Wednesday, May 20, 2020
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."
Tuesday, May 12, 2020
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp announced this afternoon that he is extending the mandatory closure of live performance venues, bars, and nightclubs through May 31.
A previous executive order had the closures expiring as of Wednesday evening.
"We believe that waiting a little bit longer will enhance health outcomes and give folks the opportunity to prepare for safe reopening in the near future," Kemp said.
However, restaurant dining will experience a loosening of restrictions.
"We are taking another step forward empowering restaurants to expand operations safely only if they choose," Kemp said.
This includes allowing up to 10 patrons per 300 square feet of public space in restaurants and dining room, and increasing party size per table from 6-10 people.
The shelter in place provision for "medically fragile" Georgians age 65 and over remains in effect through June 12.
Other mandatory industry-specific restrictions remain in effect through the end of May.
"We continue to strongly encourage people to wear face coverings while out in public," Kemp said.
Kemp unveiled a state contact-tracing initiative, the Healthy Georgia Collaborative.
"With nearly 250 staff in the field today the Department of Public Health is making progress," Kemp said. "DPH plans to have 1000 staff deployed in the weeks ahead," rolling out the new online monitoring tool.
The tool will allow the DPH to identify contacts and monitor symptoms. "Health data will remain completely confidential," Kemp said.
"Residents testing positive will be contacted by staff who will work with individuals to recall anyone they might have close contact with," he said, with the contacts being reviewed "to help map and isolate the spread of COVID-19."
Kemp said that summer camps in Georgia will be allowed to operate as soon as May 14, "if they can meet 32 minimum criteria" for safety and sanitation. However, no overnight summer camps will be allowed for the time being.
As of May 18, Kemp said, "specific divisions of state agencies will begin to phase back into limited in-person operations."
A previous executive order had the closures expiring as of Wednesday evening.
"We believe that waiting a little bit longer will enhance health outcomes and give folks the opportunity to prepare for safe reopening in the near future," Kemp said.
However, restaurant dining will experience a loosening of restrictions.
"We are taking another step forward empowering restaurants to expand operations safely only if they choose," Kemp said.
This includes allowing up to 10 patrons per 300 square feet of public space in restaurants and dining room, and increasing party size per table from 6-10 people.
The shelter in place provision for "medically fragile" Georgians age 65 and over remains in effect through June 12.
Other mandatory industry-specific restrictions remain in effect through the end of May.
"We continue to strongly encourage people to wear face coverings while out in public," Kemp said.
Kemp unveiled a state contact-tracing initiative, the Healthy Georgia Collaborative.
"With nearly 250 staff in the field today the Department of Public Health is making progress," Kemp said. "DPH plans to have 1000 staff deployed in the weeks ahead," rolling out the new online monitoring tool.
The tool will allow the DPH to identify contacts and monitor symptoms. "Health data will remain completely confidential," Kemp said.
"Residents testing positive will be contacted by staff who will work with individuals to recall anyone they might have close contact with," he said, with the contacts being reviewed "to help map and isolate the spread of COVID-19."
Kemp said that summer camps in Georgia will be allowed to operate as soon as May 14, "if they can meet 32 minimum criteria" for safety and sanitation. However, no overnight summer camps will be allowed for the time being.
As of May 18, Kemp said, "specific divisions of state agencies will begin to phase back into limited in-person operations."
Thursday, May 7, 2020
The Savannah Police Department is investigating the death of a 38-year-old man at a President Street homeless camp Thursday morning.
"Officers responded to the camp at President Street and Truman Parkway just after midnight and discovered Christopher Johnson deceased as a result of an apparent cutting," police report.
Detectives have identified a possible suspect in the investigation. They are continuing to follow leads in an attempt to locate the suspect.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the SPD Crime Tip Line at (912) 525-3124 or to Crimestoppers at (912) 234-2020.
"Officers responded to the camp at President Street and Truman Parkway just after midnight and discovered Christopher Johnson deceased as a result of an apparent cutting," police report.
Detectives have identified a possible suspect in the investigation. They are continuing to follow leads in an attempt to locate the suspect.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the SPD Crime Tip Line at (912) 525-3124 or to Crimestoppers at (912) 234-2020.
Outrage has built steadily over the past week about the Feb. 23 killing of Ahmaud Arbery, an African American man, by two white men who are seen on video tracking him down in their pickup truck and shooting him.
Tomorrow morning, May 8, on what would have been Arbery's 26th birthday, supporters of his family and civil rights advocates are encouraging people to "Run With Maud."
Running, jogging, walking, or even jogging in place are encouraged, all while observing social distancing.
"Our community here in Brunswick, GA, lost an avid runner on 2/23/2020, while out on a run Ahmaud Arbery’s life was taken away from us, by a group of men who falsely suspected him of wrong doing. Those men have not been arrested and the community is still searching for answers," organizers say.
"Please show your support as a runner, jogger, or walker and dedicate a 2.23 mile workout to Ahmaud Arbery, in your favorite place to run or walk, this Friday, May 8, 2020, which is Ahmaud’s birthday. Please post a short dedication, message or video, with the hashtag."
Recommended hashtags are #JusticeForAhmaud and/or #IRunWithMaud.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is only just now getting involved with the case, after weeks of inaction by the Glynn County Police Department, in whose jurisdiction the killing happened.
The GBI is technically prohibited from investigating a case unless requested by an elected official or district attorney; it was left to Liberty County District Attorney Tom Durden to do so earlier this week.
In a tweet, the GBI originally said that Glynn County Police only requested that the GBI investigate some threats against police and investigate who released the now-infamous video of the shooting.
A Glynn County grand jury will convene as soon as possible, given the pandemic, to consider charges against Gregory and Travis McMichael, the two men seen on video shooting Arbery during a struggle after they chased him down in the truck while he was on foot, unarmed.
Gregory McMichael is a former Glynn County Police officer and former investigator with the local District Attorney's office.
Police originally said the two men were justified in the killing since it was, in their judgment, done in self-defense — after they pulled the guns on Arbery, who was unarmed and on a public street, and who struggled with the men to keep from being shot.
Tomorrow morning, May 8, on what would have been Arbery's 26th birthday, supporters of his family and civil rights advocates are encouraging people to "Run With Maud."
Running, jogging, walking, or even jogging in place are encouraged, all while observing social distancing.
"Our community here in Brunswick, GA, lost an avid runner on 2/23/2020, while out on a run Ahmaud Arbery’s life was taken away from us, by a group of men who falsely suspected him of wrong doing. Those men have not been arrested and the community is still searching for answers," organizers say.
"Please show your support as a runner, jogger, or walker and dedicate a 2.23 mile workout to Ahmaud Arbery, in your favorite place to run or walk, this Friday, May 8, 2020, which is Ahmaud’s birthday. Please post a short dedication, message or video, with the hashtag."
Recommended hashtags are #JusticeForAhmaud and/or #IRunWithMaud.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is only just now getting involved with the case, after weeks of inaction by the Glynn County Police Department, in whose jurisdiction the killing happened.
The GBI is technically prohibited from investigating a case unless requested by an elected official or district attorney; it was left to Liberty County District Attorney Tom Durden to do so earlier this week.
In a tweet, the GBI originally said that Glynn County Police only requested that the GBI investigate some threats against police and investigate who released the now-infamous video of the shooting.
A Glynn County grand jury will convene as soon as possible, given the pandemic, to consider charges against Gregory and Travis McMichael, the two men seen on video shooting Arbery during a struggle after they chased him down in the truck while he was on foot, unarmed.
Gregory McMichael is a former Glynn County Police officer and former investigator with the local District Attorney's office.
Police originally said the two men were justified in the killing since it was, in their judgment, done in self-defense — after they pulled the guns on Arbery, who was unarmed and on a public street, and who struggled with the men to keep from being shot.
Savannah’s Salvation Army (TSA) has partnered with local agency, Feed The Hungry and Georgia State Representative Carl Gilliard from Garden City to host a ‘Feed Our City’ event this weekend. 3,000 meals will be available to those in need, as well as food for their animal companions, this Saturday, May 9 starting at noon at TSA’s Community Center, 3000 Bee Rd. in Savannah.
Socially distanced food preparation will be undertaken by volunteers the day before the event, at TSA’s Community Center kitchen. Meals will be distributed via curbside pickup on May 9, in line with US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines.
“I am elated that Feed the Hungry is returning ‘home,’ since the first holiday dinner we ever hosted was with The Salvation Army. We are glad to be partnering with the Salvation Army as they have worked diligently to serve the community during this Coronavirus pandemic,” said Rep. Carl Gilliard.
“We have come together through great team work to help those who need it most at this time, and we are looking forward to providing the most vulnerable with a comforting meal.”
“We are so excited to partner with Feed the Hungry and Representative Carl Gilliard for this wonderful event! We have a great history and natural synergy in serving those that need us most, especially during these financially stressful times,” said The Salvation Army of Savannah’s Major Paul Egan.
Socially distanced food preparation will be undertaken by volunteers the day before the event, at TSA’s Community Center kitchen. Meals will be distributed via curbside pickup on May 9, in line with US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines.
“I am elated that Feed the Hungry is returning ‘home,’ since the first holiday dinner we ever hosted was with The Salvation Army. We are glad to be partnering with the Salvation Army as they have worked diligently to serve the community during this Coronavirus pandemic,” said Rep. Carl Gilliard.
“We have come together through great team work to help those who need it most at this time, and we are looking forward to providing the most vulnerable with a comforting meal.”
“We are so excited to partner with Feed the Hungry and Representative Carl Gilliard for this wonderful event! We have a great history and natural synergy in serving those that need us most, especially during these financially stressful times,” said The Salvation Army of Savannah’s Major Paul Egan.
Wednesday, May 6, 2020
WRUU FM 107.5, Savannah's community radio station, has received a Community Grant from the Savannah Downtown Neighborhood Association in the amount of $600.
"Each year, the DNA makes grants to community organizations that have an impact on the greater downtown area. Each application goes through a review process overseen by the DNA Board of Directors, which makes the selections," a spokesperson for the station says.
The $600 grant will be used by the community radio station to upgrade equipment in its production studio, which is used to record interviews and public service announcements.
The noncommercial station is staffed entirely by volunteers and is funded by donations from listeners and local businesses.
That’s why the grant from the DNA is so important, according to Dave Lake, WRUU’s general manager.
“Donations that we receive during our annual pledge drive are used to keep the lights on and keep the station on the air. The DNA grant will allow us to make improvements that we would not be able to undertake otherwise," Lake says.
“We are truly a community radio station are we are focused on serving the needs of our listeners,” Lake says. “Receiving this grant affirms the importance of our mission to provide a voice and visibility in Savannah for community organizations and encourages us to continue creating radio programming that’s informative, educational, and entertaining.”
WRUU also streams from its website at wruu.org.
"Each year, the DNA makes grants to community organizations that have an impact on the greater downtown area. Each application goes through a review process overseen by the DNA Board of Directors, which makes the selections," a spokesperson for the station says.
The $600 grant will be used by the community radio station to upgrade equipment in its production studio, which is used to record interviews and public service announcements.
The noncommercial station is staffed entirely by volunteers and is funded by donations from listeners and local businesses.
That’s why the grant from the DNA is so important, according to Dave Lake, WRUU’s general manager.
“Donations that we receive during our annual pledge drive are used to keep the lights on and keep the station on the air. The DNA grant will allow us to make improvements that we would not be able to undertake otherwise," Lake says.
“We are truly a community radio station are we are focused on serving the needs of our listeners,” Lake says. “Receiving this grant affirms the importance of our mission to provide a voice and visibility in Savannah for community organizations and encourages us to continue creating radio programming that’s informative, educational, and entertaining.”
WRUU also streams from its website at wruu.org.
