News Summary
Tybee Island is preparing for the long-awaited return of the Orange Crush festival on April 19, marking the first time in 30 years that a special event permit has been granted. The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the beach area north of the pier, expecting high attendance similar to previous years. City officials are implementing strict traffic and safety measures, including additional law enforcement, to manage the influx of visitors and ensure safety amid concerns from local businesses.
Tybee Island Prepares for Orange Crush Festival After 30-Year Hiatus
Tybee Island is gearing up for the return of the Orange Crush festival on Saturday, April 19, operating from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. This year marks the first time in three decades that the city has issued a special event permit for this gathering.
Event Details
– **Location**: The festival will be held on the beach area just north of the pier.
– **Attendance**: Previous years saw high turnouts, with last year’s event attracting approximately 111,000 visitors.
– **Features**: The festival will include one main stage, vendors selling beverages and merchandise, and rental options for beach chairs and umbrellas.
Traffic and Safety Concerns
– **Traffic Impact**: City Manager Brett Bell has stated that “everyone will be impacted by this event” due to expected traffic issues.
– **Law Enforcement**: Around 150 additional officers, including units from the Georgia State Patrol, will be on-site to ensure safety.
– **Parking Restrictions**: No parking will be allowed along Butler Avenue, and some lots near the pier will be closed. Designated decal-only lots will be available for business employees on the south end.
Business Operations
– Some local businesses remain uncertain, with a few planning to close while others will wait to assess the situation on the day of the event.
Historical Context
– Orange Crush originally started in 1988 as a gathering for Savannah State University students but was separated from the university in 1991 due to safety concerns.
– After operating without a permit for many years, organizers applied for official permission in December 2024, initially proposing a three-day festival that has now been scaled back to one day.
Preparation and Future Events
– The city has allocated up to $215,000 for security and operational costs associated with the event.
– Officials are enforcing stricter controls in light of past issues involving litter and safety, aiming for smoother operations compared to last year’s chaotic experience.
– All large events on the island will be subject to similar rules, following agreements made between local activists and city leaders, including Mayor Brian West.
As Tybee Island prepares for this high-profile event, officials and organizers continue to work together to enhance safety and manage the anticipated influx of visitors.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Tybee Island Hosts First Permitted Orange Crush Event
Tybee Island Announces Authorized Orange Crush Event with Safety Measures
Savannah Police Investigate Multiple Violent Incidents
Hilton Head Island Implements Mobile Parking Fees March 2025
Tybee Island Plans Town Hall for Orange Crush Festival 2025
Tybee Island Set to Host Orange Crush Festival After 35 Years
Tybee Island Faces Economic Challenges from Unusual Winter Weather
Tybee Island Gears Up for Orange Crush Spring Break Bash
Tybee Island Prepares for the Annual Orange Crush Festival
Additional Resources
- Savannah Now: Everything You Need to Know About Orange Crush 2025
- Google Search: Orange Crush 2025 Tybee Island
- AJC: Orange Crush Has a Bad Rap
- Wikipedia: Tybee Island
- New York Post: Georgia Spring Break
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tybee Island
- WTOC: Orange Crush Returning to Tybee Island
- Google News: Orange Crush Tybee Island
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
