Waycross Georgia City Manager

Good morning,

Our Public Works team has been out throughout the city addressing debris, drainage concerns, and other issues resulting from this past weekend's storm activity. We appreciate their hard work and dedication as they continue to respond to storm-related needs while maintaining essential city services.

We do want residents to be aware that storm response operations often require us to shift personnel, equipment, and resources away from routine activities. As a result, some regularly scheduled operations such as vegetation management, right-of-way maintenance, routine cleaning, and other non-emergency tasks may experience temporary delays.

This is one of the many challenges local governments face following significant weather events. Our priority is always public safety first, followed by restoring normal operations as quickly as possible.

We appreciate your patience and understanding as our crews work through the additional workload. If you encounter storm-related issues that need attention, please continue to report them through the appropriate channels so they can be assessed and prioritized accordingly.

As always, thank you to our Public Works employees who are often working behind the scenes to keep our community safe and functioning.

K.I.N.G. — Knowledge, Investment, Nurture, Growth = Stronger Communities.

The 417, where we make it happen.

Good morning,

We are asking for a little community assistance.

As many of you know, a large portion of our community consists of older adults and residents with mobility challenges who rely on motorized shopping carts to complete everyday tasks. These carts help them maintain their independence and safely access groceries, medications, and other necessities.

Unfortunately, there are only a limited number of carts available at each store. We have received concerns that many of these carts are being used by young people who do not need them, often while unsupervised. While this may seem harmless, it can result in an elderly resident or someone with a legitimate mobility issue being forced to wait or struggle to shop without the assistance they need.

We are simply asking for the community's help in educating our young people about the intended purpose of these carts. A quick conversation from a parent, grandparent, teacher, mentor, or neighbor can make a big difference. By showing consideration for others, we can ensure these resources remain available for those who truly depend on them.

Strong communities are built when we look out for one another, especially our seniors and those facing physical challenges. Thank you for helping us spread this message and for continuing to make our community a place where respect and kindness matter.

K.I.N.G. — Knowledge, Investment, Nurture, Growth = Stronger Communities.

The 417, where we make it happen.

Good afternoon,

We encourage everyone to attend. The Southern Georgia Regional Commission (SGRC) provides a wide range of valuable services that benefit our shared community, from transportation and shuttle assistance to grant funding, planning, economic development, and support for local governments.

This is a great opportunity to learn more about the many ways SGRC contributes to improving the quality of life throughout our region and to better understand the impact they have on Waycross and the surrounding communities.

K.I.N.G. – Knowledge, Investment, Nurture, Growth = Stronger Communities.

The 417 – Where We Make It Happen.

You’re invited to join us this Thursday for the regular SGRC Council meeting at 11:00 a.m. at the SGRC Waycross Office.

The meeting is open to the public, and we welcome council members, local officials, community partners, and guests from across the region to attend.

Please note: The SGRC Executive Committee will meet prior to the regular meeting at 10:00 a.m.

📅 Thursday, June 25, 2026
📍 SGRC Waycross Office
1725 South Georgia Parkway West
Waycross, GA 31503

We look forward to seeing you there!

The "PW", always doing the work.

Good morning,

We are following up with this post based on questions we received from an earlier discussion about homeowners insurance and preparing for storms.

Over the past few years, we have shared many of these resources before, but we wanted to provide them again because they may help someone in our community. While the City of Waycross does not administer these programs or determine eligibility, we are always willing to help point residents in the right direction whenever we can.

If you own your home and need repairs, you may want to look into the following programs:

🏠 Rebuilding Together Waycross
Provides assistance with critical home repairs for many seniors, veterans, people with disabilities, and qualifying low-income homeowners.
📞 Phone: 912-285-8513
🌐 Website: https://rebuildingtogetherwaycross.weebly.com

🏠 USDA Section 504 Home Repair Program
May provide low-interest loans and grants for qualifying homeowners to make needed repairs or remove health and safety hazards.
📞 Phone: 706-552-2541
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/single-family-housing-programs/single-family-housing-repair-loans-grants-17

🏠 Action Pact – Waycross Office
Provides Weatherization Assistance and other services that may help eligible residents improve the safety and energy efficiency of their homes.
📍 Address: 510 Tebeau Street, Waycross, GA 31501
📞 Phone: 912-285-6083
🌐 Website: https://myactionpact.org

🏠 Georgia Weatherization Assistance Program
Offers energy-saving improvements for qualifying households through local providers.
📞 Phone: 404-584-1000
🌐 Website: https://gefa.georgia.gov/weatherization-assistance-program

🏠 Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) Housing Programs
Offers homeowner rehabilitation opportunities through certain local governments and nonprofit partners when funding is available.
🌐 Website: https://dca.georgia.gov

🏠 FEMA Disaster Assistance (When available following federally declared disasters)
May provide assistance for eligible homeowners with disaster-related damage.
📞 Phone: 1-800-621-3362
🌐 Website: https://www.disasterassistance.gov

🏠 Georgia Department of Veterans Service – Waycross Office
Veterans may qualify for home modification or accessibility assistance through federal and state programs.
📍 Address: 415 Lott Street, Waycross, GA 31501
📞 Phone: 912-285-6340
🌐 Website: https://veterans.georgia.gov

Please remember that every program has different eligibility requirements, and funding is often limited. Most programs require you to own and live in the home, and some are based on income, age, veteran status, disability status, or the type of repairs needed.

We know many families are dealing with rising insurance costs, inflation, and the expense of maintaining their homes. We hope sharing these resources helps connect residents with assistance that may make a difference.

If you have questions, feel free to contact City Hall. We may not have every answer, but we will do our best to connect you with the appropriate organization or resource.

K.I.N.G. – Knowledge, Investment, Nurture, Growth = Stronger Communities.

The 417 – Where We Make It Happen.

Rebuilding Together Waycross Rebuilding Together Waycross provides free assistance to people who own their home but who, because of physical limitation or income, are not able to cover the costs of home repair. Typically,...

Good afternoon,

A strong community is not built by government alone. It is built by neighbors who care about one another and are willing to give their time, talents, and compassion to help those in need.

As the City continues working to improve our neighborhoods, we have learned something important: not every blighted property is the result of someone refusing to take care of it.

In fact, we estimate that about one-third of the property owners we work with genuinely want to fix their homes but face challenges beyond their control. Some are dealing with financial hardship, health problems, probate or inheritance issues, title complications, or simply cannot find or afford a contractor. These residents do not need punishment—they need support.

Support from our K.I.N.G initiative. It is important to understand that this is a community-led program. The City's role is simply to bring people together, connect volunteers with those in need, and encourage partnerships throughout Waycross. The real work—and the real impact—will come from residents, churches, civic organizations, nonprofits, local businesses, and volunteers working together for the good of our community.

K – Knowledge

The first step is understanding the problem. When we take the time to learn about the challenges our neighbors face, we stop making assumptions and start finding solutions. Sometimes all a family needs is a helping hand and someone willing to listen.

I – Investment

We are asking our community to invest in Waycross—not just with money, but with time and service. Our goal is to recruit 100 volunteers who are willing to help residents who want to improve their properties but cannot do it alone.

Whether you can paint, cut grass, trim bushes, make small repairs, clean up debris, or simply lend a hand, your time can make a real difference.

N – Nurture

When neighbors work together, entire neighborhoods benefit. A weekend spent cleaning a yard, repairing a porch, or connecting a family with available resources can restore pride, improve safety, and give hope to someone who may feel overwhelmed.

G – Growth

Our vision goes beyond one cleanup day. We hope this program grows into a long-term community partnership modeled after organizations like Habitat for Humanity, where volunteers, local businesses, churches, nonprofits, civic groups, and residents work side by side to strengthen our city.

By building this network of support, we can solve problems before they become bigger challenges and create opportunities for families across Waycross.

We Need 100 Volunteers

Today, we are asking 100 people to stand with us and become part of the solution. If each volunteer gives just a small amount of time, together we can make a meaningful impact on the first group of homeowners who simply need support—not punishment.

This is not about the City doing the work. It is about neighbors helping neighbors and our community coming together to solve problems that no one person or organization can solve alone. The City is simply helping coordinate the effort and connect those willing to serve with those who need assistance.

📅 Join Us for the First K.I.N.G. Volunteer Meeting

To kick off this initiative, the first K.I.N.G. Volunteer Meeting will be held on Wednesday, July 2, at 5:00 p.m. in the City Commission Chambers.

If you are interested in volunteering, partnering as a local business or organization, or simply learning more about the program, we encourage you to

Send a message to learn more

Good afternoon,

Animal Management Community Follow-Up Meeting

Over the past several months, the City has met with residents, volunteers, rescue groups, and other community members to talk about ways to improve animal management in Waycross. We appreciate everyone who has taken the time to share ideas and ask questions.

As a follow-up to those community conversations, we invite you to join us for a public meeting on Wednesday, July 23, at 5:00 p.m. in the City Commission Chambers.

At this meeting, we will continue discussing the City's Animal Management Plan and gather additional feedback from the community before moving forward.

Topics will include:

* Pet registration
* Microchipping pets for identification
* Spay and neuter programs to help reduce the number of stray animals
* Volunteer opportunities and ways residents can help
* Long-term plans to improve animal welfare and encourage responsible pet ownership

We want this plan to reflect the needs and ideas of our community. Your input is important, and we encourage everyone who is interested to attend.

📅 Date: Wednesday, July 23
🕔 Time: 5:00 p.m.
📍 Location: City Commission Chambers

If you cannot attend, please contact your District Commissioner. They can share your questions, comments, and ideas during the meeting and help make sure your voice is heard.

Thank you to everyone who has participated so far. By working together, we can create a plan that protects our community, supports responsible pet owners, and improves the lives of animals in Waycross.

K.I.N.G. – Knowledge, Investment, Nurture, Growth = Stronger Communities.

The 417 – Where We Make It Happen.

Send a message to learn more

Good afternoon,

This weekend reminded us all how quickly Mother Nature can change our plans.

First and foremost, we are incredibly grateful that no one in our community was seriously hurt during this weekend's adverse weather. While some property damage was reported, we are thankful that lives were spared.

A tremendous amount of rain fell across our city, our neighboring communities, and much of Georgia. We are lifting up our sister cities in prayer as many experienced severe damage to their infrastructure, streets, roads, and residential homes. We know the road to recovery will not be easy, and our thoughts are with every family and community impacted.

Events like these are also an important reminder of why homeowner's insurance matters. We recognize that times are tough and many families are doing everything they can just to make ends meet. However, based on what our region has experienced over the past several years, having adequate insurance coverage is one of the best ways to protect your family and your investment when disaster strikes.

While homeowner's insurance may seem like an expense you can postpone, the cost of replacing a roof, repairing wind damage, or rebuilding after a storm can be many times greater than the annual premium. If the monthly cost is difficult to manage, we encourage you to speak with a local insurance agent about higher deductibles or basic coverage options that may better fit your budget rather than going completely uninsured. If you have been unable to obtain coverage through the standard insurance market, you may also want to explore the Georgia Underwriting Association (GUA), which serves as the state's insurer of last resort for eligible homeowners.

We also want to remind everyone to stay away from our canal systems during and immediately after heavy rain. The water can move much faster than it appears and can become extremely dangerous within seconds. The same is true for standing water in roadways, ditches, and low-lying areas. Please do not allow children to play near flooded areas, and never attempt to walk or drive through water when you cannot see what is underneath.

If your home or property sustained weather-related damage, here are a few important steps:

• Take photos and videos of the damage before beginning cleanup.
• Contact your homeowner's insurance company as soon as possible to start a claim.
• Keep receipts for emergency repairs and temporary lodging if you are displaced.
• If local, state, or federal disaster assistance becomes available, monitor official announcements from emergency management agencies for application information.
• If you have immediate safety concerns, such as downed power lines or hazardous conditions, contact the appropriate emergency services and utility providers.

For residents who do not have homeowner's insurance, please do not lose hope. Assistance may still become available depending on the severity of the disaster. We encourage you to:

• Contact your local emergency management office to report damage and learn about available resources.
• Reach out to local faith-based organizations, nonprofit groups, and community organizations that often assist families with cleanup supplies, temporary shelter, food, or other immediate needs.
• If a state or federal disaster declaration is approved, apply for available assistance programs as soon as they open, as some aid may be available even for uninsured homeowners.
• Keep photographs of all damage and save receipts for any emergency expenses or repairs, as they may be needed when applying for assistance.

As always, our City teams will continue working to address storm-related issues and keep our community safe. Thank you to our Police, Fire, Public Works, utility crews, first responders, and the many residents who checked on neighbors and helped one another throughout the weekend.

Storms remind us that we cannot control the weather, but we can prepare for it. A little planning today can make a tremendous difference tomorrow.

K.I.N.G. – Knowledge, Investment, Nurture, Growth = Stronger Communities.

The 417 – Where We Make It Happen.

Send a message to learn more

Good afternoon, everyone.

As adverse weather moves into our area, we are asking residents to please stay home unless travel is absolutely essential. Limiting unnecessary travel helps keep you safe and allows emergency personnel to respond more quickly to those who truly need assistance.

If you must be on the road, please remember:

Treat all inoperable traffic signals as four-way stops. Every driver must come to a complete stop and proceed only when it is safe to do so.

Drive slowly and with caution. Heavy rain can significantly reduce visibility and increase stopping distances.

Never drive through standing water. What appears to be a shallow puddle may be much deeper than it looks, and your vehicle could become stalled or swept into a dangerous situation.

Treat every downed power line as if it is energized. Stay away from the area and report it to the appropriate utility provider or emergency services. Never attempt to move or drive over a downed line.

We also want residents to understand how our drainage system works. The City's canal system is designed to move water quickly, and in many cases it can effectively handle sustained rainfall totals in the 2 to 4 inch range. However, when rainfall amounts begin reaching 4 to 6 inches or more, it takes additional time for that water to move through the system. During those periods, temporary ponding or localized flooding may occur before conditions improve.

Please be patient, remain alert, and allow our Police, Fire, Public Works, and utility crews the space they need to safely perform their duties. Your cooperation helps protect not only yourself but the entire community.

Stay safe, check on your neighbors when you can do so safely, and continue to monitor official weather updates throughout the day.

K.I.N.G. – Knowledge, Investment, Nurture, Growth = Stronger Communities.

The 417 – Where We Make It Happen.

Good afternoon, everyone. We are requesting that residents limit travel as the advised severe weather moves through our area. If you do not need to be on the road, please stay home until conditions improve.

Please do not drive through standing water, avoid downed power lines and fallen trees, and use extreme caution while traveling. Remember, even shallow floodwaters can be dangerous, and downed power lines should always be treated as energized.

We also ask that you allow our Police, Fire, Public Works, and utility crews the space they need to safely perform their duties and respond to emergencies.

Your patience and cooperation help keep both our community and our first responders safe.

K.I.N.G. – Knowledge, Investment, Nurture, Growth = Stronger Communities.
The 417 – Where We Make It Happen.