Donalsonville Downtown Development Authority

06/10/2026

📢 NOW HIRING: Downtown Development Director

The Donalsonville Downtown Development Board is now accepting applications for the position of Downtown Development Director.

We are seeking an energetic, self-motivated leader with a vision for the future of downtown Donalsonville. The ideal candidate will be a strong communicator, enjoy working with the public, and possess the ability to build relationships, coordinate projects, and promote downtown growth and revitalization.

While a degree in economic development is not required, experience in economic development, downtown revitalization, Main Street programs, marketing, event coordination, grant administration, or related fields is a plus.

This is a part-time position offering an exciting opportunity to help shape the future of our community while working alongside local businesses, property owners, city leadership, and community stakeholders.

Applications may be picked up and returned at Donalsonville City Hall.

Applicants may also apply online using the following form:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfaCmom7dZfyJrl7KnMnuHx5bXDWDtx5ud_7QYLRtmVCOixVA/viewform?usp=publish-editor

If you have a passion for community development and want to make a lasting impact on downtown Donalsonville, we encourage you to apply.

06/09/2026

🌟 Talk It Up Tuesday: Piggly Wiggly Food For Less 🌟

This week, we're proud to spotlight a business that has become a cornerstone of our community—Piggly Wiggly Food For Less in Donalsonville!

The story began in 2001 when the McDaniel family opened the original Piggly Wiggly in the Midtown Shopping Center. Owned by W.R. McDaniel and Kevin McDaniel, with Irving McLendon serving as the first Store Manager, the business quickly became a trusted place for local families to shop.

In 2009, the McDaniel family took a bold step forward by constructing a new 26,000-square-foot store at its current location on South Tennille Avenue. Along with the move came the introduction of the Piggly Wiggly Food For Less concept—a deep-discount grocery format designed to provide exceptional value to customers. The concept proved tremendously successful, leading Kevin, Tonya, and Cody McDaniel to expand the model into 13 additional locations. Today, the company proudly operates 14 stores across three states, with Donalsonville serving as the flagship location.

The store's success has been built by dedicated leadership over the years. The new location first operated under the management of the late Felton Dickerson before leadership transitioned to Michael Ready, who now serves as Director of Retail Merchandising for all 14 locations.

Most recently, the store celebrated the retirement of one of its most beloved leaders, Weyman “Buck” Buckhalter. Buck joined the company in 2005 and spent nearly two decades serving customers, mentoring employees, and investing in the community. His legacy of hard work and dedication continues to inspire those who follow in his footsteps.

Today, the Donalsonville store is led by an exceptional management team:• Tameka King – Store Manager• Mike Colgan – Produce Manager• Tyrone Ferguson – Meat Manager• Adrian Sheffield – Deli Manager• Darlene McLendon – Pricing & Customer Service Manager• Tyreke Daniels – Grocery Manager• Lane Durden – Perishables Manager

What truly sets this store apart is its people. Many Donalsonville employees have some of the longest tenures in the entire company. Their loyalty, dedication, and commitment to customer service have helped make Piggly Wiggly Food For Less a place where customers are greeted with friendly faces and hometown hospitality every day.

Beyond groceries, Piggly Wiggly Food For Less has been a tremendous community partner. The company has consistently supported local organizations, including FFA programs, school athletics, the Seminole County Chamber of Commerce, and countless community events. Their commitment to giving back reflects the values that have guided the business since day one.

Looking ahead, the company is preparing for America's 250th Anniversary celebration with plans for a major community event featuring Rib-Fest and several exciting promotions and activities that promise to bring people together and celebrate our community spirit.

From its humble beginnings in the Midtown Shopping Center to becoming the flagship store of a growing 14-store operation, Piggly Wiggly Food For Less continues to embody the values of family ownership, customer service, community involvement, and exceptional value.

Thank you to the McDaniel family, the management team, and every employee who helps make Piggly Wiggly Food For Less such an important part of Donalsonville and Seminole County. We appreciate all you do to serve our community!

06/04/2026

Today, I am sharing some bittersweet news.

After much prayer and consideration, I have made the decision to step down from my role as Director of the Donalsonville Downtown Development Authority.

Serving this community has been one of the greatest honors of my professional life. Over the past several years, I have had the privilege of working alongside dedicated business owners, community leaders, volunteers, city officials, and residents who care deeply about the future of Donalsonville. Together, we have celebrated successes, faced challenges, pursued new opportunities, and worked to strengthen and revitalize our downtown.

I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished and even more hopeful about what lies ahead. Donalsonville is filled with hardworking people, rich history, and tremendous potential. I firmly believe the best days for our community are still to come. The foundation that has been laid over the past several years positions downtown for continued growth, and I am excited to see what the future holds.

While I have submitted my resignation, I will remain in my role for the next couple of months to assist with the search for a new director and help ensure a smooth transition. My goal is to do everything I can to equip the next leader for success and provide continuity as the organization moves forward.

While this chapter is coming to a close, my love for Donalsonville and my commitment to its success remain unchanged. I will continue to cheer on the progress being made and support efforts that help our community grow and thrive.

To everyone who has encouraged me, partnered with me, and trusted me along the way—thank you. Your friendship, support, and belief in our shared vision have meant more than I can express.

It has truly been a privilege to serve this community, and I will always be grateful for the opportunity.

With sincere appreciation,

Tori Gravlee

06/02/2026

🌟 Talk It Up Tuesday 🌟

This week, we’re proud to spotlight a true Donalsonville institution—Burke Insurance Agency & Burke Realty!

For more than 40 years, Burke Insurance Agency and Burke Realty have been serving Seminole County with integrity, professionalism, and a genuine commitment to helping their neighbors. What began in 1983 when Joe Burke opened Burke Insurance Agency has grown into a trusted family business that has helped generations of local families protect their assets and find the perfect place to call home.

In 1988, Joe expanded his vision by founding Burke Realty, bringing the same dedication and personal service to the real estate industry. Together with his wife, Beverly Burke—who became the agency’s first insurance and real estate agent—the couple built a reputation founded on trust, honesty, and community involvement.

Following Joe’s passing in 2023, his son, Jeremy Burke, proudly continued the family legacy by purchasing the business and carrying forward the values that have made Burke a household name in Donalsonville. Today, the team includes dedicated professionals such as Rachel Ward, one of the area’s top real estate agents, and Sheryl Rogers, who leads the insurance division with expertise and care. The family tradition continues as Joe’s grandson, Jeb Burke, also lends a hand during his college summer breaks.

Burke Insurance Agency offers a full range of insurance services, including life, auto, health, property, farm, commercial, and personal coverage, as well as Lost Title Bonds and other bonding services. Their mission goes beyond finding competitive rates—they take the time to educate customers so they fully understand their coverage and protection.

Whether you’re buying your first home, selling property, protecting your farm, or planning for your family’s future, Burke Realty and Burke Insurance Agency are ready to help with decades of local knowledge and exceptional customer service.

📍 210 S. Woolfork Avenue, Donalsonville, GA 39845
📞 (229) 524-8209

Thank you to Jeremy, Rachel, Sheryl, and the entire Burke team for your continued investment in our community and for serving Donalsonville with excellence for over four decades!

05/26/2026

💬 TALK IT UP TUESDAY 💬

This week, we’re proud to spotlight PeoplesSouth Bank — a hometown bank committed to serving our community with excellence, experience, and personal customer service.

Established in 1973 in Colquitt, Georgia, and opening their Donalsonville branch in 2008, PeoplesSouth Bank has built a strong reputation for treating every customer with care and respect. Their mission is simple: provide the best customer service possible while making sure everyone is treated the same.

The Donalsonville branch alone offers nearly 90 years of combined banking experience and provides a full range of financial services including:
✔️ Checking & Savings Accounts
✔️ Competitive CD Rates
✔️ Commercial & Consumer Loans
✔️ Mortgages
✔️ IRA Products
✔️ Agricultural Lending Services

Their dedicated Donalsonville team includes:• Bradley M. Grantham – Branch Manager & Vice President• Denver Davis – Agriculture Lender• Cindy Worsley – Bank IRA Specialist• Sue Anne Grimsley – Customer Service Representative• Kelly Jones – Loan Assistant• Natalie Ward – Teller

Thank you, PeoplesSouth Bank, for investing in our community and providing trusted financial services to the people of Donalsonville!

05/25/2026

05/19/2026

🔨✨ TALK IT UP TUESDAY ✨🔨

This week we’re proud to spotlight Ace Hardware of Donalsonville — celebrating 25 years in business this July! 🎉

Ace Hardware has become a trusted hometown destination by offering so much more than just hardware. They carry a full line of hardware, plumbing, and electrical supplies, along with a beautiful garden center featuring live plants and décor. They also provide swimming pool testing and supplies to help keep your summer ready to enjoy. 🌿🏡☀️

In addition, Ace Hardware offers Georgia and Rocky boots, propane refills, and serves as a FRM feed dealer — helping meet the needs of homeowners, farmers, and hardworking families throughout our community. 👢🌾

What truly makes Ace Hardware special is their dedication to customer service and their commitment to the Donalsonville community. For 25 years, they have worked to serve customers with care while remaining a strong community-driven business that appreciates the support this area has shown them over the years.

Thank you, Ace Hardware of Donalsonville, for 25 years of service, support, and investment in our community! ❤️

Be sure to stop by, shop local, and help congratulate them on this incredible milestone! 🎊

05/12/2026

✨ TALK IT UP TUESDAY ✨

This week we’re excited to spotlight one of Downtown Donalsonville’s most beautiful historic treasures — The Osceola Hotel & Event Center! ❤️

The Osceola offers a beautiful and versatile space for every occasion — from gender reveals, bridal showers, baby showers, birthday parties, weddings, and so much more. Whether you’re planning a small gathering or a large celebration, this stunning venue provides the perfect backdrop right in the heart of downtown.

Built sometime between 1901 and 1905, The Osceola operated as a hotel until around 1974. After 4½ years of renovations, this incredible 18,000-square-foot historic building is now almost completely restored — blending timeless character with modern comfort and bringing new life to a cornerstone of Donalsonville history.

The hotel currently offers 10 guest rooms, with three additional rooms nearing completion. With graduation season approaching, The Osceola still has rooms available for out-of-town guests! If you have family and friends visiting, this is the perfect opportunity for them to experience a stay filled with history, charm, and Southern hospitality.

📍 205 S. Wiley Ave, Donalsonville, GA
📞 (229) 205-9347

Be sure to support local, book your next event, and TALK IT UP! ✨

05/10/2026

Honoring all mothers today!