What is Via?

Via is a worldwide company that offers many different public transit services. The City of Valdosta is in contract negotiations to utilize Via’s on-demand transit system that takes multiple passengers heading in the same direction and books them into a shared vehicle. Think of Via as a bus that’s smart enough to come when you want it and where you want it.

What is On-Demand Transit? Is it Microtransit? How is it different than Uber/Lyft/Taxis?

On-Demand Transit (sometimes also called Microtransit) is a demand-responsive transportation service that picks up riders who request a trip by using an app (after creating an account online) or calling customer service. Unlike fixed-route service, there is no set schedule so riders will need to use the app or call to request a ride during the hours of operation.

Why is the city getting public transit?

For the past several years, it has been a goal of the Mayor, Council, and City Manager to provide the citizens of Valdosta with a public transit system. Communities that were researched have experienced great success with this concept. City leaders began exploring public transportation options after hearing from local leaders, residents, and economic development officials who believe it would help with the quality of life and job creation/sustainability.

How will this be funded?

The Federal Transit Administration will fund 80% of expected costs for the City of Valdosta public transportation system. This year, FTA Cares Act funding will cover the city’s match, which is 20% of expected costs. In future years, the FTA will continue to fund 80% of costs while the portion of the City’s responsibility can be mitigated via advertising, additional grants, and in-kind service agreements.

When will the on-demand transit service launch?

Projected April 27, 2021

What are the service hours?

6:00 AM – 9:00 PM Monday - Friday

What is the service area?

Approximately 36 square miles covering the entire city and connecting to key destinations.

Who is driving?

When you book a ride, we connect you with a vehicle operated by a trained and experienced driver who is covered by the required insurance. All driver partners undergo thorough criminal background checks before driving on the Via platform.

How will I request a ride?

Via’s app is available for both iPhone and Android. It’s free to download.

No smartphone? Access customer support by calling Via’s live support representatives and have your account set-up over the phone.

Where will this ride take me?

The ride will be available for any drop-off and pick-up locations within the City of Valdosta.

How much will it cost to ride?

Projected fare of $2.00 per trip with concessions for rider groups, such as seniors and paratransit-eligible riders.

The City of Valdosta will be closed on Friday, April 2, in observance of Good Friday.

The Sanitation Division will collect residential garbage only on Friday, April 2. Sanitation customers who normally have their sanitation collected on Fridays should place their bulk items and yard waste at the curbside by 5 a.m. on Monday, April 5, for both Friday and Monday pickups.

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 Good Friday schedule.

Residents are encouraged to utilize the recycling drop sites over the holiday weekend. Drop sites are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and are located at:

• Five Points Shopping Center
• City Lot on Hill Ave. (1025 W Hill Ave.)
• City Lot at the corner of South Lee St. and East Savannah Ave.

 Please be sure to break down any cardboard and wash out all glass and plastic containers before drop-off.

Call 229-259-3590 for more information or visit www.valdostacity.com/residential-sanitation-services.

Valdosta Main Street opens registration for Sidewalk Chalk Competition

Registration is now open for the Valdosta Main Street Sidewalk Chalk Competition. The contest will be held on Saturday, April 10, 2021, from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., with the awards ceremony taking place at 2 p.m.

The sidewalk chalk competition is an opportunity for anyone to show off their skills and decorate downtown with beautiful art along the sidewalks!

“We are excited to bring this event back to Downtown Valdosta. It has been so popular that we have added it to our annual calendar. This is a great opportunity as the anchor of the City Center Arts District to bring an art activity to the heart of our community. We look forward to seeing everyone’s creative works,” said Ellen Hill, Valdosta Main Street Director.

Groups or individuals will compete for prizes graciously donated by the Downtown Valdosta businesses and restaurants. Competitors are invited to create a chalk drawing on a sidewalk square throughout downtown Valdosta. Participants will have three hours to work on their square. Squares will then be judged by a panel and prizes will be awarded to the Overall Best of Show for each age bracket and a People’s Choice Award.  Official judging based on a 1-5 scale on first impression, creativity, originality, skill, and use of color.  The decision of the judges is final.

There is no entry fee for the sidewalk chalk competition although preregistration is required.  Please complete a registration form on the Valdosta Main Street Website by April 3. A limited number of registrations will be accepted.  

Artists should bring their own chalk, design, knee pads, plastic tarp (in case of rain), sunscreen, grid/pattern, camera, and water.

For additional sidewalk chalk contest information please contact Valdosta Main Street at 229-259-3577 or by email at Downtowninfo@valdostacity.com.