Tuesday, May 19th, 2026
Good morning, Savannah. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 19th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Effingham County residents are uniting to support a 9-year-old boy diagnosed with leukemia by holding fundraising events and community drives. The efforts (according to local groups) aim to assist his treatment and provide comfort to his family. WTOC 11
- ➤ Savannah offers diverse Memorial Day weekend events with fun for all. Highlights include the Savannah Steel home opener at Enmarket Arena on May 22 and David Nail's acoustic show at Victory North on the same day—plus a local artists market, ghost tours, and a cornhole tournament add more options. Savannah Morning News
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Old Savannah Distillery & Restaurant opened on May 18 and now offers a half-priced appetizer plus cocktail classes until June 1 for local residents. The new culinary venue, located across from the Visitor Center at 234 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., celebrates Southern craftsmanship. Savannah Business Journal
- ➤ Today, the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce released its first-ever small business survey after Savannah Small Business Week — the survey shows rising costs and a need for innovation support among local companies that drive the Coastal Empire’s economy. Savannah Business Journal
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ New Hampstead High School held its commencement ceremony for the Class of 2026 on Monday, May 18 at Enmarket Arena — graduates received diplomas and celebrated with family and friends. Savannah Morning News
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ On May 11, firefighters in Savannah's Marine Unit rescued a woman from the hazardous river near the Plant Riverside District. The unit, established in 2015 and based at Station 3, regularly trains to handle river rescues and works with the Coast Guard for joint emergency responses. Savannah Morning News
- ➤ Law enforcement in Savannah and Effingham County are joining Georgia's Click It or Ticket campaign through May 31 to boost seat belt use ahead of busy Memorial Day travel + a busy summer season. Officers will actively remind drivers and passengers to buckle up as traffic increases. WTOC 11
- ➤ Savannah Fire Department’s Marine Unit, created in 2015, tackles dive rescues and dock fires in the area + supports local emergency responses. Savannah Morning News
- ➤ Governor Brian Kemp announced on May 15 that Georgia’s gas tax suspension extends until June 3 to ease fuel costs ahead of Memorial Day travel. The move may save drivers about $12 to $15 a month and benefit local convenience stores (fuel sales are key to their revenue). Savannah Morning News
- ➤ The Savannah Police Department will celebrate 26 new officers and one lateral recruit as well as departmental promotions during a badge pinning ceremony at 1 p.m. Friday at the Savannah Civic Center Ballroom (media and public are invited to attend). WTOC 11
- ➤ The City of Savannah's restoration of the historic Fountain at Forsyth Park received the prestigious Chairman's Award from the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation today. It was one of 28 statewide projects celebrated for nearly 50 years of protecting historic resources. Savannah Business Journal
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Health officials reported that a salmonella outbreak linked to backyard poultry caused 184 cases across 31 states and four confirmed cases in Georgia. The CDC advises thorough hand-washing and keeping birds away from children to reduce the risk of infection. Savannah Morning News
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Benedictine's golf team shot a 308 at Savannah Golf Club Monday in the Class 4A State Tournament, trailing Cartersville by 23 strokes. Coach Kevin Halligan said the team will rebound tomorrow if they get a few bounces & play smart. Savannah Morning News
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David Nail Concert
8-9:30 p.m. — Victory North Savannah — $25-$75 — Enjoy an evening of live country music with David Nail in a vibrant venue.
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Summer Celebration with Easy Honey
5-9 p.m. — Hop Atomica Savannah — $20, $15 for SCAD students — Celebrate the unofficial SCAD send-off with three bands on the last night before graduation.
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Foodees Fest in Savannah
1-9 p.m. — Tanger Outlets Savannah — Admission details TBA — Experience a lively weekend festival featuring delightful eats and unique vendors.
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Final Frontier Tour
7:30-9 p.m. — Enmarket Arena — Ticket prices vary — Experience iconic hits from one of America's most beloved rock bands, JOURNEY.
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"Weird Al" Yankovic Live in Concert
7:30-9 p.m. — Enmarket Arena — Ticket prices vary — Experience the comedic musical genius of Weird Al in an unforgettable live performance.
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Nelson Kanzela and Bertín y su Condesa
8-11 p.m. — COPACABANAS SPORT BAR — Tickets available — Enjoy a spectacular night of rhythm and dance with popular Latin music artists.
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Feel the Heat Book Bash
1:30-5 p.m. — Embassy Suites by Hilton Savannah Historic District — Cost not specified — A multi-genre author signing event where you can find amazing new reads.
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Underoath Live at Victory North
7-10 p.m. — Victory North Savannah — Tickets start at $69 — Underoath promises an unforgettable live experience in Savannah.
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Savannah Trading Card Game Festival
9 AM – 4 PM — Alee Shriners / Alee Temple — Check event page for entry details — A full day for trading card enthusiasts featuring Pokémon, Magic, Yu-Gi-Oh, and more.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The beauty of a living thing is not the atoms that go into it, but the way those atoms are put together.
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