Dozens of party animals faced the end of their revelry at an out-of-control, booze-fueled spring break bash in Savannah, Ga. last weekend, as reported by the New York Post.
During the massive “Orange Crush” beach event on Tybee Island, 54 rowdy spring breakers were arrested, and 116 citations were issued by Tybee Island Police. Additionally, three stolen firearms and a stolen vehicle were recovered during the festivities.
Although the number of arrests may seem high, it was actually lower compared to five years ago when 81 people were arrested during the event that attracted up to 50,000 college students to the tiny island.
Local leaders had prepared for the event by implementing traffic and public safety measures following the violent and chaotic nature of the previous year’s event, as reported by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Over 100 additional police officers were called in from various agencies to support Tybee Island’s own police force of 12 officers.
Video footage showed fights breaking out among partygoers, with two women engaged in a physical altercation on the beach. Trash left on the beach after the event was substantial, requiring more than 10 all-terrain vehicle carts for cleanup.
Despite the challenges, community volunteers and public servants worked to maintain order during the event. Tybee Island Mayor Brian West described the event as “manageable” and expressed gratitude for the cooperative behavior of the attendees.
While some trash was left behind, Tybee Island’s interim City Manager, Michelle Owens, stated that they successfully prevented the chaos and disorder seen in previous years.
The event also caused disturbances in downtown Savannah, prompting the temporary closure of West Congress Street due to the large crowds. Savannah Mayor Van Johnson commended the city’s protocols for handling the situation.
Johnson, a Savannah State University alumni, interacted with the attendees and was even given the nickname “OC OG” by students, referring to his involvement in organizing Orange Crush parties in the past.
