Tifton City Manager Resigns

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Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026

Tifton, Georgia

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TIFTON CITY MANAGER RESIGNS AFTER 4 MONTHS

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

For the second time in 18 months, Tifton is without a city manager.

Jeff Shoobridge, who began as city manager in October, resigned effective Monday, the City of Tifton announced Monday afternoon in a tersely worded statement. Because it is a personnel matter, the city did not offer any explanation.

"The City of Tifton thanks Shoobridge for his service and leadership, and wishes him all the best in his future endeavors," the city's statement read. "The City of Tifton has a transition plan compiled and has announced a special-called meeting on Thursday, Feb. 12, to formally approve the appointments."

City Council's special meeting is set for 5:30 p.m. Thursday, officials said.

In its statement, the city said its "vision is to continuously grow a safe and thriving community by providing progressive city services delivered with integrity and friendliness. The city’s mission is to strive to exceed the expectations of our community, our employees, and our friends."

Shoobridge was selected for Tifton’s top executive position following a nationwide search led by Sumter Local Government Consulting (LGC). He was chosen among more than 30 applicants. At the time of his hiring, Tifton officials said Sumter LGC and City Council identified Shoobridge as a leader who not only would bring a wide variety of experiences and knowledge, but also who would "exhibit the values of our Friendly City, like integrity, priority of community, excellence, efficiency, and the ability to vision for our future."

Shoobridge previously served for about a year as city administrator of Crookston, Minn., a city of approximately 7,270 residents. Before that he spent 14 months as town administrator for Redington Shores, Fla., population 2,200; spent two and a half years as city administrator of Madison Lake, Minn., population 1,247; and previously spent a year as a city council member in Groveland, Fla.

He has bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Central Florida.

A Florida native, Shoobridge previously said that after arriving in Tifton, some said he was trying to get closer to home. But just three weeks ago, he told this reporter that he is already home and didn't plan to go anywhere else.

Tifton's previous city manager, Emiily Beeman, was released from her position in August 2024 after 17 months in the job. Larry Lawrence, the city's chief financial officer, served as acting city manager in the interim until Shoobridge was hired.

The Local Graze/The Local Baker are awarded "Best Taste" and "Best Presentation" Tuesday night at the "Sweet Taste of Tifton," a fundraiser for Literacy Volunteers of Tifton-Tift County. From left are Gail Hargett and Karla Hargett.

LITERACY SUPPORTERS SAMPLE TIFTON'S BEST CHOCOLATES

By BONNIE SAYLES

Tifton Grapevine

A packed house at Paulk Vineyards Tifton Tasting Room sampled desserts from more than 20 chocolate vendors Tuesday night at the 12th annual chocolate-tasting fundraiser for Literacy Volunteers of Tifton-Tift County.

During "A Sweet Taste of Tifton," formerly known as "Choc-it-Up for Literacy," attendees voted The Local Graze/The Local Baker as the “Best Taste” and “Best Presentation” with their table loaded with delicious desserts. The owners and staff hinted about the new, coming-soon "Local Baker."

The “Most Original” award went to Taco Loco with its variety of unique offerings. Kay’s Kreations took the Judges’ Choice award for receiving many votes in all categories.

“'A Sweet Taste of Tifton' was a great example of how our community comes together to lift one another up and embodies our Southern values of good food, good fellowship, and supporting one another,” said Andrea Story, executive director of Literacy Volunteers of Tifton-Tift County.

Artwork by a local artist, the late Faith Germishuizen, donated by Fifth Street Interiors, was featured in the live auction, among many other items. Many attendees went home with items from the live and silent auctions, including jewelry, Valentine’s gifts, and gift certificates from local merchants and service providers.

The event is a fundraiser for Literacy Volunteers of Tifton-Tift County, which works to increase adult literacy in the community through tutoring, English (ESL) classes, and support of the Adult Education students at Southern Regional Technical College's Tifton Campus.

For more information, contact tiftlv@gmail.com, call 229-391-2527, or message the nonprofit organization's Facebook page.

Tifton Police Detectives Jerry Fulford and Michael Gaskins are named Officers of the Year by the Exchange Club of Tifton.

EXCHANGE CLUB HONORS TIFTON POLICE DETECTIVES RECOVERING FROM SHOOTING

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

Tifton Police Detectives Jerry Fulford and Michael Gaskins were honored this week with Officer of the Year awards from the Exchange Club of Tifton.

The pair were honored not just for their sacrifice, but for their dedication and love of community as Tifton Police personnel, the club said.

The two detectives were shot while executing a search warrant in early December. Fulford will lose an eye from the shooting, and Gaskins is recovering from shoulder issues, said Tifton Police officials.

“What truly qualifies them for Exchange Club Officer of the Year is not what happened to them on Dec, 5, 2025, but who they revealed themselves to be when it matters most in our community and department," said Police Chief Steve Hyman.

During the Exchange Club ceremony, many of their Tifton Police Department colleagues and city leadership gathered to celebrate their service to the Tifton community.

SRTC RANKS AS NO. 1 TECH COLLEGE FOR NURSING IN GEORGIA

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

From 2022 through 2025, Southern Regional Technical College (SRTC) surpassed all other technical colleges in Georgia in the number of graduates with an associate of science in nursing (ASN) degree, according to the Georgia Board of Nursing.

SRTC has had 383 graduates earning the ASN degree during the specified period – the highest rate in the Technical College System of Georgia. That number is also the third highest among all ASN programs offered at all colleges and universities in the state.

"Graduating well-trained, qualified nurses is mission-critical for us here in South Georgia," said Athalena Benton, SRTC nursing program chair. "Hospitals, clinics, and physicians' offices across our service delivery area depend on us to provide them with a steady stream of capable nurses who graduate prepared to care for patients."

Bobbie Hester, SRTC's dean of nursing, said the college's nursing program has a 100% graduate job-placement rate. "Technical education provides students with real hands-on skills and experience, which is the most important thing in nursing," Hester said.

Georgia's high demand for nurses continues to grow. The severe nursing shortage is due in part to a rapidly growing population and an increase in older nurse retirement. The shortage rose to critical levels during the COVID-19 pandemic when more than 100,000 nurses across the nation left their posts. Georgia is one of the states most affected by nursing scarcity, and rural Georgia is particularly vulnerable, officials said.

SRTC offers the ASN program in Tifton and Thomasville, as well as a nursing bridge program in Moultrie and Thomasville, which transitions licensed practical nurses to registered nurses. The program adheres to guidelines set by the Georgia Board of Nursing with a focus on strict admissions guidelines and a rigorous testing regimen to produce only top performing nurses.

Members of Eighth Street Singing Company at Tift County High School are preparing for national competition next month and are fundraising to help offset costs.

TCHS EIGHTH STREET SINGING COMPANY HEADING TO NATIONAL COMPETITION

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

Tift County High School’s Eighth Street Singing Company has been invited to compete in "FAME," a national competition during March in Orlando, Fla.

The competition features some of the best show choirs from around the nation, including Tift County’s renowned high school mixed choir under the direction of Kyle Robinson.

Tift County's group of 37 high school singers and their 13-member show band will perform on the professional Hard Rock Live! stage in Orlando on Saturday, March 14. This year’s show focuses their talent, enthusiasm, and joy through a “Monopoly”-themed performance.

Already this competition season, Eighth Street Singing Company has won several first-place awards and a grand champion award, as well as awards for best vocals, best show design, best show band, and best soloist within a show.

This is Eighth Street Singing Company’s first opportunity to compete for a title on a national stage. The show features 19 seniors hoping to bring home a national trophy to Tift County.

"The student performers have been working hard to gather sponsors to help offset the costs of the competition, which are considerable," said Danielle Allison, president of the Choral Parents Association. "We know our community is with and for these students. With your support, we can get them across the line and on that stage, showcasing the incredible talents within our often overlooked community."

To help the students compete on a national level, contributions may be made online here on the Eighth Street Singing Company's sponsorship page.

TIFTON GRAPEVINE'S CAT OF THE WEEK

"Diamond" is about five years old and came to the animal shelter after being surrendered when her family was moving and could not take her with them. She is the kind of cat who is meant to be part of a family, not living in a shelter. She is sweet, familiar with home life, and just waiting for someone to open their heart and give her the comfort and stability she deserves. Come visit Diamond 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).

TIFTON'S MYON HOTEL WELCOMES FIRST GUESTS

~ FEB. 14, 1907

The porter for the Myon Hotel met the hotel's first guests at the train depot on Feb. 14, 1907. Although the formal opening was still a few days away and all of the hotel's furniture was not yet in place, many of the guest rooms were ready. The hotel, built on the site of the former Hotel Sadie, held its formal opening a week later on Feb. 21.

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