Sunday, May 31, 2020
Savannah Mayor Van Johnson this evening announced a citywide curfew to be in effect from 8:30 p.m. to 7 a.m. "nightly while necessary," a City spokesperson says.
"While the city has not experienced instances of violence or property destruction as a result of today’s demonstrations, we are proactively issuing the curfew order," the spokesperson says.
“We have experienced a great day of peaceful demonstrations, necessary dialogue, unity and solidarity,” said Mayor Johnson. “We want to continue to ensure the safety of our citizens, visitors and the protection of property. This is an uncomfortable, but necessary step in making that happen.”
The City says that "anyone out after the curfew should expect to be stopped and questioned."
"While the city has not experienced instances of violence or property destruction as a result of today’s demonstrations, we are proactively issuing the curfew order," the spokesperson says.
“We have experienced a great day of peaceful demonstrations, necessary dialogue, unity and solidarity,” said Mayor Johnson. “We want to continue to ensure the safety of our citizens, visitors and the protection of property. This is an uncomfortable, but necessary step in making that happen.”
The City says that "anyone out after the curfew should expect to be stopped and questioned."
Saturday, May 30, 2020
Mayor Van Johnson today confirmed that he, along with other members of City Council and community leaders, will attend the protest scheduled for tomorrow at 2 p.m. in Johnson Square. (The protest was originally called the Black Lives Matter protest; its name has since been changed to the Savannah George Floyd protest.)
The protest quickly garnered speculation on social media after community activist leaders shared that they hadn't been consulted to assist in organization.
Johnson confirmed his attendance, but he spoke strongly against any rioting or destruction.
"Please let me make myself absolutely clear: we will not let you or anyone else come here and trash our city. We are not having it here," said Johnson.
"To residents of Savannah, Chatham County and surrounding areas attending the rally tomorrow, I'd like to welcome you to Savannah to participate in this peaceful protest, which I will be attending along with members of our community, and members of our council. Please note, there is no need to bring milk. Milk is only good in cereal."
The milk statement is a nod to the original flyer for the protest, which encouraged attendees to bring milk, ostensibly to help ease the pain if tear gas were to be deployed. A second flyer excluding the suggestion of bringing milk was created and circulated. Johnson encouraged protestors not to turn to violence, but said they are prepared if that does happen.
Johnson said that attempts to contact the organizer were unsuccessful.
"Legitimate people do legitimate things," said Johnson. "We have enough peaceful protests we have out here that we're fully aware of, but we respect the right to protest."
Johnson encouraged anyone attending from out of town to support businesses who have taken the Savannah Safe pledge, and he reminded people that in spite of everything going on, we're still in a pandemic that requires caution.
"I have my mask. They have their mask," he said. "I'll be social distancing. If we're going to do this, we need to do it right."
Johnson also spoke about his experience as a black man and the pain he feels at seeing a black man killed by a police officer. He shared that he, too, has had negative experiences with law enforcement.
"If I don't have a suit on, if Chief Minter doesn't have a suit on, if Detric Leggett doesn't have a suit on: we are black men," said Johnson, "and I've had moments with police officers who did not know who I was and did not care."
Johnson wrapped up the presser with a reminder that the Savannah Police Department is still recruiting for officers.
"If you don't like what's going on, do like I did: become a police officer. That's how we change what's happening," he said. "You take the oath and you serve your community. And when you're faced with those situations, you remember what you hated about that Floyd situation and you treat people better."
The protest quickly garnered speculation on social media after community activist leaders shared that they hadn't been consulted to assist in organization.
Johnson confirmed his attendance, but he spoke strongly against any rioting or destruction.
"Please let me make myself absolutely clear: we will not let you or anyone else come here and trash our city. We are not having it here," said Johnson.
"To residents of Savannah, Chatham County and surrounding areas attending the rally tomorrow, I'd like to welcome you to Savannah to participate in this peaceful protest, which I will be attending along with members of our community, and members of our council. Please note, there is no need to bring milk. Milk is only good in cereal."
The milk statement is a nod to the original flyer for the protest, which encouraged attendees to bring milk, ostensibly to help ease the pain if tear gas were to be deployed. A second flyer excluding the suggestion of bringing milk was created and circulated. Johnson encouraged protestors not to turn to violence, but said they are prepared if that does happen.
Johnson said that attempts to contact the organizer were unsuccessful.
"Legitimate people do legitimate things," said Johnson. "We have enough peaceful protests we have out here that we're fully aware of, but we respect the right to protest."
Johnson encouraged anyone attending from out of town to support businesses who have taken the Savannah Safe pledge, and he reminded people that in spite of everything going on, we're still in a pandemic that requires caution.
"I have my mask. They have their mask," he said. "I'll be social distancing. If we're going to do this, we need to do it right."
Johnson also spoke about his experience as a black man and the pain he feels at seeing a black man killed by a police officer. He shared that he, too, has had negative experiences with law enforcement.
"If I don't have a suit on, if Chief Minter doesn't have a suit on, if Detric Leggett doesn't have a suit on: we are black men," said Johnson, "and I've had moments with police officers who did not know who I was and did not care."
Johnson wrapped up the presser with a reminder that the Savannah Police Department is still recruiting for officers.
"If you don't like what's going on, do like I did: become a police officer. That's how we change what's happening," he said. "You take the oath and you serve your community. And when you're faced with those situations, you remember what you hated about that Floyd situation and you treat people better."
Thursday, May 28, 2020
At a workshop today, Savannah City Council was told they'd have decide immediately to secure a favorable lease on a surface parking lot for the Savannah Arena, because the landowner has another offer on the table.
The new lease on the 22.5-acre lot, adjacent to Chatham Steel and owned by the Tenenbaum family, would reduce the City's rent from $696,000 a year for five years, to $525,000 for ten years.
"Why at this hour do we need to take a vote when we didn't have an idea there was another developer," asked Alderman Detric Leggett.
"It seems like everybody else has a personal stake in the City of Savannah except the people of Savannah," he said, referring to the potential of the lease being terminated after ten years for another development, such as a hotel, leaving the City without adequate parking for the Arena.
Deputy City Manager Bret Bell said the 1952-space surface lot is preferable to a 2000-space garage, an option also discussed, for several reasons.
First, the cost of a garage would be $65 million and would require a City bond to fund construction.
Secondly, "we are not positive we could build a 2000-space parking garage" in time for the anticipated February 2022 opening of the Arena, Bell said.
Alderman Nick Palumbo said "we're stuck between two options. One, to save money per year [on the surface lot], and the other one is to float a bond for a very large parking garage."
The talk, which Bell called "the path to 2400 spaces," was about how to come up with the anticipated needed amount of parking for the ambitious Savannah Arena/Canal District project in West Savannah.
In addition to the surface lot, there are plans for a smaller, 400-space garage.
"The cost for that is $12.5 million. The funds would be available in the Parking Service fund and SPLOST (Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax)," Bell said.
Bell said that while current projections show as much as a 3000-space need, "Rideshare use is doubling every two years — so we don't know what parking demand will be in ten years."
As part of the presentation, Bell said that about 1000 other spaces could be found between several City-owned properties nearby.
The new lease on the 22.5-acre lot, adjacent to Chatham Steel and owned by the Tenenbaum family, would reduce the City's rent from $696,000 a year for five years, to $525,000 for ten years.
"Why at this hour do we need to take a vote when we didn't have an idea there was another developer," asked Alderman Detric Leggett.
"It seems like everybody else has a personal stake in the City of Savannah except the people of Savannah," he said, referring to the potential of the lease being terminated after ten years for another development, such as a hotel, leaving the City without adequate parking for the Arena.
Deputy City Manager Bret Bell said the 1952-space surface lot is preferable to a 2000-space garage, an option also discussed, for several reasons.
First, the cost of a garage would be $65 million and would require a City bond to fund construction.
Secondly, "we are not positive we could build a 2000-space parking garage" in time for the anticipated February 2022 opening of the Arena, Bell said.
Alderman Nick Palumbo said "we're stuck between two options. One, to save money per year [on the surface lot], and the other one is to float a bond for a very large parking garage."
The talk, which Bell called "the path to 2400 spaces," was about how to come up with the anticipated needed amount of parking for the ambitious Savannah Arena/Canal District project in West Savannah.
In addition to the surface lot, there are plans for a smaller, 400-space garage.
"The cost for that is $12.5 million. The funds would be available in the Parking Service fund and SPLOST (Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax)," Bell said.
Bell said that while current projections show as much as a 3000-space need, "Rideshare use is doubling every two years — so we don't know what parking demand will be in ten years."
As part of the presentation, Bell said that about 1000 other spaces could be found between several City-owned properties nearby.
Wednesday, May 27, 2020
Several local businesses, the bulk in the Congress Street corridor downtown, received citations and warnings for violations of state social distancing guidelines during this past Memorial Day weekend.
Between May 23-25, SPD’s Alcohol Beverage Compliance Unit "visited several alcohol serving establishments in order to examine their compliance with the guidelines," a police spokesperson says.
The Congress Street Social Club on 411 W. Congress Street received two citations and B&D Burger on 209 W. Congress Street received one citation.
The following businesses received a warning:
Boomys- 409 W. Congress St.
The Escape Company- 30 Montgomery St.
Savannah Seafood Shack- 116 E. Broughton St.
World of Beer- 112 W. Broughton St.
Molly MacPherson’s Scottish Pub & Grill- 311 W. Congress St.
PS Tavern- 11 W. Bay St.
“Our mission is to ensure the safety of our community members and those who choose to visit,” said Chief of Police Roy Minter. “It is imperative that the businesses in our area continue to follow the appropriate guidelines to safeguard our community. With the amount of people we expected to visit establishments to enjoy Memorial Day weekend, we knew we had to take a hard stance to ensure their well-being.”
As far as transportation safety, Memorial Day weekend enforcement efforts resulted in the following citations between May 23-25:
Speeding- 66 citations
Red Light Violation- 3 citations
Seat Belt Violation- 18 citations
DUI- 5 citations
Hands Free Violation- 6 citations
Between May 23-25, SPD’s Alcohol Beverage Compliance Unit "visited several alcohol serving establishments in order to examine their compliance with the guidelines," a police spokesperson says.
The Congress Street Social Club on 411 W. Congress Street received two citations and B&D Burger on 209 W. Congress Street received one citation.
The following businesses received a warning:
Boomys- 409 W. Congress St.
The Escape Company- 30 Montgomery St.
Savannah Seafood Shack- 116 E. Broughton St.
World of Beer- 112 W. Broughton St.
Molly MacPherson’s Scottish Pub & Grill- 311 W. Congress St.
PS Tavern- 11 W. Bay St.
“Our mission is to ensure the safety of our community members and those who choose to visit,” said Chief of Police Roy Minter. “It is imperative that the businesses in our area continue to follow the appropriate guidelines to safeguard our community. With the amount of people we expected to visit establishments to enjoy Memorial Day weekend, we knew we had to take a hard stance to ensure their well-being.”
As far as transportation safety, Memorial Day weekend enforcement efforts resulted in the following citations between May 23-25:
Speeding- 66 citations
Red Light Violation- 3 citations
Seat Belt Violation- 18 citations
DUI- 5 citations
Hands Free Violation- 6 citations
Wednesday, May 20, 2020
Ella Rodgers, a rising eighth grade student who is homeschooled, won first prize in the Art in Ardsley "social-distance art and talent show," held throughout the neighborhood on Friday, May 15.
Rodgers played her own compositions on piano and was judged first by two of the three-judge panel.
The exhibition was organized by the Ardsley Park – Chatham Crescent Neighborhood Association (APCCNA) "at a suggestion of, and with help from, neighborhood resident Mia Merlin. Four musical acts and six artists participated, with performances and art displayed on front lawns throughout the neighborhood," a spokesperson says.
The judges awarded second place to Finley Ylisto, a third grade student at Charles Ellis who was creating paintings in the front yard live during the event, and third place to AJ Hetzel, an artist and entrepreneur who has lived in the neighborhood since 1993.
The art and performances were first judged by neighbors who viewed the entries and posted likes and comments on social media.
They were finally judged by Alderman Nick Palumbo, long time Arts Academy music teacher Carl Polk, and Jon Witzky, a painter who teaches at Georgia Southern.
Prizes were provided by APCCNA and the Savannah Bananas, and a trophy was donated by Starlandia Art Supply.
Two mainstay downtown fine dining spots, The Olde Pink House and Garibaldi, announce plans to re-open for in-house dining.
"Both restaurants are committed to ensuring the safety of guests and staff and have signed the Savannah Safe Pledge to underscore their commitment," a spokesperson for the co-owned restaurants says.
The Olde Pink House, 23 Abercorn St., will re-open for in-house dining on Monday, May 25. Indoor and outdoor seating will be available for dinner Sunday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
“We’ve been extremely strategic about re-opening and have made sure that we have exceptional safety protocols in place,” said Craig Jeffress, general manager of The Olde Pink House.
Garibaldi, 315 W. Congress St. near City Market, will re-open for in-house dining on Tuesday, June 2. The restaurant will serve dinner Tuesday through Saturday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
"Both restaurants are committed to ensuring the safety of guests and staff and have signed the Savannah Safe Pledge to underscore their commitment," a spokesperson for the co-owned restaurants says.
The Olde Pink House, 23 Abercorn St., will re-open for in-house dining on Monday, May 25. Indoor and outdoor seating will be available for dinner Sunday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
“We’ve been extremely strategic about re-opening and have made sure that we have exceptional safety protocols in place,” said Craig Jeffress, general manager of The Olde Pink House.
Garibaldi, 315 W. Congress St. near City Market, will re-open for in-house dining on Tuesday, June 2. The restaurant will serve dinner Tuesday through Saturday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Monday, May 18, 2020
The Telfair Museums’ Board of Trustees announced today the appointment of Robert “Bob” Faircloth as its new Acting Director.
"Faircloth, a well-respected area philanthropist, has been involved as a volunteer and a board member with Telfair for more than two decades, since 1997. Currently, Faircloth serves on the organization’s Executive Committee," a Telfair spokesperson says.
In a move that came as a surprise to some observers, on May 13, Robin Nicholson resigned from his position as Telfair’s Executive Director/CEO. Telfair’s Board of Trustees is forming a search committee to appoint the museum's next Executive Director/CEO.
"Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Telfair closed its three sites in mid March to ensure the safety of visitors and staff, but the museum has remained connected to the community with the launch of Telfair Today, an online hub featuring virtual exhibition tours, art and outreach activities, news stories, artist interviews, and more," the Museums say.
Friday, May 15, 2020
Charles Teeple, from the initial arrest
Charles Alexander Teeple IV, 19, of Guyton turned himself in to law enforcement yesterday, May 14.
"He was arrested and charged with Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault, and Elder Abuse that stems from an incident on December 31, 2019. Teeple is being held in the Chatham County Detention Center," a Chatham County Police spokesperson says.
On December 31, 2019, the Chatham County Police Department (CCPD) responded to Basil’s on Wilmington Island for a reported assault.
"Bruce Helmly, 66, told officers he had been punched by a man who was identified as Charles Alexander Teeple IV. Helmly refused medical treatment at the time of the incident, however, next morning, he was taken to the hospital after losing consciousness. Helmly died at the hospital on January 8, 2020," police say.
On January 2, prior to Helmly’s death, CCPD arrested Teeple and charged him with Battery. Teeple was posted bond and was released from the Chatham County Detention Center.
"In April, CCPD received additional evidence and subsequently upgraded the charges resulting in three felony arrest warrants for Charles Alexander Jacobson Teeple IV. The charges are O.C.G.A 16-5-1(c) Felony Murder, O.C.G.A 16-5-102 Elder Abuse, and O.C.G.A 16-5-21 Aggravated Assault. Mr. Teeple to turn himself over to CCPD on May 14, 2020 without incident," police report.
Thursday, May 14, 2020
The Coastal Heritage Society announces that some key attractions they operate will reopen beginning this weekend.
Georgia State Railroad Museum will be open from Friday, May 15th through Sunday, May 17th, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
"All tours will begin every half hour beginning at 10am, so please plan accordingly. While the experience will be different from our usual offerings, tickets will include a rich guided experience and there will be a family activity led by a Savannah Children’s Museum educator for one family at a time every 30 minutes, first come, first served," a spokesperson says.
Old Fort Jackson will be open from Friday, May 15h through Sunday, May 17th from 9 am to 5 pm. "Tickets will include a rich guided experience that will also incorporate a cannon firing and musket demonstration," they say.
"For the safety of all staff and guests," they say they will be observing social distancing protocols and implementing enhanced sanitizing procedures. "We strongly urge guests to wear masks and adhere to public health safety protocols."
Capacity will be limited to 20 guests at a time, and they suggest to call ahead to check availability.
No tours at either site from 12:30-1 pm and last tour begins at 3:30 pm at Georgia State Railroad Museum and 4:30pm at Old Fort Jackson. Visitors can purchase tickets beginning on May 15th in their gift shops or online at: https://bit.ly/CoastalAdmissions
Georgia State Railroad Museum will be open from Friday, May 15th through Sunday, May 17th, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
"All tours will begin every half hour beginning at 10am, so please plan accordingly. While the experience will be different from our usual offerings, tickets will include a rich guided experience and there will be a family activity led by a Savannah Children’s Museum educator for one family at a time every 30 minutes, first come, first served," a spokesperson says.
Old Fort Jackson will be open from Friday, May 15h through Sunday, May 17th from 9 am to 5 pm. "Tickets will include a rich guided experience that will also incorporate a cannon firing and musket demonstration," they say.
"For the safety of all staff and guests," they say they will be observing social distancing protocols and implementing enhanced sanitizing procedures. "We strongly urge guests to wear masks and adhere to public health safety protocols."
Capacity will be limited to 20 guests at a time, and they suggest to call ahead to check availability.
No tours at either site from 12:30-1 pm and last tour begins at 3:30 pm at Georgia State Railroad Museum and 4:30pm at Old Fort Jackson. Visitors can purchase tickets beginning on May 15th in their gift shops or online at: https://bit.ly/CoastalAdmissions
Wednesday, May 13, 2020
As part of efforts to safely reopen the local economy, Savannah Mayor Van Johnson today revealed a voluntary program to encourage local businesses to conform to CDC best practices in fighting COVID-19 — especially in the wearing of masks.
Called "Savannah Safe," the program seeks commitments from local businesses to opt into a pledge for employees to wear masks at all times. In exchange, they receive a certificate from the City to display to the public.
The Mayor was frank that, while the program isn't mandatory, part of the point is to shame noncompliant businesses.
"If you walk into a business and they're not wearing masks, we want people to know about it," he said during the afternoon press conference.
The certificate, Johnson said, will "indicate to employees and customers that they are committed to maintaining an operation that's as safe as possible during this pandemic."
Other aspects of the pledge include honoring social distance requirements and disinfecting surfaces.
The Mayor said that "we know that masks do not prevent infection," but that the CDC conclusion is that masks keep sickness from spreading from the mask wearer to someone else.
Therefore, he said, if everyone is wearing masks as if they were infected, that will result in a lower rate of infection.
To help in the effort, Johnson said that the Bella Canvas company has donated 4,500 face coverings to the City of Savannah. Distribution of those masks will be announced at a later time.
The Mayor was also frank that in some ways efforts to be safe have been outstripped by events.
"The fact of the matter is that the state of Georgia is open. Folks are all over the place. They're returning to Savannah and that's something we cannot change," he said. "But we can have a dialogue about how to do this, and how to do it safely."
On the subject of tourism, Tourism Leadership Council President Michael Owens said "at present we still have several lodging facilities and attractions that haven't been able to open yet.... but those places that are operating have reasonably good business."
Owens said almost all the visitors are "drive-in business," mostly coming in for the weekend, with the beach at Tybee Island being a particular attraction.
But in general, Owens concluded that "We think it's going to be a long recovery road. It will be years until we return to the same business as before."
Called "Savannah Safe," the program seeks commitments from local businesses to opt into a pledge for employees to wear masks at all times. In exchange, they receive a certificate from the City to display to the public.
The Mayor was frank that, while the program isn't mandatory, part of the point is to shame noncompliant businesses.
"If you walk into a business and they're not wearing masks, we want people to know about it," he said during the afternoon press conference.
The certificate, Johnson said, will "indicate to employees and customers that they are committed to maintaining an operation that's as safe as possible during this pandemic."
Other aspects of the pledge include honoring social distance requirements and disinfecting surfaces.
The Mayor said that "we know that masks do not prevent infection," but that the CDC conclusion is that masks keep sickness from spreading from the mask wearer to someone else.
Therefore, he said, if everyone is wearing masks as if they were infected, that will result in a lower rate of infection.
To help in the effort, Johnson said that the Bella Canvas company has donated 4,500 face coverings to the City of Savannah. Distribution of those masks will be announced at a later time.
The Mayor was also frank that in some ways efforts to be safe have been outstripped by events.
"The fact of the matter is that the state of Georgia is open. Folks are all over the place. They're returning to Savannah and that's something we cannot change," he said. "But we can have a dialogue about how to do this, and how to do it safely."
On the subject of tourism, Tourism Leadership Council President Michael Owens said "at present we still have several lodging facilities and attractions that haven't been able to open yet.... but those places that are operating have reasonably good business."
Owens said almost all the visitors are "drive-in business," mostly coming in for the weekend, with the beach at Tybee Island being a particular attraction.
But in general, Owens concluded that "We think it's going to be a long recovery road. It will be years until we return to the same business as before."
