Mayor's Message

Greetings, and welcome to our hometown. On December 21, 2007, Camilla celebrated its  sesquicentennial. So, even though we are still growing, in a sense Tomorrow is Here.  We have moved from an infancy of a sleepy little agriculturally based hamlet of dirt roads, to a grown-up full service municipality complete with fiber optic high speed internet service. Camilla has been nourished on three unique gifts: an ideal location, an endless social season, and a visionary and hospitable people.

An ideal location greatly contributes to Camilla’s growth and opportunities and has made it a hub of Southwest Georgia. Gracefully nestled near the Florida and Georgia lines, Camilla is the County Seat of Mitchell County. It is located on busy four-lane US 19, a popular alternate route from Atlanta to the Florida line.  The Gulf and Ohio railways run parallel to US 19, providing a convenient way for industry to transport products and materials.  In addition, Camilla is just an hour’s peaceful drive from Interstate 10 and Interstate 75.  The Camilla-Mitchell County airport, with its  4000” lighted runway, provides easy accessibility for private and corporate jets.  Two major airports, one in Tallahassee, Florida and one in Albany, Georgia are nearby.  Mitchell County Transit offers citizens transportation options from mini-buses to charters. Location, location, location makes Camilla a convenient connection for industry and, for the social minded, it is just a pleasant drive from anywhere.

Camilla is also unique for being a place with a year around social season. No matter when one comes, there will be something enjoyable to do.  The Southeast Invitational Art Show and Sale, featuring more than 40 artists, is held every February. May brings the GNATS DAYS festival featuring a variety of one-of-kind crafts, a culturally diverse array of mouth watering food and the best fun-filled bed race in the South. The Lite Southern Pro Invitational Tournament highlights June. For more than twenty years, this four-day nationally acclaimed charity tennis tournament has attracted more than two dozen top touring tennis professionals. Because of this event, Racquet Magazine lists Camilla as one of the top tennis towns.  Starting in August, the high school football teams provide the sports fans with championship performances as do their basketball counterparts starting in November.  In December the town is engulfed in the Christmas Season that is officially kicked off with a gala parade that lights up the main streets on the (First Tuesday). Throw in a large serving of anytime down home southern “get-togethers” and Camilla becomes a Place of the Endless Season and a Must Stop on any itinerary.

However, what truly sets Camilla apart is the everyday double-helping of that legendary southern hospitality served  by a diverse population. Of course, Camilla still has some growing to do.  Therefore, its leaders are committed to an inclusive vision to further develop additional resources and opportunities that will help all of its citizens live out the American Dream. Camilla continues to seek new industry; to improve its good schools and to make its close-knit communities even safer and cleaner and to provide more affordable public services.

The Council and I welcome you to come and experience Camilla. But bring a change of clothes, because you probably will want to stay awhile–maybe even a lifetime. We are waiting for you!

Mary Jo Haywood, Mayor
mjhaywood@camillaga.net