

UPDATE: Lake Mayer Community Park now open after being closed for cleaning after storms, festival
UPDATE: As of 11:30 a.m., Lake Mayer Community Park is now open. According to a release sent by Chatham County Parks and Recreation, Lake Mayer Community Park will be closed until further notice for maintenance. Debris from the Back2School Festival and Sunday evening’s storms have required cleaning by Chatham County staff before the park can…
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: Schedules for every Savannah area team in 2023
High school football teams began practicing on July 31 across the state of Georgia. The 2023 Georgia High School Association (GHSA) season starts the week of Friday, Aug. 18, with some teams kicking off on Thursday, Aug. 17. The annual Savannah Chatham County Public School System (SCCPSS) Football Media Day is scheduled for Wednesday, Aug.…
Gregory Hirsch, Master Lending Group, LLC file bankruptcy with more than $40 million of investor money missing
Savannah resident Gregory M. Hirsch and his hedge fund Master Lending Group, LLC filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy earlier this month, impacting at least 130 investors owed an estimated $42.96 million from Hirsch, who claims $6.07 million in assets on the Form 201 petition, obtained by Connect Savannah through public records request. Submitted on behalf of Hirsch…
Georgia Southern Football 2023 preseason projections roundup & Clay Helton quotes from Sun Belt media day
Georgia Southern football’s 2023 season unofficially starts on Wednesday, Aug. 2 when the first practice of fall camp takes place. Officially, the Eagles (6-7, 3-5 in Sun Belt Conference in 2022) open the regular season on Sept. 2 at Paulson Stadium against The Citadel. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. and the game will be…
BARBECUE LIKE A BOSS: Summer grilling tips from Fleeting’s Chef de Cuisine
Grilling is a summer pastime. Families and friends gather around the grill for fun backyard barbecues that are best enjoyed during this time of year. Every barbecue buff has their own tricks and tips for great grilling, but we’re here to share some solid advice from a seasoned professional. Thompson Savannah, the opulent hotel perched…
Back-to-school bashes taking place throughout town
With July coming to an end, the 2023-2024 school year is on the horizon. While the sun may be setting on summer vacation, the school break is going out with a bang. Several community businesses, nonprofits and organizations are hosting back-to-school events to send students off in a fun way. Local families will be able…
ADVENTURE AWAITS: Mountainfilm on Tour Savannah presents Free Family Movie Night
Mountainfilm on Tour Savannah is gearing up to host a Free Family Movie Night at the Savannah Cultural Arts Center on August 5, 2023, showcasing a handpicked selection of culturally rich, adventure-packed, and inspiring short films curated from the prestigious Mountainfilm festival in Telluride, Colorado. Mountainfilm has gained worldwide acclaim for its documentary film festival,…
Ho, Ho, Head on over to Savannah Rep for Christmas in July
Some may think it’s a bit too early for Christmas decorations, but Savannah Repertory Theatre’s Christmas in July festival will add some holiday cheer to this hot, hot summer. Festivities wrap up this week with the final concert of the Christmas in July Concert Series on Thursday, and the Christmas in July Maker’s Bazaar on…
The Haunt to close following ‘Last Supper’
Savannah’s second full service, plant-based restaurant will be closing its doors for good on Thursday, exactly two years to the day since it opened. The Haunt, a self described ‘Forest to Table’ vegetarian/vegan restaurant at 606 Abercorn Street in Savannah’s Historic District, will be closing permanently following dinner service on Thursday, July 27th. The news…
Let’s taco-bout this new Westside spot
There are plenty of tacos to choose from around Downtown Savannah, but a new taco shop is hoping to corner the market on the Western side of downtown. A Taco Affair, a very small New Jersey based chain of taco shops has opened their first location outside of Jersey. The corner of Hall and Montgomery…
Connect Savannah News & Notes
There’s always something happening in the Hostess City. Stay in the know about upcoming events and the latest information with our News & Notes. Metro Savannah Rotary announces new president and board for 2023/2024 The Rotary Club of Metropolitan Savannah recently inducted its new slate of leadership for the 2023/2024 year at its July 18…
BUNNY IN THE CITY: AMBUCS 2023 Bowlapalooza Kick-Off
Arriving at Kehoe Iron Works for AMBUCS 2023 Bowlapalooza Kick-Off on July 20mk, I find Savannah Chapter President Kevin Sheehan hitting warp speed as the first of his 300 family, friends and future bowlers begin to arrive. With 24 years of coaxing the community to support a life changing organization for people with different abilities,…
Savannah Clovers FC announce $5 exhibition match against team from Jacksonville
The Savannah Clovers Football Club today announced a special midweek, $5 exhibition match against the Jax Lions FC from Jacksonville Florida. This match will give members of the community a chance to experience a Savannah Clovers soccer match for $5. Jax Lion’s FC is a semi-professional soccer club based out of Jacksonville Florida and are…
THE CONNECT 5: Shows you shouldn’t miss this week
DUKE DEUCE @ ELAN SAVANNAH FRI JUL 28 | 10 PM When Lil Jon asked everyone “let me see you get crunk, let me see you get buck, let me see you tear the MF club on up,” Duke Deuce happily obliged. Diving deep into a genre Rick Rubin once complimented as “completely unmusical,” Deuce…
A BRUSH WITH SYNERGY: The unlikely friendship of Tommy and Gabe is creating magic
Let’s face it, many artists are notoriously bad at self-promotion. Spending their artistic energies on the act of creation, it feels like a whole other time-consuming job, often totally outside their natural skill set and comfort zone, to send out a press release, network, or build a strong social media presence. So, I admit to…
Savannah native, Savannah Christian graduate Brian Harman wins first major
“I’ve got a lot of layers, man. I’m like an onion.” Savannah native Brian Harman only said this jokingly after winning The 151st Open Championship at The Royal Liverpool Golf Club in Hoylake, England on Sunday, July 23. All joking aside, the layers to Harman are real. The thing is, he hasn’t been big on…
Clovers Win The NISA Independent Cup Southern Region Championship
The Savannah Clovers are the 2023 Southern Region Champions of the NISA Independent Cup. The Clovers defeated Soda City FC 2-0 in the Final of the Cup this past Saturday, July 22 at their home field, Memorial Stadium. This is the first trophy for the club and could be a potential turning point in the…
Savannah woman shares her experience on Delta Airlines Flight 555
After a Las Vegas flight with reported mechanical issues left some travelers stranded for days, and others in the hospital, a Savannah woman is telling News 3 about her experience trying to make it home to her family. Delta Flight 555 was originally scheduled to leave the airport on Saturday, but one passenger says after…
PHOTOS: Classic City Collective presents ‘ATHANNAH’, featuring Corey Smith
Classic City Collective hosted the second annual Athannah event on Thursday, July 20th, at Victory North in Savannah. Country music star Corey Smith performed, and attendees had the opportunity to revel in the UGA spirit.
Savannah Clovers and Hostilo Helps unite for school supply drive
The Savannah Clovers FC, in collaboration with Hostilo Helps, the charitable arm of the Mike Hostilo Law Firm, announced their School Supply Drive to support local students in our community. As August marks the beginning of the school year in the Coastal Empire, the team said the aim is to equip students with the necessary…
EAT IT AND LIKE IT: A rebirth of ‘Heaven’… this time on wheels
For almost two years, the biggest story in BBQ along the Georgia coast was happening in Brunswick. South of Heaven BBQ was as good (if not better) than any BBQ you could find between Savannah and the Florida border. The pitmaster/owner there was Judd Foster, a “Philly” guy who moved to Atlanta once upon a…
Savannah Philharmonic strikes a chord with ‘A Little Night Music’ chamber concert series
The Savannah Philharmonic announced its upcoming series of chamber music concerts titled "A Little Night Music," at three prominent Savannah locations Friday and Saturday, July 21-22. The series will feature a dynamic string quintet comprised of Sinisa Ciric (violin), Ricardo Ochoa (violin), Patrick Shelc (viola), Daniel Mumm (cello), and Marc Chesanow (bass), offering a diverse…
SCAD Savannah Film Festival returns Oct. 21–28
The SCAD Savannah Film Festival will return Saturday, Oct. 21 through Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023, for its 26th year of celebrating acclaimed films and prominent honorees. Presented by the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), the SCAD Savannah Film Festival is filled with cinematic creativity from award-winning professionals and emerging student filmmakers. Each year,…
PAINT THE TOWN PINK: Movie inspires local Barbie-themed festivities, fashion and fun
The long-awaited and lauded Barbie movie hits theaters this Friday, July 21, and the country has gone bananas for Barbie in eager anticipation. The dynamic doll is getting her shine on and offline with all sorts of pink-themed posts, promotions and parties sweeping the nation. The craze has hit the Hostess City as there are…
Local rapper and basketball star, Flau’jae Johnson, to host back to school festival
On Sunday, July 30, Savannah native Flau’jae Johnson will host a back-to-school festival at Lake Mayer Park from 3 p.m. – 8 p.m. Families can pick up free back-to-school necessities such as backpacks, uniforms, shoes and headphones. Plus, the festival will have plenty of fun activities including music, food, bounce houses, face painting,…
102-year-old church’s steeple, roof destroyed in fire caused by lightning strike
A church in Savannah lost its steeple today after it caught on fire from what the pastor says was a lightning bolt that struck the top of the 102-year-old church. Firefighters were able to bring the blaze under control in approximately 30 minutes. Savannah Fire investigators did determine the fire was caused by a lightning strike.…
BUNNY IN THE CITY: Inclusion Avenue Fundraiser at Himalayan Curry Kitchen
Crossing the Ogeechee River into Richmond Hill, I arrive at Himalayan Curry Kitchen for their Inclusion Avenue fundraiser on July 17, and find my host Pulkit Chawla waiting for me at the front door of his packed restaurant. Holding his three-year-old daughter Faye in his arms, he talks about hosting today’s kick-off event for this…
WHAT ARE WE READING? Books of the Week
Welcome back, bookworms, to another edition of “What Are We Reading?”—your trusted guide to the literary gems that have captured our attention. E. Shaver, Booksellers (eshaverbooks.com) is thrilled to present you with a selection of three captivating books. The Chateau by Jacklyn Goldis: In this mesmerizing debut novel, Jacklyn Goldis takes us on an enchanting…
PROPERTY MATTERS: Starland Village demo knocks out power, Savannah Morning News building sold, apt complex proposed off East Broad
Starland Village work resumes, power outage ensues The resumed demolition of a former school building as part of a long planned mixed-use development in the Starland District led to the power outage of about 20 customers on Thursday, according to Georgia Power. The outage surrounding the property at 2201 Bull St. began at about 6:15…
Connect Savannah News & Notes
There’s always something happening in the Hostess City. Stay in the know about upcoming events and the latest information with our News & Notes. Savannah Philharmonic welcomes new board members The Savannah Philharmonic has announced four additions to their Board of Directors: Rosalie Morris, Chuck Chewning, Bob Kenyon and Mason Waters. Now celebrating their 15th…
THE CONNECT 5: Shows you shouldn’t miss this week
RODNEY JORDAN QUINTET @ GOOD TIMES JAZZ BAR FRI & SAT, JUL 21 & 22 | 8 PM The versatile jazz bassist made his way up the status ladder with a methodical determination. He started playing in church and high school, studied at Jackson State U, and went on to teach music (and other subjects)…
Pooler’s Fun Zone celebrates 20 years
Fun Zone, Pooler’s go-to entertainment center, complete with a go-kart track, arcade and mini-golf course, is celebrating 20 years. It all started back in 2003, when the original owner opened Five Star Family Fun Park. The current owner Andy McCumber bought the property in 2008 and rebranded it as Fun Zone. “I’d spent 20 years…
Savannah Bananas’ mascot ‘SPLIT’ gets his own official bobblehead
Friday, the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum unveiled the first Savannah Bananas Bobblehead. The officially licensed, limited-edition bobblehead features Split, the mascot of the Savannah Bananas. Standing on a banana-shaped base bearing his name with the Savannah Bananas’ logo, the Split bobblehead, sporting his trademark sunglasses, has his arms outstretched and is wearing a yellow…
SUMMER FOOD ROUNDUP: New Thai in Midtown, Steakhouse night, Desposito’s getting ready, Leopold’s 104th
I was reminded a short time ago that area kids begin to roll back to school in just under three weeks. I won’t overstate it because three weeks is practically a month, and a month in many cases is half the Summer, but it would be fair to say halftime (around the Fourth of July)…
Savannah named Fourth Best US City by Travel + Leisure
Global travel media brand Travel + Leisure recently announced their 2023 World’s Best Awards, and Savannah received several accolades for its signature Southern charm and haunting hospitality. Each year, T+L asks their readers to share their opinions on their favorite travel locales in the World’s Best Awards survey. This year, nearly 165,000 readers weighed in…
SAVANNAH CLOVERS FC INTRODUCES FAMILY TICKET BUNDLE
WIN TICKETS!Want to win a family 4-pack of tickets to the Savannah Clovers match this Saturday, July 15? Give us a like on our Facebook page, find this story posted, and tag a friend you’d like to take to the match with you. We will announce a winner on Friday, July 14 at noon! Savannah Clovers Football…
MELISSA ETHERIDGE’S MUSICAL TIME CAPSULE: ‘One Way Out’ album resurrects decades-old gems
Novelist Thomas Wolfe once famously quipped that you can never go home. Clearly, he never met Melissa Etheridge, whose latest album, “One Way Out,” consists of seven songs she penned in the late 1980s and early 1990s. While this material is roughly three decades old, the seed for Etheridge’s 16th studio album was planted in…
ELECTRIC VEHICLES: Are there potholes on the way to progress?
No doubt about it, electric vehicles are coming and coming fast. Production of EVs has ramped up in the last couple of years but there are many issues that need to be addressed before they become the everyday choice for consumers. Richard Franza, PhD, professor of management at the Hull College of Business at Augusta…
PETER ROBERTS AND MELODY POSTMA: Just two kids in a car
It’s fun and really very sweet to sit over cocktails with Peter E. Roberts and Melody Postma. Friends for decades, it is heartwarming to witness their easy back-and-forth camaraderie and their laughter as they recount shared memories. Both graduated from SCAD in the late 80s – Roberts (b.1964) with a BFA in Video, and Postma…
THE CONNECT 5: Shows you shouldn’t miss this week
SHEHEHE + MERCYLAND @ EL ROCKO FRI JUL 14 | 9 PM Anthemic, singalong punk rock has a long history, starting with the late 70s Oi! movement in the UK, all the way to current veterans Rancid and a bunch in between. Shehehe (pictured) are keeping that spirit alive with old school anthems with call-and-response,…
PROPERTY MATTERS: New restaurant at SCAD diner, housing on MLK city lot & potential buyers for Kiah house
There is a lot of development going on in Savannah. These are some of the more recent projects that caught my attention while perusing building permits and meeting agendas. Stay engaged Savannah. New restaurant planned for vacant SCAD diner The folks behind Savannah’s Common Thread and FARM in Bluffton are proposing to open a new…
Connect Savannah News & Notes
There’s always something happening in the Hostess City. Stay in the know about upcoming events and the latest information with our News & Notes. Tybee Island Marine Science Center presents Shark Week July 11-18 The Tybee Island Marine Science Center is presenting several events during Shark Week. Replace fear with facts and discover the truth…
Suspect who drove Humvee into 3rd ID headquarters building identified, booked
The driver in Monday's incident at Fort Stewart has been identified and booked at the Liberty County jail. Treamon D. Lacy, 39, is charged with theft of government property and destruction of government property. Lacy is accused of crashing an Army Humvee, an armored multi-purpose vehicle, into the front entrance of the division headquarters at…
Braves have ‘best ever’ potential entering MLB’s All-Star break
When the 2021 Atlanta Braves won a World Series Championship, it was because the roster received upgrades before the late July trade deadline. A team which struggled to get above .500 for most of the season’s first half took off in the summer months and never looked back. They “got hot at the right time,”…
INTRODUCTIONS: Meet Scott Roberts and Alyssa Carsley
Alysa Carsley & Scott Roberts are part of WSAV’s Storm Team 3. Carsley & Roberts are both Savannah transplants whose passion for weather led them to the Hostess City. Connect Savannah sat down with Carsley and Roberts to learn more about their backgrounds, the weather-centric work they do and their interests outside of forecasting. Where…
WHAT ARE WE READING? July is Mental Health Awareness Month
July is not only a month of summer sunshine and outdoor adventures; it is also recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month—a time to focus on nurturing our emotional well-being. To aid you in this introspective journey, E. Shaver, Booksellers presents a collection of three thought-provoking books that delve into the intricacies of the human mind…
HURRICANE CHUCK: Watson, ENKI Research still bringing the same smarts (and snark) to public seeking storm info
Savannah’s Chuck Watson has thoughts on hurricane season. Unlike most, he has the knowledge and information to back it up. The 60-year-old Benedictine graduate is no stranger to the media, especially this time of year. Reluctantly, Watson took some time speaking with Connect Savannah on a mid-June phone call to talk about his career as…
St. Joseph’s/Candler Partners with Hyundai to establish medical center at Metaplant America EV Plant
St. Joseph’s/Candler and Hyundai have entered into an agreement for the health system to operate a 7,700 square-foot medical center inside the Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America EV Plant to help employees stay their healthiest. According to a joint release sent by both entities, the leaders of St. Joseph’s/Candler and Hyundai, who have been…
Electronic communication devices to be allowed in high school baseball starting in 2024
The use of a one-way communication device between a coach in the dugout and a team’s catcher for the purposes of calling pitches will be permitted in high school baseball beginning in 2024, according to a press release issued by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) in early July. It is one…
SCAD SERVE “Paint Our Parks” transforms play area at Savannah JEA
The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) has unveiled a breathtaking large-scale mural at the Savannah Jewish Educational Alliance (JEA) as part of its SCAD SERVE "Paint Our Parks" public art initiative. The transformation of the playground, pickleball, and basketball courts with this magnificent artwork represents the university's commitment to serving the community through…
SUMMER CLASSIC MOVIES IN SAVANNAH: Take a nostalgic journey through time all July
As the summer season heats up, the Coastal Empire offers a delightful array of classic movie screenings to transport audiences on a nostalgic journey through time. From beloved Disney favorites to iconic adventures and heartwarming family tales, these theaters have curated a selection of films that promise an unforgettable cinematic experience. Let’s explore the theaters…
Chazito’s Latin Cuisine to be featured on popular Food Network Show
A Pooler restaurant is gaining social media notoriety after announcing that they would be featured on Guy Fieri’s popular food reality show, “Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives.” Chazito’s Latin Cuisine posted on Facebook that they will be featured on the show this Friday, July 7 at 9:00 p.m. ET. READ MORE AT WSAV.COM
Connect Savannah News & Notes
There’s always something happening in the Hostess City. Stay in the know about upcoming events and the latest information with our News & Notes. City awarded federal grant funds for Springfield Terrace School Rehabilitation Project As the city continues its work to restore Springfield Terrace School, the National Park Service has awarded a $50,000 grant…
SAVANNAH JAZZ PRESENTS SPYRO GYRA: Fusion jazz sensation takes center stage
Savannah Jazz has announced an upcoming performance of Spyro Gyra, the celebrated fusion jazz ensemble, at the Lucas Theatre on July 15. This highly anticipated concert is part of Savannah Jazz's annual concert series. Since the 1970s, Spyro Gyra has garnered acclaim for their unique blend of fusion, Latin, jazz, and R&B. Their breakout hit,…
Our picks for Savannah’s best fried chicken spots for National Fried Chicken Day
It goes without saying that we in the South love our fried chicken. What you may not know, however, is that the crunchy, juicy staple has its own holiday. July 6 just so happens to be National Fried Chicken Day, a scrumptious celebration of battered and golden-fried poultry and all of its goodness. In honor…
CAM: The Telfair’s Children’s Art Museum opens this weekend
Continuing their commitment to creating learning experiences for children in our community, Telfair Museums will open its new Children’s Art Museum (CAM) at the Jepson Center on Saturday, July 8. “We are so thrilled to welcome the public this weekend, July 8 and 9, to our brand-new Children’s Art Museum. It’s a project that’s been…
Homegrown Summer Jam strikes the right chord at Victory North
As locals already know, Savannah is home to a vibrant community of folk and Americana artists. Their performances are woven into clubs throughout the city’s energetic nightlife and their charming and melodic stories are tucked into anywhere decent that is worth grabbing a bite to eat. It’s not often that the tight-knit community gathers in…
BUNNY IN THE CITY: Donatos Pizza Whitemarsh Island ribbon-cutting
Excited to end the Spring Savannah social season and hit the backroads, I head out to the new Donatos on Whitemarsh Island for their ribbon cutting and grand opening on Wednesday, June 28. Cruising out to the island with me is my 15 year old nephew Trey Ware from the bustling city of Wadley…
‘The Phantom of the Opera’ haunts Savannah Theatre with SCT production
One of Broadway’s longest-running and most legendary musicals is making its grand debut in the hostess city. Fans should prepare to be captivated by the “Music of the Night” as Savannah Children’s Theatre (SCT) presents “The Phantom of the Opera” comes to the historic Savannah Theatre July 7-16. “We are incredibly honored to showcase this…
The Park at Eastern Wharf to host free, first-ever Fourth of July Celebration
The Eastern Wharf is one of the newest districts to develop alongside the Savannah River and for the first time ever, the Park at Eastern Wharf, along with The Thompson Savannah, is hosting a free, Fourth of July celebration featuring a 90-minute riverfront performance by the Fabulous Equinox Orchestra. The park, which features a two-acre…
PROPERTY MATTERS: Starland Village demo knocks out power, Savannah Morning News building sold, apt complex proposed off East Broad
Starland Village work resumes, power outage ensues The resumed demolition of a former school building as part of a long planned mixed-use development in the Starland District led to the power outage of about 20 customers on Thursday, according to Georgia Power. The outage surrounding the property at 2201 Bull St. began at about 6:15…






