HomeMy Public PortalAboutCOTI_PR20181003_Bees.docxPRESS RELEASE: Contact: Michael Bodine
For Immediate Release (912) 472-5112
City of Tybee Island Efforts to Help the Bees
Tybee Island, Ga. – (October 4, 2018) In May, earlier this year, there was a problem, still of indeterminate nature, which resulted in the death of a large number of bees and damage
to hives on Tybee Island. The City is continuing to address the matter and is exploring steps to promote a vibrant bee population on the island. The City is investigating the use of
different organic methods for both weed and ant control.
The Tybee Island Department of Public Works is currently using natural weed and ant control solutions rather than pesticides and continues to explore methods of natural controls.
In addition, a pollinator garden has been planted at Jaycee park, and landscaping around the fire station will be replaced with pollinator plantings to promote our population of beneficial
insects.
The City is also working with its insurance coverage group to try possibly to assist in mitigating losses to the extent warranted, if investigation shows it would be appropriate to do
so. The unfortunate loss of bees was unexpected by the City as it relies on those educated in the field in matters relating to treatments. The Department of Agriculture analyzed samples
relating to the incident in June and has released a report which is available on the City’s web site and is attached. The interpretation of the findings is best left to the Department.
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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