Connect Savannah takes a probing look at issues surrounding the annual HBCU beach party, including how officials and promoters view the past, present and future of Orange Crush, as well as the potential impact of a new state law on this and other gatherings.

Read part two of the series (Mar. 21) by clicking here.

Read part three of the series (Mar. 24) by clicking here.

Related Stories

Bill targeting promoters of unpermitted events causes Orange Crush promoters to rethink plans

PART I: Senate Bill 443 passed through the House of Representatives on March 5. Savannah Sen. Ben Watson and Rep. Jesse Petrea say Orange Crush promoters “on the hook” for post-party expenses

Orange Crush supporters respond after recent remarks from Tybee’s mayor scolding annual HBCU beach bash

PART II: Race is a factor in Orange Crush debate, supporters of HBCU spring break beach bash say. “The jersey we wear must be different. They don’t see the same thing when they see us.”

Tybee increasing police numbers, implementing safety plans to avoid repeat of 2023 Orange Crush chaos

PART III: Documents show Tybee working with hotels, STR owners to block lodging options for would-be Orange Crush visitors this April

Q&A with Brian West, Tybee’s newly inaugurated mayor

‘AS DANGEROUS AS A HURRICANE’: Mayor, City Manager address Orange Crush failures & future plans at fiery Tybee town hall meeting

SOUND OFF: Huc-A-Poos at center of noise debate with Tybee Island

ALSO: AUDIO EXPERT WEIGHS IN ON DISPUTE

Governor Kemp signs Senate Bill 443 ahead of Orange Crush 2024

Orange Crush “promoters” now have to contend with state legislation for the weekend of April 19-21 on Tybee Island

CITY OF TYBEE: Orange Crush 2024 was half the size of 2023 in terms of attendance

There were 55,700 visits to Tybee last weekend for Orange Crush; It’s half the number of people who went last year.

Tybee City Manager search close to wrapping, three finalists to be interviewed next week

Mayor praises Interim City Manager Owens, says city council “may make an offer next week” to one of the finalists

Tybee City Manager job will be filled by one of these three finalists

Employment applications, resumes of the three finalists obtained by Connect Savannah on Thursday

Tybee City Council elects Bret Bell as City Manager, replacing Interim City Manager Michelle Owens

Bell on his new role: ‘At this point in my life, it’s the kind of vibe I’m looking for’

This article appears in Connect Savannah I March 2024.