Hello Valdosta! Hope your coffee tastes especially good this morning. In today’s bring-the-kiddos edition: Maritime defense expansion, summer funfest, and meet and greet Princess Tiana + excuses to get the fam out and about this week.
Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC bill: If your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's 50% off right now.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
Maritime defense expansion: Blue Ops will invest $30 million to expand its Valdosta facility on July 1, 2027, developing unmanned surface vessels and bringing 200 new jobs to Valdosta -- see the expansion plans.
Regional care network grows: PruittHealth expanded home health services in South Georgia on Monday, adding Valdosta, Tifton, Vidalia, and Albany, a move to reach more families with in-home care across the region -- see the care network growth.
Family-friendly day out: Summer Funfest will brighten Children’s Imagination Station on July 1, 10am to 5pm, with discounted $10 admission, face painting, specialized crafts, and free popcorn for all ages -- see what’s included.
Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.*
The bill all retirees should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $600 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium in half -- this free comparison tool makes it easy.*
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02 — From our sponsor Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC billIf your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's 50% off right now.* |
03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Save Your Sanity: When the weather or your toddler’s zoomies take over, Adventure Town Indoor Playground is the easy win for climbing, sliding, and imaginative play. Pop in this week for a clean, comfy, local lifesaver that gives littles room to roam while you catch your breath.
Instant plant happiness: From porch spruce-ups to backyard overhauls, The Urban Garden hooks you up with healthy plants, trees, and real-deal local advice so they thrive after you bring them home. Pop into downtown this week, pick a leafy new roommate, and let your space feel a little more... you.
Easy outdoor win: When you need a breather close to home, Wood Valley Park delivers with a playground, a covered picnic shelter with restrooms and a grill, plus a paved walking track for stroller laps or quick steps. This week, pack a snack, let the kids roam, and call it a reset.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
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Buy one window treatment this summer, get the second 50% off: “My fourth order over 8 years. Product reliability, consistency to values & warranty kept me returning!” See what keeps customers coming back to 3 Day Blinds. Book your free consultation and enjoy summer savings on blinds, shades, and drapery. *Claim your summer savings →
Carrying $5,000 or more on your cards? Stop the interest charges: A balance that size racks up interest fast, and at today's rates it barely budges no matter how much you pay. This card gives you 0% intro APR until 2028 on balance transfers (made in the first 60 days), with a $0 annual fee. That means almost two years to pay down what you owe with no interest charges. *See if it's a fit →
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Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Fun for the famOur favorite upcoming kid and family-friendly events. All events are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🐄 Create a Farm Animal Magnet @ Valdosta Mall | Thursday (6/25) at 10:00 AM – Summer survival tip for Valdosta parents and grandparents: duck into Valdosta Mall, let the Kid Club turn your brood into farm animal magnet artists, and enjoy the blessed A/C. New craft every session, a keepsake for the fridge, and a rare pocket of peace.
🎨 Glow Paint Night @ Cottonwood Market & Boutique | Thursday (6/25) at 6:00 PM – This glow-in-the-dark paint night turns your crew into artists under black lights, great music, and step-by-step guidance. Family friendly for ages 8+, with 11x14 canvases, an instructor, BYO snacks and drinks, and no skills required. Finally, a neon activity everyone agrees on.
🧺 Farmer’s Market @ Downtown Hahira | Saturday (6/27) at 9:00 AM – The Hahira Depot farmers market means fresh produce and neighbors with news. The Honey Hive makes its debut, so expect the good kind of sticky, real-deal sweetness, and a reason to linger. You can always claim you were there for greens, and plausible deniability.
👑 UDD Georgia 3rd Annual Red Hot Boom! Pageant @ VHS Performing Arts Center | Sunday (6/28) at 10:00 AM – Pageant season in Georgia means one thing, UDD Georgia’s Red Hot Boom is back for round three. Expect big smiles, bigger hair, and hometown talent strutting for the sash, all with that sweet blend of sparkle, side-eye, and small-town bragging rights.
👑 Meet and Greet Princess Tiana @ Adventure Town | Sunday (6/28) at 3:00 PM – Score some parent points with a quick royal meet-and-greet, Princess Tiana is holding court on Norman Drive. Snag a photo, let the kids live their bayou dreams, and remember, admission covers it, adult eyes on deck, and yes, everyone in socks.
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — From our sponsor Heads up for pet parentsTogether with our sponsor Lemonade. Nothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving. As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Pet Insurance. It was too late for me, but you could save thousands on your next vet bill with *Lemonade. |
07 — The Valdosta report Weather forecastToday — High: 90°F — Low: 70°F — Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 90. North northwest wind 0 to 5 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 70. North northwest wind 0 to 5 mph.
Tomorrow — High: 93°F — Low: 73°F — Precip: 11%
Sunny, with a high near 93. South southeast wind around 0 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 73. This house is wildThis spacious estate pairs quiet neighborhood charm with resort-style perks, including a front porch overlooking a private pond, a sparkling pool with a slide and new liner, and a detached pool house apartment. Inside, cathedral ceilings, bay windows, a skylit sunroom, granite kitchen, gas fireplace, and formal dining room bring comfort and flair.
Take a peek inside → |
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