Good morning, Savannah.

Local businesses celebrated new openings and ribbon cuttings this week as Mane Focus Hair Salon opened on June 6, Symphona Technology launched on June 10, Savannah Culinary Institute and Freedom Boat Club held their events on June 12, and the Savannah Area Chamber applauded these additions. More celebrations will come soon—Jim ‘N Nick’s Community Bar-B-Q and Georgetown Drug Company’s five-year anniversary on June 18, followed by events for Cornerstone Caregiving, Checkers – StarrChex, Mango Mix, The Chapel by the Sea, POET Terminal, Waterside at Rice Hope, Element by Westin Savannah Midtown, and ZIPS Car Wash through August.

A Chatham County grand jury indicted Cristhian Moises Almendares-Perez for fatally stabbing 42-year-old Rosalinda Garcia and three dogs on March 15 on Middleground Road in Savannah—he is held at the Chatham County Detention Center on ICE hold.

On March 15, volunteer Chris Allen Villegas-Fentress was fatally shot inside a Dollar General on West Bay Street during St. Patrick’s Day weekend—Savannah police later indicted 27-year-old Johnathan Manson on charges of malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault and firearm possession during a felony.

Four individuals were indicted by a Chatham County grand jury on June 11 in connection with a deadly shooting on Tatem Street that killed Rasheen Adkins on April 5; the accused are alleged to have concealed evidence (firearms).

Officers responded at 10:20 a.m. to a shooting at the Family Dollar on Mills B Lane Blvd in Savannah where a victim was shot in the hip and taken by EMS to Memorial Medical Center + a suspect was placed in custody as police canvassed the area.

Some local Georgians have begun receiving surplus tax refunds that offer up to $250 for singles, up to $375 for heads of household, or up to $500 for married couples filing together, with refunds expected through June 26.

Residents who filed their 2023 and 2024 tax returns can check their status online using their SSN or ITIN + tax details from Form 500 or 500EZ.

Officials announced a temporary traffic shift on U.S. 280 at Interstate 16 that will affect drivers this week—measures are in place to manage traffic flow until conditions improve.

Southern Culture On The Skids Concert

8:00-9:30 p.m. — Victory North Savannah — Check venue for pricing — Experience the lively sounds of Southern Culture On The Skids, a band with over three decades of musical journey.

Wymberly and Sporehead Summer Concert

9 PM – 1 AM — The Wormhole Neighborhood Pub & Music Venue — $10 Donation — Experience a night of live music with Savannah's own Wymberly and Sporehead.

Market at Forsyth Park

9 AM – 1 PM — Forsyth Park — Market tokens accepted — Explore local food vendors under the historic oak trees.

Savannah Ghost Tour: History and Hauntings

Explore Savannah Ghost Tour — Evening — Lafayette Square — Ticket required — Discover chilling tales and rich heritage on a tour crafted by historians and locals.

Flowers After Hours Workshop

6:30-8:00 p.m. — STUMP Plants — $ — Engage in a creative floral arrangement workshop with refreshments and take home your unique creation.

Fourth Friday on the Riverwalk

3-7 p.m. — Turbine Cafe at Plant Riverside District — Food prices starting at $16 — Enjoy live music and delicious local flavors by the Savannah River.

Adoption Event at Petco

12-2 p.m. — Petco — Free entry — Discover adorable pets ready for a forever home at this bi-monthly adoption event.

Sunday Compline Service

8-8:30 p.m. — Christ Church Anglican — Free entry — Experience a serene candlelit worship service focused on reflection and meditation through the ancient liturgy of Compline.

4th of July Fireworks Dinner

6-9 p.m. — Lavender Rooftop Kitchen & Bar — $30 and under — Enjoy a Spanish inspired dinner with panoramic views of Savannah's fireworks.

Nerf Gun Summer Camp

9 AM – 3 PM — Savannah Martial Arts — Price available upon inquiry — Engage in an action-packed adventure at our Nerf camp designed for kids ages 5 to 12.