The historically rowdy spring break event known as Orange Crush in Tybee Island, Georgia, is set to undergo changes this year to make the event safer and more organized. Mayor Brian West hosted a town hall to address community concerns and outline plans for the event, which has caused chaos in the past. The event, previously organized by Savannah State University students, has evolved into a large festival that has been difficult for local officials to control.
Steven Smalls and George Turner, the current organizers of Orange Crush, applied for the event’s first-ever permit from Tybee Island, which was conditionally approved in January. After negotiations with local officials, a special permit was granted for a one-day event, with an agreed-upon site plan to address past issues. The organizers have collaborated with New Heights Management to ensure the event is cleaner, safer, and well-coordinated.
Tybee Island will be implementing additional safety measures during the event, including bringing in extra police officers, blocking access to parking lots where troublesome activities have occurred in the past, and setting up VIP areas. Plans include organizing traffic flow, parking, and beach equipment rentals to enhance the experience for both attendees and locals. The organizers and city leaders are working together to ensure the event is clean, safe, and well-managed.
Despite no longer being affiliated with Savannah State University, Orange Crush continues to attract large crowds and has become a lucrative event for promoters. Past events have been marked by litter, traffic problems, and violence, prompting law enforcement and local leaders to take steps to mitigate negative impacts on the community. The event’s promoters have committed to a structured system to bring organization, security, and entertainment to the festival.
In past Orange Crush events, attendees engaged in disruptive behaviors such as throwing glass bottles, engaging in violent acts, and creating traffic chaos. Police officers have been outnumbered, and the city has had to close parking lots to contain these issues. By implementing new strategies and collaborating with local authorities, the event organizers aim to bring accountability and order to the festival. They are urging the public to give the newly organized event a chance to show positive changes.
Tybee Island has previously implemented regulations to address the impacts of Orange Crush weekend, such as restrictions on open alcohol, increased traffic stops, and limits on home rentals. Concerned Citizens of Tybee have raised complaints that led to the involvement of the Justice Department. An agreement was reached whereby the city applies consistent rules and restrictions to all large events on the island. Despite past challenges and controversies, efforts are being made to ensure that Orange Crush can be a safer, more efficient, and well-organized event benefiting Tybee Island and its residents.
