Daily Archives: March 2, 2026

Datacenter Special Exception Public Hearing @ Irwin County Commission 2026-03-02

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The next stop is the Irwin County Commission, tonight, Monday, March 2, 2026, at 5:45 PM, in the same location, the Irwin County Courthouse, 301 South Irwin Avenue, Ocilla, Ga. 31774.

I asked the Interim Chief Appraiser for any new packet materials since all four Planning Commissioners present voted to recommend approval of the proposed Special Exception for the Data Center near Irwinville, last Thursday, February 26, 2026.

She said there are no new materials. So where is all that transparency promised by the applicants last Thursday?

[Datacenter Special Exception Public Hearing @ Irwin County Commission, 5:45 PM, 2026-02-03]
Datacenter Special Exception Public Hearing @ Irwin County Commission, 5:45 PM, 2026-02-03

The proposed location is on Ponderosa Drive, Irwinville, Georgia 31783, quite near the Alapaha River. And of course over the Floridan Aquifer, from which we all drink, for our houses, businesses, and farms.

You’ve already seen the extremely thin board packet for the Planning Commission for item IC-SE-01-2026.

The one agenda sheet received from the Interim Chief Appraiser in response to an open records request is on the WWALS website. Continue reading →

Interview: Trails4Valdosta 2026-02-16

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She wants to make 2026 the Year of Outdoor Recreation in Lowndes County. Sound like a fine idea!

Suwannee Riverkeeper John S. Quarterman interviewed Brianna Schawalder about Trails4Valdosta, where her group is clearing hurricane debris from trails in Langdale Park. That’s Trails4Valdosta on Instagram, or trails4valdosta@gmail.com.

[Interview: trails4valdosta, Brianna Schawalder, Langdale Park, 2026-02-16]
Interview: trails4valdosta, Brianna Schawalder, Langdale Park, 2026-02-16

That’s on the Withlacoochee River, off of Hyta Mederer Drive, from North Valdosta Road (US 41), I-75 Exit 22, just west of Valdosta, Georgia. Most of the trails are in Lowndes County, but not in Valdosta. The park extends south slightly past Three Mile Branch, which drains much of North Valdosta Road, as well as Five Points, where the roundabouts are going in.

Here is the interview video:

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1270068585041228/

https://www.instagram.com/p/DVYv6PfiNnt/

https://youtu.be/-rqGj-VcylU

This is the map I referred to, with trails walked by Sev Williams: Continue reading →