Drug Overdoses Claim 2 Lives in Worth County

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Tuesday, April 29, 2025

Tifton, Georgia

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TWO DIE IN WORTH COUNTY FROM DRUG OVERDOSES

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

Drug overdoses took the lives of two men in Worth County early Sunday and sent another man to Tift Regional Medical Center, authorities say.

Autopsies on the two men were scheduled to be conducted Tuesday at the GBI Crime Lab to determine the substances involved in the overdoses.

Most current drug overdose deaths in Georgia involve opioids, a highly addictive pain killer. According to the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta, Georgia has experienced a 302% increase in opioid-involved overdose deaths between 2010-2022.

Naloxone, known under the brand name Narcan, can reverse an opioid overdose, but in Worth County the closest public availability of Narcan has been in Tifton. This has spurred Phoebe Worth Medical Center in Sylvester to address the situation; the hospital is donating 50 Narcan sprays to the Sylvester Police Department and the Worth County Sheriff’s Office.

Free Narcan is available at various locations around Tifton from distribution boxes. The Oasis Recovery Community Organization in Tifton has been leading the charge to make Narcan freely available locally, and officials are planning to get a distribution box in Sylvester.

Fentanyl, a synthetic pain killer, is a deadly opioid involved in many overdoses. Coincidentally, Tuesday was National Fentanyl Awareness Day.

Jeff Breedlove, a recovering addict who had been a political operative for Gov. Nathan Deal and Congressman Bob Barr, is among the leading advocates for addiction recovery in Georgia.

With the news of the overdose deaths in Worth County, Breedlove took to social media saying "these men were my brothers; not my biological brothers, but my brothers in the growing community of Georgians impacted by the addiction epidemic.

"Addiction is a medical issue – it is imperative that Georgia government, business, medical, education, faith, law enforcement, and civic leaders accept that the No. 1 cause of death in the United States (and Georgia) is overdose and fentanyl poisoning. We must prioritize funding for addiction prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and recovery programs," Breedlove wrote.

"We must review the balance between criminal justice and medical responses; both are appropriate, but we need to have an honest statewide conversation to do better. If you need to connect, call the Georgia Council for Recovery CARES Warm Line, 844-326-5400."

He said the line is peer led and run, and is safe, free, and confidential.

SEVERE STORM HITS TIFT, IRWIN

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

A severe storm struck a section of Tift and Irwin counties between 11:30 p.m. and midnight Sunday night, downing trees and power lines, and tearing roofs off structures.

Although some residents in the Brookfield area believe it was a tornado that briefly touched down, the National Weather Service has not confirmed a tornado. Winds did apparently reach 60 mph at one point and heavy rain and hail were recorded.

In Tift County, much of the damage was centered in the area of Chula Brookfield Road and Ferry Lake Road.

"Half of our roof is missing; the back porch is basically gone; we had a tree fall on our well house. We have water leaks all throughout the house, and our powerline pole snapped in half in our front yard," reported Karlee Ellerbee on social media.

Kayla Flanders on social media said she lives "between Brookfield/Enigma, and the wind was so bad it threw our kids' trampoline on top of our pool deck. It sounded horrible!"

By Tuesday evening, Colquitt EMC had restored power to all but three customers in Tift County.

LENOX VETERANS PARK GETS DONATION, HELICOPTER

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

The Lean-Ox Festival Committee of Lenox last week donated $5,000 from the recent festival proceeds to the Lenox Veterans Park being constructed.

The Lean-Ox Festival, begun in 1980, is Cook County’s oldest festival. Chase Daughtrey of the festival committee, presented the donation check and said it would not be possible if not for the work of Pat Boatner, Doris Arnold, Almarie Thomas, and many other festival volunteers who dedicate hours to make the festival a success.

The Lenox Veterans Park project, led by Warren Robinson and Billy Mauldin, is creating a park next to the Lenox Post Office in honor of all veterans, not limited to Lenox and Cook County.

Robinson has told the Tifton Grapevine that the proposed park is a tribute to all veterans; "it just happens to be in Lenox." Mauldin said he even engraved a brick for the park honoring Tifton's Jack Stone, for whom Tifton's Veterans Memorial Park is named.

Robinson recently announced that, after three years of searching, the Lenox Veterans Park Committee has made arrangements to secure a Vietnam-era Huey helicopter for the park.

"It is in pieces, and it is not cheap, but we have qualified volunteers who can put it together. This is the last, and perhaps, the most valuable item we wanted for the park," Robinson said. "We need your financial support now more than ever. Help us make this the best veterans tribute in South Georgia."

In addition to the decommissioned helicopter, the park plans include a water fountain, benches, and brick pavers honoring veterans.The park committee has a $30,000 goal to finish making the park a reality.

For information, call Lenox City Hall at 229-546-4252.

ARTS IN BLACK FESTIVAL

A CELEBRATION OF AFRICAN- AMERICAN HERITAGE

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

Tifton's Arts in Black Festival kicks off at 6-10 p.m. Friday with "Dancing Under the Stars" at Fulwood Park with two DJs, G-Man and T-Roy. If it rains, it will be at the Mott-Littman Gym.

The festival continues from 1-10 p.m. Saturday at Fulwood Park with a kids poetry competition at 1-2 p.m., kids zone play area, music and live entertainment, information booths, arts and crafts, and food trucks, according to organizer Melissa Hughes.

Entertainment includes Mardymar with a bubble machine, standing atop a bear. Live music includes Christopher Joiner, Harold E. Thomas and Danger Zone, Family of Friends Band, and The Mood Doctors. Courtney Smith will be master of ceremonies. Again if it rains, the event will relocate to Mott-Littman Gym.

The Arts in Black Festival is a celebration of African American heritage and art and was first held in February 1986 on the J.T. Reddick Middle School campus. It is now held every year on the first weekend in May.

The festival offers area residents of different cultural backgrounds the opportunity to experience African American culture and traditions through performances, exhibits, workshops, and foods.

KIDS 'TOUCH-A-TRUCK' DURING GEORGIA CITIES WEEK

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

During last week's Georgia Cities Week in Tifton, children got a chance to "touch-a-truck" – to get inside city vehicles and learn about them.

The event at Fulwood Park was well-attended. Also during the event, kids had an opportunity to "read with the mayor."

Georgia Cities Week, observed by municipalities across the state, highlights city functions and services.

ARTS GALA ANOTHER SUCCESS

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

The Tifton Council for the Arts' "An Evening for the Arts Gala" was a success Thursday at the Syd Blackmarr Arts Center.

The annual fundraiser included an auction and art for sale, as well as a raffle for a trip for six people to a designer villa in Tulum, Mexico, or $10,000 cash.

Jessica White had the winning ticket for the raffle. Following some serious reflection, White, Tifton's city clerk, decided to accept the cash. She is donating $1,000 of it back to the Arts Council.

In the photo, she shows her surprise as she discovers she won the raffle. Beside her is interim City Manager Larry Lawrence. Behind her also registering surprise is Arts Council Executive Director Bruce Green.

OLDER AMERICANS MONTH HAS FULL SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES

By BONNIE SAYLES

Tifton Grapevine

With the theme “Flip the Script on Aging,” Older American Month (OAM) will be observed during five weeks of activities in Tifton. The theme encourages people and communities to challenge stereotypes and misconceptions about aging.

The Kick-Off Luncheon will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at Leroy Rogers Senior Center, (LRSC) with invitations extended to all residents aged 55 and older and their caregivers. The event is sponsored by Cypress Pond Senior Care, Legacy Village, and Maple Court Senior Care communities, according to the Tift County OAM chairman Tonya Payne. Desserts are provided by Abide Home Care and Traditions Health.

Here are the month’s events, all free to seniors:

• Monday, May 5, George A. Wright Nominations due

• Tuesday, May 6, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Seniors Pickleball, First Baptist Church

• Thursday, May 8, 2 p.m., Music City, LRSC

• Friday, May 9, 2 p.m., Mother’s Day Tea Party, Syd Blackmarr Arts Center

• Monday, May 12, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Mexican Train Day – Taco Bar, First Baptist Church

• Tuesday, May 13, 11 a.m., Club 55 Movie and Popcorn, First Methodist Church

• Thursday, May 15, 1:30 p.m., Flip The Tables: Casino Day, LRSC

• Friday, May 16, 11:30am, Southern Fish Fry, LRSC

• Friday, May 16, 7 p.m., SELF (Seniors Enjoying Life Forever) Dance

• Monday, May 19, 1:30-3:30 p.m., Senior Bowling, Tift County Lanes

• Wednesday, May 21, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Barnyard Bash, LRSC

• Thursday, May 22, 11:30 a.m., Poundcake and Poetry, LRSC

• Wednesday, May 28, 11 a.m., Rewrite the Rhythm Line Dance, LRSC

• Thursday, May 29, 11:30 a.m., OAM Finale “Old Hollywood,” George A. Wright Award announced, First Baptist Church

OAM was established in 1963 by President John F Kennedy as "Seniors Citizens Month." It was renamed "Older Americans Month" in 1965, marking a dedicated time to recognize the contributions of older Americans and highlight issues related to aging.

“This gives us, as a community, a wonderful opportunity to spotlight our seniors while also showing how they are still an important and functional part of our communities,” said Tift County OAM Chair Payne.

For information, contact Payne, 229-560-0716; Co-Chairman Shane Martin, 229-507-4723; or Treasurer Natasha Patrick, 229-256-1328.

FIRST FRIDAY CONCERT

KICKS OFF SUMMER SERIES

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

Downtown Tifton will "plug in the amps" to its First Friday concert of the summer series 7-10 p.m. Friday on First Street.

First Fridays on First Street are free community concerts featuring area musicians, local vendors, food trucks, and downtown shops and restaurants with expanded hours. Alcoholic beverages will be available by Savor the Flavor on Main Street.

The concert lineup Friday is:

• 7-8:15 p.m. – The Page Brothers Band (Southern rock n’ roll with a jazzy vibe)

• 8:30-10 p.m.– Loose Chain (party band performing Motown and funky hits).

Hosted by the Downtown Tifton Main Street Program, the concert will be at 130 First St.; the street will be closed to traffic to allow attendees to bring lawn chairs and dance.

First Friday concerts will be scheduled monthly during the summer.

KTB NAMES 'BEAUTY SPOTS' FOR MAY

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

Keep Tift Beautiful (KTB), a citizens advisory board, has named the residential and commercial "Beauty Spots" for May.

The home of the Mason family on Bowen Road, pictured above, is this month's residential Beauty Spot.

The Myon Courtyard behind City Hall (pictured below) is May's commercial Beauty Spot.

Keep Tift Beautiful promotes recycling, community gardening, litter abatement, and outdoor beautification.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY:

Letters must address local issues only. All letters are subject to editing for brevity, for libelous statements, and for egregious language.

Include your name, phone number, and address for verification purposes. Email letters to: IHeardIt@tiftongrapevine.com

WARNINGS NEED TO BE ISSUED ON

LAW ENFORCEMENT PHONE SCAMS

To the Editor:

I appreciate the Ocilla Police posting about the scam fraud about federal subpoenas. I was a target of such a "scam" from two individual people representing that they were officers (a lieutenant and captain) with the Tift County Sheriff's Office – and when I told them I would meet them at the Sheriff's Office, they began to lose their script.

I hung up, but what is surprising is how much information they had about me (full name, address, phone number of course, and DOB); so I went by the Tift County Sheriff's Office and tried to file a report. But since I live in the city, I was told it needed to be filed with the city.

I said it was not about using false claims of city personnel but county deputies and thought the sheriff may want to alert the public – but obviously not!

These warnings are highly beneficial for the general public and should be announced. Thank you and the Ocilla Police Department.

J. Guy Simmons

Tifton

EDITOR'S NOTE: In December and January, the Tift County Sheriff's Office posted warnings on social media regarding phone scams seeking payment for outstanding fines.

TIFTON GRAPEVINE'S CAT OF THE WEEK

"Timmy" is an affectionate young male kitty that was picked up as a kitten and has spent most of his young life at the animal shelter. He is ready to get out and stretch his legs and love on a family that adopts him. Visit Timmy and see other pets available for adoption between 1-6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays at the Tift County Animal Shelter on Highway 125 South, or call 229-382-PETS (7387).

ARCHITECT'S PLANS ACCEPTED

FOR HOTEL MYON

~ APRIL 28, 1905

On April 28, 1905, I.W. Myers accepted plans for his new hotel from architect B.B. Smith of Montgomery, Ala. The hotel's exterior was planned in the French Renaissance style, with brick, stone and cement stucco. On the first floor were planned eight stores, a barber shop, the hotel's office and dining room, and a telegraph office. The second floor was planned with 32 bedrooms and 13 bathrooms. The third floor was a duplicate of the second floor. A bowling alley was planned for the basement. The hotel, which became the Myon, was built atop the site of the Hotel Sadie, which burned on March 2, 1905.