Tybee Island Prepares for Orange Crush Amid Promises of Safety and Cleanliness

TYBEE ISLAND, Ga. — The Orange Crush event returns to Tybee Island this Saturday, with organizers promising enhanced safety measures and a commitment to keeping the beach clean for the thousands expected to attend. Previously marred by violence and litter, the festival aims for a refreshed image this year.

Orange Crush, which has drawn considerable scrutiny in the past, will feature an official permit and an agreement with local officials to ensure a more organized event. The festival will kick off at sunrise on Easter Sunday, drawing an estimated several thousand attendees to the Tybee Beach pier.

Tybee Island Mayor Brian West noted past challenges associated with the event, stating, “Our whole region of southeast Georgia has nothing but bad memories about this event [in recent years]. It got out of control whenever people got involved who weren’t really college students.” He expressed optimism about the changes made this year, remarking on its success the previous year.

City Manager Bret Bell echoed these sentiments during a press conference, asserting that Tybee has always been a welcoming community. “Troublemakers are never welcome on Tybee Island, and this is no exception. But if you’re here to have a good time on one of the most beautiful spots on Earth, we welcome you with open arms,” Bell said.

This year’s Orange Crush will only be held on Saturday, unlike past years when it spanned three days. The festival is slated to conclude at 8 p.m. EST, encouraging attendees to disperse to local restaurants and bars afterwards.

In preparation for the large influx of visitors, around 30 local officers will monitor the event, supplemented by approximately 130 officers from other agencies. Cleanup crews, composed of 25 designated volunteers along with community volunteers, will be ready to manage post-event litter.

Bell encouraged residents to join cleanup efforts, stating, “Bring your own trash bags. Don’t wait for someone to come organize you. Just come and pick up litter.”

Orange Crush began as a modest gathering but has escalated into a large-scale festival that local authorities have found challenging to manage. The city has previously faced traffic congestion, littering issues, and public safety incidents linked to the event. Last year marked a significant improvement in organization, with officials now feeling confident they can manage the festival more effectively moving forward.

The city negotiated a special one-day permit this year, which includes restrictions on specific activities such as blocking parking lot access to prevent problems seen in the past. The changed rules also aim to reduce potential chaos from attendees. This year, attendees can look forward to special VIP areas and rental beach equipment as part of the event.

As Tybee Island gears up for the annual spring break celebration, officials remain vigilant, warning locals about potential traffic delays and increased law enforcement presence. Local authorities have committed to providing all necessary support to ensure a safer environment during the festival.

“We feel like we can start to make Orange Crush a better event,” West said, emphasizing the city’s goal of building trust between residents and attendees. If successful, this initiative could foster annual collaboration for future spring break festivities.