"We're still wiping the sleep out of our eyes. Team Savannah is tired, but Team Savannah is back on the grind again," Johnson said. "We had an epic St. Patrick's Day weekend and celebration. I'm not sure we could've asked for it to be any better. We had people from all over the world here to enjoy Savannah."
"We made sure that in the history books of the great city of Savannah, they will say that 200 was like none other. The challenge is now, what do we do for 201? Because we set a bar that is high and difficult to attain again."
Johnson also lauded the efforts of city employees and city officials to limit litter in the streets and squares of downtown Savannah. He said that more than 200 employees from sanitation and tree departments in the city "began their days early and ended them late" on the Saturday of the parade.
"The MVP's of the St. Patrick's Day Parade and festival is Team Savannah," said Johnson. "Everyone from our City Manager (Jay Melder) to every single employee engaged. We made it a point to highlight the work of code enforcement officers, in particular, Team Sanitation. It wasn't magic, it was hard work. It wasn't magic, it was coordination. It wasn't magic, it was teamwork. We embraced it and we prepared for it."
The mayor said "nearly 280 tons of trash and garbage" was collected in the parade's aftermath on Saturday and Sunday.
"Our park and tree department collected an estimated 12,400 pounds of trash on Saturday and Sunday from the parks and squares," Johnson said. "Again, leaving them as beautiful as they were the day before."
CRIME, ARREST NUMBERS FROM PARADE WEEKEND
Also on Tuesday, Johnson addressed the crime and arrest numbers now trickling in following the hectic St. Patrick's Day Parade weekend. According to Johnson, 52 vehicles were towed from the parade staging area and 456 parking citations were issued over the weekend.
"Overall, (Savannah Police Department) made 20 arrests on St. Patrick's Day weekend in expanded to-go cup zones," the mayor said. "It should be noted, none of the arrests were during the day. I believe our first arrest was not made until well after the sun went down."
SPD crime report, week ending 3/16/24
"Georgia State Patrol Post 42 issued 153 citations and made 19 arrests, including 10 for DUI," according to Johnson.
SPD TO HOST FREE EGG HUNT THIS SATURDAY
The Savannah Police Department will host Eggstravaganza in Daffin Park this Saturday, March 23 from 11am until 2pm. Eggstravaganza is a free event and open to the public. The main event will be an egg hunt with 7,000 eggs, to include 75 golden egg prizes.
Additionally, there will be free food, games, inflatables, displays and a magic show from Magic Marc. Eggstravaganza is an annual event run by the Savannah Police Department’s Community Engagement Division. The Savannah Fire Department will also participate with hands-on displays that will be open to all.
