Kay Harris
The Valdosta Daily Times
VALDOSTA —
Yes, it’s here. In just two weeks, most children in the county will be back at school. Already.
It really does seem as though the summer has flown by, and I’m not sure anybody is really ready yet for school to start again, but it is and we all have to be prepared.
Despite the fact that the state has done away with the Sales Tax Holiday this year, many retailers in the area are discounting items for back to school sales, from clothing to school supplies, in an effort to help consumers this year.
This is already going to be a tough year for the school systems and for many families, so anything the retailers can do to help will be appreciated.
School lists are available at most retailers and on school websites, and all the information you need about the school systems is in this week’s special Back to School section in the Times.
There are also a number of organizations who are helping students in need with back to school items, so if you have extra, try sharing with The Salvation Army, Second Harvest, Boys and Girls Club, Sheriff’s Boys Ranch, etc.
A reader asked me to include if there is a sales tax holiday in Florida, and there is, but it’s not until Aug. 13-15, a week or more after school starts here. And if you go there to shop, you are taking money away from our local economy and our local school systems, so you ought to consider keeping it in Valdosta this year.
Try looking at the sales flyers in the newspaper every day, and looking at our website online for some great deals and coupons, and you should be able to save some money this year on your back to school shopping. Even if the little ones aren’t so happy about their summer ending so soon.
Business Roundup
The new McKey Tennis Complex has really shaped up in recent weeks, as the building that will house offices, the pro shop and a viewing area is being completed.
Courts will be poured soon, and hopefully, when they reopen in a few weeks, the congestion at the few open courts in town will be minimized.
The new antiques store, Into the Past, is featured in this section today. The new store is located in downtown Valdosta.
I’ve mentioned them a couple of times, but the apartments on Bemiss Road are coming along nicely.
It looks like Carlton Outdoors is closed and will not be reopening in another location, and apparently Lessard’s Upholstery is also gone from its location on North Ashley Street.
If you missed the transportation meetings in town this week, you really should check out the maps and take the surveys online at both the city’s website and the MPO’s website. You might be surprised at some of the things you see. Now is the time for the public comment period, after which only city officials will have the final say.
There is even an area to comment about the types of buildings you’d like to see in downtown Valdosta, but it was so long, I got about 10 minutes into it and quit. I need to try it again when I have more time, although I think the questions and photos could be pared down a bit.
But again, it’s your opportunity to let officials know how you feel about the ways in which your tax dollars are spent.
That’s about it for this week, but if there’s something I missed, please let me know!
