02/12/2024
- Tybee Island is gearing up for the highly anticipated HBCU bash in April, but officials are determined to prevent a repeat of the “environmental damage” witnessed in previous years. SB 443, recently introduced by Sen. Ben Watson and Rep. Jesse Petrea, empowers groups like Tybee Island in Georgia to take legal action against promoters of unsanctioned or unpermitted events.
Mayor Brian West expressed the significance of the proposed legislation during a city council meeting, stating, “If this legislation passes, we will have the authority to seek damages from promoters whose activities negatively impact our community. The safety of our residents, workforce, and the island’s reputation as a family-friendly destination are top priorities for us, and we’re committed to safeguarding them.”
Last April, the island faced challenges with the Orange Crush event, drawing 50,000 attendees, causing traffic gridlock, and resulting in violent incidents. Despite the upheaval, the festival is scheduled to return on the weekends of April 19 and April 27 this year.
Notably, the official Orange Crush Festival, a trademarked event, is slated for July on Jacksonville Beach in Florida, according to their website. However, the recent Orange Crush events on Tybee Island were organized and promoted by unofficial “piggyback promoters” on social media, lacking the trademark but freely spreading information online. The proposed bill aims to hold these promoters accountable for any damages incurred during the upcoming event weekends.
George Mikey, the trademark owner of Orange Crush, distanced himself from the chaos, asserting, “The [disorder] had absolutely zero to do with us, and we were trying to prevent it last year as well.” Mikey emphasized that the event was moved to Jacksonville in 2021, but unauthorized promoters continued to use the brand, causing disruptions on Tybee Island. The bill seeks to address this issue and bring accountability to promoters who disregard the consequences of their actions on both the event and the community.
ARE YOU STILL PLANNING ON GOING TO ORANGE CRUSH? 🍊👀🤔