OUR HISTORY
Lakeland was incorporated in 1925 and was named for its surroundings: first named Alapaha, after the Alapaha River, then Milltown because of the numerous mills in the area, and finally arriving at the name most descriptive of a region known as an outdoorsman’s paradise including Grand Bay Lake, Lake Irma, and Banks Lake.
In remembrance of its days as Milltown, over 30 life-size murals have been painted on downtown buildings, depicting citizens and landscapes from photographs circa the 1920s.
Georgia's historic mural city
Throughout Lakeland are 2D, life-size wall paintings called Milltown Murals. These murals depict the 1925 era when the city of Milltown was renamed Lakeland. Because of the murals, in 2006, Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue issued a proclamation naming Lakeland “Georgia’s Historical Mural City.”
When you visit the murals these days, you are able to hear the real life story by scanning the QR code at each location with your mobile device!
To learn more about the Milltown Murals & to download the guide, visit www.lakelandchamber.org/historic-city-murals
banks lake
Banks Lake is a natural Pocosin or Mill Pond. The 4049-acre site protects a unique environment and diverse wildlife. Whether fishing or paddling, or just watching the sunset from the pier, visitors to Banks Lake can enjoy a unique landscape dominated by moss-draped cypress ringed with water lilies. The best way to experience Banks Lake is from the water, and each season touches the lake with its own mood. Look closely at each tree. Dragonfly nymphs shed their larval skeletons on the cypress bark as they emerge from the water. Spider webs sparkle with dewdrops on a foggy morning. Songbirds and ospreys nest in the moss and treetops. Favored fishing holes yield bream and bass – and a few ten-pounders!
Over 30 years of tradition
Lakeland is renowned for its annual Flatlanders Frolic held at the Threatte Center. Its citizenry hosts an eclectic mix of arts and crafts vendors, a road race, a beauty pageant, and musicians. For over thirty years, the Flatlanders Frolic has been a cherished tradition in Lakeland, drawing visitors from all over the Southeast.
KEY NUMBERS
Lakeland-Lanier County Chamber of Commerce
8 S. Valdosta Road
Lakeland, GA 31635
229-482-9755
lakelandchamber.org
64 S Valdosta Road
Lakeland, GA 31635
229-482-3100
8151 Main Street
Ray City, GA 31645
229-455-2501
371 Gil Harbin Industrial Blvd.
Valdosta, GA 31601
229-333-5385/678-413-8400
dds.ga.gov
WINDSTREAM
1-800-347-1991
56 W. Main Street
Lakeland, GA 31635
229-482-2088
56 W. Main St
Lakeland, GA 31635
laniercountyboc.com
56 W. Main Street, Ste. 1
Lakeland, GA 31635
229-482-3795
15 S. Valdosta Road
Lakeland, GA 31635
1-800-275-8777
Georgia Power
888-660-5890
Slash Pine Electric
794 W. Dame Ave.
Homerville, GA 31634
912-487-5201
Georgia Natural Gas Services
877-850-6200
Infinite Energy Inc
877-342-5434
SCANA Energy
877-467-2622
True Natural Gas
770-502-0226
TRASH
Advanced Disposal (County Only)
229-244-2466
advanceddisposal.com
TRASH & WATER
City of Lakeland
64 S. Valdosta Road
Lakeland, GA 31635
229-482-3100
City of Ray City
8151 Main St.
Ray City, GA 31645
229-455-2501
911 – EMERGENCY
(police, fire, and ambulance)
LAKELAND POLICE DEPT
229-482-3309
RAY CITY POLICE DEPT
229-482-3545
LANIER COUNTY SHERRIF’S DEPT
229-482-3545
POLICE (NON-EMERGENCY)
Georgia State Patrol Post 31
229-333-5215
FBI (Non-Emergency)
Federal Bureau of Investigation
229-247-2292
GEORGIA BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
912-389-4103
POISON CONTROL
1-800-222-122
- 229-245-8383
- P.O. BOX 2414 Valdosta, GA 31604
- info@sgaconnections.com
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