Other News & Voices

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.

#stayengagedsavannah

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

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

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>

**The Georgia on My Mind event at Victory North on Jan. 18, 2024**

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>

Chatham County Assessors Board meeting Jan. 2

Savannah-Georgia Convention Center Authority to meet Jan. 8

Savannah Historic District Review Board meeting Jan. 8

Chatham County Board of Elections meeting Jan. 13

Housing Authority of Savannah meeting Jan. 14

Georgia Ports Authority meeting Jan. 28

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