TYBEE ISLAND, Ga. — Preparations for the 2026 Orange Crush festival are underway, although the city has rejected the initial application for a three-day event permit.
George Turner, the owner of the Orange Crush trademark, submitted the application in April. Tybee Island Mayor Brian West mentioned to that it’s a significant request.
“It’s a lot for us, and we’re more than willing to manage it,” he said. “The festival generates substantial sales tax revenue for the beach. However, we must significantly increase our police presence and have more fire personnel than other small towns require.”
West said the island may not be equipped to host large-scale events and said it’s too early to make a decision.
“We have very little beach right now is going to be very crowded on the beach this summer,” West said. “And if we have good storms this year, which we’re supposed to have, then, you know, we’re going to lose even more beach.”
West said, “So there’s a good chance we’re not going to have a lot of beach to work with for an event like this.”
Turner said part of the request includes time for set up and break down. He said when the request was denied, he then resubmitted for a two-day event.
However, city officials told Turner to hold off until at least October. He said he’s been working closely alongside marine biology programs to help aid the city during the time being.
“We’ve got this huge state property in our town,” West said. “And so, we’re a little government dealing with it. We have a very small budget, you know, dealing with this giant asset. And so, it’s a lot it’s a lot for us…”
is told Turner is not the only one competing for the spot. West said one other applicant is competing for the weekend event.
“We have to think about who’s going to provide the best event,” West said. “Who’s going to be the best to work with? Who’s going to meet our qualifications? Who’s going to be able to pay for the things that need to be paid for? So, there’s a lot of about that to consider.”
West said the next beach renourishment project is scheduled to begin at the end of 2026, another reason the city is being cautious about large events.
