Georgia Today Podcast – Episode Summary

Date: September 10, 2025
Host: Orlando Montoya (Georgia Public Broadcasting)
Main Topics: Potential changes in vaccine recommendations in Georgia, Union City’s new EV charging stations, hurricane preparedness in the face of possible FEMA changes, and additional local news stories.

Episode Overview

This Georgia Today episode explores key developments in Georgia’s public policy and community news, with a focus on how statewide vaccine recommendations might differ from CDC guidelines, how communities are adapting infrastructure for the future (such as EV charging and storm response), and the evolving landscape of hurricane preparedness amidst federal uncertainty. Notable voices include public health officials, local mayors, and policymakers, with a focus on how these decisions impact everyday Georgians.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Possible Changes in Georgia’s Vaccine Recommendations

Segment starts: 01:57

• Background:
  Due to a change in federal policy, most adults and children in Georgia have not been able to get newly updated COVID vaccines at local pharmacies without a prescription.
• State Perspective:
  The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH), led by Commissioner Kathleen Toomey, is awaiting CDC guidance before deciding on their own vaccine distribution plans.
• State Autonomy:
  • Kathleen Toomey:

    "If it is really out of line with what we feel is appropriate, given the science and epidemiologic trends as we know it, we can make decisions then." (02:20)

• Priorities:
  Toomey emphasized making vaccine access for Georgia’s children a top priority and stated she’s in ongoing talks with Governor Brian Kemp.

2. Union City Launches First Public EV Charging Stations

Segment starts: 04:22

• Event:
  Union City marked World Electric Vehicle Day by inaugurating eight Level 2 public charging stations—its first-ever.
• Funding/Partnership:
  The stations were funded through a federal initiative and partnerships with Georgia Power, which manages installation and maintenance for municipalities.
• Local Impact:
  • Mayor Vince Williams:

    "If we didn't do anything, we are doing a disservice to our community... So we wanted to make sure we did that." (04:43)

  • EV expansion will also include Union City's police and fire departments.

3. Hurricane Preparedness & FEMA Funding Concerns

Segment starts: 05:12

Valdosta’s Recovery from Hurricane Helene

Guest: Mayor Scott Mathieson

• State of Recovery:
  Valdosta is still managing long-term disaster recovery efforts nearly a year after Hurricane Helene.
  • Mathieson:

    "We're just now entering the long term recovery phase... For the next two years, we'll be organizing efforts, groups that will still once again descend on our community, offering to help all over again." (05:45)

• Preparedness Lessons:
  Despite extensive planning and rapid deployment (utilizing over 1,200 employees), Mathieson observed the limits of preparedness "when overwhelmed by the scale of disaster."
  • Mathieson:

    "You can't dig the Grand Canyon for stormwater and otherwise there's a lot that gets overwhelmed and there's just no level of preparing." (06:21)

Ongoing Financial Strain

• Major Concern:
  Valdosta is still waiting on $17 million in federal reimbursement.
  • Mathieson:

    "That's an expense we've already put out there... We might be approaching not a cash problem, but a cash flow problem..." (07:15)

• Federal Role:
  The shortfall, despite assurances of "100% reimbursement", highlights uncertainty about future disaster response funding, especially with potential FEMA cuts.
  • Mathieson:

    "If I get another storm, I truly do not know where that money's coming from. I will just have to change the expectation of our citizenry." (08:38)

• Praise for FEMA (to date):
  FEMA distributed $59 million directly to Valdosta residents, but Mathieson worries about future capacity.

Infrastructure Resilience

• Recent Project:
  Valdosta is investing in a new $32 million water treatment facility to double capacity and ensure core services during disasters.
  • Mathieson:

    "Through all the chaos, you could still flush a toilet and you could still go to your sink and have water... That was no easy feat." (09:43)

Community Partnerships

• Notable Relationships:
  Recovery required partnerships with faith-based groups, nonprofits, and volunteers (e.g., Samaritan’s Purse, Catfish Navy), praised for providing meals, labor, and support.
  • Mathieson:

    "Catfish Navy... came in and fed us for three days. Again, total strangers." (10:43)

  • Improved coordination with "Community Organizations Active in Disasters" (COAD) has eased emergency response.

Reflections on Commemoration

• On Anniversary Events:
  Mathieson shows aversion to celebrating disaster anniversaries:
  • Mathieson:

    "I just saw the 20 year anniversary of Katrina and a party and a street party and I was going no, that's not for me. I'd rather have it forgotten." (12:23)

4. Disaster Preparedness & Mental Health

Segment starts: 12:44

• Emotional Impact:
  Having robust infrastructure and clear relief plans helps reduce anxiety and protect residents’ mental health during hurricane season.
• Expert view:
  • Dr. Neha Pathak (Georgia Clinicians for Climate Action):

    "It can be a major lifeline to know that you have some community connection that's going to check in on you if there's a heat wave and your power goes out..." (13:12)

• Climate Change:
  Severe weather events are expected to increase, making advance preparation and community bonds more essential.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On State Vaccine Decisions:
  • "If it is really out of line with what we feel is appropriate... we can make decisions then." – Kathleen Toomey (02:20)
• On Hurricane Recovery Funding:
  • "If I get another storm, I truly do not know where that money's coming from. I will just have to change the expectation of our citizenry." – Scott Mathieson (08:38)
• On Volunteer Support:
  • "Catfish Navy...came in and fed us for three days. Again, total strangers." – Scott Mathieson (10:43)
• On Commemorating Storms:
  • "I'd rather have it forgotten." – Scott Mathieson (12:23)
• On Community as a Mental Health Lifeline:
  • "It can be a major lifeline to know that you have some community connection that's going to check in on you..." – Dr. Neha Pathak (13:12)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Vaccine Recommendations in Georgia: 01:57–02:45
• Union City EV Charging Stations: 04:22–05:12
• Hurricane Preparedness (Valdosta & FEMA): 05:12–12:44
• Mental Health & Disaster Prep: 12:44–13:43

Additional Local Headlines (13:43–End)

• Political News:
  Resignations in the state Senate as officials seek higher office.
• Economic News:
  • Racetrack convenience stores to acquire sandwich chain Potbelly for $566 million.
  • Georgia-Pacific plans to acquire food packaging manufacturer Anchor Packaging.
• Lifestyle Study:
  Research from the University of Georgia shows buying flowers boosts mood ("like therapy"), with local flower farming thriving.

Tone and Style

• Informative & Community-focused:
  The hosts and reporters maintain an upbeat, practical tone, with empathy during disaster-related segments and celebration during community milestones.
• Candid & Honest:
  Guests like Mayor Mathieson speak openly about fiscal challenges, emotional fatigue, and the reality of disaster recovery.
• Locally Grounded:
  The episode is rich with Georgia-centric stories and voices, always circling back to the impact on residents.

For Listeners

This episode delivers critical updates on public health, local government innovation, climate resilience, and mental health, contextualized by passionate community leaders and grounded expert analysis. It’s particularly valuable for those seeking to understand how statewide and local decisions shape everyday life in Georgia, especially during times of change and uncertainty.