A flock of buzzards changed our city - and gave us a reason to throw one of the most memorable New Year’s Eve parties in Georgia. We trace the surprising path from a real infrastructure headache on Perry’s water towers to a smart, humane solution and a celebration now recognized by USA Today.

You’ll hear the true story behind the migratory route that brought vultures to our skyline, how permits and a clever decoy ended the damage, and why we chose to lean into the moment by creating Bob the Buzzard, our bow-tied host for the big night.

We open the doors to Historic Downtown Perry and walk through what makes the Buzzard Drop special: free activities that welcome families, live entertainment that keeps the energy high, and a festive lineup of local food and beverage options. The kitty countdown lets kids and early-to-bed guests ring in the new year without the late night, while the midnight countdown brings the classic thrill, complete with photos and dancing alongside Bob. It’s a celebration built on accessibility, community pride, and a dose of small-town charm that feels anything but small.

Along the way, we share how local government problem solving can spark cultural wins - balancing wildlife considerations, infrastructure protection, and permits with creativity and hospitality. Whether you’re planning your first visit or returning for another year, this guide helps you make the most of the night and understand the heart behind the tradition. Join us downtown, say hello to Bob, and help us welcome the new year together. Subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a quick review to help more people discover Perry’s Buzzard Drop.

NOTE: The 2026 Kiddie Countdown begins at 9:00 p.m. instead of the usual 8:00 p.m.

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Visit us at perry-ga.gov.

We hope to see you around in our amazing community...Where Georgia Comes Together.

A wave of new spots is changing the rhythm of daily life in Perry, and we’re mapping it corridor by corridor so you know what’s open now and what’s around the corner. From coffee and cones to craft beer and new hotel keys, the skyline isn’t the only thing shifting - your options for food, services, and experiences are growing fast.

We start on Perry Parkway, where recent openings like KidStrong, Pilates, Waffle House, Giles Outdoor Power, and Holy Pie Pizzeria set the pace. Then we look ahead to Dunkin’ paired with Baskin Robbins, Surcheros, Meridian Craft Kitchen, Flow and Glow Wellness, a nail salon, Jack in the Box, Five Star Credit Union, and Valvoline - an everyday mix that keeps errands and weeknight meals closer to home. Over on Sam Nunn Boulevard, the new Hilton Garden Inn is open, while strategic redevelopment is reshaping high-traffic sites: Aspen Dental and Piedmont Urgent Care at the former Chick-fil-A property, Sonic at the old Zaxby’s, a Japanese hibachi in the former Applebee’s, and a major Hampton Inn renovation to match the corridor’s role as a gateway.

Downtown gets momentum from the Chalet Lofts, adding homes above fresh dining like Fuego Fresco and the Italian market Ciao Bella, with another 36-unit loft building in the pipeline. A craft destination, Left at the Pig Brewery, brings energy to Jernigan Street, and a new Morris Bank strengthens Main Street services. Citywide, major anchors round out the picture: a dual-branded Marriott at the Georgia National Fairgrounds with a restaurant and beer garden, Jack Link’s manufacturing up and running, and the UGA Grand Farm pushing ag-tech research and startup testing.

Underneath it all is a simple driver: more homes, more neighbors, and more demand for better choices. We connect the dots on how residential growth supports restaurants, medical services, hotels, and financial institutions—and why that matters for traffic, convenience, jobs, and a resilient local economy. Tune in to get the what, where, and why of Perry’s growth spurt, and hear how we’re working to keep it smart, sustainable, and community-first.

Enjoyed the conversation? Follow the show, share it with a neighbor, and leave a quick review to help more Perry residents stay in the know.

If you like Inside Perry - subscribe and share the podcast with friends and family. The podcast is available on all major podcast platforms.

Visit us at perry-ga.gov.

We hope to see you around in our amazing community...Where Georgia Comes Together.

We sit down with Community Development Director, Joe Duffy, to unpack how Perry’s zoning code actually works, why it exists, and what it means for your street, your business idea, or your next home project. From the century-old origins of zoning to today’s land management ordinance, we walk through the guardrails that keep homes, shops, and industry compatible - and how those rules adapt as our community changes.

You’ll hear a clear explanation of the documents that guide decisions: the zoning code that sets standards block by block, and the comprehensive plan that charts the City's long-term vision. We dig into practical questions residents ask every day, how to find your property’s zoning, when historic district rules trigger design review, and how to navigate permits without wasting time or money. For bigger changes, we break down the rezoning process step by step: filing the application, staff analysis against state and local criteria, public hearings before the planning commission, and the final vote by city council. Along the way, Joe shares why proposals often evolve through feedback from City staff and the community.

Most important, we highlight how your voice shapes outcomes. Public hearings, online portals, and open meetings make it simple to review applications and weigh in with support or concerns. We also preview Perry’s 2026 comprehensive plan update, a year-long effort where residents can influence future land use, growth corridors, and neighborhood character. If you care about housing choices, small business vitality, historic preservation, or how streets feel and function, this conversation gives you the tools to engage with confidence.

If you like Inside Perry - subscribe and share the podcast with friends and family. The podcast is available on all major podcast platforms.

Visit us at perry-ga.gov.

We hope to see you around in our amazing community...Where Georgia Comes Together.