HomeMy Public PortalAboutCOTI_PR20170810_FireworksVerbotten.docxPRESS RELEASE: Contact: Tybee Island City Hall
For immediate release (912) 786-4573
Fireworks Prohibited on Tybee Island Beaches and Parks
Tybee Island, Ga. – (August 10, 2017) Tybee Island’s public safety staff would like to remind visitors that, despite being allowed in some areas in the state, fireworks are not allowed
on the beaches nor in the public parks unless the event producer has an approved permit for any fireworks displays. In particular, the major holidays where fireworks are set off from
the Parker Pier and Pavilion include the upcoming Labor Day Beach Bash event, the New Year’s Eve fireworks, and the Fourth of July display. These firework shows are set up by licensed
professionals and include not only a permit, but public safety crews on stand-by at the site. Personal fireworks will not be allowed on city property or areas of responsibility, including
the beaches, parks, roads, and rights-of-way
Tybee homes and infrastructure are protected from storm surge by the dunes lining the beaches. The dunes are kept in place by dune grasses that can have root systems up to 40 feet deep.
These grasses can get very dry and flammable, allowing a fire to spread quickly along the dunes and into surrounding yards and homes, destroying not only property but the dunes themselves,
putting everyone on the island at elevated risk in the event of a major hurricane.
As with most beach offenses, a citation could require a court appearance and as much as $1000 in fines! In addition to fines and court fees, the State law also makes any damage caused
by fireworks the responsibility of the offender to pay!
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
Post 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 Walter W. 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/.
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