By Eric Curl
Dec. 5, 2022 – The Tybee City Council on Thursday will discuss a proposal to allow dogs on the beach one day a week during the winter months.
If approved, the proposal would allow leashed dogs on the beach on Wednesday’s only from Nov. 1 to March 1. The designated dog-friendly area would be from 14th Street to Inlet Avenue.
Council member Brian West, who is introducing the “Wagging Wednesday” proposal, said the council will only be discussing idea and he does not expect a vote Thursday.
If the proposal does end up being approved, Tybee would be joining other east coast communities such as Hilton Head and St. Simon’s Island in allowing dogs on the beach with various restrictions.
Currently, dog owners face a $290 fine on the first offense for bringing their dog to Tybee’s beach.
In other business, council member Barry Brown is requesting that Tybee consider some options for improving emergency medical services on the island, including making the city’s fire department the primary EMS provider.
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The biggest advantage of Tybee providing its own EMS transport services is that the ambulances would stay on the island for emergencies, whereas, the current provider, Chatham EMS, often has to pull the ambulance off the island for calls, according to the report. Startup costs of taking on EMS transport services, including the purchase of two ambulances and equipment, are estimated to be $423,417.
The city council will also be presented with an update on a dune monitoring project and a storm water management plan. Find out what else is happening this week in Savannah Agenda’s latest Week Ahead newsletter.
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