VALDOSTA —
A bit of a deviation from usual column fodder, but bear with me. On Thursday night, law enforcement officers from several agencies will be honored at a special dinner, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Valdosta.
The dinner not only allows for agencies to recognize their outstanding officers, it gives the community the opportunity to demonstrate their support for these men and women. The funds raised by the Rotary Club are placed in a fund that officers can access in emergency situations, which has happened several times since the inaugural event five years ago.
It’s wonderful to see business and community leaders come together in appreciation for these agencies, as officers are the ones who respond to their businesses, do checks to ensure that their businesses are secure, and are the ones who respond to all emergencies, whether it’s commercial or residential. Be thankful they’re there when you call.
Officers take a lot of heat in this community for what usually boils down to them just doing their jobs and enforcing the law. People seem to want laws enforced, just not on them, as they have a perfectly good reason for speeding/running a red light/texting/etc. But as upsetting as being stopped may be, the alternative is far more so.
Think about not having law enforcement patrolling neighborhoods, businesses, and the highways in the community. It’s not a pleasant thought. So if you are going to the dinner this week, make sure you personally thank an officer for what they do every day to keep the community safe, and if you aren’t going, take the time to thank officers for protecting the public every day, even if that officer is writing you a ticket at the time. If it makes you slow down and obey the law, it’s worth it.
Business Roundup
The new Publix location finally broke ground this week off Inner Perimeter Road. Located behind the Murphy’s Oil, next to WalMart, the grocery story is projected for a fall opening.
The new Factor X Fitness is preparing for its opening soon as the building housing it is receiving extensive renovations. It will be located between Mori and Harvey’s on Norman Drive.
There is a new children’s clothing store in town to replace the two that recently closed. Rockin’ Robin Children’s Boutique is located in the Summit Pointe shopping center off of Inner Perimeter Road. They offer newborn through tween clothing, shoes and accessories.
I understand that First America Drugs on Northside sold the pharmacy side of its business to Walgreens and is referring all customers to the drugstore chain.
The new Catfish House special Friday and Saturday night dinners began this weekend at the O’Neal’s Buffet on North Ashley Street.
There is a new store called Vixen on Baytree Road, located in the Village on Baytree.
It looks like Action Motor Sports and Hobby closed down on North Ashley Street. The business specialized in remote control race cars, etc.
The new Zaxby’s on St. Augustine is all bricked in now so the outside is nearly finished. The inside shouldn’t take more than a few weeks, so looking at a spring opening.
A reader let me know that it looks like Rascal’s on Highway 41 S. towards Lake Park may be re-opening soon.
And the Bayou Bills on Jerry Jones Drive is under new ownership but I don’t believe there are supposed to be any major changes to the business.
Congratulations to Beijing Cafe, who was just named to the Top 100 Chinese Restaurants in the country by Chinese Restaurant News magazine!
That’s about it for this week, but if there’s something I missed, please let me know!
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