by Amy Brock · January 17, 2012

Link to Original Article: Savannahsecrets.com 

Tybee Island will host the 2012 Critz Tybee Run Fest February 3-4, offering a series of races over two days totaling a marathon distance of 26.2 miles.

This year, the popular event will feature a 5K, 10K, half-marathon, 2.8 mile beach run and 1 mile run. The Critz Tybee Run Fest is also offering a $10,000 prize to any runner who breaks the world marathon record (2:03:38 for men, 2:15:25 for women). To register for the Critz Tybee Run Fest or for additional information, please visit www.critztybeerun.com.

With an average winter temperature of 62 degrees and five miles of sandy beaches, Tybee Island offers an endless array of outdoor activities for active travelers in February. This casual Southern beach town’s mild temperatures make it the perfect place for runners to spend a long weekend.

“February is an ideal time to visit Tybee Island, with exceptional deals for travelers interested in enjoying beach time, outdoor activities and family fun in addition to participating in the Critz Tybee Run Fest,” said Lindsay Fruchtl, marketing director for the Tybee Island Tourism Council. “Visitors can ride bikes beneath a canopy of live oaks, stroll along five miles of wide beaches, kayak to Little Tybee Island for the day or explore local rivers on a Jet Ski. We also have amazing restaurants, charming boutiques and so many opportunities for active travelers.”

Tybee Island features a lush evergreen environment year-round, making this island haven a popular vacation spot nestled along the scenic Georgia coast. With close proximity to historic Savannah and a convenient shuttle connecting Tybee and Savannah,  there’s always plenty to do at Georgia’s favorite beach.

Several hotels and vacation rentals are offering specials to runners:

OCEAN PLAZA BEACH RESORT
Free Oceanfront Breakfast, 4 for 3 Special and Seaside Romance Package
1401 Strand Ave
912.786.7777

Enjoy a free oceanfront breakfast at Dolphin Reef restaurant for up to four people for each hotel room rented per night through April 30, 2012. Or stay three nights and get the fourth night FREE, plus a free oceanfront breakfast.  Please call the hotel to book this special. Offer valid through February 29, 2012. Or enjoy a romantic getaway including ocean view accommodations, complimentary breakfast buffet, champagne, chocolate-covered strawberries, an intimate dinner for two at the Dolphin Reef Oceanfront Restaurant and late check-out. Packages start at $129 per person plus tax through May 2012. Based on double occupancy. www.OceanPlaza.com

OCEANFRONT COTTAGE RENTALS
Winter Special
800.786.5889
Get special off-season rates plus one night free with bookings of three or more nights. Available only on select homes.
www.OceanFrontCottage.com

17th STREET INN – Stay 4 nights, get the 5th night FREE!
12 17th Street
912.786.0607
Private entrances, baths and kitchenettes. Deluxe continental breakfast, decks with swings & anchors, non-smoking, internet.
www.tybeeinn.com

BEACHVIEW BED AND BREAKFAST – 10% Discount for runners
1701 Butler Avenue
912.786.5500
10% Discount to all Runners of the Critz Race! Plus free breakfast, free wireless, a free afternoon cocktail and dessert and coffee before bed!
www.beachviewbbtybee.com

DESOTO BEACH HOTEL – 15% off each night
212 Butler Avenue
912.786.4542
Tybee Island’s ONLY Oceanfront Hotel! Promo Code: TybeeVisit.com. Must call hotel to book and mention Promo Code at time of reservation. No additional discounts. Valid on stays through February 4, 2012. 
www.DesotoBeachHotel.com

MERMAID COTTAGES VACATION RENTALS – Critz Tybee Run Fest Special!
912.313.0784
Stay two nights and receive a third night free! Our pet-friendly historic homes and cozy cottages all offer free WiFi.  Don’t forget – we offer a year-round discount for educators and military- both active and retired. So you’ll have the 3rd night free AND the Educator or Military discount.  Valid Critz Run weekend only. See you on the race course!
www.mermaidcottages.com

TYBEE BEACH VACATION RENTALS – Stay 2 nights and get 1 night FREE
800.967.4433
Stay two nights and get one night FREE on most properties. Specials start at $99 per night! This offer is good thru March 1, 2012. www.RentTybee.com

TYBEE ISLAND CHARTERS- Kokomo Cottage Rental/Charter Packages.
912.786.4801
Stay at Kokomo Cottage, a secluded waterfront hideaway just a short walk to the beach. Enjoy 10% off all charter packages including all offshore and inshore fishing, fossil hunts, shelling, nature/eco-tours, sunset beach picnics, dolphin watching and Cockspur Island adventures.
www.FishTybee.com

TYBEE ISLAND RENTALS – Stay 2 Nights, Get the 3rd Free
204 1st Street
800.476.0807
Enjoy condos and beach houses ranging in size from 1-6 bedrooms. Stay 2 nights get the 3rd night free for all new reservations. Excludes June and July.
www.TybeeIslandRentals.com

TYBEE VACATION RENTALS – Save up to 30% on Select Vacation Rentals
1010 Hwy 80 East
877.844.0903
Save 15-30% Off on select vacation homes and condos for stays ending by March 5, 2012. Or take advantage of one of our full week specials on select properties where you can stay for as low as $600 all-inclusive.
www.TybeeVacationRentals.com

DINING/SHOPPING

ATLANTIC BEACON GALLERY
1604 Butler Ave
912.786.9386
50% off the “I Survived the Polar Plunge!” print for Polar Plunge participants. Be sure to show us your swim cap!

DOLPHIN REEF OCEANFRONT RESTAURANT AND BAR
1401 Strand Avenue (Located in the Ocean Plaza Beach Resort)
912.786.7777
Restaurant Specials-Chili con Carne with Corn Bread $5.95, Bread Bowl Soup and Salad $8.95, She Crab Soup $7.00.
Bar Specials- $3 Jameson hot toddy (Warm Lemon, Honey, and Whiskey), $3 wells and $2 drafts.

FISH ART GALLERY
1207 Highway 80 East
912.713.8647
Fish Art is having its New Year’s FREE Lunch! Hoppin John, BBQ, collard greens, black-eyed peas and cornbread. All for good luck in 2012! Serving from 11am-until. Ya’ll come on down!

GERALD’S PIG & SHRIMP
Hwy. 80 & McKenzie Street
912.856.4227
Will be open after the plunge. Will be serving our full menu, plus Oyster PO Boys and Wild Ga. Shrimp PO Boys.

LATITUDE 32°
1213 Hwy. 80
912.786.9334
Latitude 32° wishes everyone a Happy New Year and is offering 15% off of every purchase on New Year’s Day!

MACELWEE’S SEAFOOD RESTAURANT
101 Lovell Ave.
912.786.8888
Pork Chop with Hoppin’ John & Collard Greens for $10.95-Special will be served 11:30a til 4p on New Year’s Day- Bring in your Swim Cap and Get a Free Dessert with Purchase!!

NORTH BEACH BAR & GRILL
33 Meddin Dr. (across from the Lighthouse)
912.786.4442
North Beach Bar & Grill will be serving Hoppin John all day long! All appetizers will be 1/2 price. Drink specials include buckets of beer – $9 for domestic & $12 for imports; $15 pitchers of margaritas; $3 well drinks & $5.00 Bloody Mary’s.

SEASIDE SISTERS
1207 US Hwy 80 East
912.786.9216
HUGE after Christmas sales on apparel, jewelry, and home decor, and a FREE gift to come in and like us on Facebook. Also serving sweets and hot drinks!

STING RAY’S SEAFOOD RESTAURANT
1403 Butler Avenue
912.786.0209
Will be open 11:00am. Their traditional egg soufflé brunch special will be served!
LODGING

MY BEACH HOUSE RENTALS LLC.
912.484.8397
My Beach House Rentals on Tybee is offering January CHILL OUT Deals $50 off any reservations made in January – even for summer months and 3rd night FREE on a January rental.
Walk the beach with the birds!!
CODE: CHILLOUTONTYBEE

OCEANFRONT COTTAGE RENTALS
800.786.5889
We are offering guests the off season rates plus one night free with bookings of 3 or more nights. Only on select homes.

TYBEE BEACH VACATION RENTALS
800.967.4433
Buy 2 nights and get 1 night free on most of our properties! Specials starting at $99 per night!
This offer is good thru March 1st 2012 and both offers cannot be combined.

TYBEE ISLAND RENTALS
204 1st Street
912.786.4034
Stay 2 nights and get the 3rd night FREE!

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD A PRINTABLE PDF

WHAT: 12th Annual Tybee Polar Plunge. This popular annual event features an invigorating New Year’s Day dip in the Atlantic Ocean off Tybee Island, Ga. This year, all registrants get to participate in a Guinness World Records® Official Attempt to break the record for the “Largest Gathering of People Wearing Swim Caps,” previously set in Japan last July. Participants are invited to wear crazy costumes or funny hats as they jump into the waves. All event proceeds benefit the restoration of the Tybee Post Theater on Tybee Island. Participants will receive a 2012 Polar Plunge t-shirt and swim cap with registration. Event sponsors include Savannah Morning News, Tybee Island Tourism Council, WRHQ, WJCL/Fox 28, Kool Coatings, Tybee Beach Vacation Rentals, Fannies on the Beach and Marlin Monroe’s.

WHEN: Sunday, January 1, 2012
Guinness World Records® official attempt at 11:45 a.m.
Tybee Polar Plunge at noon

WHERE: Tybee Island Pier and Pavilion
Tybrisa St. and Strand Ave.
Tybee Island, Georgia

MORE INFO: Visit www.tybeepolarplunge.com or call 912-663-1099

NOTE: Advance registration and/or pick-up of swim cap and t-shirt is available on Saturday, December 31 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Tybrisa Roundabout. On New Year’s Day, the registration table will be open in front of the pier from 9 to 11:30 a.m.
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Tybee Polar Plunge
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COST: $25 per person

Georgia Tourism’s holiday promotion to stop on Tybee Island, Georgia
What: The state’s official holiday campaign is making a stop on Tybee Island. Come out and take your picture with Izo the traveling snowman at the Tybee Gym located at the Tybee Island YMCA at 5th Street. Izo will ride on The Crab Shack’s float in the Tybee Island Christmas Parade. Visitors are encouraged to take pictures with Izo following the parade at the Tybee Gym and to post photos to his photo album on Facebook and Twitter.

Who: Izo, a snowman who has traveled to Georgia in search of a more temperate climate and authentic holiday experiences. Izo is visiting holiday events, festivals and destinations across the state through January 8, 2012. Izo is sharing his experiences via www.facebook.com/exploregeorgia and www.twitter.com/exploregeorgia.

Why: “Izo Explores Georgia” is an opportunity for the state’s tourism office to promote Georgia holiday special offers, festivals and events via the state’s social media channels and www.ExploreGeorgia.org. The campaign encourages visitors and locals to “follow” Izo as he travels across Georgia.

When: The Tybee Island Christmas Parade kicks off on Saturday, December 3 at 1 p.m.

Where: The Tybee Island Christmas Parade begins at the 14th Street Parking Lot and travels up Tybrisa, runs along Butler Avenue and ends at the YMCA on 5th Street. Izo will be available for photos following the parade at the Tybee Gym located at the Tybee Island YMCA at 204 5th Street.

TYBEE ISLAND, Ga. – For the third consecutive year, Tybee for the Holidays will offer plenty of family-friendly fun to brighten the holiday season. Special holiday activities planned from Thanksgiving Day through New Year’s Day make the holiday season an ideal time to visit Tybee Island, Ga., a vacation paradise located just 20 minutes east of historic Savannah.

“Tybee for the Holidays offers the perfect way to spend quality family time together this holiday season,” said Chantel R. Morton, Better Hometown Program Coordinator for the City of Tybee Island. “With a variety of activities and relaxing island experiences among the holiday lights and decorations, the island sparkles with old-fashioned magic.”

Tybee for the Holidays is an annual series of events jointly sponsored by the City of Tybee Island, Tybee Island Better Hometown Program, and the Tybee Island Tourism Council. The events attract visitors from across the Southeast and around the country.

“We warmly invite the public to celebrate the holidays the Tybee Island way,” said Tybee Island Mayor Jason Buelterman. “There is no better place to celebrate Thanksgiving, Christmas or Chanukah – and to ring in the New Year – than on Tybee Island. We specialize in family-friendly fun all year-round. Plus, shopping on Tybee lends itself to a relaxed and stress-free experience. There are a variety of eclectic gifts at island shops, including many made by local artisans, which makes the season’s gift-giving more unique and meaningful.”

Highlights for 2011 Tybee for the Holidays:

• The Lights On for Tybee Celebration begins on Friday, December 2 at 6:30 p.m., when Mayor Jason Buelterman lights the Christmas tree at the Tybrisa/Strand Roundabout on the east end of the street. The evening will include variety of entertainment, extended store hours and special offers and complimentary refreshments at locations throughout downtown Tybee Island. Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus will also make a special appearance at this much-loved event.

• The Tybee Island Christmas Parade kicks off Saturday, December 3 at 1 p.m., running from the 14th Street parking lot to the YMCA on 5th Street. Get into the holiday spirit at this old-fashioned Christmas parade filled with the spirit of the season.

• The annual Holiday Shop-n-Stroll offers the opportunity to find gifts for everyone on your shopping list Saturday, December 3 and Sunday, December 4. Shoppers can obtain raffle tickets from the merchants they do business with in order to register for special drawings Saturday evening.

• The popular Tybee Floating Christmas Parade, which features boats, skiffs and yachts decorated in their holiday finery, departs from the dock at the Crab Shack on Saturday, December 10 at 7:15 p.m. Don’t miss all the fun!

• Tybee Island will feature New Year’s Eve Fireworks on Saturday, December 31 to ring in 2012 at the stroke of midnight. Enjoy the fireworks display from the pier, the beach or wherever you choose. This year, the Tybee Island Tourism Council will offer a free on-island New Year’s Eve shuttle to help revelers ring in the new year safely.

• The following morning, the annual Polar Bear Plunge will offer the opportunity to jump into the Atlantic Ocean for a brisk and refreshing way to start the New Year. On Sunday, January 1 at noon, don your favorite costume and gather at the pier on the island’s south end for an invigorating dip.

For more information about Tybee for the Holidays and for a complete schedule of events, please visit www.tybeefortheholidays.com.

ABOUT TYBEE ISLAND:
Tybee Island, Georgia, an island paradise located just 20 minutes east of historic downtown Savannah, is an ideal year-round destination for couples, families, meetings and more. Steeped in tradition and natural beauty, Tybee Island is home to several notable forts, informative museums, a historic lighthouse complex and miles of pristine beaches. Rich in relaxed style, Tybee Island also features a blend of eclectic art galleries, charming shops and exceptional restaurants. For more information about Tybee Island, visit www.tybeevisit.com or call 912.786.5444.

ABOUT TYBEE ISLAND’S BETTER HOMETOWN PROGRAM:
Tybee’s Better Hometown Program follows a comprehensive revitalization process that improves all aspects of a commercial district. Better Hometown is a self-help approach to economic development for downtown areas designed to grow business and improve a community’s quality of life. With broad-based community support, it integrates a practical management strategy with the physical improvements of buildings and public spaces, promotion and image building, historic preservation and economic development in the area. For more information, visit www.cityoftybee.org/BetterHometownProgram.aspx.

Media Contact: Susan Hancock or Kara Hooper
Abshire Public Relations
912.844.9549 / 912.695.7881
abshirepr@att.net

7th Annual Tybee Island Pirate Festival Set for
October 6 –9, 2011

WHAT: 7th Annual Tybee Island Pirate Festival, an adventure-filled weekend featuring an array of adult and family-friendly activities and entertainment. Highlights include The Pirate Charles, an authentic pirate band from the west coast, as well as the Pirate Victory Parade, the crowning of the 2011 Pirate Festival King and Queen at the Swashbucklers Bash, the Scallywags Costume Contest, Little Matey’s Cove and the famous Thieves Market.

WHEN: October 6-9, 2011

WHERE: All events will be held in the South Beach parking lot located at Tybrisa Street on Tybee Island, Georgia.

TICKETS: Pirate Festival Weekend Passes are $15 in advance and $20 at the door.
Tickets may be purchased in advance online at www.tybeepiratefest.com or at the door. For more information about the Tybee Island Pirate Festival please call 912.786.5393 or visit www.tybeepiratefest.com.

TYBEE ISLAND 2011 PIRATE FESTIVAL SCHEDULE:

SwashBucklers Bash
Thursday, October 6, 2011, 7-11pm
Arrgh me hearties, may fair winds fill yer sails as ye head to the port of Tybee Island for the Swashbucklers Bash. Don yer finest pirate’s attire, and gather ye Krewe of marauding Buccaneers, because Tybee will be overrun by pirates. Tis the beginning of an adventure filled weekend featuring live music by The Pirate Charles, making their first east coast appearance! Hearty libations & grub will be plentiful and ye won’t be wanting to miss the Crowning of the 2011 King & Queen, the Scallywags Costume Contest, the Best Dressed Table Contest & More! Come one and all as we dance the night away under the big tent (South Beach).
$25 in advance by Sept. 1st – $30 after and $35 at the Door
• 7-8:30pm – Food Service
• 7:30-8pm – Crowning of the 2011 King & Queen
• 8-9pm – Best Dressed Table Contest & Scallywags Costume Contest
• 9-11pm The Pirates Charles
Weekend Festival Schedule
All times are subject to change.
(Advanced Purchase$15, $20 at the Gate – weekend admission for the festival area – Children 15 & under Free)
Friday – October 7, 2011 5 -11pm
Main Stage Entertainment:
• 5pm-7pm – Wormsleow
• 7pm- 7:30pm- Opening Ceremony – Featuring the Bawdy Anne’s Buccaneers with The Pirates Charles.
• 7:30-9pm – A1A ”The Jimmy Buffett Tribute Band”
• 9-11pm- The Pirates Charles
Little Matey’s Cove (Kid’s Activities):
Open from 5 to 7pm
• 5pm – 7pm- Faire Wynds Circus
• 6pm –7pm – Captain William Mayhem Magic Show
• 5pm- 7pm – Pirate Bouncy Rooms
Saturday – October 8, 2011 10am -11pm
Main Stage Entertainment
• 3pm-4:30pm – Parade along Butler Ave. – (Please Note the parade takes an hour and 45min to reach the festival grounds)
• 4:00 – 5:30pm – Derogatory
• 5:30- 7:00pm – Eric Culberson
• 7:00-7:30pm- Costume Contest – Male, Female and Krew
• 7:30 – 9:00pm – Trainwrecks
• 9:00 – 11:00pm – Departure “The Journey Tribute Band“
Little Matey’s Cove (Kid’s Activities):
Open from 10am – 7pm
• 10am – 6:30pm – Pirate Bouncy Rooms
• 10am – 6:30pm – Faire Wynds Circus
• TBA – Free Face Painting – by Oceanfront Cottage Rentals
• 12am – 1:00pm – Captain William Mayhem Magic Show

• 3pm – 4:00pm – Pirate Victory Parade Please Note the parade can take an hour and 30 minutes to the festival grounds.
• 4:30 – 6pm – Children’s & Pets Costume Contest
• 6pm-7pm – Captain William Mayhem Magic Show
Sunday October 9, 2011 11am- 4pm – Thieves Market and Live Music
Little Matey’s Cove:
• 11am-4pm – Pirate Bouncy Rooms
• 11am – 3:30 – Faire Wynds Circus
• 1pm – 2pm – Captain William Mayhem Magic Show
Main Stage Entertainment:
• 12pm-1pm- Savannah Steve & Debi Burk Scott
• 1pm-2pm – Roy Swindell
• 2pm-3pm- GA Kyle
• 3pm-4pm – Sam Adams Band, and all musicians play together

ABOUT TYBEE ISLAND:
Tybee Island, Georgia, an island paradise located just 20 minutes east of historic downtown Savannah, is an ideal year-round destination for couples, families, meetings and more. Steeped in tradition and natural beauty, Tybee Island is home to several notable forts, informative museums, a historic lighthouse complex and miles of pristine beaches. Rich in relaxed style, Tybee Island also features a blend of eclectic art galleries, charming shops and exceptional restaurants. For more information about Tybee Island, visit www.tybeevisit.com or call 912.786.5444.

Tybee Island’s Most Recent Accolades:
 “Best Beaches for Families” – Parents Magazine
 Top 10 Vacation Rental Hotspots for 2010 – TripAdvisor
 Top 10 City Beaches in America – AOL
 #1 Healthiest Beach in America – Health Magazine
 “Readers’ Choice Best Beach” – Georgia Magazine
 “Best One Tank Trip” – Atlanta Journal Constitution
 “Best Beach Retreat” – Creative Loafing Atlanta
 Bicycle Friendly Community – League of American Bicyclists

Concert on the Tybee Island pier will be the first annual Shine for Scott Savannah concert
to raise monies to help families battling colon cancer, research, and educate the public
about this disease.

Shine For Scott began as a benefit concert in Augusta in 2010 to help Scott Walden and
his family, who battled colon cancer for 18 months before succumbing to this disease
June 3, 2010 at the young age of 40. From that event, a non-profit organization, Shine
For Scott, Inc., was created.

Following Scott’s death, Jennifer Walden and Maggie Pritchard co-founded the
organization in order to help other families impacted by this wretched disease. Shine for
Scott, Inc., is raising money to develop financial assistance, education, research, and
screening programs in the Augusta and Savannah areas. The financial assistance
program is up and ready to disburse funds to qualifying individuals in those areas. In an
effort to raise more funds to continue to grow and reach our goals, we are throwing
another concert, this time in Savannah! We need your help in making the Shine for Scott
Benefit Concert-Drumming Up A Cure For Colon Cancer- a whopping success!

The Shine For Scott Benefit Concert-Drumming Up A Cure For Colon Cancer:
Shine for Scott is teaming up with musicians from Savannah, Atlanta, Augusta,
Columbia, and all over the southeast to drum up a cure for colon cancer.
The concert will be held on the Tybee Island pier on Saturday, September 17th. Music
starts at 2pm and will continue until late in the evening with live auctions in between
bands and more. Tickets are $10 and will be available online and at the door.

Featured bands include:
Michael Moody of the band Wild Cherry
The Vellotones with George Croft
Rock Candy
Analog Machine
Shadowboxers, currently on tour with the Indigo Girls
Damon and the #@!%kickers
as well as a few more surprises…

Your support in spreading the word about this great concert for a great cause is much
appreciated!! I look forward to seeing you SHINE!!

For more information on Shine for Scott, Inc., or to purchase your tickets online, please
visit us at:
www.shineforscott.org

http://www.facebook.com/ShineForScottInc.

Shine On!
Jennifer Walden
President
Shine For Scott, Inc., a 501(c)3
Media Contact:
Jennifer Walden
706-533-3143
912-898-2241
jennifer@shineforscott.org
thewaldens4@bellsouth.net
Christy Worsham
Christy@shineforscott.org
Secretary, Fundraising Chair

WHAT:          4th Annual Labor Day Beach Bash – Enjoy the ocean breezes, live music and fireworks from the majestic Tybee Pier & Pavilion at the 4^th Annual Tybee Island Labor Day Beach Bash on Sunday, September 4^th from 7:00 p.m. to 11 p.m. Free live entertainment starts at 7pm featuring the Swingin’ Medallions. This high-energy band has performed live with Bruce Springsteen and been featured in the Georgia Music Hall of Fame. The Labor Day Beach Bash fireworks display can be enjoyed from the pier, the beach or anywhere on Tybee Island after dark (around 9:15 p.m.). This popular annual event is free and open to the public.

WHEN:          Sunday, September 4, 2011, 7-11 p.m.

WHERE:        Tybee Island Pier and Pavilion

                        Tybrisa St. and Strand Ave.

                        Tybee Island, Georgia

       MORE INFO:     Visit www.TybeeFest.com online or call 912.786.5444

Whether it’s your first time or an annual tradition, celebrating Independence Day on Tybee Island is a fun, festive occasion enjoyed by all!

Tybee Island will be hosting their annual Independence Day fireworks display the evening of July 3^rd, with the first rocket expected at about 9:30 PM – official start time is thirty minutes after dark. The fireworks are set off from the Walter Parker Pier on Tybee’s south beach area, and so they are visible from any of the beaches on the east side of the island, as well as from many homes and cottages west of the beaches.

The City of Tybee Island would like to remind visitors of several important points for the Fourth of July weekend:

Safety First- Attend only pyrotechnic professionally manned fireworks shows:

Mayor Jason Buelterman reminds everyone that safety is our main concern. “As we approach the Fourth of July, the City of Tybee Island reminds its residents and visitors that despite the recent rainfall, we remain in an ‘extreme drought’ condition.  Setting off fireworks, even under normal conditions, is dangerous and in violation of state law.  During these dry conditions, it is extremely important that people abide by state law and abstain from the use of fireworks.  The City will be stepping up enforcement this year to avoid fireworks from putting lives and property at risk.  We encourage everyone safely to enjoy our public fireworks display on July 3rd that is being put on by pyrotechnic professionals.”

Parking/Traffic:

Many thousands of vehicles come to Tybee Island to take part in the festivities for July 4^th, and since the amount of space on an island is limited, traffic and parking can be difficult. Traffic in both directions on US Highway 80 – Victory Drive can be very heavy, and parking spaces will be hard to find. This year, we are keeping a parking conditions notice updated on our web page, http://www.cityoftybee.org, and the link is published several times a day on Facebook and Twitter – look for “City of Tybee” on those services. However, it’s best to arrive early to find a parking space. Parking fees are enforced from 8am to 8pm every day. Vehicles can be towed and ticketed when presenting a safety violation, such as blocking driveways, fire hydrants, intersections, or traffic flow.

Keep Tybee Tidy/July 4^th Beach Sweep:

Frequently declared one of the top beach and vacation destinations in the country, Tybee Island welcomes our visitors from far and wide. However, we ask that our guests please be considerate and dispose of waste and discards responsibly – trash left on the sands hurts our wildlife and damages the environment. Uncontained trash can result in a $100 fine. Again for safety reasons, glass containers are also forbidden on the beach at all times. The Tybee Beautification Association will host a Beach Sweep on July 4^th at 6:30AM to clean up the beach after the July 3^rd fireworks. Volunteers are welcome and should meet at the Pavilion at 6:30AM on July 4^th!

Pedestrian Safety:

State law requires vehicles to stop for pedestrians in any marked crosswalk and forbids even passing cars that are stopped at any crosswalk. There will be many people of all ages walking to and from the beaches for this event. Please drive cautiously and give pedestrians the right of way as required.

Sea Turtle Nests:

While on the beach, please do not disturb any marked nests of endangered sea turtle species! They hold fragile and precious cargo, and your extra care would be appreciated by the many volunteers who work many early mornings and late nights to find and protect them!

Please exercise patience, drive safely and courteously, and leave plenty of time both to arrive on the island and going off the island. Have a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July Holiday!

Shuttle Update:
The Savannah – Tybee Beach Shuttle will have additional times for the Tybee Fireworks Celebration on July 3.
The round-trip route is as follows: departs the Savannah Visitor’s Center (SVC), with drop-offs and pick-ups at the Tybrisa / Strand Roundabout first, and then the parking lot across from the Lighthouse.
The July 3 departure times from SVC to Tybee are as follows:
• 10:00am
• 11:00am
• 2:00pm
• 5:00pm
• 6:30pm
• 8:00pm
• 9:00pm
The last shuttle will leave Tybee at 10:30pm July 3, returning to the SVC. Shuttle service is first-come, first-served.
Parking in Savannah for the Tybee Shuttle is available on July 3 at the Savannah Visitor’s Center, the Civic Center and the Liberty Street Parking Garage. (There is a fee for parking at these locations.) The fare for ridership is $3.00 / passenger, per one-way trip. Buses are not equipped to accept debit/credit cards so passengers will need to have cash fares to ride the bus. Exact change is necessary.
If you have any questions please call Coastal Regional Coaches 1-866-543-6744 and follow the prompts.