Tybee Island approves safer Orange Crush festival permit

Tybee Island, a small beach town in Georgia, is preparing for the return of the Orange Crush spring break festival on April 19. Organizers and town officials are working together to improve safety and organization after past events spiraled into chaos. Mayor Brian West described previous festivals as “complete mayhem,” with issues including stampedes and fights. The festival started in 1989 as a small gathering but has since attracted large crowds. Last year, it caused significant concerns, prompting local leaders to establish stricter measures for this year’s planning. During a recent town hall, West outlined plans to manage traffic, parking, and overall safety for both visitors and residents. For the first time, the event has received a special permit from the city after discussions that led to an agreement for a one-day festival instead of three. Organizers Steven Smalls and George Turner noted they are committed to ensuring the event is well-organized and safe. They aim to maintain the cleanliness of the beach and provide a positive experience for attendees. There will be additional police presence to help control the crowds and address safety concerns. Funded initiatives include a private cleanup operation after the festival to prepare the beach for the following Easter weekend. Town officials hope these efforts will address previous issues, such as littering and violent behavior. Despite past challenges, Smalls expressed optimism about the event’s future. He emphasized the desire for accountability and order, assuring the community that they are prepared to manage the festival carefully. With an expected 50,000 participants, the city remains focused on balancing the needs of local residents with the influx of visitors during the holiday weekend.