Saturday, August 16th, 2025
Good morning, Savannah. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 16th of August.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ In June, a large section of the ceiling collapsed at the historic Wesley Monumental United Methodist Church in downtown Savannah due to age and deterioration; no one was inside when the collapse occurred. The church will spend $350,000 to remove the damaged ceiling and plans to hold services in alternate spaces until it returns to the building within six months. WJCL
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Garden City Police Department said officers tried to stop a stolen vehicle on Dean Forest Road Friday when the juvenile driver struck another car and continued on Interstate 16 east before losing control after a tire deflated and colliding with a trash truck near Chatham Parkway, causing a major traffic backup—he was arrested and taken to Youth Detention Center on charges including theft by receiving stolen property, fleeing to elude, reckless driving, and hit and run with only minor injuries reported. WJCL
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Davenport House Museum’s executive director Danielle Hodes will speak at the Historic Savannah Foundation lecture series at 6 p.m. on Aug. 21 at 321 E. York St. to discuss expanding the museum’s narrative and highlight the Old Chan Magic exhibit—telling the story of early Chinese-American immigrant Robert Chan who helped fight a major fire—adding new context to Savannah’s history. Savannah Morning News
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools opened the 2025-2026 year with over 35,000 students as new registrations increased enrollment and some schools ran over capacity due to weather-related facility problems such as roof leaks and HVAC glitches. The district ran buses for 19,060 students, saw a 25% jump in free meal participation, and maintained high safety standards by screening everyone at buildings while planning further facility upgrades and demographic reviews. Savannah Morning News
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ City officials announced that the intersection of Reynolds Street and 54th Street near Hull Park in Midtown Savannah is closed after a storm line collapsed. Repairs will keep the road closed until September 19th—officials did not provide a reason for the collapse. WJCL
- ➤ Today, a federal judge ruled that FEMA must leave the $30 million BRIC funds set aside for Savannah's flood projects alone while 20 states challenge the agency's move to cancel the grant—local officials say the order protects funds for Carver Village and Cloverdale until the lawsuit is resolved. WTOC 11
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Today, the American Red Cross is partnering with the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force in Pooler for a blood drive that honors World War II heroes and addresses a nationwide low in donations, with donors welcome from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. WSAV
- ➤ Officials in Savannah instruct residents to boil tap water for one minute or use bottled water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning until the advisory lifts—this guidance also covers bathing and preparing infant formula to reduce the risk of illness. WSAV
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Dierks Bentley Concert
7:00-8:30 p.m. — Enmarket Arena — Cost info not provided — Ol' Country's comin' to town with supporting act Zach Top.
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Artful Tales Storytime
10:30-11:30 a.m. — Jepson Center & Telfair Children's Art Museum — Free entry — Ignite creativity and imagination with captivating storytelling for young art lovers.
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Adoption Event at Petco
12-2 p.m. — Petco — Free entry — Meet adorable pets seeking forever homes and get involved in animal rescue.
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Shabazz Seafood Festival: Labor Day Weekend
12 PM - 6 PM — Shabazz Seafood Restaurant — Payment required for platter — Enjoy a delicious seafood platter featuring fish, shrimp, and crab this Labor Day weekend.
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Slush Fest
12-8 p.m. — Two Tides Brewing Co. — No entry fee — Celebrate summer with over 30 frozen slushies and tropical vibes.
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Monster Jam
1-2:30 p.m. — Enmarket Arena — Cost info not provided — Experience adrenaline-pumping thrills with massive trucks and spectacular stunts.
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7th Annual Oatland Island Wildlife Center Nature Photography Competition
Photography competition and exhibit — Submission deadline August 15 — Oatland Island Wildlife Center — GNPA members only — Celebrate coastal nature through the lens of talented photographers.
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Road Safety Conference in Georgia
8 AM - 12 PM — Marriott Savannah Riverfront — Check website for registration fees — A gathering of professionals focused on improving safety and environmental standards in the workplace.
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August Networking Mixer at Blue Edge Studio
12-3 p.m. — The Offices at 300 Drayton — Free entry — Connect with local entrepreneurs, business travelers, and creatives at this vibrant networking event.
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Soul & Flavor Food Truck Fest
12-6 p.m. — Eastern Wharf — Free entry — Experience a vibrant celebration of culture, cuisine, and community at the 2nd Annual Soul & Flavor Food Truck Fest.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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