A Message from the Mayor of Douglas

Hello, citizens of Douglas! On behalf of the City Commission, I would like to thank the Douglas city team and everyone for all they do and continue to provide for our community. We are a thankful and blessed community. Our community coming together is a testimony of what mankind can do when we all work for the good of everyone.

On September 27^th, our great city and community was faced with a disaster that we had never seen before. I was with the City Manager, EMA Director, public safety officials, and emergency officials, and saw firsthand what Hurricane Helene had done to our community. This is the most devastating disaster we have seen, it brought tears to our eyes to see such destruction in our Coffee County towns. One thing it did not do, was destroy our Faith - Faith in God and Faith in our Community.

Almost every single home in Douglas and Coffee County was in the dark. We had never seen anything like this destruction from Hurricane Helene, and what did we do? What we do best - We came together! We needed to meet the needs of our community. We sprang into action, collaborating with emergency personnel, officials, businesses, churches, volunteers, and individuals to organize disaster recovery for the entire community.

Our courageous linemen left their families in the dark to go to work for you. The City of Douglas, Satilla REMC, Georgia Power, and countless other fearless linemen from Georgia cities and counties and other States banded together to commence the restoration of the community's electric grid. We are urgently addressing power outages. On Friday, October 11, 2024, approximately 94% of city homes have their power restored, and we are working tirelessly to restore electricity to all homes. The dedicated teams of over 1,200 linemen continue to work diligently to repair electrical lines in Douglas and Coffee County. Numerous people whom we have never met have been here to assist in any way possible. The Red Cross, Salvation Army, and leaders in the community jump-started the organization of assistance. The United Cajun Navy, pilots, churches, and other organizations have provided meals and supplies and carried supplies to hard-hit areas and people who could not leave their homes. Businesses opened their doors for people to shower, pick up supplies, or wash clothes. At one point, Douglas and Coffee County was blessed so well with generosity that we paid it forward and sent assistance to neighboring counties. I commend each and every person who has worked before, during, and continues to work with recovery efforts, for your commitment to our community and its citizens. You all have our gratitude for your service to our community.

Lastly, I have seen our dedicated city team go out in the weather to restore utilities, feed thousands, help clean up debris, and witnessed our Youth Council (or PBJ Crew) learn what it truly means to be a public servant. I have been the Mayor of Douglas for 13 years, and as for the City Manager and the City of Douglas team, I am proud to serve city residents alongside each and every one of them.

I know it is easy to get frustrated and emotional about what has happened. You are not alone, and please know this: Our community will recover. As we continue to recover in the coming days and weeks, never lose faith in God and our community. We are working together to serve you.