Thomasville Insights

We sit down with City Manager Chris White for a midyear look at what’s moving in Thomasville and why the pace of work feels like a whirlwind. We break down the biggest budget in city history, the projects behind the road cones, and the practical ways you can get involved.

• record-setting operating and capital budgets and what progress looks like
• infill development district that unlocks hundreds of previously undevelopable parcels
• stormwater utility as a long-term way to fund drainage and runoff work
• downtown entertainment district rules, benefits, and early results
• Remington Avenue streetscape timeline, water main replacement, and retention pond impact
• Old Albany Road pedestrian safety improvements and GDOT partnership
• municipal building and auditorium renovation scope plus the upcoming temporary relocation
• parks, airport, landfill, sewer, and resurfacing projects across the city
• why current resurfacing funding creates a decades-long cycle and what could change it
• ways to serve on boards, watch meetings, and follow city updates online

Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast on your favorite listening app so you don’t miss an episode.

We sit down with Electric Distribution Superintendent Brent Alderman and URC Manager Drew Wharton to explain how Thomasville plans for hurricanes, responds to pop up storms, and brings the grid back safely. We break down what happens behind the scenes, from materials and mutual aid to the tough calls on priorities, communication, and crew fatigue. 
• long range hurricane preparation through materials, inventory, and staffing plans 
• what the Utility Response Center does as a 24/7 dispatch operation 
• why keeping a mobile number on your utility account helps notifications 
• how on call crews scale up during severe afternoon storms 
• what mutual aid is and how crews are deployed locally and regionally 
• why feeders and large outages get addressed before single homes 
• why radio communication and safety tags prevent deadly mistakes 

To learn more about the City of Thomasville, visit Thomasville.org or follow us on social media. 
Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast on your favorite listening app so you don't miss an episode.

On this episode, we interview History Center Curator Ephraim Rotter, who fills us in on some important local history and more.

Some of the topics include

• History Center Lunch and Learn updates plus what’s next 
• How Thomas County and Thomasville get their names 
• Why Lot 39 matters to the city’s beginning 
• Henry O. Flipper’s legacy through the wider Flipper family’s achievements 
• Why politicians and public figures choose to visit Thomasville 
• John F. Archbold’s local influence beyond building a hospital 
• Why does Thomasville have an odd street layout? 

To learn more about the city of Thomasville, visit Thomasville.org or follow us on social media.

We walk through the full Thomasville Rose Show and Festival weekend with Brandy Avery, including the new additions that make this year stand out. We also share important city reminders for April and a quick Thomasville history note tied to the bicentennial.

• Rose Show and Festival dates, start times, and what to expect across both days 
• Orchids on Parade ribbon cutting and where to go 
• Friday highlights include the Rose Parade, and the sounds of Motown for the street dance.
• Parade theme tied to the bicentennial plus entry expectations and bands.
• Saturday plans including the police car and truck show around the courthouse 
• Civic Garden Club tent performances and downtown entertainment throughout the day 
• Artisan market application and selection process plus floral-focused vendors 
• Rose Fest Finale concert and the 200 synchronized drone show 
• Behind-the-scenes coordination across Team Thomasville departments 
• Thomasville History Center did-you-know on the 1861 railroad connection 
• Spring clean events for safe disposal of bulky items and hazardous materials 
• Natural gas leakage survey timeline and what crews will be doing

Please be sure to visit Thomasville.org for all the details and for the schedule of events 
Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast on your favorite listening app so you don’t miss an episode

On this episode, we talk with Mark Harmon Executive Director of Inspections and Engineering. He shares updates from Remington and Old Albany Road construction. After the interview, we have history facts in honor of the Bicentennial. We hope you enjoy the show and thanks for tuning in!