The city of Valdosta is turning 150 years old this year, with events and activities planned throughout the year to commemorate the city’s founding.
Valdosta and its leadership have changed dramatically over those years, as the city has grown, doubled and tripled in size. The once sleepy railroad town best known for its cotton and turpentine is now a full-fledged Southern city, a jewel of Georgia, and a destination unto itself.
The location of the interstate through the city in the 1960s certainly helped make the community what it is today, but there are so many other factors that have helped put Valdosta on the map.
Moody Air Force Base has brought military personnel in and out for more than 50 years, many of whom have chosen to stay and make the city their home.
Valdosta State University has added culture through the arts, the symphony and the theatre, and by attracting thousands of students from across the region who will forever carry a piece of Valdosta with them wherever they go.
Having a state-of-the-art hospital, excellent restaurants and shopping, the city has been able to continuously attract visitors and new residents from a wide expanse of Florida and Georgia.
With the addition of Wild Adventures and its continued success, the city of Valdosta’s businesses have benefited tremendously, as has the tourism industry in the area.
But at the heart of Valdosta, a thriving downtown and incredible people have taken this sleepy town to great heights, and there is more to come.
Join Mayor John Fretti on the steps of the Courthouse on Friday at 6 p.m., enjoy an evening of historic activities in Downtown Valdosta afterwards, and celebrate this beautiful and mature city of the South.
What We Think
What We Think: Happy Birthday, Valdosta!
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Shame in Berrien County
Unfortunately for Sherrie Williams of the Berrien County school-based health clinic, she talked to The Times and praised the program that she oversees. This pride in her work led to the loss of her job.
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Grading policy: A second chance?
In clarifying the Lowndes County Schools’ controversial grading policy, Superintendent Dr. Steve Smith spoke of second chances.
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Be up to any weather challenge
Georgia’s Severe Weather Awareness Week starts today and runs through Friday. The idea behind the week is to prepare Georgians for weather emergencies and how to keep these situations from becoming tragedies.
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Parents and schools
There is a lot of talk lately about school systems and grading policies, and how all of a child's problems come back to a lack of parenting. But is it really that simple? Can it be a case where the school systems are so focused on the problem few that the majority of students are ignored?
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Thumbs up, thumbs down
THUMBS UP: To Brooks County High School engineering and technology teacher Don Morgan and his students. They recently received national attention for their work with biodiesel fuel. They collect used cooking oil from area fast-food restaurants then process this oil into biodiesel. Morgan hopes to next interest the Brooks County school buses into running on the fuel created in his class. This classroom not only prepares students for the future but may prepare all of us for an alternative energy source.
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Take me out to the ball park
The Valdosta State baseball season begins today. The Blazers host Lindenwood at 2:30 p.m. Nothing beats quality baseball played in warm weather with a great venue like Billy Grant Field.
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What We Think: Signing Day
Wednesday was National Signing Day, the day when high school athletes across the country make official announcements about what school they’ve chosen to sign with.
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School policy fails expectations
Lowndes County Schools recently implemented new grading guidelines for students. These guidelines have left many parents upset ...
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Just the facts, please
The Times has taken some hits this weekend following the reporting of the Rev. Floyd Rose’ rally on Saturday concerning the car which drove into a home, killing an infant on New Year’s, and an incident at Pinevale Learning Center. Some police officers think the VDT is not being fair, and Rose accused the VDT of not printing the facts, but the facts are as follows:
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Fathers teaching daughters
It began as a small gathering for fathers and daughters. It has become one of Valdosta’s most popular social events of the year.
Several years ago, Jeff Stewart co-founded the event with his wife, Becky, as a way for him to give a special night to his two daughters. Other fathers of First Presbyterian Church liked the idea and the Father-Daughter Valentine Dance was born. - More What We Think Headlines
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Shame in Berrien County
