ValdostaConnect

Here are the candidates running in the special election to fill the seat for House District 177. https://www.walb.com/2026/04/21/five-candidates-vying-district-177-seat-vacancy-since-dexter-sharper-stepped-down/


Eric Howard (Dem)
FB: https://www.facebook.com/eric.howard.626285/


Tim Huff (Independent)
FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573261464073


Kristina Cheek McBride (Dem)
FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61580682264528
Email: [email protected]


Elsie Napier (Dem)
Web: https://www.elect-enapier.com/
Fb: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61586179917134&mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=YAQp127dxyB57BWS&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F1JVycpGMpv%2F%3Fmibextid%3DwwXIfr #


Alvin Payton, JR (Dem)
FB: https://www.facebook.com/payton4progress177
Email: [email protected]


Blake Robinson (Dem)
Web: https://robinsonforvaldosta.com/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/robinson.for.valdosta/
Email: [email protected]

Six candidates vying for District 177 seat vacancy since Dexter Sharper resigned A special election is taking place on May 12, 2026, to fill the House of Representative District 177 seat that was held by former representative Dexter Sharper. WALB's Brittanye Blake took a trip to Valdosta to hear why each candidate believes they are the right fit for the job.

The real ValdostaConnect.com (No dash in the URL)
https://valdostaconnect.com

ATTENTION: Here is what our website actually looks like! Our web address is ValdostaConnect.com (NO DASH). https://valdostaconnect.com/
The company name in our footer is Talent Bender Inc.

We just came across a knock-off website that has a dash. Our site shows the name and Face of the owner/CEO (Eric Dewayne Jackson) on the about page. https://valdostaconnect.com/about

We provide a phone number to contact us. The knock-off site does not provide any local contact details.

Valdosta Authors. Drop a link to your latest book in the comments. We're in the process of creating an Author Showcase page for ValdostaConnect, similarly to what we've done for the Music Creator Showcase: https://valdostaconnect.com/creators/music

YouTuber with 1.2 million subscribers reviews Valdosta restaurants.
https://valdostaconnect.com/review/yoki-stirrup-valdosta-food

We’ve all heard the phrases “stay ready so you don’t have to get ready” and “preparation meets opportunity.” Many of us have also heard the reminder to show hospitality to others, because you never know who you’re entertaining. In today’s social-media-driven world, that idea carries new weight for business owners — because visibility can arrive at any moment, often when you least expect it.

That’s exactly what happened for 2 Valdosta Soul Food restaurants. While browsing YouTube, I was surprised to see a video from Yoki Stirrup, a creator with over 1.2 million subscribers who is well known for her firearm reviews and marksmanship content...

Within three weeks, we helped a Shih Tzu owner set up and launch her own YouTube channel to share simple, lovable moments with her dog. The channel has already received over 26,000 views and 54 subscribers. She originally thought becoming a content creator required advanced technical skills — and was surprised by how accessible it actually was. https://www.youtube.com/

We're late for Throwback Thursday, but here is a splash from the past. We first launched ValdostaConnect in 2007 using a social networking platform called Ning. They eventually noticed the amount of engagement we were getting and featured us in one of their Blog posts.

Calling all creatives from Valdosta (artists, music artists, producers, bands, etc.). Drop your socials, YouTube channel, and or website. We're creating a page to showcase talent on ValdostaConnect.

We are relaunching ValdostaConnect.com as soon as possible. I am looking for 7 to 10 volunteers who are willing to test things out and provide feedback. Membership will be free, but there will be a paid plan that will allow members to manage their own group, teach a course, and add an enhanced business listing (the nature/subject of your group and course will need to be approved). I'm willing to provide 1 year free on the Member Plus Annual Plan (with Enhanced Business Listing).

Volunteers will need to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement. Please DM me if you're interested.