HomeMy Public PortalAboutCOTI_PR20090702_HealthMag.pdfMayor Jason Buelterman
CITY COUNCIL
Wanda Doyle, Mayor Pro Tem
Charlie Brewer
Barry Brown
Eddie Crone
Dick Smith
Paul Wolff
CITY OF TYBEE ISLAND
City Manager
Diane Schleicher
Clerk of Council
Vivian Woods
City Attorney
Edward M. Hughes
P.O. Box 2749 – 403 Butler Avenue, Tybee Island, Georgia 31328-2749
(866) 786-4573 – FAX (866) 786-5737
www.cityoftybee.org
PRESS RELEASE: Contact: Tybee Island City Hall
For immediate release (912) 786-4573
Tybee Island Selected As Healthiest Island
Tybee Island, Ga. – (July 6, 2009) Tybee Island has been selected as the Number One (#1!) Healthiest Beach
in the US by Health magazine in their July-August, 2009 issue. This top ten list includes such heady competition
as beaches in Hilton Head, Hawaii, and California. The areas were rated based on cost to stay, availability of
healthy activities, healthy food fare, air and water quality, sand quality, and emergency support such as
lifeguards.
While some of the US beaches lost points in one area or another, Tybee was consistently given high marks by
Health magazine’s panel of judges. Tybee scored particularly well as the lowest c ost place to stay of all
locations and as having the fewest water quality problems. While kudos go to Tybee’s hotels, motels, B&Bs, and
vacation rentals for the former, keeping the water free of contamination is a job for everyone. The City’s
Department of Public Works cooperates with volunteers from the Tybee Beautification Association to keep the
beaches free of litter. The Water and Sewer Department has to stay on top of any potential problems from leaks
in the water systems. Believe it or not, contamination from pet waste can be a major source of bacteria in the
water, and the Police and Lifeguards work together to keep dogs off the beach. Owners are encouraged to let
their dogs run and play off -leash at the Island’s two Dog Parks, near the Rivers End Campground at Polk and
Van Horne.
Tybee also scored well because of the range of outdoor activities on the island and the variety of healthy foods
in local restaurants. Bicycle rentals are readily available, morning yoga on the beach and exercise cla sses at the
YMCA are offered daily, hiking and biking trails abound, and kayaks meet dolphins all day long on their way to
Little Tybee across the back river. Oh, yes, and some people enjoy swimming and surfing in the ocean just off
our newly renourished and widened sandy beaches. Eating establishments usually include both indoor and
outdoor seating, with plenty of seafood on their menus, along with many other choices to promote smart, healthy
habits.
The magazine simply calls Tybee “low-key”, but the laid back attitude on Tybee deserves special mention. You
can relax anywhere on the island - shopping in your pajamas is a local specialty – and stress can detract from
anyone’s health. Whether you prefer to stroll through one of the several art galleries, to take a turn through the
sky in a parasail, or to fish off the Pier, you’ll be able to find relaxation and enjoyment on the island. If for no
other reason, come experience what those on Tybee like to call “another day in Paradise.”
P.O. Box 2749 – 403 Butler Avenue, Tybee Island, Georgia 31328-2749
(866) 786-4573 – FAX (866) 786-5737
www.cityoftybee.org
About Tybee Island, GA.: The City of Tybee Island, Georgia is on the outermost barrier island off the Savannah area coast.
With a wild bird sanctuary, over three miles of ocean beaches and salt marshes on the back river, outdoor recreation
activities abound for visitors to the island. As a key defense point to the important Savannah port, Tybee’s Fort Screven,
Tybee Fort Theater, Fort Pulaski, and the Tybee Island and Cockspur Lighthouses combine with the unique architectures of
the island’s raised cottages to form a rich backdrop for history buffs. Attracting a strong artistic community, there are
several local supporting art galleries. Keeping the island interesting year round are several arts festivals, the Annual Pirate
Fest, the Beach Bum Parade, St Patrick’s Day celebrations, the Hot Rod Run, the Beach Bash, and the Christmas Parade, as
well as fireworks displays on Independence and New Year’s Days off the Parker Pier and Pavilion. The Marine Science Center
cooperates with Georgia’s DNR to protect threatened sea turtle species by searching for nests, protecting their eggs, and
making sure hatchlings make it to sea. For visitor information, stop by http://www.tybeevisit.com/, and to find more about
the City of Tybee Island, visit our web site at http://www.cityoftybee.org/.
Health magazine’s July-August, 2009 issue is on sale at newsstands now, or you can visit them online at
http://living.health.com. Review the Healthiest Beaches article at http://living.health.com/2009/06/18/americas-healthiest-
beach-lake-getaways/.
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