HomeMy Public PortalAboutCOTI_PR20091125_FreeParking.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: Michael Bodine
For immediate release (912) 786-4573, x126
Tybee Gives Free Parking for the Holidays
Tybee Island, Ga. – (November 25, 2009) The City of Tybee Island is promoting island businesses this holiday
season by doing away with all parking fees on the island, beginning Thursday, November 26 th and ending
Thursday, December 31st. All parking, whether controlled by meters or Pay-and-Display stations scattered on
the island, will be free during this period. Parking enforcement will still take place for No Parking zones, disabled
parking areas, loading zones, and the like.
Free parking is just one of the enticements to draw visitors to Tybee and to keep residents shopping locally this
holiday season. The City‟s Better Hometown Initiative has partnered with island businesses and organizations to
plan a number of activities, all detailed at the Tybee for the Holidays web site, www.tybeefortheholidays.com.
This weekend officially gets things rolling with a community decorating day starting in Memorial Park, next to
City Hall, on Saturday at noon. At 3PM, the Christmas tree procession will roll down Highway 80 and Butler
Avenue to place the City‟s tree at the Tybrisa/Strand roundabout near the Walter Parker Pier and Pavilion. “A
Christmas Carol” will play at the River‟s End Campground at 8PM – staff will host Saturday night movies all
during December.
The following weekend on Friday evening, the traditional “Lights on for Tybee” kicks the season into high gear
for the island, with the tree lighting, St. Michael‟s Choir, „best decorating‟ awards given by the Tybee
Beautification Association, and performances by members of Gretchen Greene School of Dance. Mayor Jason
Buelterman will start the ceremonies. According to the Mayor, "Doing your shopping on Tybee is not only good
for our local business community, it is a very enjoyable and relaxing experience to stroll around the Island
looking for gifts for your friends and loved ones." Festivities will begin at 6:30PM.
Tybee merchants and eateries will be providing specials to shoppers throughout the holiday season, and many
more events are planned for the month of December, including hotel deals for revelers who come to the island
for our New Years‟ Eve fireworks display and elect to stay of f the roads for the evening. Remember, when you
see the holiday décor on the Pay & Display machines and meters, know that Tybee thanks you for buying local
and making this holiday season special on the island!
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
P.O. Box 2749 – 403 Butler Avenue, Tybee Island, Georgia 31328-2749
(866) 786-4573 – FAX (866) 786-5737
www.cityoftybee.org
the island’s raised cottages to form a rich backdrop for history buffs. A ttracting 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/.
About Tybee Island’s Better Hometown Initiative: Tybee’s Better Hometown initiative follows a comprehensive revitalization
process that improves all aspects of a commercial district. Better Hometown is a self help approach to economic
development for downtown areas designed to grow business and improve a community’s quality of life. With broad based
community support, it integrates a practical management strategy with the physical improvements of buildings and public
spaces, promotion and image building, and economic development in the area. For more information, visit
http://www.cityoftybee.org/BetterHometownProgram.aspx.
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