There are still local reporters, columnists, writers and historians working every day to ensure the community is informed, engaged and entertained. This page is meant to highlight those efforts.
“Every year we must tell the story”; Commemorating the Weeping Time – Savannah Morning News – Richard Burkhart
March 1, 2026 – Inside a tiny fenced-in park off Augusta Avenue a small group gathered. Each person spoke a name; “Thomas, Daphney, Dido, three fingered Tony.” After each name, water poured from a plastic bottle. A historical marker stood nearby, commemorating the largest slave auction in Georgia history. Read more>
Restored roundhouse? Savannah considers development in “Railroad District” – Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
March 1, 2026 – The City of Savannah is in the heat of major planning efforts in core areas such as the Canal District and on the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Civic Center site. But amid that planning the city has expanded the scope to look bigger and wider, exploring potential opportunities for retail, housing and expanded museums in an area it has dubbed the “Railroad District.” Read more>
Telfair Museums seeks new leader after year of ‘self-inflicted’ wounds – The Current – Margaret Coker
Feb. 26, 2026 – Before Thanksgiving approximately a dozen of Savannah’s most dedicated arts patrons gathered for a crisis meeting about the Telfair Museums. Read more>
Hindsight Film Fest: ‘Behind The Lines’ highlights soldiers’ letters from war zones – The Savannahian – Jim Morekis
Feb. 27, 2026 – The stories told in these authentic, true-life letters are gripping and almost surreal. The dramatic readings combine pathos, sacrifice, compassion, and heroism in equal measures. Read more>
See Ya, Huckleberry Friend – Savannah Sideways – Jessica Leigh Lebos
Feb. 25, 2026 – I can’t remember a single conversation with my friend Miriam Center when we didn’t talk about death. Read more>
Wife, family honor Hesse teacher’s legacy of kindness, commitment – The Current – Margaret Coker
Feb. 22, 2026 – Linda Davis, a woman known for her singing voice and kind spirit, moved to Chatham County for love four years ago, determined to spend her life with the woman who was also her best friend, raise their children and help students she taught at Hesse K-8 School. Read more>
Savannah demonstration demands justice for Linda Davis amid ICE controversy – The Current – Robin Kemp
Feb. 22, 2026 – About 40 people gathered in Savannah’s Wells Park Sunday afternoon to protest the death of Chatham County special education teacher Linda Davis. Read more>
Senator Jon Ossoff visits Savannah ahead “tough” 2026 re-election – Savannah Morning News – Latrice Williams
Feb. 21, 2026 – Senator Jon Ossoff visited Savannah Friday afternoon as part of a campaign stop ahead of what is expected to be a heavily contested road to re-election. Read more>
From Buildings to Belonging: What It Takes to Truly Revitalize a Neighborhood – Housing Matters – Laura Lane McKinnon
Feb. 19, 2026 – In my experience, when people talk about “solving” the housing crisis, the conversation almost always jumps straight to scale: how many units, how fast, and how inexpensively they can be built. Those questions matter but they are incomplete. Read more>
Savannah changes groundwater pumping to ease stress on aquifer – Savannah Morning News – Jillian Magtoto
Feb. 17, 2026 – Savannah plans to shift how it will extract groundwater from the nearly 50 wells it operates, likely beginning this year. Read more>
Chatham County teacher killed in crash by suspect fleeing ICE – The Current – Margaret Coker
Feb. 16, 2026 – Department of Homeland Security says suspect was in the US illegally, blames teacher’s death on those who demonize ICE. Read more>
City Council punts on Thomas Square hotel; approves Powder Magazine protection – The Savannahian – Brian Myers
Feb. 16, 2026 – December’s victory against hotel development left many wondering why and how the petitioner was able to secure a hearing for the approval of a new 21-room hotel at 2512 Habersham Street. Read more>
I Can Buy Myself Flowers (But I’d Rather Steal Them) – Savannah Sideways – Jessica Leigh Lebos
Feb. 11, 2026 – Who needs roses when camellias are basically nature’s Valentine? Read more>
The Quiet Power of Cottage Courts – Housing Matters – Laura Lane McKinnon
Feb. 5, 2026 – When people talk about housing solutions, the conversation is often framed as a binary choice: single-family homes on one end, large apartment complexes on the other. That framing leaves out an entire category of housing, often referred to as Missing Middle housing, that has quietly and successfully served communities for generations. Read more>
‘Strong but fragile’: Tybee mayor gives State of the City address – Savannah Morning News – Destini Ambus
Feb. 3, 2026 – After various city staff members recapped everything the city had accomplished in 2025, such as improvements to infrastructure and public safety, and their well-laid plans for 2026, West briefly touched on a current shortfall in funding for Tybee’s most important project: beach nourishment. Read more>
U.S. Coast Guard report details multiple errors that led to bridge-crane collision in Savannah – The Current – Orlando Montoya/GPB News
Feb. 2, 2026 – The U.S. Coast Guard said multiple errors by a tugboat vessel operator, tug master and crane operator led to a collision last year between a crane and the Savannah River Bridge. Read more>
‘Thoughtful, block-level revitalization’: Affordable housing plan for Ogeechee project features relocation, renovation of historic home – The Savannahian – Jim Morekis
Feb. 2, 2026 – AN ambitious project that commissioners thought could be an inspiring model for affordable housing in Savannah passed the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) with flying colors last week. Read more>
Why Housing Is So Hard to Get Right – Housing Matters – Laura Lane McKinnon
Jan. 30, 2026 – Housing is the quiet foundation beneath every other part of life. Read more>
Jumpstart Coastal Georgia: new program builds community-focused development – Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
Jan. 21, 2026 – A new program, JumpStart Savannah, trains locals in small-scale development to create affordable housing. Read more>
The Distance Between Neighbors – Housing Matters – Laura Lane Mckinnon
Jan. 21, 2026 – The distance between neighbors is not measured only in feet or property lines. It is measured in daily encounters that never happen, in conversations replaced by car doors closing, in lives lived side by side but never together. Read more>
It’s 2016 Again and I Am Shook – Savannah Sideways – Jessica Leigh Lebos
Jan. 21, 2026 – Remember that time we thought an experienced elder stateswoman was going to become President? Read more>
El Rocko’s last call: Wes Daniel on music, misadventure, and a life well spent in the local bar biz – The Savannahian – Jim Morekis
Jan. 20, 2026 – IT’S A WRAP for another longtime local venue, as El Rocko Lounge closes for good on Jan. 31 after ten years. Read more>
Kemp urges faster tax cuts, rebates, and scholarship boosts in final address – Maya Homan/Georgia Recorder – The Current
Jan. 15, 2026 – Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp called for an expedited income tax rate cut and another tax rebate, new spending for law enforcement retirement savings and funding for a needs-based scholarship program in his annual state of the state address Thursday before the Georgia General Assembly. Read now>
Resolve to Expect the Absurd – Savannah Sideways – Jessica Leigh Lebos
Jan. 7, 2026 – Welcome to 2026, you good? Cool, me neither. Read now>
Savannah City Council approves 2026 budget, the largest in city history – Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
Dec. 23, 2025 – The Savannah City Council approved a record $646 million budget for 2026, the first guided by the new “Savannah GPS” strategic plan. Read more>
Chatham County gets new elections supervisor – The Current – Craig Nelson
Dec. 22, 2025 – The Chatham County Board of Elections has a new supervisor. Read more>
Hotel proposal in Savannah’s Thomas Square heads to council for approval – Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
Dec. 17, 2025 – A proposed 21-room hotel in the Thomas Square Neighborhood cleared a key planning hurdle Wednesday amid resident concerns about the hotel’s size. Read more>
Sweeping hotel ban passes: Savannah City Council wrap-up, Dec. 11 – The Savannahian – Brian Myers
Dec. 15, 2025 – “We need policies that protect our neighborhoods, not destabilize neighborhoods.” Read more>
Attempts to settle CAT dispute flounder – The Current – Craig Nelson
Dec. 8, 2025 – An attempt by a local state lawmaker to broker a deal to end the monthslong dispute over Chatham Area Transit’s new board of directors appears to have gone awry within hours after it was unveiled. Read more>
Sen. Mallow proffers another CAT board restructuring to break impasse – Savannah Morning News – Destini Ambus and Evan Lasseter
Dec. 6, 2025 – The Chatham Area Transit Board may be headed toward its second restructuring―if state Sen. Derek Mallow’s proposal gains traction. Read more>
The Difference Between Affordable Housing and Housing That Is Affordable – Housing Matters (Substack) – Laura Lane McKinnon
Dec. 4, 2025 – If you say “affordable housing” in almost any zoning, planning, or City Council meeting anywhere in coastal Georgia, you can feel the temperature in the room change. Read more>
City budget funds 32 new firefighters for Savannah Fire Department – Savannah Morning News – Ansley Franco
Nov. 30, 2025 – The Savannah Fire Department (SFD) is expanding its team next year, adding 32 fire personnel to staff a new station in the city’s western outskirts. Read more>
Federal Medicaid cuts could limit access to services for people with disabilities – The Current – Domonique King
Nov. 27, 2025 – In the 17 years since giving birth to son Eli, Michelle Heyman has become a master at the complex bureaucratic hurdles of Medicaid, the federal health insurance available to low-income children, the elderly and disabled in Georgia. Read more>
The Notrica Trifecta: Controversial projects for one MPC commissioner dominate meeting – The Savannahian – Jim Morekis
Nov. 24, 2025 – LAST week’s meeting of the Metropolitan Planning Commission was dominated by agenda items involving one of its own members – the controversial developer Jeff Notrica. Read more>
Georgia board approves new review process for large data centers – The Current – Mary Landers
Nov. 21, 2025 – Developers of large data centers will have to make their plans public, including estimates of water and electricity use. Read more>
Could data centers be heading to Port Wentworth? The council thinks so – Savannah Morning News – Destini Ambus
Nov. 24, 2025 – Thursday night, Port Wentworth City Council held the first reading of an amendment to the zoning ordinance to define data centers, and add it as a land use in the Industrial, Infrastructure and Transportation, I-1 zone. Read more>
Varied Housing Types Can Coexist – Housing Matters (Substack) – Laura Lane McKinnon
Nov. 23, 2025 – There’s a common misconception that when we talk about building more housing options (duplexes, townhomes, accessory dwelling units (ADUs), and small apartment buildings) we’re somehow attacking the suburban way of life. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Read more>
Chatham chair’s move to leave county transit system baffles area officials – The current – Craig Nelson
Nov. 22, 2025 – From the corridors of City Hall and the Old Courthouse on Wright Square to a sprawling ballroom at the Savannah Convention Center, the same question reverberated this week: What is Chester Ellis doing? Read more>
Structural cracks, water damage, loud noise, disrepair: Whitaker Street Garage shows what a new underground garage next to Foryth Park might be like – The Savannahian – Jim Morekis
Nov. 17, 2025 – One can reasonably conclude that whatever state of damage and disrepair the Whitaker Garage is currently in will be replicated in the similar City-operated underground garage planned for Forsyth Park. Read more>
Tybee Island pursuing Municipal Option Sales Tax in 2026 legislative agenda – Savannah Morning News – Destini Ambus
Nov. 17, 2025 – After historic amounts of rainfall this year, the City of Tybee Island is once again pursuing the municipal option sales tax (MOST) for the 2026 legislative session, which convenes on Jan. 12, 2026. Read more>
Could You Afford To Buy Your House Today? – Housing Matters (Substack) – Laura Lane Mckinnon
Nov. 17, 2025 – Here’s a question worth asking yourself and your neighbors: If your home went up for sale tomorrow, could you afford to buy it? For many of us, the honest answer is no. Read more>
New budget bans THC from hemp, with implications for Georgia business, consumers – The Current – Ty Tagami/Capitol Beat News Service
Nov. 15, 2025 – The hemp industry faces a potential boom in black market activity due to a new law that will ban over 95% of hemp extract products, including CBD, with the exception of 0.4 milligrams of THC per container. Read more>
Chatham County Judge strikes down Savannah gun ordinance – WTOC – Christopher J. Teuton
Nov. 13, 2025 – A recent ruling by the Recorder’s Court of Chatham County has declared the City of Savannah’s firearm storage ordinance void and unenforceable. Read more>
Chatham Area Transit celebrates the life of late bus driver – WTOC – Lindsey Stenger
Nov. 8, 2025 – Friday, Chatham Area Transit came together to remember a loss of one of its own. Read more>
Stable Home Values Come From Balance, Not Scarcity – Housing Matters (Substack) – Laura Lane McKinnon
Nov. 7, 2025 – This installment is part of a continuing series aimed at building more open and informed conversations about housing, exploring the issues and assumptions that most often shape our local debates. Read more>
Rooftops to Coffee Shops: Savannah’s Push Toward 100% Clean Energy – The George-Anne – Sophie Antell
Nov. 6, 2025 – The City of Savannah is launching new measures designed to keep its operations more sustainable for the future. Read more>
Does New Housing Cause Flooding? – Housing Matters (Substack) – Laura Lane Mckinnon
Nov. 5, 2025 – Conversations about housing don’t have to divide us. In this series, I’m taking a closer look at some of the questions and worries that come up most often, and how we might approach them with a bit more clarity and compassion. Read more>
Chatham County voters approve floating homestead exemption for school taxes despite concerns – Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
Nov. 4, 2025 – Chatham County will have homestead exemption for its school system property taxes after voters approved the Chatham County Schools Tax Relief act Tuesday. Read more>
Chatham County school board discusses literacy, teacher pay with legislators – The Current – Jasmine Wright
Nov. 3, 2025 – State legislators got a list of work Oct. 30 from the Chatham County School Board: Third grade literacy levels, lowering the mandatory school age and raising wages for prekindergarten teachers. Read more>
Building Savannah: The latest developments about development – The Savannahian – Jim Morekis
Nov. 3, 2025 – LAST WEEK’S meeting of the Metropolitan Planning Commission mostly focuses on an attempt to allow complimentary glasses of beer and wine at a Jones Street location used for cooking classes. Read more>
Chatham County absentee ballots go missing in mail – The Current – Craig Nelson
Oct. 25, 2025 – Chatham County’s voter registration office said Friday that some absentee ballots issued for next month’s elections were lost in the mail, adding that it was “actively working” to remedy what the office’s supervisor termed a “technical error.” Read more>
Expiring ACA tax credit could have major economic impacts on Georgia, study reveals – Savannah Morning News – Vanessa Countryman
Oct. 25, 2025 – Georgia may face a significant change regarding health insurance subsidies by the end of 2025. Read more>
Savannah’s Ancient Roman Statuary Story – Savannah Magazine – Jessica Lynn Curtis
Oct. 23, 2025 – IN EARLY 2020, right at the beginning of lockdown, Savannah writer Jessica Leigh Lebos received an email from a friend. Read more>
Early Voting has already begun; where to vote and what’s on the ballot – Savannah Morning News – Destini Ambus
Oct. 20, 2025 – Election day in Georgia is quickly approaching, with a little over two weeks until Nov. 4. Read more>
Thousands turn out in Savannah for ‘No Kings’ protest march – The Current – Craig Nelson
Oct. 18, 2025 – Not ‘anti-American’ at all, ‘No Kings’ demonstrators in Savannah say. Read more>
ICE raid leaves ripple effects across Coastal Georgia communities – The Current – Jasmine Wright
Oct. 14, 2025 – Local businesses across Ellabell and Pooler close after the Hyundai raid. Read more>
Savannah moves forward with vision to shape growth in key westside district – Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
Oct. 12, 2025 – Savannah’s downtown is expanding westward, and the landmark Enmarket Arena stands like a magnet ready to pull new investment. Read more>
From oyster brood to table, a photo essay – The Current – Justin Taylor
Oct. 8, 2025 – A behind-the-scenes look at Georgia’s first summer oyster harvest season. Read more>
Savannah’s Newest Cocktail Bar: The Hot Eye -now open – Eat It & Like It – Jesse Blanco
Oct. 12, 2025 – Beneath the landmark Municipal Grand hotel, a new chapter in Savannah’s cocktail story unfolds. Read more>
Detainee deaths in ICE custody: Georgia at focal point of controversy – The Savannahian – Caitlin Philippo
Oct. 6, 2025 – The 48-page report detailed a laundry list of gruesome infractions at the Folkston ICE facilities. Read more>
“Forward momentum” in Savannah area economy came to a halt in second quarter – Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
Oct. 5, 2025 – The Savannah region has become synonymous with economic growth, but its recent run of forward progress in economic activity has come to a halt. Read more>
Hyundai gets its wastewater permits – Savannah Morning News – Jillian Magtoto
Oct. 4, 2025 – Despite largely unhappy public comments, Hyundai’s metaplant and battery plant will be permitted to send its waste and stormwater to the North Bryan Water Reclamation Facility beginning Oct. 1. Read more>
Thoughts on the Rapture That Wasn’t – Savannah Sideways – Jessica Leigh Lebos
Oct. 1, 2025 – The summer I was seven, my parents sent me to sleepaway camp in northern Arizona. Read more>
Yamacraw residents have no clear timeline for relocation – The Current – Jasmine Wright
Sept. 29, 2025 – The last residents of Yamacraw Village, a subsidized housing complex that has survived for 84 years in downtown Savannah’s oldest Black neighborhood, will have a home to return to after the Housing Authority of Savannah completes the redevelopment of the area as long as they continue to meet federal eligibility requirements, officials said last week. Read more>
How the Savannah River stays oxygenated – Savannah Morning News – Jillian Magtoto
Oct. 3, 2025 – While the spill may be minor, maintaining enough oxygen in the Savannah River harbor a remains constant battle. Read more>
Chatham County Commission shelves latest bid to reverse CAT overhaul – The Current – Craig Nelson
Sept. 21, 2025 – The Chatham County Commission chairman, Chester Ellis, intensified the commission’s push this week to undo a new state law revamping the board of directors of the area’s transit authority. Read more>
Parking problems? Savannah seeks input, potential solutions with latest parking study – Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
Sept. 19, 2025 – The City of Savannah is considering changes to address parking pressures north of Victory Drive. Read more>
Dear bartending, I still love you – Spicy Melon – Vanessa Lantos
Sometimes I wonder if it is truthful to call yourself a bartender if you have never worked at a late-night bar. Read more>
Business as Unusual – Savannah Sideways – Jessica Leigh Lebos
Sept. 17, 2025 – After a three-month reprieve, I have returned to a semi-regular schedule of reportage of life in Savannah and the unraveling of society in general. Read more>
Savannah Children’s Theatre looks ahead to new location – The Savannahian – Sean Kelly
Sept. 17, 2025 – AFTER MANY YEARS at their home on Victory Drive, Savannah Children’s Theatre was forced to leave following massive winter storm damage last year that proved too severe to be occupied. Read more>
Oktoberfest Begins: A Guide to the area’s Best Celebrations – Eat It & Like It – Jesse Blanco
Sept. 16, 2025 – While it may not garner as much attention as that other ‘beer-centric’ holiday in March, Oktoberfest offers a opportunity for Beer and Brat lovers alike to enjoy a nearly month-long celebration of Bavarian culture across the region. Read more>
The Pros and Cons of Fall In Savannah – Savannah First Timer’s Guide – Eric Clarkson
Sept. 15, 2025 – If you’re trying to pick the best time to visit Savannah and have landed on one of the fall months… congratulations! You’ve picked my favorite season of the year. Read more>
Federal operation at Savannah-area Hyundai plant nets 475 detentions – The Current – Craig Nelson
Sept. 5, 2025 – Coastal Georgia raid was largest single site operation ever carried out by Homeland Security’s enforcement division. Read more>
Richmond Hill, Savannah water advisories aren’t connected – The Current – Mary Landers
Sept. 2, 2925 – Systems work separately with distribution from different sources. Read more>
Coastal Georgia for Democracy hosts rally to stop ‘billionaire takeover’ in Washington – Savannah Morning News – Latrice Williams
Sept. 1, 2025 – An estimated 250 people gathered in Savannah’s Emmet Park on Monday and marched to Savannah City Hall on Bay Street as part of the Labor Day “Workers Over Billionaires” rally, hosted by Coastal Georgia for Democracy. Read more>
Bailing out a saturated Tybee Island requires both gray and green solutions – Savannah Morning News – Jillian Magtoto
Sept. 1, 2025 – Tybee Island got soaked with 2 feet of rain just this month, just as the island prepares for an $80 million flush via pipes, plants, and reservoirs. Read more>
On Our Radar: Pothole patrol? Savannah to ramp up pothole repair; mayor pledges participation – Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
Aug. 30, 2025 – The city has launched a new initiative to increase consistency and response time to those disdained roadway imperfections. Read more>
Green Truck Pub: A Savannah Classic Celebrates 15 years – Eat It & Like It – Jesse Blanco
Aug. 28, 2025 – Savannah’s most popular burger has now been around for 15 years. Read more>
Public vs. private: Two marinas offer lessons in waterfront management – The Current – Jabari Gibbs
Aug. 27, 2025 – Coffee Bluff Marina in Savannah offers lessons on how to build a successful marina. Read more>
International Paper’s departure creates water challenges, opportunities – The Current – Mary Landers
Aug. 27, 2025 – Closures could reduce pressure on the Floridan aquifer, but increase water costs for remaining customers in Savannah. Read more>
International Paper ignored local incentives to stay in Georgia – The Current – Robin Kemp
Aug. 27, 2025 – Liberty County tried tax incentives, but Gov. Kemp says market forces led to 1100 job losses in Coastal Georgia. Read more>
The ‘Smell of Money’ no more: Weighing the history and environmental impacts of Savannah’s paper mill, and the impacts of its closure – The Savannahian – Jim Morekis
Aug. 25, 2025 – A tale of The Water Lords, The Landings, a scrubber, and the sweetheart deal to end all sweetheart deals. Read more>
Heavy rains cause 40,000-gallon sewage spill on Tybee Island; no boil water advisory needed – Savannah Morning News
Aug. 24, 2025 – An estimated 40,000-gallon stew of storm- and wastewater spilled into Horsepen Creek on Saturday from manholes at Jones Avenue and 8th Street on Tybee Island after nearly 5.4 inches of rain drenched already saturated soils, according to a press release from the city’s Outreach Director Cassidi Kendrick. Read more>
Ellis, Chatham County Commission step up CAT board campaign – The Current – Craig Nelson
Aug. 23, 2025 – The Chatham County Commission is stepping up efforts to reinstate the disbanded board of the region’s transit authority, insisting that a recent state law mandating the board’s replacement was unconstitutional. Read more>
Meet the new commanding officer of Savannah’s Salvation Army – Savannah Morning News – Destini Ambus
Aug. 23, 2025 – The Salvation Army of the Coastal Empire has served the Savannah area for 125 years and its new commanding officer, Chris Doborwicz, envisions a season of recalibration in its near future. Read more>
Drones, lasers, 3D maps: Inside Tybee Island’s high-tech fight against erosion – The Current – Emily Jones/WABE, Grist
Aug. 23, 2025 – At low tide on Tybee Island, the beach stretches out wide as small waves break far away across the sand — you’ll have a long walk if you want to take a dip. But these conditions are perfect for a team of researchers from the University of Georgia’s Skidaway Institute of Oceanography. Read more>
International Paper is closing in Savannah. Good. – Burning Bird (blog) – Shelley Powers
Not providing more notice to its employees is the mark of a large, soulless corporation, not a smalltown hero. Read more>
Building Savannah: The latest developments about development – The Savannahian – Jim Morekis
Aug. 18, 2025 – IN A RARE VICTORY for preservationists in front of one of the local bodies charged with preserving Savannah, a modern/contemporary design for an accessory dwelling unit on York Street was denied. Read more>
Chatham commission to vote on resolution to rescind CAT board overhaul – The Current – Craig Nelson
Aug. 21, 2025 – The Chatham County Commission is set to vote Friday on a resolution that calls for the reinstatement of transit authority board members who were unseated by a new state law. Read more>
FAQ: After boil water advisory, how much do you know about your water? – The Current – Mary Landers
Aug. 20, 2025 – Savannah’s water treatment plant malfunction raises questions. Here are some answers. Read more>
Chatham County buys marsh island as green space – The Current – Mary Landers
Aug. 19, 2025 – Chatham County added more than 400 acres of green space to its county real estate portfolio with the Aug. 12 purchase of Green Island for $6 million. Read more>
U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock visits Pooler nonprofit after USAID funds pulled, then reinstated – Savannah Morning News – Destini Ambus
Aug. 19, 2025 – Monday morning, MANA Nutrition CEO Mark Moore gave Sen. Raphael Warnock a tour of the global non-profit’s facilities in Pooler, showing him boxes upon boxes of the company’s meal replacements, still waiting to be shipped out to the sub-Saharan African countries of South Sudan, Chad, and Nigeria, among others, since March. Read more>
Horse carriages and Highlands: City Council wrap-up, Aug. 14 – The Savannahian – Brian Myers
Aug. 18, 2025 – AFTER a month-long break since its last regularly scheduled meeting in July, Savannah’s City Council met on Thursday with a full agenda and a packed house of citizens. Read more>
Rezoning for apartments near Memorial Health recommended by MPC, moves to Savannah City Council – Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
Aug. 8, 2025 – A rezoning petition for nearly 200 housing units east of Truman Parkway received a recommendation for approval from the Chatham County-Savannah Metropolitan Planning Commission Tuesday, the latest proposal showcasing how local stakeholders seek to address Savannah’s housing shortage amid competing concerns. Read more>
Sen. Warnock asks federal officials to reinstate FEMA grant for key Savannah drainage project – Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
Aug. 7, 2025 – U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock is making a push to ensure the city of Savannah receives needed drainage support on its west side. Read more>
‘In good times and bad’: Community remembers ‘loyal friend’ and champion Cliff McCurry – Savannah Morning News Polly Powers Stramm
Aug. 3, 2025 – When talking about the literal larger-than-life Cliff McCurry, colleagues and longtime friends can’t help but smile when they recall his enthusiasm, positive attitude, business acumen and his commitment to family, the University of Georgia as well as his profession. Read more>
Inside the iron repair shop where Savannah’s beloved Forsyth Park fountain is getting a makeover – The Current – Benjamin Payne
Aug. 1, 20205- For generations, the Forsyth Park fountain has stood as the beating heart of Savannah: a gloss-white cast-iron masterpiece drawing tourists and locals alike, serving as the backdrop for many a prom photoshoot and even some weddings. Read more>
Chatham Area Transit Board approves budget with steep cuts after county reduces millage – Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
July 31, 2025 – The Chatham Area Transit Board of Directors approved a revised fiscal year 2026 operating budget Tuesday afternoon, one that included roughly $2 million in cuts after the Chatham County Board of Commissioners reduced CAT’s property tax levy last week. Read more>
Significant beach erosion on Tybee’s north end creates precarious perch for sea turtle nest – Savannah Morning News – Jillian Magtoto
July 31, 2025 – The turtles are returning to a rapidly shrinking shoreline at Tybee Island. One nest hangs right at the edge of an eroded cliff. Read more>
Thousands to start private school year with Georgia public money under voucher system – The Current – Maggie Lee
July 25, 2025 – August means the start of school, but Georgia is still ironing out the list of who can access a new private and home school voucher fund that’s got more money than applicants. Read more>
Height, mass approval of six-story Oglethorpe Ave. building upheld by Zoning Board of Appeals – Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
July 25, 2025 – The Savannah Zoning Board of Appeals chose not to overturn a decision by the Historic District Board of Review approving the height and mass of a six-story building planned for development at East Oglethorpe Avenue and Drayton Street. Read more>
Downtown Savannah to get new resource center for homeless, scheduled to open next spring – GPB – Benjamin Payne
July 24, 2025 – Officials in Savannah announced Wednesday a new resource center for people experiencing homelessness that will significantly expand services in the city’s downtown core. Read more>
Switchyards: New work club set to open in Starland District – The Savannahian – Lila Miller
July 23, 2025 – “Part of what we’re trying to do is take the best aspects of working out of a coffee shop, a college library, and a boutique hotel lobby, and smash it all together in one warehouse, and make it accessible to a working professional.” Read more>
SSU president lays out vision for future of Savannah’s HBCU – Savannah Morning News – Joseph Schwartzburt
July 22, 2025 – During his 100-day report, Savannah State President Jermaine Whirl announced major updates in the works for the HBCU, including new colleges. Read more>
Georgia health commission hasn’t met this year despite looming federal spending cuts – The Current – Margaret Coker
July 21, 2025 – A commission created in 2024 by Gov. Brian Kemp and state lawmakers to evaluate health care challenges facing low-income Georgians has not met this year, despite the drastic changes debated in Washington that culminated earlier this month with the passage of massive health-care spending cuts in President Trump’s historic tax-and-spending bill.
West Nile virus found in Savannah, Atlanta; mosquito control begins treatment – The Current – Sofi Gratas/GPB news
July 19, 2025 – West Nile Virus has been detected in mosquitos sampled from midtown Savannah, Hapeville and Northwest Atlanta. Read more>
‘Hey, hey ho, ho! Buddy Carter’s got to go’: Big Beautiful Backlash protestors call out U.S. Rep – Savannah Morning News – Latrice Williams
July 19, 2025 – In Savannah, a crowd between 100 to 200 people gathered Saturday morning in Thomas Square Park to call out U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter and to protest against President Donald Trump’s Big, Beautiful Bill, which he signed into law on July 4. According to a press release on Carter’s website, the legislator was a “leader in crafting” the legislation. Read more>
The long journey home: 2Lt. Milton Leonard Hymes, Jr. – Justin Taylor – The Current
July 19, 2025 – At age 22, 2Lt. Milton Leonard Hymes, Jr., the navigator aboard a B-24J Liberator heavy bomber, took off from an airbase in Norfolk, England, on an ill-fated mission deep into Nazi occupied Poland. Eight decades later, he’s returned home. Read more>
State Court upholds decision to void Pooler city manager’s separation agreement – Savannah Morning News – Destini Ambus
July 16, 2025 – The Georgia Court of Appeals has affirmed the trial court decision that the mutual separation agreement between the city of Pooler and former Pooler City Manager Robert Byrd is void. Read more>
‘No kings,’ Ossoff declares in weekend speech in Savannah – The Current – Lily Belle Poling
July 14, 2025 – Jon Ossoff came to Savannah over the weekend to deliver “a report from our nation’s capital.” And the news, he said, isn’t good. Read more>
ESPLOST budget: Board of Education wrap-up, July 9 – The Savannahian – Ansley Standridge
July 14, 2025 – The total budget for the next round of ESPLOST is for $821,206,000. Read more>
Chatham County takes CAT overhaul case to state Supreme Court – The Current – Craig Nelson
July 12, 2025 – Chatham County is taking its opposition to the overhaul of the local transit authority’s board of directors to the state Supreme Court, a signal that it intends to prolong its fight to maintain its sway over the board and the authority’s operations. Read more>
On Our Radar: Vetoes, millage rates and SPLOST. Savannah City Council’s latest news – Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
July 12, 2025 – Savannah City Council was a hub for big decisions in late June and early July. Read more>
Municipal Grand Hotel arrives on Broughton Street – Eat It & Like It – Jesse Blanco
July 10, 2025 – Back in the day, there was a popular chef running around Savannah while operating a fairly popular spot. Read more>
Tybee Island property tax rate to stay the same, mayor says – WSAV – Natasha Young
July 10, 2025 – The Tybee Island mayor clarified the “new” property tax rates on social media Thursday. Read more>
Proposed changes to heat regulations for horse carriage tours draws high interest from public – Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
July 11, 2025 – A standing-room-only crowd turned out at the Whitney Administrative Complex for Savannah City Council’s meeting Thursday as city leaders considered proposed ordinances reducing the maximum temperatures horse-drawn carriage tours can operate. Read more>
Georgia DNR proposes first-ever change to ‘bird island rule’ protecting critical nesting sites – GPB – Benjamin Payne
July 10, 2025 – The Georgia Department of Natural Resources is proposing its first-ever change to a nearly 30-year-old regulation that protects threatened seabirds and shorebirds from human disturbance at critical nesting sites along the coast. Read more>
‘Why are we even having this conversation?’ Carriage tour operator speaks about potential City rule changes – The Savannahian – Jim Morekis
July 10, 2025 – Some say that given the typical temperature range in Savannah, a new 85-degree threshold supported by Alderman Nick Palumbo would be an effective ban on the industry. Read more>
Coastal Georgia IRS worker voted for Trump. Then he lost his job. – The Current – Jabari Gibbs
July 9, 2025 – Glynn County resident trained criminal tax investigators until DOGE cuts and chaos made his job untenable. Read more>
New arrest made in Oglethorpe Mall Shooting; SPD confirms suspects have “gang affiliations” – Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
July 5, 2025 – Investigation into the July 2 shooting at Oglethorpe Mall has revealed multiple suspects have “known gang affiliations,” according to a Savannah Police Department press release Saturday. Read more>
How I became ‘Mark Cuban’ and found community on Forsyth Park’s courts – The Current – Jake Shore
The regular hoopers who adopted me and made Savannah feel like home. Read more>
Savannah school district Audit notes ‘great variance’ in grading practices – Savannah Morning News – Joseph Schwartzburt
July 3, 2025 – Savannah-Chatham County School Board President Roger Moss likened the school system’s June 26 Audit Committee Meeting to discovering one’s car has been months overdue on an oil change. Read more>
Federal grant termination notices piling up across Georgia – The Current – Maggie Lee
June 30, 2025 – State legislators will face the next budget year minus tens of millions of federal dollars. Read more>
Viral masked protestor speaks out about ‘No Kings’ rally detainment – The Savannahian – Lila Miller
June 30, 2025 – A Savannah resident went viral recently over a video posted online depicting them being detained by police for refusing to take off a KN-95 medical mask during the No Kings anti-Trump rally and protest earlier this month on June 14 in Thomas Square. Read more>
Savannah Tool Library holds ribbon cutting at Film Biz Recycling – Savannah Morning News – Joseph Schwartzburt
June 30, 2025 – Film Biz Recycling has established the Savannah Tool Library and held a Ribbon Cutting on June 29. Read more>
Chatham County approves SPLOST list, puts road improvements into focus – Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
June 29, 2025 – The Chatham County Board of Commissioners approved its $282 million project list Friday, with priority one funding for major countywide projects with a heavy emphasis on road infrastructure. Read more>
Savannah council approves new GPS strategic plan – The Current – Tyler Davis
June 28, 2025 – In the true spirit of the people’s plan, Savannah’s new strategic plan was approved unanimously by City Council June 26 — with additional edits, courtesy of very recent resident comments. Read now>
On Our Radar: Chatham Co. Commissioners approve millage increase for unincorporated area – Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
June 28, 2025 – The Chatham County Board of Commissioners approved its fiscal year 2026 budget and millage levies Friday, and it included the raised millage for unincorporated residents. Read more>
Public shared frustration with Savannah school district millage rate at final hearing – Savannah Morning News – Joseph Schwartzburt
June 27, 2025 – The school board approved the FY2026 budget and a slightly reduced millage rate, which will still result in higher taxes for most property owners. Read more>
The threshold for taking working horses off the street in the heat could soon change – WTOC – Shea Schrader
June 26, 2025 – The point at which working horses are taken off the streets of Savannah because of heat could soon change to above what the National Weather Service classifies as an “extreme threat” of heat stress. Read more>
Inside My Head, Outside of Time – Savannah Sideways – Jessica Leigh Lebos
June 25, 2025 – Has it already been a month since I stepped away from the weekly wheel? Read more>
Heritage Fire Tour Savannah: A Preview from a Participating Chef – Eat It & Like It – Jesse Blanco
June 25, 2025 – Derick Wade is a Charleston-based chef who has spent a great deal of time in and around Savannah the last 4 years. Read more>
Rezoning for mixed-use project in Thomas Square moves forward at MPC – Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
June 25, 2025 – Plans to transform a vacant parcel off Habersham Street to a new mixed-use development in the Thomas Square Neighborhood made a significant step through Savannah’s planning wheels Tuesday. Read more>
Buddy Carter nominates Trump for Nobel Peace Prize – The Current – Craig Nelson
June 24, 2025 – Coastal Georgia’s U.S. Rep. Earl “Buddy” Carter has nominated President Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, citing the president’s “extraordinary and historic role in brokering an end to the armed conflict between Israel and Iran” and preventing Tehran from “obtaining the most lethal weapon on the planet.” Read more>
Police use-of-force and the disability community: How local precincts prepare for crisis – The Savannahian – Holly Elliott
June 23, 2025 – A divide remains between families that know people with special needs deserve respect to grow and thrive in different ways, and the overarching voice of authority figures that seem open to violent measures and negative rhetoric to paint special needs populations as problems for society. Read more>
$60 million deal ends mining threat to Georgia’s Okefenokee Swamp – The Current – Tyler Davis and Margaret Coker
June 20, 2025 – Twin Pines Minerals, the company waiting for more than a year for a permit to mine near the Okefenokee Swamp, has agreed to sell its land in south Georgia to The Conservation Fund for $60 million, according to the organization. Read more>
On Our Radar: Savannah mayor clashes with state official on crime, gun storage ordinance – The Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
June 21, 2025 – Attorney General Chris Carr criticized Savannah again this week for policies that he deems “soft on crime” in an opinion piece published in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Read more>
Historic Collier home condemned, advocates work towards restoration – WSAV – Sarah Smith
June 18, 2025 – WSAV News 3 is getting answers for residents and historians concerned about the future of a historic home in the Liberty City neighborhood of Savannah. Read more>
Results: Special Primary Election for Public Service Commission – The Current
June 17, 2025 – In one of two contested races in Tuesday’s primary election for Public Service Commission seats, voters chose a clear winner in incumbent Tim Echols. The other race — for the Democratic nominee in District 3 — is headed to a runoff. Read more>
YIMBY calls for political courage to address housing – Savannah Morning News
June 13, 2025 – Savannah Morning News attended the June 12 YIMBY meeting that featured guest speaker Whitney Shephard of Transport Studio who provided a regional overview and opportunity map for affordable housing. It was a complex and rich conversation that SMN will be exploring with more depth in our upcoming housing series. Read more>
Litter booms trap trash in Savannah waterways – The Current – Mary Landers
June 17, 2025 – Savannah Riverkeeper program aims to keep thousands of pounds of waste from the Atlantic. Read more>
What’s a Sanctuary City? Shifting local perspectives on protections for immigrants – The Savannahian – Caitlin Philippo
June 16, 2025 – AS the federal rhetoric surrounding immigration begins to take shape in action from local law enforcement, the binding details surrounding sanctuary policies are being called into question. Read more>
Thousands turn out for ‘No Kings’ demonstrations in Coastal Georgia – The Current
June 14, 2025 – Thousands of demonstrators marched in cities throughout Coastal Georgia Saturday in protest of the Trump administration policies. Read more>
PSC candidates criticize incumbents – The Current – Mary Landers
June 13, 2025 – A candidate forum in Savannah on Thursday focused attention on an often-overlooked board of regulators that determines how much millions of Georgians pay for electricity: the Public Service Commission. Read more>
Building Savannah: The latest developments about development – The Savannahian – Jim Morekis
June 9, 2025 – On June 3, the MPC heard an almost desperate plea by a developer to be allowed to build potentially 225 new housing units on a 10-acre parcel that most people agree is the last remaining undeveloped tract in what is known as the Highlands Business Park area of Godley Station. Read more>
Chatham officials rush to prepare list for sales tax vote – The Current – Craig Nelson
June 9, 2025 – It’s crunch time for SPLOST in Chatham County. Read more>
Thunderbolt nursing home received citations for patient death, failure to prevent spread of infections prior to closure announcement – WTOC – Shea Schrader
June 9, 2025 – The Thunderbolt Nursing and Rehabilitation Center was recently issued 25 citations by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) for a litany of violations, WTOC Investigates has found. Read more>
Thunderbolt’s only nursing home to close doors in July – WTOC – Shea Schrader
June 6, 2025 – here was a shock to over 100 people that live at the Thunderbolt Nursing and Rehabilitation Center on Friday as the Georgia Department of Community Health (GDCH) says the facility will close its doors in a little over a month. Read more>
Brunswick Job Corps shutdown looms, leaving students without homes – The Current – Jabari Gibbs
Job Corps centers, such as the one in Brunswick are facing potential closure due to federal funding cuts, leaving hundreds of students without access to education and vocational training. Read more>
Progress being made on major Savannah City Hall Restoration Project – Savannah Morning News – Richard Burkhart
June 6, 2025 – If you’ve had any appointments over the past few months at Savannah City Hall then you have been privy to the use of a sub-basement entrance that has long been reserved for employees. Read more>
Twin Pines’ financial woes stall mining permits near Okefenokee Swamp – The Current – Mary Landers
June 6, 2025 – The Georgia Environmental Protection Division says company has failed to present the state a $2.1 million bond needed before it will advance permit. Read more>
The Savannah Tribune Celebrates The Life of Dr. Luetta Colvin Upshur Milledge – The Savannah Tribune
June 4, 2025 – Dr. Luetta Colvin Upshur Milledge, age 96, of Fredericksburg, Virginia, peacefully transitioned on May 8, 2025. Born on January 13, 1929, in Savannah, Georgia, she lived a life rooted in faith, scholarship, service, and love. Read more>
Heritage Fire National Tour Returns to Savannah – Eat It & Like It – Jesse Blanco
June 3, 2025 – There are many of you out there eager for the return of a food festival here in Savannah. Read more>
Savannah-Chatham Public Schools proposes extensive updates to attendance policy – Savannah Morning News – Joseph Schwartzburt
June 6, 2025 – After months of review and reflection, the Savannah-Chatham Public School System presented the school board with proposed attendance policy changes. Read more>
Project DeRenne is nearly two decades in the making. When can residents expect changes? – Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
June 5, 2025 – The words Project DeRenne in Savannah may conjure thoughts of a nearly two decades-long project gone quiet. But officials are seeking to change that as traffic improvements to one of the city’s premier east-west corridors drives forward. Read more>
Open houses set for Interstate 16 widening project – The Current – Dave Williams/Capitol Beat
June 4, 2025- The Georgia Department of Transportation (DOT) is seeking public input ahead of two planned open houses this month on a plan to widen Interstate 16 west of Savannah. Read more>
The King-Tisdell Cottage Foundation Announces Board Member Reception and Open House – Savannah Tribune
June 4, 2025 – On Sunday, the King-Tisdell Cottage Foundation invites the public to a reception and open house celebrating the appointment of its new board members and the Foundation’s ongoing work preserving Savannah’s African American heritage. The event will be held at the Beach Institute African American Cultural Center on Sunday, June 8, 2025, from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM. Read more>
‘Jim’s living room’: Party to celebrate the unique cultural impact of the legendary Jim Collins Bar on what would have been his 100th birthday – The Savannahian – Jim Morekis
June 2, 2025 – A loving celebration of the multigenerational impact of Jim Collins Bar – set on what would have been Jim’s 100th birthday – will be held this Saturday, June 7, at The Sentient Bean Coffeehouse, a place chosen specifically for its own long-term contribution to downtown culture and civic life. Read more>
What is being done to help prevent wrecks outside of the Hyundai plant in North Bryan? – Savannah Morning News – Latrice Williams
June 2, 2025 – Motorists who travel down Highway 280 in the north end of Bryan County have growing concerns about traffic accidents occurring just outside the megasite. Read more>
Jon Batiste delivers commencement address to Savannah College of Art and Design graduating class – GPB – Benjamin Payne
May 30, 2025 – Grammy- and Academy Award-winning musician Jon Batiste addressed graduates of the Savannah College of Art and Design at the school’s commencement ceremony Friday, urging them to embrace life’s unexpected challenges and to live in the present moment. Read more>
Georgia Power is planning for a huge spike in energy demand. Critics say it’s overestimating – The Current – Emily Jones/WABE, Grist
May 30, 2025 – Among the naysayers are staffers at the Georgia Public Service Commission, who disagree with the monopoly utility’s forecast. Read more>
SSU student-led magazine named best in the nation – WSAV – Eric Dorsch
May 30, 2025 – The student-led literary Magazine at Savannah State University (SSU), called Estuary, won first place in the 2025 Association of Writers and Writing Programs (AWP) Prize for undergraduate literary magazines. Read more>
‘We already held up our end of the deal’: Savannah Music Festival reels from DOGE’s sudden grant cancelation – The Savannahian – Jim Morekis
May 27, 2025 – THE wide-ranging cuts to government funding by Elon Musk and “DOGE” hit home this month, as the Savannah Music Festival was told a key grant from the National Endowment of the Arts (NEA) – which had already been awarded to the Festival last year – was rescinded. Read more>
“¡Ojo!” Savannah’s SOY X SOY collective brings spirited Art Rumble back to Starland Yard – Savannah Morning News – Amy Paige Condon
May 22, 2025 – Adrienne “Brush Breaker” Berkland is ready to defend her title as reigning champion of the SOY X SOY Art Rumble next Saturday at Starland Yard. Read more>
Less Pomp, More Circumstance: Words for the Class of 2025 – Savannah Sideways – Jessica Leigh Lebos
May 21, 2025 – The streets are no longer alive with the sound of clanging late bells and belching yellow buses, which can only mean one thing: School’s out for summer. Read more>
District plans meetings to aid search for new principals at low performing schools – Savannah Morning News – Joseph Schwartzburt
May 21, 2025 – The Savannah-Chatham County Public School System wants input from staff, community, as well as student and alumni groups before hiring new principals at two schools. Read more>
Eat It & Like It – Savannah’s Sunday Sunday on Final Approach Downtown – Jesse Blanco
May 20, 2025 – We got a first look last weekend at Savannah’s newest Brunch and Dinner venue, it’s called Sunday Sunday and it is simply beautiful. Read more>
New law curbs Chatham County Commission’s influence as CAT board deadline nears
The clock is winding down on the Chatham Area Transit Authority’s current board of directors. Read more>
Live Oak Public Libraries adopts Book Sanctuary status – The Savannahian – Mia Holmes
may 19, 2025 – DURING National Library Week (April 6-12th), Live Oak Public Libraries (LOPL) announced that its system was designated as a Book Sanctuary Library – Georgia’s first. Read more>
Proposed six-story, mixed-use building on East Oglethorpe Avenue receives approval – Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
May 15, 2025 – The Savannah Historic District Board of Review (HDBR) approved Wednesday the height and mass for a proposed six-story, mixed-use building at the corner of Oglethorpe Avenue and Drayton Street. The approval came after project architects adjusted the proposal to address visual compatibility concerns. Read more>
Hot Tariff Summer: Buy Local Fashion – Savannah Sideways – Jessica Leigh Lebos
May 14, 2025 – It’s hard out here for a fashionista these days. Read more>
Concerns arise after vote for $78M Chatham emergency center contract nixed – The Current – Jake Shore
May 12, 2025 – The process to build the long-awaited Chatham emergency operations center continues to raise transparency and fiscal concerns after Chairman Chester Ellis quietly shelved a vote on a $78 million contract last week. Read more>
Hyundai avoids millions in fines over wastewater violations – The Current – Mary Landers
May 12, 2025 – Georgia regulators have fined Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America $30,000 for improper disposal of wastewater from its Bryan County electric vehicle manufacturing site. Read more>
‘Circus parking lot’ at the Arena: Savannah City Council wrap-up, May 8 – The Savannahian – Brian Myers
May 12, 2025 – “Capital projects of this magnitude, while critically important, demonstrate a 400% increase and that warrants a workshop in my opinion,” Alderman Palumbo said. Read more>
A Reluctant Listicle – Savannah Sideways – Jessica Leigh Lebos
May 7, 2025 – I’m always admonishing that Savannah’s beloved community can only flourish by showing up in person, but also me? Read more>
Kemp signs laws on IVF, tribute to pioneering Black lawmakers – The Current – Craig nelson
May 1, 2025 – Legislation ensuring a woman’s right to in vitro fertilization in Georgia and a measure authorizing a memorial to the state’s first Black lawmakers topped the list of bills signed into law by Gov. Brian Kemp at a ceremony Thursday in Savannah. Read more>
The Power of We – Savannah Sideways – Jessica Leigh Lebos
April 30, 2025 – When we talk about a social safety net, I like to picture a sturdy mesh contraption lined with soft flannel and just the right amount of give. Read more>
Building Savannah: The latest developments about development – The Savannahian – Jim Morekis
April 28, 2025 – AN ENORMOUS new multi-family development in West Chatham – dependent on being annexed by the City of Savannah – came one step closer to reality at last week’s meeting of the Metropolitan Planning Commission (MPC). Read more>
Federal cuts to children’s advocacy group hits coastal counties hard – The Current – Jabari Gibbs
April 26, 2025 – The federal government has cut some of its aid to National Court Appointed Special Advocates, which provides special advocacy for fostered youth in the juvenile court system. Read more>
Connectivity, collaboration at heart of vision for Savannah’s waterfront – Savannah Morning news – Evan Lasseter
April 25, 2025 – Efforts for the waterfront’s redevelopment recently made a major leap with the Savannah Waterfront Community Improvement District’s Board of Directors adopt
ing a vision and implementation plan for one of the city’s premier destinations. Read more>
‘Maintain Savannah for Savannahians’: City Council approves zoning map to boost affordable housing – GPB – Benjamin Payne
April 25, 2025 – Savannah City Council voted Thursday to approve the boundaries of a new affordable housing overlay district aimed at easing the city’s mounting housing crisis by enabling higher-density development in select neighborhoods near the city center. Read more>
Crushed, Pressed, and Dressed: Tybee Comes Through – Savannah Sideways – Jessica Leigh Lebos
April 23, 2025 – When people refer to me as a journalist, I always set them straight. I’m a writer, I correct. I have far too many opinions to claim objectivity. Read more>
Trump Administration prepares to delete data Americans rely on for their livelihoods and safety – The Current – Maggie Lee
April 21, 2025 – Last week, a note appeared on the website of the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announcing that a Coastal Water Temperature Guide is disappearing, along with other data that will be taken offline by May. That map shows at a glance if your coastal water is reaching hot tub temperatures. Read more>
Orange cones, Orange Crush – The Current – Robin Kemp
April 21, 2025 – College students from throughout the region flocked to Tybee Island over the weekend to celebrate the time-honored spring break festival first organized by Savannah State University in the 1980s. Read more>
‘This is just college students having a good time;’ Orange Crush one-day crowd about 7,000 – Savannah Morning news – Destini Ambus
April 19, 2025 – “Whim Whamiee” by Pluto and YkNiece played through speakers, connected to a generator on the beach for the fourth time in an hour, for spring breakers dancing and shouting the lyrics under the Tybee Island Pier & Pavilion. Read more>
Gay man’s killing puts spotlight on Savannah Police practices – The Current – Jake Shore
April 17, 2025 – The killing of a gay man in Savannah last month has raised concerns among LGBTQ advocates about the Savannah Police Department’s once robust procedures and practices intended to keep their community safe from violence. Read more>
New Savannah State president pledges to boost school’s brand, reputation – The Current – Ellen Hunter
April 17, 2025 – Students and alumni gathered Monday to hear Savannah State University’s new president, Jermaine Whirl. But the burning question was for University Chancellor Sonny Perdue. Read more>
It Sounds Better When You Say It In Southern – Savannah Sideways – Jessica Leigh Lebos
April 16, 2025 – I know we’ve all got our panties in a bind about all the things, but quit fussing with that elastic for a sec and hush up, ‘cause we’re gonna talk Southern accents. Read more>
Inconsistency continues for liquor license approvals: Savannah City Council Wrap-up, April 10 – The Savannahian – Brian Myers
April 14, 2025 – Once again, a person of color who wants to invest in an older neighborhood was forced to justify their requests, while other license requests were granted without hesitation. Read more>
State funding reshapes Savannah-area water market – The Current – Mary Landers
April 9, 2025 – Savannah has long controlled the area’s water supply, treating massive quantities of drinking water and selling what the city didn’t need to neighbors in Chatham, Effingham and Bryan counties. Read more>
The Wyld Dock Bar’s Tony Seichrist reflects on 10 Years in Savannah – Eat It & Like It – Jesse Blanco
April 9, 2025 – A little bit over a decade ago, Tony Seichrist decided that he was going to leave the confines of the big city of Atlanta and go in search of something new and exciting down here in Savannah. Read more>
Lawmakers approve funding for 2 gang prosecutors in Savannah – The Current – Jake Shore
April 9, 2025 – Georgia legislators allocated more than a quarter million dollars in the upcoming budget for two gang prosecutors in Savannah. Read more>
Savannah Music Festival: An Oral History – The Savannahian – Sean Kelly, Jenna Moore and Frank Ricci
April 9, 2025 – AS THE 2025 Savannah Music Festival comes to a close, we wanted to highlight the 36-year history of this cultural staple by talking to some of the people who have been involved in the production and the evolution of the festival, and ask them about their role in getting it all on stage. Read more>
String Break – Savannah Sideways – Jessica Leigh Lebos
April 9, 2025 – Oy, so much to cover this week: Peaceful protests, terrible tariffs, the delay of the proposed hideous multi-story parking garage on Forsyth Park, the White Lotus finale (no link, no spoilers!) Read more>
Startup Savannah: Former Creative Coast organization rebrands with a bang – The Savannahian – Brian Myers
April 7, 2025 – DECADES after its 1997 launch as the Creative Coast, the Hostess City’s support network for entrepreneurship has undergone a significant rebranding campaign. Read more>
Demonstrators crowd Savannah streets Saturday protest federal program cuts – The Current – Craig Nelson
April 5, 2025 – At least a thousand anti-Trump demonstrators thronged downtown Savannah on Saturday to demand that the Trump administration cease cutbacks in federal programs and stop what they say are assaults on their rights under the U.S. Constitution. Read more>
Savannah joins nationwide protests against Donald Trump, Elon Musk – Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
April 5, 2025 – Protesters gather for a “Hands Off” rally in Forsyth Park on Saturday, April 5, 2025 in Savannah, Ga. Read more>
Nonprofit forms to keep eye on Georgia utilities – The Current – Mary Landers
April 4, 2025 – Frustrated with soaring electric bills and unresponsive state officials, consumer energy expert Patty Durand earlier this week announced a new nonprofit she’s formed to address utility costs and regulation in Georgia. Read more>
The Politics of Smell: My Life In Patchouli – Savannah Sideways – Jessica Leigh Lebos
April 2, 2025 – On a family vacation not long ago, my younger brother and I were standing at the resort bar waiting for our mojitos when he leaned over and sniffed me. Read more>
Chatham sheriff details progress, challenges ahead of first 100 days marker – The Current – Jake Shore
March 31, 2025 – When former police chief Richard Coleman won the election for Chatham County sheriff last fall, he said his top priorities would be filling longstanding vacancies on the force, expanding law enforcement presence in the county and making the state’s fifth-largest jail more humane. Read more>
Cheers to March 2025: 4 Amazing Happy Hours in Savannah – Spicy Melon blog – Vanessa Lantos Daly
March 30, 2025 – Happy March! Hope it’s been a lovely month for you so far. Even drowning in pollen, I’m loving the spring weather and warmer days. Read more>
Savannah City Council passes new affordable housing overlay district – The Current – Benjamin Payne
March 29, 2025 – Savannah City Council approved an ordinance Thursday amending the city’s zoning code to create what officials are calling an Affordable Housing Overlay District, a move aimed at addressing rising housing costs and increasing residential density. Read more>
Plurality vs. Majority: Tybee held public meetings to discuss voting changes – Savannah Morning News – Destini Ambus
March 26, 2025 – Tybee resident David Roberts, at one of the two community meetings held last week by the City of Tybee Island, spoke briefly about Occam’s razor, a philosophy that says that the simplest solution is likely the best. Not always, but likely. Read more>
You Can’t Fool All the People All of the Time – Savannah Sideways – Jessica Leigh Lebos
March 26, 2025 – I’ve been thinking a lot about history lately, as I’m sure many of you are. It’s kind of impossible not to in Savannah, seeing as we stomp all over it on these streets every day. Read more
Hyundai on course to shape future of coastal Georgia’s economy, workforce, way of life – Savannah Morning News – Parish Howard, Joseph Schwartzburt and Latrice Williams
March 26, 2025 – Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America―Georgia’s largest economic project-to-date―is on course to become the single most transformative influence on the Savannah region’s economy, workforce, public resources and way of life for the next half century. Read more>
Amid growing unease in his backyard, U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter holds telephone town hall – The Current – Craig Nelson
March 24, 2025 – Amid widespread outcry about the Trump administration’s cutbacks to federal programs and agencies, Republican leaders last month urged members of the House of Representatives not to hold town halls in their home districts. Read more>
Report shows nearly 20-minute gap between time of injury at megasite and dispatch – Savannah Morning News – Latrice Williams
March 24, 2025 – Earlier this month, before the forklift accident Friday that killed a worker at the battery plant at the megasite, there was another incident that occurred there that resulted in an employee’s serious injury. More information has come to light about the March 3 incident involving a pipe explosion. Read more>
Government 101: Public meetings, how things work, making laws – The Current
March 18, 2025 – This page is a work in progress where we compile information you can use to learn about specific processes in government. After all, the more you know, the more you can make your voices heard on issues you care about. Read more>
First public input available for Savannah-to-Atlanta passenger rail project with Georgia DOT – Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
March 21, 2025 – There are two ways to travel direct from Savannah to Atlanta―a roughly four-hour road trip or pricy plane ride. But now the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) is studying a connection between the two cities via passenger rail, and initial public input has begun on the project. Read more>
Orange Crush permit approved; city holding ‘informational meeting’ for residents on Friday – Savannah Morning News – Destini Ambus
March 20, 2025 – In just a couple of weeks, Orange Crush is coming to Tybee Island, as it does every year. This time, though, organizers will have permit in hand, according to City Manager Brett Bell. The organizers were notified earlier on Thursday. Read more>
Small group of Pooler residents march on city hall before zoning amendment hearing – Savannah Morning News – Destini Ambus
March 20, 2025 – Pooler resident Kathy Center has lived in Pooler for the last 60 years, she told the city council during its March 18 meeting, and said she had watched the city’s elected officials and “land barons” destroy the community her parents brought her to. Read more>
Savannah attorney accuses city of violating Open Records Act in new lawsuit – The Current – Jake Shore
March 19, 2025 – A Savannah personal injury lawyer and local civil rights leader filed suit against the City of Savannah for allegedly withholding and delaying public records in violation of the Georgia Open Records Act. Read more>
All is quiet on the voting front: 5.81% of Savannah-Chatham County voters pass ESPLOST – Joseph Schwartzburt – Savannah Morning News –
March 18, 2025 – Despite Chatham County polling stations being nearly as quiet as childless playgrounds during Tuesday’s special election turnout, voters greenlit $705 million in additional tax revenue over the next five years for the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System. Read more>
Building Savannah: The latest developments about development – The Savannahian – Jim Morekis
March 18 – AN intriguing series of discussions about the scope of development east of downtown along the President Street corridor dominated last week’s meeting of the Metropolitan Planning Commission (MPC). Read more>
Savannah City Council wrap-up, March 13 – The Savannahian – Brian Myers
March 18 – CITY leaders entered Thursday’s meeting with an agenda light on substance but laden with a healthy dose of fanfare as the Savannah City Council officially approved the permit for the community’s 201st Saint Patrick’s Day Parade. Read more>
Pause the paving: Pooler residents plan march on city hall for Friday and Tuesday- Savannah Morning News – Destini Ambus
March 13, 2025 – When Trish Brown first moved to Pooler 10 years ago, she said it was for some key quality-of-life reasons: so her husband could be closer to his job, so they would be closer to their kids and their school, and so they could escape from the traffic that Savannah was experiencing at the time. Read more>
Chatham GOP rallies ‘no’ votes in Tuesday’s ESPLOST referendum – The Current – Craig Nelson
March 15, 2025 – Energized by Donald Trump’s reelection in November and his administration’s current efforts to slash the size of the federal government, Republican groups in Chatham County have taken aim at what they say is another source of waste, fraud and abuse: the county’s one-cent tax on retail sales to fund public-school infrastructure. Read more>
As Savannah Council considers stormwater fee program, city to seek public input – Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
March 14, 2025 – Last fall Savannah experienced a slew of significant rainfall events that flooded neighborhoods across the city. Read more>
Savannah Fiddles while the US Burns … But at least the fiddle is Irish…
March 12, 2025 – In her column “Savannah Fiddles While the US Burns,” Shelley Powers criticizes the Savannah Morning News for focusing on local trivialities while neglecting significant national issues, such as the January 6 Capitol riot and the rise of authoritarianism in the United States. Read more>
In Our Green Era – Savannah Sidways – Jessica Leigh Lebos
Mar 12, 2025 – The Academy might’ve snubbed Wicked for Best Picture this year, but we don’t need no stinkin’ Oscar—our own Emerald City always wins. Read more>
Tybee Island residents gather to save historic Brown house from demolition – Savannah Morning News – Destini Ambus
March 12 – Stop six on the Tybee Island Black History trail takes you to 803 First St., to a house you may not notice when you are driving down Highway 80 because it is covered by trees and overgrown shrubbery, sandwiched between Tybee Golf Carts and the Salt Pines Townhomes Community. Read more>
Board of Education Wrap-up, March 5 – The Savannahian – Ansley Standridge
March 10, 2025 – A citizen told the Board that certain district employees were ‘mediocre’ and that it sent a ripple of mediocrity throughout the school district. Read more>
Dozens of bills make the cut as Georgia lawmakers hit home stretch, DEI ban dies – The Current – Jill Nolin/Georgia Recorder
March 7 – Lawmakers passed a heap of bills by a key legislative deadline Thursday, signing off – again – on an accelerated income tax rate cut and a plan to slightly expand the state’s medical cannabis program while attempting to ban THC-infused drinks. Read more>
Georgia DFCS relied on controversial laboratory for drug tests crucial to custody decisions – The Current – Jake Shore
March 1, 2025 – Child welfare agency director says she’s open to an audit of past tests. But it’s likely too late for one mother. Read more>
Savannah sculptor selected to design memorial honoring COVID-19 victims
Georgia Southern-Armstrong professor will see design unveiled in Chicago this fall. – The Current – Jeremy Redmon/The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Feb. 27, 2025 – Casey Schachner heard her baby’s heartbeat for the first time at an unusual location in March 2020, just days after the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. Read more>
Savannah Sideways – Our Mighty Resonance – Jessica Leigh Lebos
Feb. 26, 2025 – Another week, another onslaught of odious absurdities. To paraphrase modern meme parlance, the horrors persist, yet here we are. Read more>
Early voting has begun for Savannah schools’ ESPLOST V vote, Chamber endorses measure – Savannah Morning News – Joseph Schwartzburt
Feb. 25, 2025 – More than $700 million in proposed public school facility projects is on the line March 18, when residents not too winded from the St. Patrick Day Parade and Festival celebrations can head to the polls to vote on the fifth iteration of the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System’s Educational Special Local Option Sales Tax or ESPLOST. Read more>
After violations sank process to build $89 million Chatham emergency ops center, same companies approved to bid again – The Current – Jake Shore
Feb. 24, 2025 – Backchannel communications by companies bidding for a $89 million Chatham emergency operations contract caused the chairman to shut down all bids and restart the process to build the much-delayed facility last fall. Read more>
On Our Radar: Preferred design for President Street railroad crossing identified. See it here – Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
Feb. 22, 2025 – Last week Chatham County held an open house on the next steps of its President Street railroad crossing elimination project, which underwent a study of potential options to eliminate the crossing starting last September. Read more>
Dear Buddy Carter – Have A Town Hall- Shelley Powers
Feb. 21, 2025 – Your compatriot, Rich McCormick, had a town hall recently. It did not go as well as he hoped, especially considering the continued chaos in the federal government. Still, he did what a Congressional representative should do, and met with the public he represents. Read more>
Memorial Health halts transgender surgeries: 5 things to know – The Current – Robin Kemp
Feb. 21, 2025 – For years, Savannah has been a beacon for transgender people seeking gender-affirming health care. Now, that care is harder to access. Read more>
Woman who carried and gave birth to another couple’s child sues over IVF mix up – Savannah Morning News – Drew Favakeh
Feb. 20, 2025 – Attorneys for a former patient of Coastal Fertility Specialists have filed a lawsuit against the fertility clinic, which has clinics in Georgia and South Carolina, for allegedly implanting the wrong embryo into her uterus, leading to her carrying and giving birth to another couple’s biological child. Read more>
The Y Bar Savannah Celebrates Black History Month With Black Artist Showcase – Things Around Town – Kareem McMichael
Feb. 19, 2025 – The Y Bar Savannah is gearing up for a vibrant celebration of culture and artistry at its upcoming Black Artist Showcase on February 23 from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Read more>
Georgia publicly touts its Medicaid experiment as a success. Numbers tell a different story – The Current – Margaret Coker
Feb. 19, 2025 – In January, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp boasted that his experiment in Medicaid reform was a success, despite low enrollment numbers. Yet a report commissioned by the state and not yet publicly released suggested otherwise. Read more>
Mind the Devil’s Playthings – Savannah Sideways – Jessica Leigh Lebos
Feb. 19, 2025 – What have you been doing with your hands lately? Read more>
Former City of Savannah ONSE Director’s employment terminated due to alleged ethics violations – Savannah Morning News – Drew Favakeh
Feb. 19, 2025 – In late July 2024, the City of Savannah terminated the employment of its first Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement (ONSE) Director, John Bush, due to alleged violations of “anti-harassment,” “code of conduct” and “code of ethics,” according to documents obtained by the Savannah Morning News via an open records request to the city. Read more>
Savannah sues PFAS polluters, seeks water treatment funds – The Current – Mary Landers
Feb. 18, 2025 – Savannah wants companies that make, sell, use and discharge the per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (“PFAS”) found in Savannah’s water supply to pay for the treatment needed to remove these “forever chemicals.” Read more>
Savannah musicians gather to celebrate the Golden Era of country music – The Savannahian – Jenna Moore
Feb. 17, 2025 – n Montgomery, Alabama on September 17, 1923, Hank Williams began his musical journey playing locally in bars and on the radio with his band, Drifting Cowboys. Read more?
Yamacraw Village residents form community council to have say in future of property – Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
Feb. 16, 2025 – As the Housing Authority of Savannah (HAS) intends to move forward with a demolition application for Yamacraw Village this year, residents in the community have banded together to ensure they have a voice in plans for the community’s future. Read more>
LLCs and Abdiel Capital: Who exactly is the new owner of the Noble Hardee Mansion? – Savannah Morning News – Joseph Schwartzburt
Feb. 14, 2025 – The Noble Hardee Mansion at 3 W. Gordon St., has a new owner. Read more>
Anguilla takes Savannah State: International Students Rising – Tigers Roar – Dorissa Ferguson
Feb. 13, 2025 – Sunzahra Banks, sometimes referred to as “Sunny,” is a 23-year-old mass communications major with a concentration in public relations and a minor in marketing. She was born in Canada but raised in Anguilla and currently resides in Savannah, Georgia for school at Savannah State University. Read more>
Love the Ones You’re With – Savannah Sideways – Jessica Leigh Lebos
Feb. 12, 2025 – It’s so weird right now, yeah? Every thumb flick brings a new reason to gnash our teeth and toss back another antacid: Oligarch coup in progress! Bird flu conspiracies! Another plane falling out of the sky! Read more>
Report highlights Georgia wildlife conservation efforts – The Current – Mary Landers
Feb. 11, 2025 – Georgia keeps tabs on bald eagles nesting in tall pines, endangered North Atlantic right whales giving birth offshore and gopher tortoises reclaiming their territories in longleaf forests. Read more>
USAID shutdown jeopardizes Georgia nonprofit’s peanut-based humanitarian program – Orlando Montoya/GPB News and Kristi York Wooten/GPB News Feb. 10, 2025
Feb. 10, 2025 – Pooler warehouse, Port of Savannah part of supply chain to distribute survival food for children. Read more>
Everything’s Prine: Tribute show to late legend set for Tybee Post – The Savannahian – Jami Calandros
Feb. 10, 2025 – MATT Eckstine & the Lowcountry All Stars will be playing a John Prine tribute show on Sunday February 16 at Tybee Post Theater. Read more>
Orange Crush close to being permitted: ‘Conditional approval’ offered for a one-day event – Savannah Morning News – Destini Ambus
Feb. 6, 2025 – Orange Crush, the annual unpermitted event created by Savannah State University students in 1988, may soon exist as a permitted event on Tybee Island — but with a couple of conditions. Read more>
24 Hours in Charleston: We Are Not the Same – Savannah Sideways – Jessica Leigh Lebos
Feb. 5, 2025 – Folks just love to compare Savannah and Charleston. Read more>
In Session: What did the grand jury decide? Here are Chatham County court updates – Savannah Morning News – Drew Favakeh
Feb. 3, 2025 – On Jan. 28, the Georgia Supreme Court reversed the felony murder convictions of Jerry Chambers, who was found guilty of killing three people in a July 5, 2017 vehicular wreck on Bay Street. Read more>
Georgia Power cancels coal plant closures, chooses fossil fuels to meet demand – The Current – Emily Jones/WABE, Grist
Feb. 1, 2025 – Georgia’s largest electric provider is going back on its promise to close coal plants across the state in the face of rising demand for energy, especially from large projects like data centers. Read more>
Georgia’s January cold spells could squash farmers’ pest concerns come spring – GPB – Benjamin Payne
Jan. 29, 2025 – Recent record-breaking cold temperatures that gripped Georgia this month may deliver unexpected benefits for the state’s agricultural sector, even as farmers assess damage from last week’s massive snowstorm. Read more>
Unraveling a Mysterious Life on Liberty Street – Savannah Sideways – Jessica Leigh Lebos
Jan. 29, 2025 – When you’re renovating an old house, sometimes a long-forgotten treasure will turn up. Read more>
Pause in federal grants puts some environmental programs in limbo – The Current – Mary Landers
Jan. 28, 2025 – Following the issuance late Monday of a White House memo ordering federal agencies to freeze all grant and loan disbursements, Coastal Georgia environmental grant recipients are scrambling to understand how they’ll be affected. Read more>
Coastal Georgia snow likely a result, not a refutation of climate change – The Current – Mary Landers
Jan. 28, 2025 – Last year was a hot one in Georgia but last week’s snow is not evidence we’re headed in a different direction, Georgia scientists say. Read more>
Federal law enforcement agencies participate in ‘immigration enforcement efforts’ in Savannah – Savannah Morning News – Drew Favakeh
Jan. 29, 2025 – On Sunday, multiple federal law enforcement agencies participated in an operation related to “immigration enforcement efforts” in Savannah, Cartersville and Atlanta, according to a post on X by Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Atlanta. Read more>
Georgia Ports Authority continues investment in Ocean Terminal Renovations – Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
Jan. 28, 2025 – The Georgia Ports Authority Board approved Tuesday a significant investment towards its renovation of Ocean Terminal on Savannah’s west side. Read more>
Savannah Weather by Month – Savannah First-Timer’s Guide – Erin Clarkson
Jan. 27, 2025 – I keep getting weather questions in my Savannah Facebook group, so I figured it was about time to do a “Savannah weather by month” rundown. Read more>
Pedestrian-related crashes increasing in Savannah, according to police data – Savannah Morning News – Drew Favakeh
Jan. 26, 2025 – Despite recent investments and initiatives from the city to mitigate the issue, the number of motor vehicle collisions involving pedestrians in Savannah slightly increased last year, according to a review of Savannah Police Department (SPD) data. Read more>
Winter Storm Enzo: County updates – The Current
Here’s a county-by-county look at the plans and effects of wintry weather this week throughout Coastal Georgia. Read more>
Welcome to Snowvannah – Savannah Sideways – Jessica Leigh Lebos
Jan. 22, 2025 – In some places, two-and-half inches of snow does not warrant school closures, toilet paper hoarding, and general interruption of daily tasks. Savannah is not one of those places. Read more>
Savannah set to impose 90-day curfew on downtown walking tours beginning February – GPB – Benjamin Payne
Jan. 21, 2025 – Savannah is preparing to implement new restrictions on walking tours throughout its downtown historic district, establishing curfews that tourism officials say will help balance visitor experiences with residents’ quality of life. Read more>
Board of Education Wrap-up, Jan. 15 – The Savannahian – Ansley Standridge
Jan. 21, 2025 – The Board approved a budget transfer for the Islands High School Athletic Complex expansion project, which would add more seating capabilities, additional restrooms, and a larger press box. Read more>
Savannah moving forward with walking tour pilot limiting hours, locations despite pushback – Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
Jan. 18, 2025 – The city of Savannah is set to launch a pilot program limiting hours and locations for walking tours downtown, despite concern from tour operators expressed during a series of public meetings last week. Read more>
City of Savannah, lawyers for Saudi Lee accuse each other of tainting potential jury pool – The Current – Jake Shore
Jan. 15, 2025 – City asks federal judge to sanction Lee’s family attorneys for holding a press conference. Read more>
Feds abandon expansion of speed rule meant to protect right whales – The Current – Mary Landers
Jan. 15, 2025 – The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on Tuesday announced it is withdrawing its proposed expansion of the vessel speed rule, which aimed to minimize the threat of boat strikes to critically endangered North Atlantic right whales. Read more>
Shadowboxing the Apocalypse – Savannah Sideways – Jessica Leigh Lebos
Jan. 15, 2025 – Unless you’re heavily medicated or hopelessly self-absorbed, you are surely aware that things seem to be going terribly awry. Read more>
Slideshow: Hyundai metaplant site – The Current
Jan. 14, 2025 – Photographer Justin Taylor periodically flies a drone over north Bryan County so we can all get a fresh look at the flurry of construction around the Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America. His most recent effort was Jan. 9, 2025. Read more>
Orange Crush founders submit permit application, seek sponsorships for annual festival – Destini Ambus
Jan. 14, 2025 – A little over a month ago, the City of Tybee Island received its first permit application for what’s been known as the annual unpermitted event, Orange Crush. Read more>
Controversial Forsyth Park development passes, tour limits proposed: City Council wrap-up, Jan. 9 – The Savannahian – Brian Myers
Jan. 13, 2025 – Mayor and Alderpersons kicked off the new year with a lengthy workshop about tourism before diving into the agenda of its first regularly scheduled Council meeting of 2025. Read more>
Coastal Georgia lawmakers tout environmental agenda – The Current – Craig Nelson
Jan. 13, 2025 – As Coastal Georgia lawmakers converged in Atlanta for the start of the new, 40-day legislative session on Monday, its agenda was still in limbo. Read more>
Savannah council approves rezoning along Forsyth Park, amends Godley Station Master Plan – Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
Jan. 10, 2025 – Savannah City Council approved rezoning the northwest corner of Park Avenue and Whitaker Street from Traditional Neighborhood-1 to Traditional Commercial-2, paving the way for a proposed multi-story office complex across from Forsyth Park. Read more>
Costs, delays increase as unbuilt Chatham emergency ops center still without contractor – The Current – Jake Shore
Jan. 8, 2025 – Commissioners will vote Friday on another contract change for the long-running 911/emergency center project. Read more>
Historic District Board of Review decides fate of design for Tattnall St. hotel – Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
Jan. 9, 2025 – A previously continued proposal for a hotel design at 301 Tattnall St. was struck down by the Savannah Historic District Board of Review Wednesday due to the 4-5-story proposal not matching visual compatibility with the height and mass of adjacent contributing structures. Read more>
Off to A Wild Start – Savannah Sideways – Jessica Leigh Lebos
Jan. 8, 2025 – Here we are, barely a week into the year, and already so much to process. Read more>
Savannah musician compiles massive tribute album to raise funds for Western NC recovery – Savannah Morning News – Christopher Berinato
Jan. 8, 2025 – The Savannah music community is coming together for an unprecedented compilation album spanning over 50 years of Savannah music history. Read more>
Settlement hastens Hyundai’s switch from Floridan aquifer water – The Current – Mary Landers
Jan. 7, 2025 – The Hyundai Metaplant will be weaned off Floridan aquifer water in 15 years, a decade sooner than previously planned, thanks to a settlement agreement between the Savannah Harbor-Interstate 16 Corridor Joint Development Authority (the JDA) and the Ogeechee Riverkeeper. Read more>
Rest In Peace, John McMasters: A personal remembrance of a great Savannahian – Jim Morekis
Jan. 6, 2025 – I WANTED to write a personal note in memoriam to the late, great John McMasters, who passed away surrounded by family and friends last week at age 71. Read more>
With ‘Rednecks,’ Savannah author Taylor Brown blasts through Southern stereotypes – Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
Jan. 5, 2025 – Stitched on the denim vest of Savannah author Taylor Brown are two patches: the Harley Davidson logo and Blackbeard’s flag. Read more>
Savannah woman part of untold story of The Six Triple Eight, now a Netflix movie – Destini Ambus – Savannah Morning News
Jan. 3, 2025 – Annie Knight Jordan, in her old age, was very particular about mail. Read more>
Looking ahead to hot topics in education and workforce development in Savannah for 2025 – Savannah Morning News – Joseph Schwartzburt
Jan. 2, 2025 – The final week of one year and the start of the next is a time to reflect on what has come to pass and prepare for what lies ahead. Read more>
Jim Reed talks giant hurricane benefit compilation featuring 201 Savannah artists – The Savannahian – Sean Kelly
Dec. 30, 2024 – ‘The best part about this collection is that since it’s a digital release and we’re not pressing physical product, there is absolutely no limit in terms of how long it can be.’ Read more>
Lone Wolf Lounge hosts Savannah folk artist Brother Bruce’s Fabulous Freak Show & Hoodoo Art – Savannah Morning News – Beth Logan
Dec. 27, 2024 – Walking into the living room of folk artist Bruce Peterson’s Gordonston bungalow, my eye is immediately drawn to an 8-foot-high blue horned monster propped behind a chair. Read more>
Savannah Council dishes on prominent rezonings, major capital projects at final meeting of year – Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
Dec. 20, 2024 – Savannah City Council closed its year with a marathon four-hour meeting Thursday, tackling a flurry of zoning hearings and approving its 2025 budget. Read more>
Development is depleting Chatham County’s tree canopy. What’s being done to restore it? – Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
Dec. 18, 2024 – Savannah was honored as a “Tree City USA” from the National Arbor Day Foundation since 1985, and the city has been anchored by its urban forest for nearly a century. Read more>
Spokesman: Hyundai Metaplant hasn’t benefitted directly from climate law yet – The Current – Mary Landers
Dec. 17, 2024 – The Inflation Reduction Act offers an incentive to consumers to buy EVs made in the US but Hyundai Metaplant itself hasn’t gotten tax breaks or credits from the law. Read more>
Savannah Rep takes holiday storytelling to its limits in ‘Every Christmas Story Ever Told (and then some!)’ – The Savannahian – Diane Newberry
Dec. 16, 2024 – “We tell many stories in a very short amount of time. So the most exciting part for me is working with this excellent cast and crew to make that happen quickly and in a compelling, hilarious and beautiful way.” Read more>
Tybee Island seeks special sales tax to fund infrastructure upgrades – GPB – Benjamin Payne
Dec. 13, 2024 – Tybee Island officials are asking residents and tourists alike to share in the cost of future infrastructure projects through a proposed 1% sales tax on all goods purchased in the popular beach town. Read more>
Gallery 2424 Show “It’s A Small World” is Raising Money to Help Asheville Artists – Hostess City Saint
Dec. 12, 2024 – Longtime Asheville resident turned Savannah creative Maxx Feist has put together an eclectic exhibition with a goal of providing for those who have lost their livelihoods. Read more>
Savannah’s tourism committee to consider pilot for limits on hours, locations of walking tours – Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
Dec. 11, 2024 – The city of Savannah’s Tourism Advisory Committee is set vote on a pilot program regulating nighttime hours and locations for walking tours in largely residential areas of the downtown neighborhood. Read more>
Shingle Bells – Savannah Sideways – Jessica Leigh Lebos
Dec. 11, 2024 – One morning in December 1977, I was dreaming of sugar plum fairies and crispy latkes when I awoke with itchy bumps on my face and chest. Read more>
Comment period on Okefenokee expansion nears deadline – The Current – Mary Landers
Dec. 10, 2024 – Monday night webinar was last public meetings on the topic; comments accepted through Dec. 13. Read more>
Georgia’s private-school vouchers program gets off to shaky start – The Current – Craig Nelson and Maggie Lee
Dec. 9, 2024 – The state office in charge of implementing Georgia’s controversial private school voucher initiative has issued and now withdrawn a list of underperforming schools whose students are eligible for the subsidy. Read more>
‘I own a gun too’: Increase in firearm ownership by women crosses party lines – The Savannahian – Kristy Edenfield
Dec. 9, 2024 – ACCORDING to a 2021 Harvard School of Public Health report, more women are becoming gun owners than ever before. Read more>
From Murmur to Monster: R.E.M. tribute features all-star cast of Savannah’s best musicians – The Savannahian – Jim Morekis
Dec. 9, 2024 – THE PROGENITOR of what was first called “college rock” – then “alternative” rock, and now usually just indie rock – R.E.M. is, along with Little Richard, Otis Redding, James Brown, and the Allman Brothers, among Georgia’s most influential musical contributions. Read more>
Chatham County shelves anti-homeless ‘urban camping’ law, for now – The Current – Benjamin Payne/GPB News
Dec. 7, 2024 – Officials in Chatham County have tabled a controversial ordinance that opponents say would criminalize homelessness. Read more>
Savannah, Chatham County set to share costs for Little Neck Road widening – Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
Dec. 6, 2024 – Little Neck Road in west Chatham County is slated to serve as a major arterial for the county’s booming growth. Already is is a main road to development in New Hampstead and future planned projects. Read more>
A Victory Lap with Producer and Raconteur Andy Meyer – Savannah Sideways – Jessica Leigh Lebos
Dec. 4, 2024 – Tell me you’re Gen X without telling me you’re Gen X. Read more>
Eastside early learning center breaks ground, to be “anchor” of purpose-built community – Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
Dec. 3, 2024 – Derek Mallow’s first library card was from the former Hitch Village Library on Savannah’s eastside, and it’s also the place he took his first-ever headshot photograph as part of Hitch Village’s Head Start program. Read more>
Georgia Power expects electricity demands to triple in next decade – The Current – Stanley Dunlap
Dec. 3, 2024 – The utility claims data centers are driving the accelerated need, but clean energy experts are skeptical. Read more>
New developer seeks to revitalize long vacant property on Hutchinson Island with new homes – Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
Dec. 2, 22024 – The Hutchinson Island property formerly known as The Reserve at Savannah Harbor is riddled with signs of stalled progress: a span of vacant lots with utility pipes protruding from the grass, only a handful of residences and an empty mansion-like clubhouse. Read more>
Interagency Council on Homelessness unveils five-year plan – The Savannahian – Mia Holmes
Dec. 2, 2024 – According to a homeless count done in January, 579 people are unsheltered on any night in our city. Read more>
Forsyth Farmers Market to temporarily suspend programs due to cash flow shortage – Savannah Morning News – Destini Ambus
Dec. 2, 2024 – As the sun slowly began to set on a Friday evening, members of the Savannah Gardens community and Forsyth Farmers Market employees planted lettuce, cabbage, garlic, collard greens, Brussels sprouts and onions—anything that would grow abundantly in cold weather. Read more>
Community solar supporters gearing up to push third-party provider bill – Savannah Morning News – Dave Williams/Capital Beat News Service
Nov. 30, 2024 – Solar power advocates in Georgia are renewing a push for legislation that would let Georgia Power customers buy electricity from third-party providers of solar energy. Read more>
Very Demure, Very Thankful – Savannah Sideways – Jessica Leigh Lebos
Nov. 27, 2024 – It’s fortunate that you’re reading this on a screen, since any other format would have your fingers sticky with sweet potato goo and spite. Read more>
Savannah Council paves way for construction of ‘signature’ playground at Daffin Park – Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
A signature is an autograph.
And the city of Savannah plans to make a stamp on the city with the creation of its first “signature” playground, a multi-station and inclusive concept set for Daffin Park’s northwest corner. Read more>
Building Savannah: The latest developments about development – The Savannahian – Jim Morekis
Nov. 25, 2023 – A MASSIVE and very controversial office/underground garage project at the southwest corner of Forsyth Park was unanimously approved by the MPC at its last meeting, despite overwhelming resident opposition. Read more>
Adrienne “Brushbreaker” Berkland Could Take John Cena in a Fight* – Hostess City Saint
Nov. 22, 2024 – Berkland currently holds the SOY X SOY Art Rumble Championship belt, while the so-called “Superstar” Cena hasn’t been a champion since 2016. Read more>
Planning commission recommends approval of rezoning for Forsyth Park office complex site – Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
Nov. 20, 2024 – Plans for a proposed office complex on Forsyth Park took a key step through local planning wheels Tuesday, receiving recommendations for approval on two zoning items from the Chatham County-Savannah Metropolitan Planning Commission. Read more>
Park Place marks 40 years of successful outreach to at-risk local youth – The Savannahian – Mia Holmes
Nov. 18, 2024 – NOVEMBER marks Youth HOPE Month. This is an awareness campaign created to “shine a light” on the experiences of runaway and homeless youth that remain invisible to the public eye. Read more>
Lessons from the Paw Paw Patch – Savannah Sideways – Jessica leigh Lebos
Nove. 13, 2024 – Somewhere on the east side of town, in a neighborhood you’ve never heard of, lies an oasis hidden in plain sight. Read more>
Building Savannah: The latest developments about development – The Savannahian – Jim Morekis
Nov. 12, 2024 – In an increasingly common situation, the Metropolitan Planning Commission has ruled in favor of a development by one of its members, Jeff Notrica. Read more>
Georgia leads EV manufacturing, lags on sales – The Current – Emily Jones/WABE, Grist
Nov. 11, 2024 – Georgia is leading the country in jobs making electric vehicles, batteries and other parts. Still, the state lags behind on people actually driving electric vehicles (EVs), according to a new report by the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy. Read more>
Ogeechee Riverkeeper challenges Hyundai water permits – The Current – Mary Landers
Nov. 11, 2024 – A Coastal Georgia environmental group is challenging two water withdrawal permits approved last month to provide millions of gallons a day of pristine groundwater to the Hyundai megasite in Ellabell. Read more>
Municipal Notebook: Tybee Island considers legislative agenda, Garden City looks at de-annexation – Savannah Morning News – Destini Ambus
Nov. 12, 2024 – The Savannah Morning News has launched a biweekly series titled the Municipal Notebook, a quick take on events and council decisions in the municipalities surrounding Savannah. Read more>
As Savannah streets flood again, city council discusses path forward for drainage improvements – Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
Nov. 8, 2024 – Savannah streets were inundated with water from heavy rainfall Thursday, causing street flooding that left cars floating through water up to headlights in what is the city’s fourth significant urban flooding event since late July. Read more>
Savannah Mayor Van Johnson says state of city is “resolute” at yearly address – Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
Nov. 7, 2024 – Reset and recharge. Savannah Mayor Van Johnson dubbed that the theme of the current city council administration’s first year, a group that returned eight incumbents sworn in January this year. Read more>
America Is Self-Destructing But We Don’t Have To – Savannah Sideways – Jessica Leigh Lebos
Nov. 6, 2024 – No words. That’s the phrase I keep seeing today from friends waking up to the news. Not that any of us slept much. Read more>
Georgia votes: Chatham ballot count occurs transparently – The Current – Jake Shore and Craig Nelson
Nov. 5, 2024 – Officials in charge of Georgia’s fifth-largest county allow lawyers, partisan workers to monitor entire tally process. Read more>
E-learning days vs. makeup days: Local schools struggle to find a balance – The Savannahian – Kristy Edenfield
Nov. 4, 2024 – ELECTION DAY will mark the second of four scheduled e-learning days on the Savannah Chatham County Public School System’s (SCCPSS) 2024-25 calendar. Read more>
Dairy Daze returns for a weekend of music and art benefiting Tidelands Nature School – The Savannahian – Frank Ricci
Nov. 4, 2024 – TAKE THE bucolic grounds of a defunct dairy farm, add artists with a strong sense of community and an attorney with a plan and BOOM! — you’ve got the 912 Group. Read more>
Chatham County has “security plan” in place for election day public safety – Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
Nov. 4, 2024 – As threats against election workers have increased in the run up to Nov. 5 presidential election, local law enforcement and board of elections have taken public safety preparations for election day. Read more>
Colonial Oil signs agreement to sell Enmarket stores to Nouria out of Massachusetts – Savannah Morning News – Joseph Schwartzburt
Nov. 4, 2024 – Enmarket stores will become part of the fast-growing Nouria convenience store chain. Read more>
Presidential nominees seek to address housing costs, a pressing issue in Savannah – Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
Nov. 3, 2024 – The 2021 Housing Savannah Action Plan made a number of stark assertions about the housing cost crisis facing Savannah. Read more>
How would Trump’s tariffs affect Georgians? Studies show they would pay more in indirect taxes – Savannah Morning News – Amy Paige Condon
Nov. 3, 2024 – A cornerstone of former President Donald Trump’s economic proposals should he be elected to a second term is levying tariffs on foreign-produced goods and services imported into the U.S. Read more>
Q&A: Chatham County Commission Dist. 7 candidates – The Current
Oct. 31, 2024 – Questionnaires were compiled by The Current based on questions from readers. Read more>
At Savannah rally Tim Walz claims momentum in 2024 election with end of early voting Friday – Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
Oct. 29, 2024 – Democratic Vice Presidential Nominee Tim Walz visited Sandfly Barbeque for a campaign stop in August when he made Savannah Mayor Van Johnson a promise: He would return to Savannah. Read more>
Teddy Adams Pens New Book – The Savannah Tribune
Oct. 30, 2024 – Savannah’s “OFFICIAL JAZZ AMBASSADOR,” Teddy Adams has authored a new book, “Keepin’ The Beat. Read more>
The Inevitable Sum of Long Division – Savannah Sideways – Jessica Leigh Lebos Oct. 30, 2024 – This time next week, it’ll all be over. Read more>
Municipal Notebook: Updates and decisions from cities across Chatham County – Savannah Morning News – Destini Ambus
Oct. 29, 2024 – Today, the Savannah Morning News launches a biweekly series titled the Municipal Notebook, a quick-take on events and council decisions in the municipalities surrounding Savannah. Read more>
Affordable housing and post-storm cleanup: City Council wrap-up, Oct. 24 – The Savannahian – Brian Myers
Oct. 28, 2024 – The median home sale price is just under $325,000, while the average Savannahian can only afford a mortgage of $202,000. Read more>
Savannah school board president ‘dumbfounded’ by speech pathologists’ high caseloads – Savannah Morning News – Joseph Schwartzburt
Oct. 28, 2024 – Savannah-Chatham County School Board President Roger Moss inhaled sharply before stating that he was “absolutely dumbfounded” that some of the school district’s speech language pathologists have caseloads of up to 99 students. Read more>
Chatham Commission chair: Who best to manage growth? – The Current – Craig Nelson and Jake Shore
Oct. 26, 2024 – Election to lead Georgia’s fifth-largest county focuses on vision for economic future. Read more>
On Our Radar: Savannah creates first neighborhood conservation district south of DeRenne – Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
Oct. 26, 2024 – Savannah City Council made a historic move Thursday by creating a new local conservation district, providing local preservation protections to a neighborhood south of DeRenne Avenue for the first time in city history. Read more>
Battery plant, infrastructure are in the works to support metaplant – Savannah Morning News – Latrice Williams
Oct. 24, 2024 – Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America is up and running as the company held a private ceremony to celebrate the production of its first car, the Hyundai IONIQ 5, the first week of October. Read more>
Building Savannah: The latest developments about development – The Savannahian – Jim Morekis
Oct. 21, 2024 – “Developers and architects working in Savannah have a civic responsibility to design buildings that are unique and respectful of Savannah’s historic fabric and integrity.” Read more>
Ask the Bartender: Tyler Routley of The Hawthorn Minibar and Lounge. – Spicy Melon – Vanessa Lantos
Tyler is an extremely knowledgeable bartender and mixologist, but the best part is how he got that way. Read more>
Savannah residents, not insurers, should control the fate of their trees, advocates argue – Savannah Morning News – John Deem
Oct. 20, 2024 – As executive director of the Savannah Tree Foundation, Zoe Rinker has a unique perspective on the Georgia coast’s signature live oaks. Read more>
7 dead, 8 injured after Sapelo dock collapse – The Current – Mary Landers
Oct. 19, 2024 – At least seven people died and several others were seriously injured after an aluminum gangway collapsed at the Sapelo Island Ferry dock at the end of what was supposed to be a joyous day celebrating Georgia’s Gullah Geechee community. Read more>
Can these images predict Coastal Georgia flooding risks for 2050 and beyond? – GPB – Benjamin Payne
Oct. 18, 2024 – A climate science nonprofit is deploying a new tool to help show what major flooding might look like across the East Coast, including Coastal Georgia, as climate change worsens sea-level rise and intensifies storms. Read more>
“A celebration of print culture.” Savage Fst returns to DeSoto Row October 19th. – Hostess City Saint
Oct. 17, 2024 – In an era when the major media companies are shuttering print operations, creators at the 2nd annual Savage Fest will be showcasing self-published alternatives to mainstream comics and news magazines. Read more>
With property fully rezoned, fairgrounds development slated for Oct. 25 groundbreaking- Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
Oct. 17, 2024 – The year has been one of major progress for planned redevelopment of the 66.5-acre former fairgrounds property at 4801 Meding St. Read more>
What Would Larry Jack Do? – Savannah Sideways – Jessica Leigh Lebos
Oct. 16, 2024 – Despite the fall breeze fluttering the sycamore leaves, heated confusion set the scene in our backyard. Read more>
Chatham district attorney discloses campaign donations after deadline, ethics complaint – The Current – Jake Shore
Oct. 16, 2024 – Chatham County District Attorney Shalena Cook Jones has filed her campaign donation report five days after a state deadline and after a local lawyer filed an ethics complaint against her. Read more>
‘This show belongs to the audience’: Rocky Horror Show returns to Bay Street Theater – The Savannahian – Maddie Greer
Oct. 14, 2024 – “You’re not only watching that kind of positive message play out, but you’re participating in it as well. So, the audience leaves with a great feeling.” Read more>
Shine On: Georgia Color Plein Air Competition Comes to Savannah – Hostess City Saint
Oct. 15, 2024 – 30 of the state’s top artists make the Hostess City backdrop for a long weekend of outdoor painting. Read more>
Police to block trains? City Council wrap-up, Oct. 11 – The Savannahian – Brian Myers
Oct. 14 – “We’ll address it in a way that we need to address it, but ultimately you’ll see police cars on these train tracks during rush hours and they’ll just have to work it out, figure it out, and let them hit our police cars and see what happens.” Read more>
Chatham sheriff race pits age, experience against bid for new leadership – The Current – Jake Shore
Oct. 14, 2024 – Candidates differ on strategies to run Georgia’s fifth largest jail. Read more>
On Our Radar: Proposal to incentivize affordable housing set for upcoming MPC meeting – Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
Oct. 12, 2024 – The Chatham County-Savannah Metropolitan Planning Commission is back in action next week, However, the city of Savannah and a local housing advocate are co-presenting a zoning text amendment aimed at incentivizing affordable housing. Read more>
Community is a Focal Point for Savannah Photo Club – Savannah Magazine – Allison Stice
Oct. 11, 2024 – IN SAVANNAH, a city famous for its picturesque landscapes, a group of photography enthusiasts is proving that a camera can be more than just a tool for capturing moments — it can also be a gateway to community. Read more>
City council approves plan for new monument honoring seven female preservationists – WTOC
Oct. 11, 2024 – Friday afternoon, Savannah City Council officially approved the final phase (Phase 2) of a plan to build a new monument in Columbia Square. Read more>
Residents, Historic District Board of Review push for scaled down hotel proposal – Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
Oct. 12, 2024 – A petition for a 5-6-story hotel at 301 Tatnall St., abutting Liberty Street, was continued by the Savannah Historic District Board of Review Wednesday to address concerns of height and compatibility with the surrounding area. Read more>
Savannah engages residents on future of Tide to Town, from dream connections to economic growth – Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
Oct. 10, 2024 – Kyle Eckmann grew up on the south side of Savannah, and he would ride his bike “everywhere” around town. One thing he did not realize until some 40 years later, though, is how he cycled the streets without bike lanes. Read more>
The Days in Between – Savannah Sideways – Jessica Leigh Lebos
Oct. 9, 2024 – If the first half of October in Savannah were a person, she’d be shimmying all over town with more costume changes than a Club One drag queen. Read more>
In Savannah, Helene debris could be ‘problematic’ if caught in high winds from Milton – Savannah Morning News – John Deem
Oct. 8, 2024 – Cleanup efforts in the wake of Helene’s pass through the Savannah area continue, but city officials caution that the process will take weeks to complete. Read more>
‘I live here on purpose’: Laura Lane McKinnon of Housing Savannah on breaking down barriers to affordable housing – The Savannahian – Altmese Nichole
Oct. 7, 2024 – ‘My personal dream is to add significantly more housing units of all different sizes and types, and at a wide variety of price points, throughout our region. To do this, we need to remove the barriers that currently exist.’ Read more>
The League of Women Voters is evolving – The Savannahian – Kiki Dy
Oct. 7, 2024 – “Our members want to do something,” Rolfes beams, “They want to do something, so instead of saying I’m going to stay home and be angry. That doesn’t help anybody.” Read more>
Exclusive body camera footage shows Savannah officer killing of Saudi Lee – The Current – Jake Shore
Oct. 4, 2024 – Footage shows deadly encounter that led to indictment of former SPD officer. Read more>
Around 2,000 dockworkers at the Port of Savannah go on strike – WTOC – Shea Schrader
Oct. 1, 2024 – The International Longshoreman’s Association is officially on strike after negotiations broke down between them and the U.S. Maritime Alliance. Read more>
On Our Radar: Savannah Bananas hope to “shock the world” with big announcements at Oct. 3 draft – Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
Sept. 28, 2024 – The Savannah Bananas Banana Ball World Tour City Draft is set for Thursday, Oct. 3, at Historic Grayson Stadium, and Bananas’ owner Jesse Cole is predicting the event’s announcements will “shock the world.” Read more>
Savannah council members debate equity of alcohol licenses for second meeting in a row – Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
Sept. 28, 2024 – Savannah City Council made somewhat swift work of its agenda Thursday afternoon in advance of the Hurricane Helene’s worst anticipated impacts, but it did not go without approving a few key policy items and engaging in tense discussion on alcohol licenses. Read more>
Hurricane Helene winds throw debris, trees across Savannah streets with clean up underway – Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
Sept. 27, 2024 – Xavier Riley woke up on his couch at about 4 a.m. Friday morning in a sweat. There was no air condition after the power went off during Hurricane Helene’s roll through Georgia. Riley moved to his back bedroom inside a multi-unit Savannah mansion on 42nd street between Bee Road and Ash Street. Read more>
Over two years later, 15-year-old girl’s death at Yamacraw Village still unsolved – WTOC – Madalyn Bierster
Sept. 25, 2024 – It’s been 28 months since a Savannah mother last held her daughter. Read more>
Grand jury indicts Savannah policeman for 2022 murder of Saudi Lee – The Current – Jake Shore
Sept. 25, 2024 – A Chatham County grand jury indicted a former Savannah police officer for murdering Saudi Arai Lee in a 2022 encounter that police body camera footage shows the white officer shooting the 31-year-old Black man multiple times in the back. Read more>
Outside the Trump Rally – Savannah Sideways – Jessica Leigh Lebos
Sept. 25, 2024 – I thought there would be more guns and gold sneakers. Read more>
Former President Trump promises “manufacturing renaissance” during remarks in Savannah – Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
Sept. 24, 2024 -Former President Donald Trump declared he would usher in a “manufacturing renaissance” during remarks in Savannah Tuesday, touting plans for a 15% business tax rate for companies who make goods in the U.S. Read more>
Hyundai’s water use: What does it take to build an EV? – The Current – Mary Landers
Sept. 20, 2024 – Bryan and Bulloch counties are seeking permits to withdraw 6.625 million gallons of water a day from the Floridan aquifer to support the Hyundai EV manufacturing plant, but fundamental questions remain about how the Korean company calculated its usage needs or how the water will be used. Read more>
Forsyth Park office complex draws concerns of traffic, density as developers engage neighborhood – Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
Sept. 20, 2024 – When news of a potential three-story, underground parking garage on parcels adjacent to Forsyth Park surfaced earlier this year, members of the development team announced a traffic study by local engineering firm Thomas & Hutton was underway. Read more>
Anthem BCBS and HCA Healthcare continue negotiations as deadline for an agreement looms – Savannah Morning News – Joseph Schwartzburth
Sept. 20, 2024 – Thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of aviation workers, teachers, and state employees in the greater Savannah area may need to reschedule healthcare visits or line up new care providers by Oct 1. Read more>
Georgia Power looks to Port Wentworth facility for energy from burning ‘biomass’ – Savannah Morning News – John Deem
Sept. 19, 2024 – Georgia Power plans to tap one of the Savannah area’s industrial stalwarts for enough energy to serve the equivalent of more than 3,000 homes for a decade. Read more>
Savannah Sideways – Jessica Leigh Lebos – My Cousin Charles
Sept. 18, 2024 – In the late summer of 1995, the VW van I had precariously driven through the deserts of Arizona and up the coast of California went kaput. Read more>
Chatham County District Attorney candidates square off during League of Women Voters forum – Savannah Morning News – Drew Favakeh
Sept. 17, 2024 – Chatham County District Attorney Shalena Cook Jones and her Republican challenger Andre Pretorius squared off during a candidate forum on Monday night, hosted by the League of Women’s Voters of Coastal Georgia. Read more>
You Can’t Spell Carport Without A-R-T – Hostess City Saint
Sept. 17, 2024 – How Georgia-born curator Phillip McClure is turning four metal poles and a wooden roof into a backyard art gallery for creatives with outsider sensibilities. Read more>
Cocktail Culture: Servicing the thirsty Savannah traveler with bevvies at the airport – Savannah Morning News – Beth Logan
Sept. 17, 2024 – As the story goes, SCAD graduate and jewelry designer Meredith Sutton gifted a homebrewing kit to her partner Kevin Ryan, a West Point graduate and former U.S. Army commander, on Valentine’s Day, 2012, and two years later in 2014, they turned Ryan’s newfound passion for beer into Service Brewing Co. Read more>
Estimated 1,100 private wells surround proposed wells for Hyundai’s Bryan County site – Savannah Morning News – John Deem
Sept. 17, 2024 – More than 1,000 existing private wells may be located within a proposed mitigation zone around four municipal wells that would pump up to 6.6 million gallons of water per day to serve Hyundai Motor Company’s 2,500-acre manufacturing complex near Savannah and expected development around the site, an engineering consultant told local development officials last week. Read more>
GA Supreme Court to hear appeal for man convicted of killing 3 in Savannah car chase – The Current – Jake Shore
Sept. 16, 2024 – Man serving life sentences challenges Savannah police identification in 2017 chase. Read more>
South Georgia Republicans crowd pro-Trump rally in Savannah – The Current – Craig Nelson
Sept. 16, 2024 – S.D. Gov. Kristi Noem: Undecided voters ‘are the ones we’re gonna go find’ to win Georgia. Read more>
City Council debates how to grant alcohol licenses – and who should do it – The Savannahian – Brian Myers
Sept. 16, 2024 – Savannah requires one additional hoop for applicants to jump through – one that has been subject to scrutiny in recent years, including accusations of favoritism and discriminatory practices. Read more>
Georgia lawmakers about to focus on private water systems – The Current – Dave Williams/Capitol Beat
Sept. 14, 2024 – Committee to look at whether systems abide by same rules as public ones. Read more>
“Of One Mind” – Hostess City Saint
Sept. 13, 2024 – Autumn Gary and Alexis Javier “AJ” Perez explore the unseen in their Telfair Museums’ #art912 exhibition at the Jepson Center. Read more>
Savannah City Council approves height amendment to allow for 5-story hotel on Cohen Street – Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
Sept. 13, 2024 – Savannah City Council approved Thursday a height amendment within a portion of its Downtown Historic District Overlay Height Map that will now permit a 5-story hotel to be connect to Savannah Station on Cohen Street. Read more>
Prominent Savannah developer and architect take on new mixed-use project on E. Broad St. – Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
Sept. 11, 2024 – The Chatham County-Savannah Metropolitan Planning Commission approved Tuesday two site variances for a new mixed-use housing development at the southeast corner of East Broad and East Gwinnett Streets, the site of a previous development proposal that stalled after Savannah City Council denied its rezoning in May. Read more>
Eat It & Like It – Savannah’s Culinary Coming Attractions – Jesse Blanco
Sept. 12, 2024 – On the whole, we try our best to keep up with every restaurant either opening or planning to open. Read more>
Potential city partnership renews interest in Forsyth Park Master Plan, here are its contents – Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
Sept. 12, 2024 – The Tustees’ Garden Club began the Forsyth Park project in 2015 with a goal to “steward the park into the future.” Read more>
Savannah will need 42 million gallons more water per day to meet growth, city says – John Deem – Savannah Morning News
Sept. 12, 2024 – To keep pace with projected residential and industrial growth, Savannah expects to increase its drinking-water capacity by more than 72% over the next two decades. Read more>
Teatime with the Benign Alphas – Savannah Sideways – Jessica Leigh Lebos
Sept. 11, 2024 – I would never judge other people’s trashy TV choices, but I’ve never been a fan of the whole Real Housewives phenomenon. Read more>
Prominent Savannah developer and architect take on new mixed-use project on E. Broad St. – Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
Sept. 11, 2024 – The Chatham County-Savannah Metropolitan Planning Commission approved Tuesday two site variances for a new mixed-use housing development at the southeast corner of East Broad and East Gwinnett Streets, the site of a previous development proposal that stalled after Savannah City Council denied its rezoning in May. Read more>
Trains to transport 200,000 vehicles a year from Hyundai plant near Savannah, company says – Savannah Morning News – John Deem
Sept. 9, 2024 – Add train traffic to the coming flurry of activity surrounding Hyundai Motor Company’s manufacturing complex near Savannah. Read more>
Military-style maps on file at Savannah schools to hasten response time in event of shooting – GPB – Benjamin Payne
Sept. 9, 2024 – A company with military special operations veterans was consulted to create the maps. Read more>
Office complex design on Forsyth Park set for Historic Preservation Commission. Here’s a look – Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
Sept. 6, 2024 – It was nearly one year ago when Savannah City Council voted to leave a set of mid-century buildings on the southwest corner of Forsyth Park off of the contributing structures list, paving the way for their demolition. Read more>
Savannah wins $10M grant to make 37th Street safer – The Current – Jake Shore
Sept. 4, 2024 – For three years the city tried and failed to get federal funding — until now. Read more>
Clean Art Scrubbed Clean – Hostess City Saint
Sept. 6, 2024 – Savannah’s mural-covered “Bull Shack” faces permitting issue, potential whitewashing. Read more>
Bringing Back the Joy – Savannah Sideways – Jessica Leigh Lebos
Sept. 4, 2024 – If you’d told me last week that I’d be boogieing down in the middle of the day with 9,000 other people while waiting on the most powerful woman in the world, I would have responded by paraphrasing the VPOTUS herself: Simply put, you are out of your mind. Read more>
Once again, Savannah-Chatham Schools considers ‘solutions’ for 208 Bull Street – Savannah Morning News – Joseph Schwartzburt
Sept. 4, 2024 – “We don’t really know what’s behind these walls,” said SCCPSS Superintendent Denise Watts, Ed. D., referencing the district’s central office building at 208 Bull St. Read more>
‘I believe in her’: Kamala Harris rally-goers in their own words – The Savannahian – Kristy Edenfield
Sept. 3, 2024 – ‘I wanted my daughter to see the first woman president. She will remember that moment for the rest of her life.’ Read more>
The Burning Bush and The Birds – Hostess City Saint
Sept. 3, 2024 – Brian Condon and Jessica Pope’s Location Gallery exhibition “Found Anthologies” has two artists using similar materials to explore different worlds. Read more>
Harris in Savannah: SPD motorcycle officer in motorcade seen on ground with bike yards away – Savannah Morning News – Staff reports
Aug. 28, 2024 – Although Vice President Kamala Harris has made a few trips through Savannah, this week will be her first as the Democratic nominee for President of the United States. Read more>
The Tide: Chatham DA, Savannah mayor spar over dismissed cases – The Current – Jake Shore
Aug. 28, 2024 – Chatham County’s district attorney, long under fire for the way she has managed criminal prosecutions during the previous four years, received a new broadside this week from a powerful member of her own party: Savannah Mayor Van Johnson. Read more>
Savannah schools ‘change the narrative’ around specialized learning with renewed efforts – Savannah Morning News – Joseph Schwartzburt
Aug. 27, 2024 – Savannah-Chatham County Public School System’s (SCCPSS) Executive Director of Specialized Learning Selina Ruth-Gillans is working to “change the narrative about how we serve our students.” Read more>
City Council Wrap-up: Dude, where’s my agenda? – The Savannahian – Brian Myers
Aug. 26, 2024 – Nearly half the agenda items moved off for a later vote is indeed something that should be questioned. Read more>
Trombone Bakery: A love story with inventive French pastries – The Savannahian – Vanessa Lantos Daly
Aug. 26, 2024 – ‘We just like getting weird with food. We think about what’s trending and imagine how we can push the boundaries to make something unique, very special, and just… weird.’ Read more>
‘Weeping Time’ suit over homeless shelter location nears ruling – The Current – Brianna Leonard and Gillian Goodman
Aug. 24, 2024 – After three years of an ongoing legal battle, the bid to stop a planned development near the site of one of the nation’s largest auctions of enslaved people may soon get a decision. Read more>
Feds to revisit key environmental permit for wells to supply Hyundai’s GA site – Savannah Morning News – John Deem
Aug. 24, 2024 – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said Friday it is launching a “reevaluation” of a key environmental permit for four proposed Floridan Aquifer wells to supply up to 6.6 million gallons of water per day to Hyundai Motor Company’s Bryan County manufacturing facility and related development around the nearly 2,500-acre site. Read more>
Savannah’s Iconic Oaks Are Dying. Here’s Why—and What Happens Next. – Garden & Gun – Helen Bradshaw
Aug. 22, 2024 -\Few cities have flora as emblematic as the live oaks that tower over Savannah’s squares, so intertwined with the identity of the town that it’s hard to imagine Savannah without them. But many of the city’s live oaks will die around 2040. Read more>
Port Wentworth, Ghost Pirates break ground on training facility, amphitheater -Savannah Morning News – Destini Ambus
Aug. 21, 2024 – A project over a year in the making took one more step toward fruition Tuesday morning, as Port Wentworth, local officials and Zawyer Sports staff broke ground on the long-awaited Ice Cove, the Ghost Pirates’ ice hockey training facility and public amphitheater. Read more>
The Savannah Police has started issuing fines under the city’s gun storage ordinance – Savannah Morning News – Drew Favakeh
Aug. 20, 2024 – Three citations and one warning citation have been issued under the City of Savannah’s gun storage ordinance as of Aug. 15, after the implementation of the ordinance four months ago, according to open records requests obtained from the Savannah Police Department (SPD). Read more>
‘All the kids are welcome’: Forsyth Farmers Market brings back popular Youth Booth – The Savannahian – Lila Miller
Aug. 19, 2024 – Beyond food education, the youth booth also awards participating children with a voucher for five free tokens to use at the farmers market for any fruit, vegetable, egg or dairy product they wish- just no cookies or ice cream. Read more>
With Debby, this month already Savannah’s wettest August in nearly 30 years – Savannah Morning News – John Deem
Aug. 19, 2024 – Thanks to Debby’s soaking Savannah sojourn, the area has already experienced its wettest August in nearly three decades. Read more>
‘Totally heartbreaking:’ Savannah, Richmond Hill residents begin recovery from flooding – Savannah Morning News – Richard Burkhart
Aug. 16, 2024 – In search of higher ground, Patricia stood in the back of a pick-up truck, holding onto a jon boat for dear life as it bobbed in the wake of the truck her partner, Jeff Davis, drove over the flooded Middle Landing Road. Read more>
Worker injuries mount as giant Hyundai project nears completion – The Current – Amira McKee
Aug. 14, 2024 – Documents reveal at least 20 traumatic injuries at sprawling site, fewer OSHA inspections. Read more>
Keep the High in Hiatus – Savannah Sideways – Jessica Leigh Lebos
Aug. 14, 2024 – In the words of our dear departed pirate sage eternal frat boy Jimmy Buffet, yes, it’s been quite a summer. Read more>
‘If you want the best, you have to pay for the best:’ Pooler appoints new city manager – Savannah Morning News – Destini Ambus
Aug. 13, 2024 – After an executive session Monday evening, Pooler City Council approved the contract for city manager for Savannah employee Heath Lloyd. Read more>
“Everything I got is underwater.” This Chatham community is flooded, yet it gets little attention – Savannah Morning news – Evan Lasseter
Aug. 13, 2024 – Jeff Davis has lived off Shad Road in Chatham County for more than 50 years, and his home backs up near the Ogeechee River waterfront. Throughout the years he has seen water levels rise and recede. This long-timer of Chatham’s backwoods knows what river flooding looks like. Read more>
Update: Vote postponed over deal to give nonprofit control over Forsyth Park – The Current – Jake Shore
Aug. 13, 2024 – Savannah officials respond to questions about proposed partnership for beloved city park, welcome more discussions. Read more>
As Richmond Hill neighborhoods were ravaged by floods, volunteers showed up in droves – Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
Aug. 12, 2024 – On Friday afternoon Nathan and Robin Galloway drove through their Richmond Hill neighborhood earlier than usual from Hunter Army Airfield. Their route home, U.S. Highway 17, was expected to close soon due to Ogeechee River flooding. Read more>
That Old Savannah Magic – WRUU – Louis Clausi
This week in Savannah History, with Myths and Legends, ghost stories, current events and topics of the moment and how they affect the Savannah Community. Live interviews with Savannah residents that get to share their story and perspective of Savannah History. Check it out>
Georgia should tighten timeline for replacing wells to serve Hyundai site, critics contend – Savannah Morning News – John Deem
Aug. 9, 2024 – More than 36 billion gallons. That’s how much water four proposed Bulloch County wells, if pumped at permitted capacity, would withdraw from the Floridan Aquifer and send to Hyundai Motor Company’s electric vehicle and battery manufacturing site over a 15-year period. Read more>
Humane Society finds 90 animals shelter from storm – The Current – Serra Sowers
Aug. 6, 2024 – Dogs, cats and a rabbit move to dry ground, families during emergency. Read more>
Savannah City Council approves contract for Public Art Master Plan – Connect Savannah – Travis Jaudon
The Savannah City Council unanimously voted Thursday to approve a contract for hiring a company responsible for creating the city’s first Public Art Master Plan, which is aimed at bringing more art to public parks and city facilities. Read more>
For one Pooler neighborhood, the waters of Tropical Storm Debby have yet to recede – Savannah Morning News – Destini Ambus
Aug. 8, 2024 – Sara Hartley has lived at her home in Pooler at Barrington Estates off Quacco Road since 2009. She said that the flooding they experienced during Tropical Storm Debby was worse than Hurricane Matthew in 2016. Read more>
Chef Juan Stevenson stays in Savannah to continue the evolution of Juju’s Street Eats – Connect Savannah – Neil Gabbey
Aug. 8, 2024 – In April, Juan Stevenson officially stepped aside as executive chef at Late Air, a position he had held since the Ardsley Park sit-and-sip opened late in 2022. Read more>
Rosemary and the Women (Plus A Few Good Men) – Savannah Sideways – Jessica Leigh Lebos
Aug. 7, 2024 – On the lovely blue bungalow tucked away in a grove of moss-cloaked old oaks, the fuchsia front door stands out like a flirtatious sentry. Read more>
Floodwaters trap people inside their homes – WTOC – Flynn Snyder
Aug. 6, 2024 – Right now on Savannah’s westside, floodwaters are trapping people inside their homes. Read more>
After spate of severe rain, Tropical Storm Debby puts flooding strains on Savannah businesses – Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
Aug. 7, 2024 – Vintage Vortex on Bull Street in the heart of Savannah’s Starland District typically features the tell-tale signs of a hallmark vintage store outside its doors, namely a consistent flow of electic, stylish shoppers dressed to turn heads or racks of mid-century dresses worth stopping for. Read more>
Savannah’s aging stormwater system braces for Tropical Storm Debby – The Current – Mary Landers
Aug. 5, 2024 – July’s rains raised an alarm and prompted extra maintenance as streets flooded in more than the ‘usual’ places. Read more>
Are you ready to get Slushed? Two Tides Slush Fest returns – The Savannahian – Brian Myers
Aug. 5, 2024 – FOR ANOTHER summer, Two Tides Brewing Company is giving Savannahians one of the best ways to beat the heat while catching a buzz. Slush Fest is coming back to the Starland neighborhood on Saturday August 31 in what is looking to be one of the biggest events that the district’s heaviest anchor has given patrons yet. Read more>
Two Tides team enters the home stretch with The Laundry Diner development – Neil Gabbey – Connect Savannah
Aug. 1, 2024 – Over the last six years, the steady rise of Two Tides Brewing Co. has been both beautiful and bountiful. Read more>
City Talk: Should SCAD make payments to fund city services? Savannah Morning News – Bill Dawers
Aug. 1, 2024 – The Savannah College of Art and Design plans to build more student housing after the recent acquisition of the site of a proposed multifamily development near the intersection of Bull and West 45th streets, according to the reporting this week by Eric Curl at Savannah Agenda. Read more>
Can You Believe I Gave A Sermon at A Church and It Didn’t Explode – Savannah Sideways – Jessica Leigh Lebos
July 31, 2024 – Most Sunday mornings, I’m usually either drinking an eleventh cup of tea or traipsing in the woods after my husband (mushroom foraging is the new fishing, haven’t you heard?) Read more>
Georgia voter cancellation portal requires second round of security fixes – The Current – Maggie Lee
July 31, 2024 – Personal information could have been visible for two days. Read more>
A deep dive into deep rainfall: Ancient reasons for Savannah’s vulnerability to flooding – The Savannahian – Jim Morekis
July 29, 2024 – Savannah is built on top of an ancient offshore barrier island – a sandbar or sand dune, really, which is how all barrier islands begin. Read more>
Artificial turf replacement underway at Savannah State’s T.A. Wright Stadium – Connect Savannah – Travis Jaudon
July 29, 2024 – Committee on Real Estate and Facilities for Board of Regents authorized SSU project in April; Grant used for similar Albany State project. Read more>
VP Kamala Harris to make stop in Savannah with soon-to-be named running mate – Savannah Morning News – Ryne Dennis
July 30, 2024 – Vice President Kamala Harris is returning to Savannah. Read more>
Wexford Pub: Savannah’s Crown Jewel – Eat it & Like it – Jesse Blanco
July 27, 2024 – You don’t need a 4-year degree in “Savannah” to know and understand how deep its Irish Heritage runs. Read more>
Georgia companies deconstruct buildings instead of demolishing them – The Current – Emily Jones/WABE, Grist
July 26, 2024 – At the Re:Purpose Savannah warehouse on the city’s east side, staff and volunteers spent a recent morning unloading wooden panels from a pickup truck, reglazing old windows and using a metal detector to find and pull out nails in used wood. Read more>
Tybee City Council elects Bret Bell as City Manager, replacing Interim City Manager Michelle Owens – Connect Savannah – Travis Jaudon
July 27, 2024 – Tybee Island’s City Council approved the hiring of City of Savannah employee Bret Bell as its City Manager on Thursday, July 25 during a regular meeting of the council. Read more>
Rainy days in Savannah…(they just won’t quit!) – Savannah First-Timer’s Guide – Erin Clarkson
Here are some indoor activities to keep you busy: Read more>
Tybee Island City Council hires Savannah administrative veteran Bret Bell as city manager – Savannah Morning News – Destini Ambus
July 26, 2024 – At Thursday night’s Tybee Island City Council meeting, council members approved 5-1 a city manager agreement for Bret Bell, current chief of information and public affairs for the City of Savannah. Bell has worked for Savannah for almost 18 years, including as the chief operating officer. Read more>
Savannah City Council passes 2024 millage rate in unanimous vote at Thursday meeting – Connect Savannah – Travis Jaudon
July 26, 2024 – CITY NOTES: Flau’jae returns Friday; Lafayette Trail marker gets the go-ahead for Johnson Square placement; Alderman Leggett brings trophy to chambers; Back to school events this weekend. Read more>
Chatham County Commission moves to protect oldest home in west Chatham – Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
July 26, 2024 – Off the winding Little Neck Road, where new development continues its march into Chatham County’s rural outskirts, sits a snapshot of Savannah’s mid-1800s countryside. Read more>
Savannah public housing evictions 101 – The Current – Julia Gentin
July 25, 2024 – Evictions are on the rise in Yamacraw Village, a deteriorating public housing development in downtown Savannah’s oldest Black neighborhood. Read more>
Goodfortune Market: Corner grocery store set to open in Waters Avenue Revitalization zone – Connect Savannah – Neil Gabbey
July 25, 2024 – When Becca Goossen saw the property, only a few blocks from her house, she knew this had to be the place. Read more>
City Talk: Savannah needs both affordable and market-rate units to address housing demand – Savannah Morning News
July 25, 2024 – A few months ago, I was standing on a sidewalk in the downtown area while looking closely at one of the city’s newer apartment buildings. Read more>
More than the ‘big yellow bus’?: Savannah schools explore future transportation solutions – Savannah Morning News – Joseph Schwartzburt
July 25, 2024 – “It’s not that big yellow school bus anymore that can solve all the problems,” Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools (SCCPSS) Executive Director of Transportation Lanetta Mills said. Read more>
How Absurd Can It Get? Hold My Burger Savannah Sideways – Jessica Leigh Lebos
July 24, 2024 – Does the whiplash of the current political rollercoaster have your eyeballs rolling around your head? Read more>
How One Organization is Building Peace: The Mediation Center of the Coastal Empire kicks off campaign with “Rock Your Peace” event – Connect Savannah – Kareem McMichael
July 18, 2024 – The Mediation Center of the Coastal Empire, Inc. launched a 100-day initiative, “Intentional Peacebuilding,” to spread the message of peace in Savannah. Read more>
As workers train, Hyundai Metaplant salary picture takes shape – The Current – Amira McKee
July 18, 2024 – Early in the morning a lifelong Savannahnian and a military veteran commute 50 minutes in a 15-year-old SUV from Savannah to the Hyundai Metaplant, the $7.56 billion electric vehicle factory rising from amid the pine forests of rural Bryan County. Read more>
Group not satisfied with feds’ response to threatened lawsuit over Hyundai permits – Savannah Morning News – John Deem
July 19, 2024 – More than 30 days after threatening legal action to halt the largest economic development project in Georgia’s history, a lawyer on Thursday expressed impatience with federal officials for failing to address “substantial issues” raised by an environmental group. Read more>
Madam Chrysanthemum: Michele Mikulec’s Baby – Connect Savannah – Beth Logan
July 17, 2024 – My columns usually focus on the tangible arts of painting, fibers, photography , or ceramics through occasionally I’ve written about the work of authors, choirs, and theaters. Read more>
City tourism committee pauses new tour companies, aims to home in on industry concerns – Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
July 18, 2024 – Although a midday stroll around downtown Savannah shows its share of tour companies, there likely won’t be any new ones popping up for the rest of this year. Read more?
Let’s Revisit: ‘Savannah Difficult’ – Savannah Sideways – Jessica Leigh Lebos
July 17, 2024 – Truth be told, I’d already planned to take the next couple of weeks off long before all that’s gone down in the last few days. Read more>
A state authority for The Weeping Time approved by state officials. Here is what it will do. – Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
April 5, 2024 – Nearly three weeks after Savannah commemorated 165 years since the Weeping Time, Georgia legislators unanimously passed a bill set to increase education and awareness of the state’s largest slave auction. Read more>
Discount, nonstop service to connect Savannah to one of the “most spectacular destinations” out West – WJCL – Graham Cawthon
April 4, 2024 – Introductory fares start at just $49. Read more>
Everything you need to know about Orange Crush weekend 2024 – Savannah Morning News – Destini Ambus
April 5, 2024 – Ahead of the return of its largest unpermitted event, the City of Tybee Island has spent around $215,000 to prepare for the anticipated onslaught of Spring Breakers on April 19-21. Read more>
Architect or fishin’ musician? Kevin Rose answers, “Yes.” – Connect Savannah – Frank Ricci
April 4, 2024 – Some people are lucky enough to switch careers from something they enjoyed to something even more rewarding. Read more>
Lawsuit contests legality of removal of Calhoun’s name from square – WTOC – Flynn Snyder
April 3, 20224 – Legal challenges to a historic move by the City of Savannah continue. Read more>
Project Safe Flight offers volunteer training for birders in Savannah and Brunswick – Savannah Morning News – Josephine Johnson
April 4, 2024 – Current research indicates as many as 1 billion birds die annually in the United States due to collisions with buildings during spring and fall migration. But residents in Savannah and coastal Georgia now have a chance to help reduce that number. Read more>
On the Menu: Two new tricked out containers join Starland Yard’s offerings – Savannah Morning News – NW Gabbey
April 3, 2024 – In a brilliant bit of internal expansion, Savannah’s singular food-and-drink agora recently tricked out two more shipping containers: Uncle June’s and Nixtate. Read more>
Lessons in Chemistry (and Criticism)- Savannah Sideways – Jessica Leigh Lebos
April 3, 3024 – I recently had a transformative exchange with a reader who told me they were unsubscribing from this column because I often write about issues that can be kind of a bummer. Read more>
SSU’s liberal arts faculty caucus votes to investigate 2023 faculty non-renewals – Savannah Morning News – Joseph Schwartzburt
April 3, 2024 – Savannah State University (SSU) faculty within the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (CLASS) voted to investigate whether the university’s leadership failed to follow protocol when the school did not renew contracts for 13 faculty last summer. Read more>
‘On the clock’: Local officials gearing up for start of production at Hyundai – Savannah Morning News – Latrice Williams
April 3, 2024 – Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America’s decision to bump up its start of production date came as a surprise to some but not for those who represent the Savannah Joint Development Authority. Read more>
‘Ma Nature’ expected to nurture warm spring in Savannah under climate change’s influence – Savannah Morning News – John Deem
April 2, 2024 – Oh, the barnyard is busy in a regular tizzy,And the obvious reason is because of the seasonMa Nature’s lyrical, with her yearly miracleSpring, Spring, Spring. Seventy years after Savannah’s own Johnny Mercer penned those lyrics, Ma Nature is expected to follow her own familiar script for coastal Georgia’s miraculous metamorphosis. Read more>
‘He was hugely impactful’: Longtime religious leader honored with Savannah street dedication – WJCL – AJ Sisson
April 2, 2024 – Savannah city leaders honored the late Bishop C.M. Bailey, a member of The United House of Prayer for all People for over 40 years, by dedicating a portion of Ogeechee Road. Read more>
THE CONNECT FIVE: Shows to see in Savannah this week – Connect Savannah – Frank Ricci
April 1, 2024 – Because you love Southern alt-rock, Americana, brütal metal and ursine-themed DJs more than anyone. Read more>
Study finds thousands of Georgia’s archaeological sites in danger due to storm surge, sea level rise – GPB – Benjamin Payne
April 1, 2024 – As human-caused climate change intensifies the severity of hurricanes and accelerates the rate of sea level rise, more than 4,000 archaeological sites in Coastal Georgia stand at risk of partial damage — or complete loss, according to a new scientific study. Read more>
More homes eligible for historic preservation tax credits – The Current – Robin Kemp
April 1, 2024 – Legislators fail to increase funding despite program’s return on investment. Read more>
Coastal Georgia lawmakers wrap up legislative session – The Current – Craig Nelson
April 1, 2024 – Local legislators shaped outcome on social issues, environment, and health care. Read more>
Underground parking garage at corner of Forsyth Park gets final green light – The Savannahian – Jim Morekis
April 1, 2024 – The claim is that the project will be a net neutral expense for taxpayers, while providing a new City parking garage with at least some usability by the public. Read more>
Savannah City Council Wrap-up, March 28, 2024: Foram project vote postponed – The Savannahian – Brian Myers
April 1, 2024 – Concerns surrounding this particular developer engaging in yet another ‘demolition/new development’ project have been bubbling up since these parcels of land were first announced as on Foram Development’s radar. Read more>
Busier than ever, the Port of Savannah brings the world to our shores – Connect Savannah – Nathan Dominitz
March 31, 2024 – You don’t have to go to the Port of Savannah to appreciate the massive facility’s impact on the city. Read More>
EmployAbility to honor American film producer, entrepreneur, philanthropist Stratton Leopold in fundraising event – Connect Savannah – Chantel Britton
March 29, 2024 – Founded in 1951, EmployAbility is a local nonprofit organization that works to empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live fuller, richer lives through community integration, job training and supported employment. Read more>
Forsyth Park parking garage partnership approved by council, Foram development tabled to April – Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
March 29, 2024 – Savannah City Council approved a development agreement to place a 450-space parking garage below a future office complex adjacent to Forsyth Park, giving the project sweeping approval with an 8-1 vote. Read more>
Bill privatizing water rights for Hyundai workforce housing passes in Georgia Senate – Savannah Morning News – Maya Homan
March 29, 2024 – A bill that would allow private companies to supply water for workforce housing near the new Hyundai plant in Bryan County passed in the Senate on the last day of the legislative session, with a contentious 32-22 vote. Read more>
City Talk: Excitement, concern apt as flyover removal plan advances – Savannah Morning News – Bill Dawers
March 28, 2024 – The flyover removal and similar projects around the country might already have enough bureaucratic momentum to survive a change in administrations. Read More>
Savannah council leaves retreat with vision for strategic plan, honest conversation on past divisions – Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
March 28, 2024 – For two days this week a standard, tan wall in a Savannah Civic Center meeting room took on vibrant color with rectangular paper slips in shades red, blue, salmon, green and yellow, like pennants signaling a way forward. Read more>
St. Joseph’s/Candler expanding westward to reach communities amid growth – Savannah Morning News – Latrice Williams
March 28, 2024 – Seven years ago, St. Joseph’s/Candler had the foresight to begin planning for the future and it came as no surprise to the team there was a need for expansion. Read more>
WOODVILLE-TOMPKINS HIGH SCHOOL: Preparing women for success – Connect Savannah – Kristy Edenfield
March 27, 2024 – During Women’s History Month, we celebrate women who have chipped away at the glass ceiling – women who lived before us, upon whose shoulders we now stand. Read more>
‘Our residents can feel safe’: Savannah mayor expects port uptick after Baltimore bridge disaster – GPB – Benjamin Payne
March 27, 2024 – In the wake of the container ship Dali’s toppling of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore early Tuesday morning, Savannah Mayor Van Johnson is urging calm among residents of his city, which is home to the East Coast’s second-busiest container port, behind only the Port of New York and New Jersey. Read more>
Savannah suspends its glass recycling – The Current – Mary Landers
March 26, 2024 – The popular program soared in glass collection volume in recent months. Read more>
Greeting Flannery at 99 – Savannah Sideways – Jessica Leigh Lebos
March 27, 2024 – The Southern gothic ghosts might’ve preferred a gloomy day rumbling with distant thunder and misery, but they would have been deeply disappointed. Read more>
Tybee increasing police numbers, implementing safety plans to avoid repeat of 2023 Orange Crush chaos – Connect Savannah – Travis Jaudon
May 24, 2024 – PART III: Documents show Tybee working with hotels, STR owners to block lodging options for would-be Orange Crush visitors this April. Read more>
Time to tighten up on tour companies? – The Savannahian – Brian Myers
March 25, 2024 – Critics say that many local tour companies are not complying with local ordinances, with violations that range from excessive noise to pedestrian groups blocking sidewalks, porches, and driveways. Read more>
MPC Wrap-up, March 19: Foram project on the Eastside – The Savannahian – Jim Morekis
March 25, 2024 – A DECEPTIVELY SHORT regular meeting of the Metropolitan Planning Commission last week bore the seeds of some potentially far-reaching ramifications. Read more>
Where YOU need to be March 25-31 – Savannah Master Calendar – Savannah’s Event & Networking Guide
Savannah council to vote on public parking partnership proposed for Forsyth Park – Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
March 22, 2024 – Development plans for the site of a few mid-century buildings on Forsyth Park, which sparked debate during a Savannah City Council meeting that green-lit their demolition, may move forward next Thursday. Read more>
Georgia Jan. 6 defendant ‘may be interested’ in taking case to trial, after rejecting 2023 plea deal – GPB – Benjamin Payne
March 22, 2024 – The vast majority of people charged in federal prosecutors’ sprawling Jan. 6 insurrection docket have pleaded guilty rather than take their chances at trial and risk a stiffer sentence — but a former Savannah man has now signaled he may take that latter and riskier route. Read more>
Orange Crush supporters respond after recent remarks from Tybee’s mayor scolding annual HBCU beach bash – Connect Savannah – Travis Jaudon
March 21, 2024 – Race is a factor in Orange Crush debate say supporters of HBCU spring break beach bash. Read more>
Savannahians After Dark – Savannah Magazine
March 21, 2024 – As the heart of the city keeps beating around the clock, meet six locals who help take care of Savannah from the late hours of the night to the early hours of the morning. Read more>
City Talk: Questions outnumber answers as regional growth accelerates – Savannah Morning News – Bill Dawers
March 21, 2024 – New estimates from the U.S. Census show rapid population growth in the Savannah metro area from 2020 to 2023. Read more>
Chatham’s 911 center is a toxic workplace, employees say – The Current – Jake Shore
Proposed solutions for residents’ trolley concerns poised for spring – Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter March 21, 2024 – Savannah City Manager Jay Melder laid out plans for a tour vehicle sound ordinance and new trolley routes to reduce trolley traffic. Read more>
Proposed solutions for residents’ trolley concerns poised for spring – Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
March 21, 2024 – Savannah City Manager Jay Melder laid out plans for a tour vehicle sound ordinance and new trolley routes to reduce trolley traffic. Read more>
Are We In For A Local Water War? – Savannah Sideways – Jessica Leigh Lebos
March 20, 2024 – I’m not much of a hellfire and brimstone type, but I firmly believe that wasting water will end you up in hell. Read more>
Savannah tapped for 25-city climate action program through Michael Bloomberg-founded charity – GPB – Benjamin Payne
March 20, 2024 – he three-year program connects city governments with policy experts on decarbonization. Read more>
Zoning change could boost affordable housing in Savannah – WTOC – Flynn Snyder March 19, 2024 – Tuesday city staff presented to the Metropolitan Planning Commission their ideas on a zoning change that would give unit number and lot size exceptions to affordable housing applications. Read more>
City of Pooler cracking down on short-term rental requirements – WSAV – Nakya Harris March 19, 2024 – The city of Pooler cracking down on short-term rental requirements, with Monday afternoon being the city’s first reading and public hearing. Read more>
Bill targeting promoters of unpermitted events causes Orange Crush promoters to rethink plans – Connect Savannah – Travis Jaudon March 19, 2024 – Senate Bill 443 passed through the House of Representatives on March 5. Savannah Sen. Ben Watson and Rep. Jesse Petrea say Orange Crush promoters “on the hook” for post-party expenses. Read more>
Live Oak Public Libraries waited 16 years for funds. What’s next? – Savannah Morning News – Joseph Schwartzburt
March 19, 2024 – Savannah’s Live Oak Public Libraries can now move forward with replacing non-ADA compliant Oglethorpe Mall branch. Read more>
Tybee Island short-term rental ordinance moves to planning commission – Savannah Morning News – Destini Ambus
March 19, 2024 – A controversial Tybee Island short-term rental ordinance will have a public hearing at Planning Commission next month. Read more>
Georgia House passes Rep. Gilliard’s Legislation to preserve Weeping Heritage Corridor – WTOC – Lindsey Stenger
March 18, 2024 – Representative Carl Gilliard says the plan would create a group to help preserve the memory and heritage of the Weeping Time in Savannah. Read more>
Authors, artists convene to celebrate Flannery O’Connor’s 99th Birthday – The Savannahian – Darriea Clark
March 18, 2024 – ‘This annual event not only celebrates the life and literature of Flannery O’Connor, but also the quirky and creative characters of Savannah.’ Read more>
Savannah Master Calendar – March 18-24, 2024
Savannah’s Event & Networking Guide. Read more>
A look at Savannah’s 200th St. Patrick’s Day Parade – Connect Savannah
March 17, 2024 – On Saturday, March 16, Savannah celebrated St. Patrick’s Day with a 200th year parade that showcased the city’s Irish pride. Read more>
Savannah awarded key grant to plan I-16 flyover removal, receives support from Senator Warnock – Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
March 15, 2024 – The City of Savannah received an important tranche of funding for planning the Interstate 16 flyover’s removal in downtown Savannah, another step in the city’s long-term goals to complete the project. Read more>
Savannah turns out for Stratton Leopold in Nashville – Eat It & Like It – Jesse Blanco
March 14, 2024 – You may find it hard to believe but I actually had a conversation with someone who lives in Savannah recently that didn’t know that Stratton Leopold, owner of Leopold’s Ice Cream, was a very successful motion picture producer. Read more>
City Talk: Savannah needs new short-term vacation rentals ordinance, restrictions – Savannah Morning News – Bill Dawers
March 14, 2024 – The impacts of short-term vacation rentals (STVRs) have been a topic of concern and debate in Savannah for many years. Read more>
New Pride center director aims to improve health care access, broaden reach in Savannah – Destini Ambus
March 14, 2023 – Michael Bell got involved in his community in New Jersey following an assault, stints in psychiatric hospitals and addition to prescription medication when he was young. Read more>
Skidaway volunteer group disputes with Chatham over emergency calls – The Current – Jake Shore
March 13, 2024 – Chatham officials say the group is unlicensed and a legal liability. Read more>
Looking for Luck in All the Right Places: How to St. Patrick’s Day in Savannah (2024) – Savannah Sideways – Jessica Leigh Lebos
March 13, 2024 – Hark, do I hear the sacred tones of bagpipes over the holler of the early morning trains? Read more>
Want clean electricity? Elected officials get to decide – Emily Jones/WABE, Grist
March 12, 2024 – Georgia Public Service Commission, often overlooked, have final say. Read more>
CITY NOTES: Savannah officials expecting ‘biggest St. Patrick’s Day crowd we’ve ever seen’ – Connect Savannah – March 12, 2024 – Travis Jaudon
Updates ahead of Saturday’s 200th Parade, Rear Admiral visits for Navy Week, Alderman Purtee elected to national board. Read more>
SCCPSS Board of Education Wrap-up, March 6, 2024: Teacher burnout – The Savannahian – Nell Shellman
March 11, 2024 – ‘I’m glad to see that we’re going to try to take proactive measures to show the community how to respect teachers because they are professionals. They are people. They’re human just like us.’ Read more>
Stephens makes fact-challenged case for HB 1146 to enable private water utilities in state – Savannah Morning News – John Deem
March 11, 2024 – On Leap Day, Georgia Rep. Ron Stephens took to the House floor to deliver an impassioned pitch for proposed legislation he insisted is “a must” for his coastal district. Read more>
Savannah Master Calendar – March 10-17
This weeks top picks. Read more>
With candidates set, Chatham County’s election season gets serious – The Current – Craig Nelson
March 9, 2024 – A few surprises, mostly a worrying lack of competition. Read more>
Wexford Pub at City Market – A Savannah history lesson – Connect Savannah – Jesse Blanco
March 9, 2024 – For all the people that roll into the Hostess City during the annual St. Patrick’s Day festivities, it would be more than fair to say a tiny percentage understand why St. Patrick’s Day is such a big deal around here. Read more>
CAT expanding to Port Wentworth. What you need to know including fares, stop locations – Savannah Morning News – Destini Ambus
March 8, 2024 – A solution for the Port Wentworth traffic congestion is nearing. Read more>
Georgia legislators serve surprise dish in traffic bill – The Current – Maggie Lee
March 8, 2024 – Not even lawmakers could get a look at the language they voted on for more than 24 hours. Read more>
PSC elections postponed again by court case – The Current – David Williams
March 7, 2024 – Two commissioners continue serving expired terms. Read more>
Throwing Down with the Mah Jongg Mavens – Savannah Sideways – Jessica Leigh Lebos
March 6, 2024 – I could hear the clackety-clack–clack before I even entered the room. Read more>
BREAKING BARRIERS AND BUILDING BRIDGES: Southern Regional Press Institute’s Journey to 73 – Connect Savannah – Kareem McMichael
March 5, 2024 – Savannah State University’s Southern Regional Press Institute (SRPI) celebrated 73 years at the end of February. Read more>
‘Wild and fun and fantastic’: The Krewe prepares for Savannah Slithering – The Savannahian – Mia Holmes
March 4, 2024 – ‘I was a little bit surprised that it has happened as quickly as it has because, you know, Savannah’s slow, but you can tell that the city was ripe for something cool and community-oriented and creative.’ Read more>
THE CONNECT FIVE: Shows to see this week – Connect Savannah – Frank Ricci
March 4, 2024 – Peel yourself off the couch and avoid a lifetime of regret. Read more>
Four wells might not be enough for Hyundai’s Savannah-area factory, state says – Savannah Morning News – John Deem
March 5, 2024 – It was a nugget perhaps easily overlooked by neighbors focused on the future of their water supply. Read more>
Savannah Master Calendar – Savannah’s Event & Networking Guide – May 4-10
Goodfortune Market coming soon to Waters Avenue – Connect Savannah – Erica Lang
March 3, 2024 – Local resident Becca Goossen saw a need in the community for fresh, quality foods and decided to fill it—specifically at 2413 Waters Avenue. Read more>
Commissioners take key step in building out fire hydrant capacity in unincorporated Chatham – Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
March 3, 2024 – The Chatham County Board of Commissioners approved $1.8 million in American Rescue Plan Act money for design of fire protection systems in the Ogeechee Farms, Burnside Island, Spanish Hammock, Sandfly, and Isle of Hope communities. Read more>
As state house sprints toward session’s end, it’s hit and miss for Coastal Georgia priorities – The Current – Craig Nelson
March 2, 2024 – It’s good news on pay raises for teachers, not so good on workforce housing. Read more>
PSC hears calls for newer sources of energy as Georgia Power needs expand – The Current – Emily Jones/WABE, Grist
March 2, 2024 – Senate to take up limits on tax credits for high-demand data centers. Read more>
Commemoration of The Weeping Time, the largest recorded sale of slaves in the South, begins – WSAV – Tyler Carmona
March 1, 2024 – Over a century and a half ago, the largest recorded sale of enslaved people in the South, “The Weeping Time,” took place in Savannah. Read more>
Prosecutors file new, tougher charges against Georgia Jan. 6 defendant who turned down plea deal – GPB – Benjamin Payne
March 1, 2024 – Dominic Box now faces three felony counts, on top of his previous four misdemeanor charges. Read more>
Crossover Day wrap-up: new immigration laws, power company rules and state white shrimp homage – The Current – Jill Nolin/Georgia Recorder
March 1, 2024 – Okefenokee fails to get vote; ‘religious liberty’ passes along with consumer utility council. Read more>
House passes bill to limit funds for law enforcement not cooperating with ICE – Savannah Morning News – Maya Homan/Athens Banner-Herald
Feb. 29, 2024 – Legislation that would restrict funding for Georgia law enforcement agencies that fail to aid federal immigration authorities passed on Thursday in the state House, backed exclusively by Republican lawmakers. Read more>
City Talk: Savannah needs more ambitious vision, funkification – Savannah Morning News – Bill Dawers
Feb. 29, 2024 – During his three-year tenure as Savannah’s city manager, Rob Hernandez rankled some folks with his comments about development and preservation, especially his stated distaste for red brick. Read more>
‘Transformational’ housing development on MLK receives design approval at HPC. – Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
Feb. 29, 2024 – Design for a potential apartment complex aimed to house displaced families received approval from the Historic Preservation Commission Wednesday, providing the board’s approval that the potential building matches the neighborhood’s character. Read more>
Hell Yes to The Dress! – Savannah Sideways – Jessica Leigh Lebos
Feb. 28, 2024 – I knew it the minute I tried it on: A tea length strapless number in cream satin overlaid in lace, bearing the label of Jessica McClintock, the epitome of 1980s fashion. Read more>
‘This is literally our lives’: Savannah State students keep up the fight for arts programs – Savannah Morning News – Rob Hessler
Feb. 28, 2024 -This is literally our lives,” said Savannah State University (SSU) art student Maya “Star” Beckett in response to recent threats to deactivate her chosen major. “This is where I moved so that I could study here. This is the one that I picked, so don’t take it away from me.” Read more>
Timeline: The Tomochichi Federal Courthouse won’t be open anytime soon – WSAV – Alexis King
Feb. 27, 2024 – The building was supposed to be completed this year, but an accidental collapse last year has stalled the work. Read more>
EPD offers plan to aid private wells impacted by Hyundai’s water use – The Current – Mary Landers
Feb. 27, 2024 – Bulloch residents remain wary of effects of industrial growth on their county. Read more>
With housing shortage here, leaders seek to reduce pushback to density – Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
Feb. 27, 2024 – “We cannot be scared of density in an urban area,” said Savannah City Manager Jay Melder. Read more>
GOP lawmakers urge immigration reform after nursing student’s death – The Current – Craig Nelson
Feb. 26, 2024 – Carter, Burns, and Petrea among those calling for action. Read more>
Tybee Island sends proposed short term rental ordinance to next steps = Savannah Morning News – Destini Ambus
Feb. 27, 2024 – A controversial Tybee Island short-term rental ordinance is moving forward despite concerns from property owners. Read more>
Software problem sends Chatham ambulances to Google Maps for emergency calls – The Current – Jake Shore Feb. 26, 2024 – Chatham County Manager calls dispatch issues for 2,200 addresses ‘minimal’ in a statement. Read more>
Savannah City Council Wrap-up, February 21, 2024: Preservation on MLK Blvd., partying on St. Patrick’s Day – The Savannahian – Brian Myers
Feb. 26, 2024 – The Historic District Board of Review says that under the modern stucco facade, there is likely the historic material and craftsmanship necessary for the designation that 412 MLK Boulevard needs to be included as a contributing structure. Read more>
Title-pawn legislation hits bumpy road – The Current – Margaret Coker
Feb. 24, 2024 – Senate bill fails to leave committee; House bill still under scrutiny. Read more>
Bananas honor passing of legendary fan Wally Murphy with a touching mid-game tribute – Connect Savannah – Travis Jaudon
Feb. 24, 2024 – “He will always be a Banana.” — Bananas Manager Tyler Gillum on passing of fan Wally Murphy. Read more>
Coastal Georgia governments jockey to influence how opioid settlement money will be spent – The Current – Robin Kemp
Feb. 23, 2024 – Suit will bring $191.6 million to area, but distribution still unknown. Read more>
Savannah unveils historic marker to commemorate 200th anniversary of St. Patrick’s Day parade – Savannah Morning News – Drew Favakeh Feb. 24, 2024 – Following the dedication of a historic marker at the site of the former Liberty Square, about 200 people strolled from the Robert E. Robinson Parking Garage, 132 Montgomery St., along the original 1824 St. Patrick’s Day Parade route to the old City Hotel, now Moon River Brewing, 21 W. Bay St. Read more>
Council clears way for potential demo, redevelopment of historic building in downtown Savannah – Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
Feb. 23, 2024 – A vacant building attached to the former B&B Paint could be on its way to demolition after a vote at Thursday’s Savannah City Council meeting. Read more>
City officials vote on marker to honor first ever Savannah St. Patrick’s day parade – WTOC – Anaa Stansfield
Feb. 22, 2024 – The city is just weeks away from the 200th anniversary of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Savannah. Read more>
Wetlands Preserve Park by Enmarket Arena moves closer to reality. Here are potential features Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
Feb. 22, 2024 – The lobby of Floyd Adams Jr. Administrative Building was filled with lush greenery from an array of local species ranging from muhly grass to rosemary plants. The floor was marked throughout with plastic tiles resembling stone paths. They even made a crunch sound typical of walking on stone. Read more>
Savannah Municipal Archives Department announces team for Community Memory Project – Connect Savannah – Travis Jaudon
Feb. 22, 2024 – Public encouraged to submit Savannah history knowledge through online portal. Read more>
Savannah State’s termination of 13 faculty may have violated University System protocols – Savannah Morning News – Joseph Schwartzburt
Feb. 22, 2024 – As Savannah State University contends with student protests over potential deactivation of additional degree programs, a Savannah Morning News investigation into internal university documents suggests that some decisions about programs cuts have already been made based upon notices of contract non-renewals sent to 13 professors in August 2023 ― at the beginning of the academic school year. Read more>
Savannah State interim president addresses students after protests concerning program cuts – Savannah Morning News – Joseph Schwartzburt
Feb. 22, 2024 – In the wake of Monday’s student protests against potential deactivation of Savannah State University’s Visual and Performing Arts programs, students held court with the university’s Interim President Cynthia Robinson Alexander and Interim Provost Richard Miller on Wednesday night. Read more>
Had trouble reaching 911? Chatham County attributes abandoned calls to technical glitches – Savannah Morning News – Drew Favakeh
Feb. 22, 2024 – There were about 25,000 more abandoned 911 emergency calls in 2023 than in the previous two years, despite the total number of 911 calls remaining about the same, according to an open records request obtained by the Savannah Morning News. Read more>
GRIT CONFERENCE 2024: The Creative Coast hosts Startup Stage Pitch Competition to spotlight and support local tech entrepreneurs – Connect Savannah – Chantel Britton
Feb. 21, 2024 – The Creative Coast, a local organization committed to catalyzing the innovation economy in coastal Georgia, will soon host their annual GRIT Conference, taking place Feb. 29 through March 1 at the Savannah Civic Center. Read more>
Legislation key for Savannah Convention Center hotel project passes House, moves to Senate – Savannah Morning News – Maya Homan
Feb. 21, 2024 – A bill to raise the Savannah-Georgia Convention Center Authority’s bonding capacity, needed to fund the group’s desired hotel project, passed the Georgia House Wednesday and now heads to the Senate. Read more>
Jan. 6 defendant from Georgia drops court-appointed attorney more than one year into federal case – GPB – Benjamin Payne
Feb. 21, 2024 – Federal prosecutors are weathering another delay in their case against Dominic Box, a former Savannah car salesman charged in connection with the Jan. 6 insurrection, after Box this month dismissed the court-appointed attorney who had represented him since the criminal case was filed in December 2022. Read more>
Want to sell at the Forsyth Farmers’ Market? Start at the Community Cultivations Marketplace – Savannah Morning News – Josephine Johnson
Feb. 21, 2024 – Whether it’s leafy greens, seasoned pecans, or humanely raised meats, Saturday Market in Forsyth Park is Savannah’s weekly hub for local foods and independent sellers. Read more>
A Belated Blessing for Taylor Square – Savannah Sideways – Jessica Leigh Lebos
Feb. 21, 2024 – I’ve been around long enough to believe Sistah Patt Gunn when she says that it never, ever rains on Gullah Geechee events, but I didn’t know conjuring perfect weather was part of the arrangement. Read more>
Plug-in pickups? Georgians may have hard time parting with gas-powered trucks, experts say – Savannah Morning News – John Deem
Feb. 21, 2024 – A few years back, James Cobb found himself on the receiving end of an entirely unexpected phone call from a man claiming to represent a foreign automaker. Read more>
The Savannah Warehouse Takeover: Industrial growth unchecked – The Savannahian – Sam Bramlett
Feb. 20, 2024 – Red Gate was not the only instance of residents selling land to developers, as the number of warehouses in Chatham County before 2019 was 157, but in 6 years that number has increased by more than half to 244, with 39 under construction. Read more>
Opinion: Don’t sell out locals for development outside city limits – The Savannahian – Maddie Greer
Feb. 20, 2024 – Those of us living outside city limits might not be considered genuine Savannah residents, but that doesn’t change the fact that we’re members of your community and integral parts of your day-to-day lives. Read more>
‘A delightful experience’: South Koreans share how community has embraced them – Savannah Morning News – Latrice Williams F
Feb. 20, 2024 -Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America will need more than 8,000 laborers to operate its EV and battery plant at the megasite in Ellabell. Read more>
Gardenhouse Cinema looks to bring diverse stories to the big screen – The Savannahian – Rachael Flora
Feb. 20, 2024 – ‘If we get a community together, we can have more of a control over the media that we’re seeing’ Read more>
“Art is Love:” Savannah State building marked in protest of arts program cuts – Savannah Morning News – Joseph Schwartzburt
Feb. 20, 2024 – After Savannah State University students protested on campus on Monday against potential deactivations and cuts to its Visual and Performing Arts department, graffiti stating that “Art is freedom” and “Art is [heart-shape]” was spray painted on the exterior walls of Hill Hall. Read more>
THE CONNECT FIVE: Shows to see this week – Connect Savannah – Frank Ricci
Feb. 19, 2024 – Here’s the five shows in Savannah this week you ought not miss. Read more>
Carter honors soldiers, acknowledge locals but leaves some hard topics on table – The Current – Craig Nelson
Feb. 19, 2024 – Prolific on social media, congressman is quieter on some policy issues. Read more>
Unveiling The 912 Group: Celebrating The Success Of Dairy Daze 2023 – The 912 Group
Feb. 17, 2024 – We find ourselves reflecting on the incredible journey that was Dairy Daze 2023, a music festival that marked the official introduction of The 912 Group. Read more>
House committee passes bill to increase Savannah Convention Center bonding capacity – Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
Feb. 15, 2024 – A piece of legislation to increase the Savannah-Georgia Convention Center Authority’s bonding capacity made it through a state House committee Tuesday, completing an initial step towards an update in state law needed for the authority’s plans to build a hotel next to the Savannah Convention Center. Read more>
‘You don’t want to think you’re not coming back.’ Savannah soldier’s remains return home from Jordan – GPB – Benjamin Payne
Feb. 16, 2024 – Sgt. Breonna Moffett was 23 when she and two fellow U.S. soldiers from Georgia were killed by a drone attack in Jordan last month. Read more>
Savannah artist turns beige walls into ‘dreamy’ mural at midtown strip mall – Savannah Morning News – Rob Hessler
Feb. 16, 2024 – The hottest thing going on in Savannah’s art scene right now isn’t in some downtown gallery or museum, but at the Victory Square shopping center midtown. Read more>
Yearling whale likely killed by vessel strike, federal officials say – The Current – Mary Landers
Feb. 16, 2024 – A young north Atlantic right whale found dead about 20 miles off Tybee showed evidence of blunt force trauma consistent with a vessel strike before it died, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries service reported Friday. Read more>
Georgia Senate bill would hold Orange Crush organizers liable for costs – Savannah Morning News – Maya Homan
Feb. 17, 2024 – Tybee Island’s largest unpermitted event may face new hurdles this year as the Georgia Senate passes a bill that would hold organizers liable for costs. Read more>
3 Funny Stories from Behind the Bar. – Spicy Melon (Travel Guide and Bartending Stories) – Vanessa Lantos –
February 2024 – Hi everyone! Hope you are having a fabulous week! If your week hasn’t been weird or funny enough, here are some stories for you. Read more>
Dead whale towed to Tybee for exam, burial – The Current – Mary Landers
Feb. 15, 2024 – The yearling whale was seen looking healthy two weeks ago. Read more>
Savannah Book Festival returns this weekend with over 30 authors — including one very special guest – GPB – Benjamin Payne
Feb. 15, 2024 – A Presidents’ Day weekend tradition returns to Savannah on Saturday, when more than 30 authors take to the stage throughout downtown for the 2024 Savannah Book Festival. Read more>
City Talk: Updates to Savannah’s historic status could open can of worms – Savannah Morning News – Bill Dawers
Feb. 15, 2024 – As reported recently in this newspaper, the City of Savannah is pursuing an update to its National Historic Landmark District nomination from the National Park Service (NPS). Read more>
Savannah mayor, Patriot Guard escort Sgt. Breonna Moffett’s body through city – The Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
Feb. 15, 2024 – Hundreds of Savannahians lined the motorcade route from Bay Street to Gwinnett Street to pay their final respects to Sgt. Breonna Moffett, one of three Georgia soldiers killed in a Jan. 28 drone attack on their base in Jordan. Read more>
$130 million in local bonds a boost to Savannah area’s biggest greenhouse gas polluter – Savannah Morning News – John Deem
Feb. 15, 2024 – A deal finalized with local officials this week positions Chatham County’s largest greenhouse gas polluter – and source of the city’s infamous sulfur smell – to significantly increase production at its Savannah-area facilities. Read more>
Data dive: How Savannah measures crime – The Current – Maggie Lee
From property theft to assault, the city’s crime statistics show some, but not all illegal activity. Read more>
Proposed short-term rental ordinance resparks debate on Tybee Island – Savannah Moring News – Destini Ambus
Feb. 13, 2024 – Some property owners on Tybee Island are upset at a proposed new ordinance to reduce the number of short-term rentals in residential districts by terminating STR permits upon sale of the home. Read more>
Changes allowed to the Future Land Use Map are necessary for city growth – The Savannahian – Brian Myers
Feb. 12, 2024 – The expected growth in Savannah’s population over the next decade, as well as the needed improvements to the infrastructure to support this growth, might keep this Council and the MPC busy with adjustments to the Future Land Use Map. Read more>
SCCPSS Board of Education Wrap-up, February 7, 2024 – The Savannahian – Nell Shellman
Feb. 12, 2024 – The board spent time considering the impact of school climate on employee retention, parent satisfaction, and student development. Read more>
Savannah City Council Wrap-up for February 8, 2024 – The Savannahian – Brian Myers
Feb. 12, 2024 – Alderman Leggett questioned whether or not the approval of Locally Made’s addition to the liquor license would disrupt the peace of the neighborhood. The geographic location of the business on Broughton Street was perhaps overlooked by the Alderman. Read more>
MPC Wrap-up, Feb. 6: Sey Hey owners seek second bar next door – The Savannahian – Jim Morekis
Feb. 12, 2024 – A neighbor opposing the project said it was an expansion of Sey Hey in everything but name and should be regulated as such. Read more>
Amid doubts about state’s voting system, even an accident frays nerves of election officials – The Current – Craig Nelson
Feb. 12, 2024 – Car crash adds to anxious time for Chatham County workers. Read more>
Michael Thurmond writes book on James Oglethorpe, a man ‘centuries ahead of his time’ – Connect Savannah – Travis Jaudon
Feb. 11, 2024 – James Oglethorpe, Father of Georgia hits bookshelves Feb. 15; Thurmond is a presenting author at the 2024 Savannah Book Festival. Read more>
City leaders lobby state legislators for help to address housing supply – Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
Feb. 12, 2024 – The push for state-level policy in housing is one part of Savannah’s broader efforts to address its near 10,000-unit housing shortage. Read more>
Taylor Square officially dedicated in Savannah with hundreds in attendance. Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
Feb. 10, 2024 – Now named for Susie King Taylor, Saturday’s dedication marks the first time a Savannah square is named for a woman of color and formerly enslaved person. Read more>
Tybee Island: Homeowners say short-term rental ban will hurt surrounding businesses – WJCL – Tia Maggio
Feb. 9, 2024 – More than 20 Tybee Island homeowners confronted city council members at their meeting Thursday. Read more>
The Savannah Bananas’ 2024 season is underway. Here’s what’s new to ‘Banana Ball’ this year – GPB – Benjamin Payne
Feb. 9, 2024 – Often described as “the Harlem Globetrotters of baseball,” the Savannah Bananas are back in season. Read more>
Savannah City Council greenlights next phase of Tide-to-Town, increase in costs for arena parking lot – Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
Feb. 9, 2024 – The next phase of Tide-to-Town received its construction contract Thursday after Savannah City Council approved $8.1 million for Truman Linear Park Trail Phase 2b. The contract was awarded to Newnan’s JHC Corporation for the stretch of trail set to span from 52nd Street to DeRenne Avenue. Read more>
Rooftop program aims to change demographics of solar – The Current – Mary Landers
Feb. 8, 2024 – Georgia Bright attracts low to moderate income Georgia homeowners with solar leasing. Read more>
Savannah seeks more inclusive history in potential Historic District update – Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
Feb. 8, 2024 – The goal is to tell a “more complete” story of Savannah’s history within the update to the National Historic Landmark District designation. Read more>
Kamala Came. She Saw. Can She and Joe Conquer Chatham County Again? – Savannah Sideways – Jessica Leigh Lebos
Feb. 7, 2024 – She seemed shorter than she looks on TV, and I couldn’t tell if she was wearing sneakers. But the first female Vice President of the United States emanated unmistakable rizz as she sauntered to the podium at the Civic Center on Tuesday. Read more>
Georgia politicians urge federal study to deepen Savannah’s harbor again – Associated Press – Russ Bynum
Feb. 6, 2024 – Every member of Congress from Georgia signed a letter calling for a study to determine whether the busy shipping channel to the Port of Savannah needs to be deepened again after a $937 million harbor expansion that was just completed in 2022. Read more>
Georgia Ports working to block private port nearby citing traffic concerns – WJCL – Lydia Blackstone
Feb. 6, 2024 – SeaPoint right of E. President Street could become a private port; however has no tenant yet. Read more>
Freedom ‘is ours by right’: VP Kamala Harris speaks at abortion rights rally in Savannah – Savannah Morning News – Destini Ambus
Feb. 6, 2024 – In remarks to a packed room of supporters, Vice President Kamala Harris thanked them for upholding what she called the nation’s highest and most important ideal: freedom. Read more>
Changes to start time, public comments during Pooler city council meetings – WTOC – Tyler Manion
Feb. 5, 2024 – Pooler’s new city administration started their second council meeting at 4 p.m. Monday. Read more>
ARTS SOUTHEAST’S DYNAMIC DUO: Emily Earl & Jon Witzky – Connect Savannah – Beth Logan
Feb. 5, 2024 – In an issue dedicated to leadership, it was easy for me to think of two young people at the forefront of making Savannah both an arts destination and a vibrant place in which to live and work as an artist. Read more>
‘Disastrous bill’ in GA legislature would overcrowd jails and criminalize bail funds, critics say – The Savannahian – Jim Morekis
Feb. 5, 2024 – At our local level, Deep Center’s Coco Guthrie-Papy says ‘this will result in more overcrowding of the jail. It’s essentially dumping all societal problems into our jails.’ Read more>
A Q&A with Samita Wolfe of Film Biz Recycling – The Savannahian – Maddie Greer
Feb. 5, 2024 – ENVIRONMENTALISM and community care walk hand in hand at Savannah’s first and only prop house, Film Biz Recycling and Prop House. Read more>
Georgia Senate passes bill adding 30 crimes that require bail; also makes it harder to post bail – Savannah Morning News – Maya Homan
Feb. 1, 2024 – Legislators in the Georgia Senate commemorated National Freedom Day hours before approving a bill to add 30 additional felony and misdemeanor crimes to the list of bail-restricted offenses, meaning that those accused of crimes would be required to post cash bail. Read more>
Chatham County officials establish non-emergency call center amid 911 complaints – Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
Feb. 5, 2024 – The Chatham County Board of Commissioners established a new non-emergency call center aimed at reducing the burden of high volume to the Chatham County 911 Center. Read more>
ELEVATION THROUGH EDUCATION: Remembering and revering the life of Susie King Taylor – Connect Savannah – Chantel Britton
Feb. 4, 2024 -Trailblazing teacher, dedicated nurse and Civil War veteran, Susie King Taylor is a remarkable figure in both local and national history. Read more>
City Talk: Savannah needs major changes to policies on alcohol licenses – Savannah Morning News – Bill Dawers
Savannah City Council recently denied a liquor license for the third time in less than two years for a commercial property on East Victory Drive. Read more>
Transportation, housing play prominent at Savannah Chamber legislative listening sessions – Savannah Morning News – Destini Ambus and Evan Lasseter
Feb. 2, 2024 – A conference room on the top floor of the James H. “Sloppy” Floyd Veterans Memorial Building in Downtown Atlanta was packed Thursday to nearly standing-room only. Read more>
Expansion of Savannah natural gas export facility at crux of nation’s climate debate – Savannah Morning News – John Deem
Feb. 2, 2024 – Environmental groups and clean-energy advocates are lining up in opposition to the proposed expansion of natural gas exports from a Savannah facility that also is one of the area’s largest producers of climate-impacting pollution. Read more>
The three loud men – Connect Savannah – Frank Ricci
Feb. 2, 2024 – The independent music scene can be one of society’s most practical examples of egalitarianism. Read more>
Vice President Kamala Harris scheduled to visit Savannah next week on reproductive rights tour – WJCL – Graham Cawthon
Feb. 1, 2024 – Vice President Kamala Harris will be in Savannah next week, according to information released by her office on Thursday. Read more>
A Savannah high school mourns the loss of a soldier and friend – GPB – Benjamin Payne
Feb. 1, 2024 – It was just a few years ago that Breonna Moffett marched alongside the JROTC at Windsor Forest High School in the shadows of the Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah. Read more>
Savannah detective fired over dealings with unofficial police informant – The Current – Jake Shore
Jan. 31, 2024 – Documents show 10-year veteran lost job over ethical concerns. Read more>
Savannah Police officer fired for relationship with convicted felon – Savannah Morning News – Drew Favakeh
Feb. 1, 2024 – On Sept. 28, 2023, the Savannah Police Department (SPD) terminated a corporal after an internal affairs investigation found that he had a relationship with a convicted felon, according to documents obtained via open records request by the Savannah Morning News. Read more>
Forget Blush and Bashful, This Southern Wedding Went Bold and Beautiful – Savannah Sideways – Jessica Leigh Lebos
Jan. 31, 2024 – If you’re going for theatrics at your wedding, you can’t do better than a chihuahua ringbearer. Read more>
Georgia Ports set to build overpass over Louisville Road to divert truck traffic from neighborhoods – Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
Jan. 31, 2024- The Georgia Ports Authority approved a $29 million contract for an overpass over Louisville Road that aims to curb neighborhood traffic and aid truck flow exiting Ocean Terminal. Read more>
Mother of fallen Savannah soldier Breonna Moffett says ‘she was just the light of everything’ – Savannah Morning News – Amy Paige Condon
Jan. 30, 2024 – Francine Moffett was getting ready for church on Sunday, when her husband Percell came upstairs to tell her two men in uniform were at the door of their southside Savannah home. Read more>
With election season, Coastal Georgia lawmakers turn attention to libraries – The Current – Craig Nelson
Jan. 29, 2024 – Facing a primary challenge, Watson jumps on board. Read more>
HUD secretary presents Savannah leaders $4 million check to aid in homelessness – Connect Savannah – Travis Jaudon
Jan. 29, 2024 – Georgia gets $58.2 million as nationwide program unveiled in Savannah Read more>
Savannah City Council Wrap-up, January 25, 2024 – The Savannahian – Brian Myers
Jan. 29, 2024 – Once again, a liquor license for a Black-owned business was refused for 1639 E. Victory Drive. Read more>
Savannah resident killed by drone strike in Jordan receives community remembrance, condolences – Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
Jan. 29, 2024 – The U.S. Department of Defense announced Monday that one of the three U.S. Army Reservists killed in a drone strike in Jordan Sunday was from Savannah. Read more>
An “attainable housing” summit is coming to Savannah. Here are the speakers and topics to expect – Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
Jan. 29, 2024 – Housing Savannah Inc., the nonprofit providing policy direction for the Savannah Affordable Housing Fund, is launching an all-day housing summit Feb. 22 at Eckburg Auditorium on Savannah Technical College (STC) campus. Read more>
THE BRADLEY THEATRE: A new kind of cinema and community – Connect Savannah – Kareem McMichael
Jan. 28, 2024 – The Bradley Theater, a new art house cinema, has big plans to bring independent, classic and foreign films to Savannah in the near future. While working to confirm their physical space, they are hosting community pop-up events that will make all film lovers excited. Read more>
Port Wentworth OKs development agreement for Ghost Pirates $25 million training facility- Savannah Morning News – Destini Ambus
Jan. 27, 2024 -Port Wentworth City Council unanimously approved a development agreement with the Savannah Ghost Pirates and Port Wentworth Development Authority for a new training facility. Read more>
New Apple TV+ show based on the Mighty Eighth Airforce debuts today – WJCL – Jayda Russell
Jan. 26, 2024 – How the National Mighty Eighth Museum lent a hand to the production. Read more>
Looking ahead to much anticipated 2024 Savannah-Chatham Day in Atlanta – Connect Savannah – Travis Jaudon
Jan. 26, 2024 – Savannah Chamber of Commerce President Bert Brantley previews 2024 Savannah-Chatham Day. Read more>
Georgia Republicans pass bill to remove Brad Raffensperger from State Election Board – Savannah Morning News – Maya Homan
Jan. 26, 2024 – The push to oust Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger from the State Election Board intensified Friday as a bill calling for his removal from the body passed on the state Senate floor. Read more>
Savannah City Council votes to approve rezoning off of Buckhalter Road – WTOC – Anna Stansfield
Jan. 25, 2024 – Savannah City Council members voted unanimously to approve a rezoning project that will change more than 50 acres off of Buckhalter Road from residential land to light industrial land. Read more>
Will Savannah’s new marathon be welcomed by the community? Here’s what residents say – Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
Jan. 25, 2024 -The “best case scenario” for the newly announced Every Woman’s Marathon is for it to become a November destination event for female runners, said Joe Marinelli, president of Visit Savannah. Read more>
Changes in Chatham DA sex crime prosecutions worry victims, attorneys – For the first time in decades, the prosecutor’s office no longer has a Special Victims Unit. – The Current – Jake Shore
Jan. 24, 2024 – In November 2020, Sarah Harper, a Savannah hairstylist, was sexually assaulted during a date. Read more>
The Savannah Black Heritage Festival Opens On February 1st, Runs Through February 25th – The Savannah Tribune
Jan. 24, 2024 – Savannah State University is pleased to announce that the 35th Annual Savannah Black Heritage Festival will take place February 1-25, 2024. Read more>
The corn ultimatum – Nixtate serves up antojitos Mexicanos in new permanent Starland Yard structure – Connect Savannah – Neil Gabbey
Jan. 25, 2024 Ken and Seana Corona were going to end up in Savannah at some point. Read more>
To combat crime, Savannah is installing more cameras throughout the city – Savannah Morning News – Drew Favakeh
Jan. 24, 2024 – Citing an increase in firearm-related violent crimes, the City of Savannah, the Savannah Police Department (SPD) and the Housing Authority of Savannah (HAS) have agreed to install cameras within public housing locations and throughout other parts of the city. Read more>
Hang On Little Camellia – Jessica Leigh Lebos – Savannah Sideways
Jan. 24, 2024 – Last week’s freeze already seems like a distant reverie, a wintry angel that passed through to deliver a delicious chilly kiss and leave us agape with pink cheeks and crispy brown lawns. Read more>
With Savannah’s I-16 flyover removal in talks, supporters see ‘opportunity to recreate community’ – Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
Jan. 24, 2024 – Richard Shinhoster was fresh off graduating from Savannah State in the late 1960s when he and a friend were sitting around talking about Savannah and its needs. Read more>
Tybee company makes history with harvest from Georgia’s first floating oyster farm – Savannah Morning News – John Deem
Jan. 24, 2024 – At a dock along Chatham County’s Bull River, Perry and Laura Solomon repeat what has become a familiar routine over the last eight months. Read more>
40 days. 202 bills. Here’s everything Savannah-area lawmakers are trying to pass in 2024 – Savannah Morning News – Maya Homan
Jan. 23, 2024 – Georgia’s 2024 legislative session kicked off this month and Chatham County’s nine lawmakers have already introduced a plethora of bills on issues including gun violence, healthcare reform, and housing. Read more>
‘Midnight’ at 30: My look at The Book from the time and place it was written – The Savannahian – Jim Morekis
Jan. 22, 2024 – The first thing to know – and I’m not making this up – is that my mom was John Berendt’s travel agent, while he was researching and writing what would become Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. Read more>
New Chatham County Courthouse price tag goes up nearly $2 million, contract gets extension – Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
Jan. 22, 2024 – The Chatham County Board of Commissioners passed a $1.9 million update to its contract for the new Chatham County Courthouse during a Friday meeting. Read more>
TREES PLEASE: The Wormsloe Tree Replacement Project ensures a sustainable future for the iconic Avenue of Oaks – Connect Savannah Chantel Britton
Jan. 22, 2024 – Savannah is known for its gorgeous tree canopy, which contributes much to the charming appeal of the city. Read more>
‘We’re trained for this’: Savannah Firefighters celebrate saving one of their own – Savannah Morning News – Amy Paige Condon
Jan. 20, 2024 – Much like pilots, firefighters’ jobs are 99% boredom followed by 1% sheer terror. Such was the case at 4:30 a.m. Sunday, when multiple Savannah Fire Department engines and trucks responded to reports of a fire in a vacant one-story house at the 2200 block of Mosley St. on Savannah’s east side. Read more>
City Talk: Should 50-year-old buildings be automatically given historic protections? Savannah Morning News – Bill Dawers
Jan. 18, 2024 – The owner wants to make alterations to the facades on Drayton Street, Oglethorpe Avenue and East York Lane, including new windows and storefronts. The changes would likely be most noticeable on the Oglethorpe side, which would have a clearly defined entry that might attract a wider variety of potential tenants. Read more>
More businesses open as revitalization project continues on Waters Avenue – WTOC – Anna Stansfield
Jan. 18, 2024 – Since 2015, the City of Savannah has been working to revitalize Waters Avenue. The multi-million-dollar project spruced up the area and is bringing in new business. Read more>
Application to demolish Yamacraw Village could be submitted this summer – WTOC – Flynn Snyder
Jan. 17, 2024 – A WTOC update on a more than year-long effort to demolish a public housing neighborhood in downtown Savannah. Read more>
Savannah Landmark Historic District loses National Park Service’s ‘threatened’ status – WSAV – Kaley Fedko
Jan. 16, 2024 – Savannah’s Landmark Historic District is coming off the National Park Service’s (NPS) ‘threatened list’ after six years. Read more>
Cherish That Savannah Patina – Savannah Sideways – Jessica Leigh Lebos
Jan. 17, 2024 – I know I keep clanging this bell like an old washerwoman calling the family home for supper, but the Savannah I used to know is swirling down the drain of time. Read more>
Housing Authority of Savannah 5 year action plan passed Tuesday – WTOC – Flynn Snyder
Jan. 16, 2024 – Potential help on the way for some in public housing who are looking to buy a home. Read more>
SCCPSS Board of Education Wrap-up – The Savannahian – Nell Shellman
Jan. 16, 2024 – Watts reiterated the plan has been amended to keep Gould Elementary open, to refrain from altering the student populations of Butler, Haven, and Hodge Elementaries, and to push back the conversion of Largo-Tibet Elementary into a swing site. Read more>
Savannah City Council Wrap-up – The Savannahian – Brian Myers
January 16, 2024 – From the election of Council officers to the approval of several purchasing items, the first meeting of the year saw a lot of action. Read more>
Facilities plan and grant funds top first Savannah-Chatham school board meeting of 2024 – Savannah Morning News – Joseph Schwartzburt
Jan. 16, 2024 – Chief among the matters addressed at Savannah-Chatham County Public School System’s (SCCPSS) first meeting of 2024 was passage of the Long-Range Facilities Plan Phase A more in-depth review of the board’s decision and comments on the plan that led to a unanimous approval will be forthcoming from the Savannah Morning News. Read more>
Longtime residents along Buckhalter Road divided over march of industrial development – Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
Jan. 16, 2024 – Chat Howard’s family home, owned by his late father and mother, started as “the worst mobile home you’ve ever seen in your life,” Howard said during public comment at a recent City Council meeting. Howard’s parents eventually built a permanent home on that property, which the family has lived on since 1983. Read more>
Georgia on My Mind – Part II benefit draws a sellout crowd to benefit HUGS – Heads Up Guidance Services
Find a compilation of of photos and videos from the event on Facebook by clicking here.
Chatham Area Transit investigates conditions of more than 1,000 bus stops with public input – WJCL – Tia Maggio
Jan. 13, 2024 – Chatham Area Transit is looking for the public’s input to improve Chatham’s Transportation System. Read more>
Tybee Island applies for new national historical district distinction – Savannah Morning News – Destini Ambus
Jan. 13, 2024 – Tybee Island may be adding another national historical district soon. Read more>
Gov. Kemp’s proposed budget allocates funds for EVs, mental health facilities in Savannah – Savannah Morning News – Maya Homan
Jan. 12, 2024 – Georgia’s budget surplus could mean big things for Savannah in 2024: electric vehicles, mental health and public safety spending are all getting a boost in Gov. Brian Kemp’s budget proposal for fiscal year 2025. Read more>
Chatham County jail addresses reality of understaffing – WSAV – Christine Queally
Jan. 12, 2024 – The struggle to find qualified law enforcement personnel is a topic making headlines across the country, and Chatham County jail is no exception. Read more>
Savannah council approves marker for Taylor Square; resolutions on ethics, civility pass with opposition – Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
Jan. 12, 2024 – Savannah City Council approved Thursday the installation a granite marker in the newly named Taylor Square to document the square’s history. Read more>
Redistricting, low attendance, $1000 bonuses at Savannah-Chatham schools – WSAV – Eden Hodges
Jan. 11, 2024 – The Savannah-Chatham County School System (SCCPSS) is making many changes going into the new year. Read more>
Residents for and against Buckhalter rezoning proposal address council at first meeting of 2024 – WTOC – Flynn Snyder
Jan. 11, 2024 – Emotional debate over a controversial rezoning proposal kicked off Savannah city council’s first meeting of 2024. Read more>
Savannah school leaders approve long range facilities plan – WJCL – Andy Cole
Jan. 10, 2024 – Hundreds of SCCPSS students will be going to a different school next year Read more>
Train horn quiet zone comes to a stretch of railroad in Savannah, with more planned in future – Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
Jan. 10, 2024 – Savannah residents from Habersham Street to President Street soon may have some respite from late-night sleep interruptions. Read more>
Can Sapelo Be Saved? – Savannah Sideways – Jessica Leigh Lebos
Jan. 10, 2024 – Once upon a time, if you were any kind of 20th-century capitalist worth the weight of your ill-gotten gains, you wintered on an island off the Georgia coast. Read more>
Advocates raise concern about proposed change to Coastal Georgia marsh protections – WABE – Emily Jones
Coastal Georgia regulators want to change a rule designed to protect the state’s marshes, which serve as a buffer against storms and rising sea levels and are a vital part of the coastal ecosystem. But advocates say the seemingly small change points to a need for a broader review of marsh protections. Read more>
CCPSS Board to vote on latest version of Long-Range Facilities Plan at Jan. 10 meeting – Savannah Morning News – Joseph Schwartzburt
Jan. 9, 2024 – Western Chatham County school attendance zones must evolve. Every iteration of the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System’s (SCCPSS) Long-Range Facilities Plan has reinforced that message including the latest, which was posted on Jan. 5 ahead of this Wednesday’s school board meetings. Read more>
It’s a new year for Savannah City Council. Here are some key stories we will follow this year – Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
Jan. 9, 2024 – The new year also ushered in a new Savannah City Council administration, bringing in the set of officials that will make important decisions for Savannah over the next four years. Read more>
Grants will grow tree canopy in Savannah, St. Marys – The Current – Mary Landers
Jan. 8, 2024 – Savannah Tree Foundation plans to use $1M grant to plant 1,600 trees in neighborhoods that need them most. Read more>
Chatham County Commission Wrap-up, Jan. 5: Managing the ‘economic tsunami’ headed our way – The Savannahian – Jim Morekis
Jan. 8, 2024 – WHILE NOT much voting happened in the first 2024 meeting of the Chatham County Commission, there was a very interesting back-and-forth during a presentation about the “Vision 2033” strategic initiative. Read more>
Another Chatham County assistant district attorney is leaving – Savannah Morning News – Drew Favakeh
Jan. 8, 2024 – Savannah Morning News’ weekly roundup of notable Chatham County, Georgia, grand jury indictments and court decisions. Read more>
Jan. 6 anniversary sees 22 arrests of Georgians, with some cases still ongoing – The Current – Orlando Montoya/GPB News
Jan. 6, 2024 – Savannah man awaits next hearing. Read more>
“For me, it’s peace” Van Johnson tells of his father’s passing on weekly Facebook Live – Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
Jan. 6, 2024 – Mayor Van Johnson said during his weekly Friday night live that his father, Van Johnson Sr., passed away Wednesday morning, the day after Johnson was inaugurated for his second term as mayor. During his inaugural address Tuesday, Johnson called his father his “greatest superhero.” Read more>
Forsyth Farmers’ Market receives grant funding, starts new season – Connect Savannah – Bobby Walls
Jan. 5, 2024 – The Forsyth Farmers’ Market, which is expected to start off 2024 with a record-breaking number of local vendors on Saturday, Jan. 6, recently received grant funding to support their efforts in expanding access to fresh, affordable food in Savannah. Read more>
Low-income Home Energy Assistance Program to accept appointments for eligible Chatham county residents – WTOC
Jan. 5, 2024 – The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program administered by the Georgia Department of Human Services and operated by the Economic Opportunity for Savannah-Chatham County Area, Inc. will be accepting appointments from low-income residents who live in Chatham County. Read more>
SPORTS NOTES: Savannah Hockey Classic Preview & Blitz Border Bowl VI roster release – Connect Savannah – Travis Jaudon
Jan. 5, 2024 – The 2024 Publix Savannah Hockey Classic is returning on Jan. 12 through 13, 2024 at Enmarket Arena. It’s the 24th edition of the collegiate four-team hockey tournament which began in 1999. Read more>
Buddy Carter takes his place at the climate table at COP 28 – Savannah Morning News – John Deem
Jan. 4, 2024 – Just one of every four Republicans in the U.S. is concerned about the potential impact of warming caused by heat-trapping pollution, according to polling by the Yale University Program on Climate Change. Read more>
First construction contract awarded for Savannah River bridge upgrade The Current – Dave Williams/Capitol Beat
Project to potentially raise road height gets a $6.6M boost Read more>
Mayor Johnson sets goal for action on key items within first three to six months of council term – Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
Jan. 3, 2024 – Just before Mayor Van Johnson was introduced at Tuesday night’s inauguration of the 140th Savannah City Council administration, jazz legend Huxsie Scott sang her rendition of “Savannah Strong.” Read more>
Recent annexation request raises concerns of industrial creep in Chatham’s rural outskirts – Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
Jan. 4, 2024 – Leslie Sheehan grew up in a family that raised horses, and she always dreamed of living on acreage where she could raise her own stock. It turned out that Sheehan married a “city boy,” she said, but the Cypress Creek neighborhood in West Chatham offered the perfect balance. Read more>
Hoppin’ John and Jane’s Magic Beans – Savannah Sideways – Jessica Leigh Lebos
Jan. 3, 2024 – It’s mid-morning on New Year’s Day and the entire house smells like a pack of flatulent elephants. Read more>
Traffic Impact Analysis shows scope of Enmarket and Bethesda Academy project – Savannah Morning News – Joseph Schwartzburt
Jan. 3, 2024 – Construction crews have already started clearing land at the intersection of Diamond Causeway and Ferguson Avenue, which will be the future site of a new Enmarket and welcome center for Bethesda Academy. Enmarket is developing the land under a lease agreement with Bethesda. Read more>
Putting some ‘Newgrass’ into your Bluegrass – Connect Savannah – Brett Bigelow
New traditions are popping up around Savannah, and one of the most exciting is the first Savannah Bluegrass Festival coming Feb. 16, 2024. Read more>
‘Savannah can’t give approval’ for rezoning of New Hampstead development – Savannah Morning News – John Deem
Jan. 3, 2024 – A proposed rezoning that would allow for the construction of more than 11,000 homes in southwestern Chatham County offers a potential preview of the Savannah region’s inevitable reckoning over its explosive growth. Read more>
Former Pooler City Manager Robert Byrd to receive two years’ severance pay – Savannah Morning News – Destini Ambus
Jan. 2, 2024 – Former Pooler City Manager Robert Byrd will receive two years’ severance pay, according to the mutual separation agreement he tendered on Dec. 4. Read more>
Savannah Convention Center asking for $15 million from state for riverwalk updates – Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
Dec. 28, 2023 – Leaders from the Savannah-Georgia Convention Center are seeking $15 million from the State of Georgia for riverwalk improvements on the Savannah River’s northern banks. Read more>
JUROR 13: A podcast takes a new look at a Savannah cold case – Connect Savannah – Thor Benson
Dec. 29, 2023 – Tom Mullady is a writer based in Savannah who has also become something of an investigator. He likes to look into murder cases that haven’t been solved. Read more>
On the record: Which entities pay — and don’t pay — Chatham County property taxes – The Current – Maggie Lee
From a Savannah movie backlot and old downtown mansions to private jet manufacturing facilities and 1,300-plus acres of land for mega-warehouses, there are hundreds of parcels of privately-controlled land in Chatham County whose owners pay reduced property taxes — or none at all. Read more>
Davenport House Museum and Historic Savannah Foundation share continued focus on community and growth – Savannah Morning News – Laura Nwogu
Dec. 27, 2023 – The Historic Savannah Foundation’s Urban Enslaved Exhibit has been open to the public for more than a month, and it’s the first of many indications of the organization’s take on its fresh new spin and vision. Read more>
More public comment on Port terminal ‘isn’t warranted,’ Corps of Engineers says – Savannah Morning News – John Deem
Dec. 23, 2023 – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers expects to deny pleas from environmental groups to further extend public comment on a permit request tied to the Georgia Ports Authority’s planned 395-acre island term. Read more>
City Talk: Recent public meetings point toward more scrutiny of rapid regional growth – Savannah Morning News – Bill Dawers
Dec. 21, 2023 – More than 120 Bulloch County residents attended a recent meeting of the Coastal Georgia Regional Water Planning Council, according to reporting by Mary Landers for The Current. Read more>
Current council administration closes out term with big decisions on housing, water – Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
Dec. 21, 2023 – Savannah City Council held its last meeting of the year Tuesday, closing out the current administration’s term. Read more>
Ineligible voters on Tybee Island voter roll? Hearing postponed to February 2024 Savannah Morning News Destini Ambus and Maya Homan
Dec. 21, 2023 – The State Election Board has postponed the hearing for Tybee Island Voter Roll to February 2024, due to the absence of Tybee’s clerk Jan Leviner. Read more>
GDOT gets $500K for next steps in proposed Savannah-to-Atlanta passenger train – Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
Dec. 21, 2023 – The potential for passenger rail from Savannah to Atlanta keeps inching forward after the Georgia Department of Transportation was awarded a $500,000 grant from the Federal Rail Administration to continue studying the corridor. Read more>
Holly Jolly, Hazy Crazy, Mojo Dojo Holidaze – Savannah Sideways – Jessica Leigh Lebos
Dec. 20, 2023 – It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas around here, and by that I mean that the streets are jammed, there are unsupervised children everywhere, and everyone seems drunk. Read more>
Railroad quiet zones in Savannah delayed, first phase to begin in January – WTOC – Flynn Snyder
Dec. 19, 2023 – Savannahians will have to wait a little longer before the sound of train horns becomes a thing of the past. Read more>
Underdog Brewing Company owner breaks silence, speaks on unlikely future for start-up brewery in Starland – Connect Savannah – Travis Jaudon
Dec. 19, 2023 – Jeremy Hammons Interview: On Underdog Brewing’s money problems, 16 months of lease payments for a building he never actually opened. Read more>
Regulators increase rates for Georgia Power customers to help pay for nuclear reactors – The Associated Press
Dec. 19 – Almost 15 years of wrangling over who should pay for two new nuclear reactors in Georgia and who should be accountable for cost overruns came down to one vote Tuesday, with the Georgia Public Service Commission unanimously approving an additional 6% rate increase to pay for $7.56 billion in remaining costs at Georgia Power Co.’s Plant Vogtle. Read more>
Developers pull plan to purchase land of former Oglethorpe Speedway, surrounding land – WTOC – Lindsey Stenger
Dec. 18, 2023 – The future of a piece of land in Pooler is once again up in the air. Read more>
Savannah Morning News columnist bids an emotional farewell to his father – Savannah Morning News – Mark Murphy
Dec. 19, 2023 – My father is dead. That is the long and the short of it. It’s right there in black and white, stark, cold and sterile, a statement of unassailable fact. And yet it does not begin to capture the incredible, complex essence of my father, Harvey Jack Murphy. Read more>
What do millennials & baby boomers have in common? They both move to Savannah, studies say – Savannah Morning News – Destini Ambus
Dec. 19, 2023 – Both millennials and baby boomers are flocking to Savannah, according to two recent studies. Read more>
Neighborhood shares concerns amid Pooler development – WSAV – Sarah Smith
Dec. 18, 2023 – We have heard for years now that development in Pooler is booming. It was a major concern for residents at the polls in November. This was the forefront of a public hearing Monday night for multiple new developments in the city. Read more>
Public art or marketing sign? Visit Savannah’s ‘SAV’ sculpture for City Market is denied – The Savannahian – Jim Morekis
Dec. 18, 2023 – IN WHAT’S becoming an increasingly rare local prioritization of preservation-minded values, the Savannah Historic Site and Monuments Commission (HSMC) last week rejected a proposal by Visit Savannah to put a 5-foot-tall, 14-foot-wide metal sculpture in the middle of City Market. Read more>
Kiah House Museum unveils mission to create an inclusive, creative space – The Savannahian – Holly Elliott
Dec. 18, 2023 – AFTER years of extensive campaigning by everyone from local activists to organizations like Savannah State University, The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation, and the African Diaspora Museology Institute, the new owners of the Historic Kiah House have finally shared their plans for preservation of the property while staying within the historic guidelines. Read more>
Get to know Tharros Place, a home for survivors of human trafficking – The Savannahian – Ansley Standridge
Dec. 18, 2023 – Chatham County is ‘ranked fourth in the state for instances of reported cases of minors in human trafficking, so we’re the largest outside of Atlanta.’ Read more>
Chatham County District Attorney considers prosecuting former SPD detective who falsified search warrants – Savannah Morning News – Drew Favakeh
Dec. 18, 2023 – Chatham County District Attorney Shalena Cook Jones confirmed her office is reviewing five felony cases that former Savannah Police Department (SPD) homicide detective Ashley Wood investigated and is considering prosecuting Wood for falsifying information in multiple search warrant applications tied to the 2021 murder of Charles Vinson. Read more>
New programs for Savannah residents make homes more energy efficient, save on electric bills – Connect Savannah – Nathan Dominitz
Dec. 17, 2023 – For many Savannah residents, it’s getting easier to save money on their energy bills and perhaps help save the planet along the way. Read more>
Boomtown: New workforce study looks at how our region can prepare for influx of industrial jobs – WJCL – Brooke Butler
Dec. 15, 2023 – The study looked at some of the challenges employers will face when it comes to finding workers. Read more>
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg visits Savannah – WTOC – Lindsey Stenger
Dec. 15, 2023 – The United States Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg traveled to Georgia Friday. Read more>
Water plans for Hyundai trouble Bulloch residents – The Current – Mary Landers
Dec. 15, 2023 – Farmers, homeowners worry their wells may be harmed by needs for industrial growth Read more>
Chatham County’s state lawmakers discuss legislative priorities at annual breakfast – Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
Dec. 15, 2023 – A group of Chatham County’s state legislators laid out past work and future legislative goals for issues of workforce development, economic development and education to members of Savannah’s business community Thursday. Read more>
City Talk: City Council ramps up the long drive toward the removal of the I-16 flyover – Savannah Morning News – Bill Dawers
Dec. 14, 2023 – Savannah City Council recently took a key step toward the eventual removal of the I-16 exit ramp that has for decades been a physical, economic and psychological barrier impacting numerous neighborhoods on the west side. Read more>
Georgia Department of Transportation plans to replace Talmadge Bridge entirely – WSAV – Tyler Carmona
Dec. 12, 2023 – Back in October, the Georgia Ports Authority announced plans to raise the Talmadge Bridge, but there seems to be a change of heart. The bridge will now be replaced entirely, according to the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT). Read more>
New city partnership aims to advance fair housing in Savannah – Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
Dec. 13, 2023 – The City of Savannah announced a new partnership aimed at advancing fair housing enforcement and education in Savannah. Read more>
Solar leasing program expands to nonprofits – The Current – Mary Landers
Dec. 12, 2023 – Savannah pilot program also offers $200 incentive to sign up by year’s end. Read more>
SCCPSS Board of Education Wrap-up, Dec. 6 – The Savannahian – Nell Shellman
Dec. 11, 2023 – The primary issue for many attendees is that the plan includes the dissolution of Gould Elementary, a closely knit community that is 42.2 percent Hispanic, 48.3 percent economically disadvantaged, and 25.8 percent English language learners. Read more>
New incentives aimed at opening solar to low- and middle-income Savannah residents – Savannah Morning News – John Deem
Dec. 12, 2023 – The City of Savannah is offering an extra holiday incentive as it looks to plug an underserved segment of the population into solar power. Read more>
Tybee Island gets federal grant for ‘living shoreline’ to protect against marsh flooding – GPB – Benjamin Payne
Dec. 11, 2023 – Tybee Island is the recipient of a $380,000 federal grant for new flood protection infrastructure along the island’s marshlands. Read more>
Savannah City Council Wrap-up, December 7, 2023 – The Savannahian – Brian Myers
Dec. 11, 2023 – Only three community members took advantage of the opportunity to address Council about the budget. Read more>
THE CONNECT FIVE: Shows to see this week – Connect Savannah – Frank Ricci
Dec. 11, 2023 – Read more>
THE SEASON OF GIVING: How to support the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Coastal Empire this holiday season and beyond – Connect Savannah – Erica Lang
Dec. 10, 2023 – Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Coastal Empire is looking to make the seasons bright for families in their care this holiday season. Read more>
The City of Savannah holds dedication ceremony for Evergreen Cemetery – WSAV -Nakya Harris Dec. 10, 2023 – The City of Savannah held a dedication ceremony for Evergreen Cemetery for its new and improved look Saturday morning. Read more>
Savannah-Chatham Public Schools alleges former chief of schools secretly recorded colleagues – Savannah Morning News – Drew Favakeh
Dec. 11, 2023 – Attorneys for the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System (SCCPSS) have filed a motion alleging that Dr. Shelia Garcia-Wilder secretly recorded her co-workers without their knowledge or consent, knowing she was going to file a lawsuit. Read more>
City roundup: Savannah council greenlights study for MLK flyover removal, Kiah House zoning – Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
Dec. 10, 2023 – At its Thursday meeting, Savannah City Council took the next step in potentially removing the Interstate 16 flyover ramp that overpasses Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, approving grant money for the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) to study the project’s feasibility. Read more>
City of Savannah votes to help fund feasibility study for I-16 ramp removal – WJCL – Brooke Butler
Dec. 7 , 2023 – City leaders are considering the benefits of removing the Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. flyover. Read more>
For Residents and Visitors: Hotel-motel tax factors big impacts in Savannah’s 2024 budget – Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
Dec. 8, 2023 – Savannah City Council passed its hotel-motel tax increase in May, and now its impacts have hit the fiscal year 2024 budget. Next year’s budget, approved by council Thursday, will be the first with a full year’s hotel-motel collection at the new 8% rate. Read more>
Controversial Chatham County DA to run for reelection – The Current – Jake Shore
Dec. 6, 2023 – Democrat Shalena Cook Jones faces federal sanctions and a state ethics complaint, but touts record of accomplishments. Read more>
Savannah passes $560 million budget for 2024 behind increases in tax revenue – Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
Dec. 8, 2023 – Savannah City Council passed its $560 million 2024 budget Tuesday, with a nearly unanimous 8-1 vote. Read more>
With no vote on facilities plan, Savannah-Chatham superintendent back to drawing board – Savannah Morning News – Joseph Schwartzburt
Dec. 8, 2023 – Savannah-Chatham County Public School System (SCCPSS) Superintendent Denise Watts recognizes that the 2024-25 Long-Range Facilities Plan feels disruptive to families. Read more>
Chatham County District Attorney faces preliminary ethics hearing for failing to file financial forms – Savannah Morning News – Drew Favakeh
Dec. 8, 2023 – Chatham County District Attorney Shalena Cook Jones faces a preliminary state ethics hearing on Friday for allegedly failing to file numerous campaign contribution disclosure reports and financial disclosure forms since 2020. Read more>
City Talk: State leaders should support Savannah affordable housing efforts – Savannah Morning News – Bill Dawers
Dec. 7, 2023 – After a city-owned building was destroyed by arson in 2020, Savannah leaders and neighborhood YIMBYs (“yes in my back yard”) supported plans for an affordable housing development with about 40 units. Read more>
SCCPSS delays decision on New Hampstead High rezoning – Fox28Savannah – Genevieve Lund
Dec. 6, 2023 Thousands of families have been waiting to know whether their child could be moving schools based on rezoning proposals. Read more>
Trolley companies respond to residents’ concerns; propose solutions at tourism meeting – Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
Dec. 7, 2023 – Savannah’s search for a tourism balance encountered a new development at the city’s Tourism Advisory Committee meeting Tuesday morning, where a trolley representative gave a presentation responding to quality-of-life concerns brought by downtown residents. Read more>
With few beds, fewer psychologists, Georgia inmates wait months for mental health evaluations – Savannah Morning News – Drew Favakeh
Dec. 6, 2023 – The waitlist for competency evaluations by the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health (DBHDD) continues to grow as does the one for beds at state mental health hospitals. As a result, inmates at Georgia jails, including those at the Chatham County Detention Center (CCDC), are incarcerated for pending charges without sufficient treatment. Read more>
Working From Both Ends of the Leash: Our Tale As A Renegade Paws Foster Family – Savannah Sideways – Jessica Leigh Lebos
Dec. 6, 2023 – I may have written this before, but just so there are no unnecessary tears, this story does not end with a dead dog. Read more>
‘Unintended consequences’ residents on Buckwalter Road call for action as development moves in – WJCL – Lydia Blackstone
Dec. 6, 2023 – Industrial Park to service the ports comes in right next door to neighborhood; residents want change. Read more>
Georgia Ports Authority approves building new rail terminal in northeast part of state – WTOC
Dec. 5, 2023 – The Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) has approved spending $127 million to build a rail terminal connecting the Port of Savannah with northeast Georgia. Read more>
Dottie’s Market Savannah’s new dinner service – a trip to Grandma’s house – Connect Savannah – Jesse Blanco
Dec. 5, 2023 – If you pay attention to the food scene as closely as we do around here, then you cannot help but notice exactly how it has evolved over the last handful of years. From my seat, it has been fascinating to watch. The debate rages regularly, at least it does in my circles. Read more>
Front Porch Improv presents “Totally Made-Up Holiday Movie” featuring Kevin Gillese and ‘Archer’ star Amber Nash – Connect Savannah – Kareem McMichael
Dec. 5, 2023 – Front Porch Improv is bringing in the holidays the best way they know how—with lots of laughs. Their new comedy experience, “Totally Made-Up Holiday Movie,” will feature special guests, husband and wife Kevin Gillese and Amber Nash on Dec. 7 and 8. Read more>
A new purpose through repurposing – keeping Savannah in Savannah – Connect Savannah – Marley Gibson
Dec. 5, 2023 – The phrases “deconstruct” and “repurpose” might bring to mind the latest online video trend to try around the house, but for Re:Purpose Savannah, a women+ led 501(c)3 non-profit, establishing a sustainable future through the deconstruction, salvage, and reuse of historic buildings, these terms have become a way of life for their volunteers, their organization, and for Savannah’s preservation and continued history. Read more>
‘I hate it, because he was just the best person for this:’ Pooler city manager to leave – Savannah Morning News – Destini Ambus
Dec. 4, 2023 – Pooler City Manager Robert Byrd has decided to leave his position after 21 years of service. Read more>
Inaugural SCCPSS finance committee starts mission assessing budget surplus, taxes – The Savannahian – Nell Shellman
Dec. 4, 2023 – “Our district for a long time has always coupled passing the budget with passing the millage… we have figured out what we are going to get in taxes, and then we budget from that instead of budgeting from our priorities and our goals.” Read more>
Editor’s Note: Meet the new bosses—same as the old bosses – The Savannahian – Jim Morekis
Dec. 4, 2023 – A look at the “new” Savannah City Council, after a remarkably low-turnout, low-interest election. Read more>
Savannah lawmakers push River Street, Garden City during special session – The Current – Craig Nelson
Dec. 4, 2023 – New waterfront tax district may speed improvements for businesses, tourists. Read more>
Gulfstream looks to sun to power Savannah research campus – Savannah Morning News – John Deem
Dec. 4, 2023 – Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. plans to use on-site solar panels to supply one-quarter of the electricity for its Savannah Research and Development Campus near the Savannah-Hilton Head International Airport. Read more>
Gould Elementary meeting fails to offer unified rezoning demands ahead of board vote – Savannah Morning News – Joseph Schwartzburt
Dec. 4, 2023 – Migrant Equity Southeast (MESE) hosted a “Community Open Mic” that began at 6 p.m. on Nov. 29. The event allowed families and teachers to address concerns about the rezoning concerning the current Carrie S. Gould Elementary School community. Read more>
Years of regulation on STVRs has done little to alleviate residents’ concerns about enforcement – Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
Dec. 4, 2023 – Van Johnson was the guest speaker at a Downtown Neighborhood Association meeting on Nov. 29. Read more>
Public Service Commission hearings to raise electricity rates begin next week – Savannah Morning News – Emily Jones WABE/Grist
Dec. 1, 2023 – Georgia’s Public Service Commission is poised to raise electricity rates for most Georgians to cover the cost of building new nuclear reactors at Plant Vogtle. Hearings begin next week on the latest in a series of bill increases for Georgia Power customers. Read more>
Chatham Commission Recap: Salary increase approved, ARPA budged updated – Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
Dec. 2, 2023 – The Chatham County Board of Commissioners will have a salary boost come 2025. Read more>
Larry Jack’s Magical Music Tour 12/01/23 – Hissing Lawns – Tom Cartmel
Dec. 1, 2023 – o ho holy shit, it’s December somehow! Here’s the next couple of weeks worth of shows to the best of my knowledge. Read more>
Savannah Tech students gaining skills in automotive production through new program – WTOC – Ethan Stamm
Nov. 30, 2023 – Since Hyundai’s electric vehicle training courses have been made available at Savannah Technical College, students say they’ve been able to gain automotive production experience that’s proved to be invaluable. Read more>
City Talk: Surge in manufacturing employment will impact other sectors – Savannah Morning News – Bill Dawers
Nov. 30, 2023 – A recent study released by the Savannah Harbor-Interstate 16 Joint Development Authority found that only 6% of the regional workforce lives within 20 minutes of the Megasite in Bryan County where the new Hyundai plant is being built. Read more>
Emmaus House and Film Biz Recycling team up to gift departing employee a truck – Savannah Morning News – Evan Lasseter
Dec. 1, 2023 – A silver 2004 Toyota Tacoma sat tucked in a corner of Reynolds Square just outside the Emmaus House, on Thursday morning. And the keys were about to be in Johnny Granby’s hands. Read more>
Musings: You never know how those talks with your heroes will stay with you – Savannah Morning News – Rob Hessler
Dec. 1, 2023 – On November 9, around five hundred Savannahians gathered at Georgia Southern University’s Armstrong Campus’ Fine Arts Theater to experience “The Art World Problem,” a lecture by Pulitzer prize-winning New York art critic Jerry Saltz. Read more>
Investigation reveals misconduct, security lapses at Savannah Regional Youth Detention Center – Savannah Morning News – Drew Favakeh
Nov. 30, 2023 – In spring 2022, a juvenile correction officer with the Savannah Regional Youth Detention Center (RYDC) accepted money from a youth inmate at the facility in exchange for vape pens that she smuggled into the facility inside a Bible, according to reports obtained through an open records request. Read more>
Orange Crush organizers announce plans to bring controversial event back to Tybee Island in 2024 – WJCL – Graham Cawthon
Nov. 29, 2023 – Months after the unpermitted ‘Orange Crush’ weekend drew tens of thousands to Tybee Island, leading to gridlock in the area, organizers have announced plans for the next annual event. Read more>
The Fungus Among Us – Savannah Sideways – Jessica Leigh Lebos
Nov. 29, 2023 – In these confounding times, it seems like we’re all spending a lot of precious time just trying to figure out what’s real. Read more>
What’s up with Savannah’s Darling Oyster Bar? – Eat It & Like It – Jesse Blanco
Now that Desposito’s finally opened their doors Labor Day Weekend, the most asked question around here has shifted to the opening of another seafood restaurant. Read more>
Sixteen-year-old Savannahian finishes course requirements, set to graduate in December – Savannah Morning News – Joseph Schwartzburt
Nov. 28, 2023 – Darrell S. Bryant recently discovered that Cleopatra was not the only female Egyptian pharaoh to ever exist. Read more>
Buddy Carter endorses Trump – The Current – Craig Nelson
Nov. 27, 2023 – When Donald Trump ran for president in 2016, U.S. Rep. Earl “Buddy” Carter didn’t endorse him until six weeks after he had clinched the Republican nomination and 11 days before the party’s national convention in Cleveland. Not this time around. Read more>
ART PATROL: Some year-end thoughts on Savannah’s art scene – Connect Savannah – Beth Logan
Nov. 27, 2023 – This time last year, I wrote a rather depressing column about the sad state of affairs for Savannah’s art galleries. Read more>
Savannah City Council Wrap-up for November 21, 2023 – The Savannahian – Brian Myers
Nov. 27, 2023 – Looking ahead at the legislative session, plus more alcohol license hearings and permitting Sunday sales for St. Patrick’s Day. Read more>
Shelter From the Rain helps single Savannah moms – The Savannahian – Emily King
Nov. 27, 2023 – 40% of Chatham County households are led by single parents. That’s nearly half of all homes in the area. Read more>
Plans released for new community center on Savannah’s southside – WTOC – Flynn Snyder
Nov. 27,2023 – Sixth district Alderman Kurtis Purtee has released site plans for the new community center. Read more>
Fox & Fig to close November 30 – The Savannahian – Rachael Flora
Nov. 27, 2023 – AFTER a controversial summer, Fox & Fig will close its doors November 30. Read more>