Savannah Police Department 2021 budget initiatives

One of the Savannah City Council's six policy priority areas in the approved 2021 budget is reducing violent crime, including homicides and gun offenses. The council approved a $4 million increase to the Savannah Police Department budget for 2021...

Alderwoman Lanier to hold news conference

Office of Marketing and Communications 

opc@savannahga.gov 

Alderwoman Lanier to hold news conference

SAVANNAH (Jan. 25) – First District Alderwoman Bernetta Lanier will hold a news conference on Tuesday, Jan. 26, at 1:30 p.m. to discuss We...

Virtual feedback meeting scheduled about proposed animal ordinance

Office of Marketing and Communications 

opc@savannahga.gov 

Virtual feedback meeting scheduled about proposed animal ordinance

SAVANNAH (Jan. 15) – Join Alderwoman Kesha Gibson-Carter on Thursday, Jan. 21, at 11 a.m. for...

Mayor Johnson named one of Georgia Trend’s 100 most influential Georgians

Office of Marketing and Communications 

opc@savannahga.gov 

Mayor Johnson named one of Georgia Trend’s 100 most influential Georgians

SAVANNAH (Jan. 13) – Mayor Van R. Johnson, II, has been named among Georgia ...

City of Savannah to participate in national memorial for COVID-19 victims

Office of Marketing and Communications 

opc@savannahga.gov 

City of Savannah to participate in national memorial for COVID-19 victims

SAVANNAH (Jan. 12) – The City of Savannah is inviting houses of worship, businesses and individu...

Weave-A-Dream Program opens 2021 application period for creative and cultural programming

Office of Marketing and Communications 

opc@savannahga.gov 

Weave-A-Dream Program opens 2021 application period for creative and cultural programming

SAVANNAH (Jan. 12) – The City of Savannah Cultural Resources Department will ope...

December 2020 Responses

December 2020 Responses

SAVANNAH, GA (Monday, January 4, 2021) – During the Month of December, the Savannah Fire Department responded to more than 871 incidents including 65 fires, 377 emergency medical service and rescue calls...

City Council passes 2021 budget with increased focus on specific initiatives

On Friday, Dec. 18, the Savannah City Council passed a balanced 2021 budget with six policy priority areas. 

The six policy priority areas included in the 2021 budget are:

• Poverty, especially childhood poverty
• Income inequality
• Viol...

Savannah CARES task force to host resident outreach interviews

Office of Marketing and Communications 

opc@savannahga.gov

Savannah CARES task force to host resident outreach interviews

SAVANNAH (Jan.5) – The Savannah Citizens Accountability and Review of Emergency Services (CARES) task force will host...

Alderwoman Bernetta Lanier to host creative placemaking panel discussion

Office of Marketing and Communications 

opc@savannahga.gov 

Alderwoman Bernetta Lanier to host creative placemaking panel discussion 

SAVANNAH (Dec. 28) – District 1 Alderwoman Bernetta Lanier will host a virtual panel discussion f...

Mayor Johnson named Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Citizen of the Year

Office of Marketing and Communications 

opc@savannahga.gov 

Mayor Johnson named Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Citizen of the Year

SAVANNAH (Dec. 23) – Mayor Van R. Johnson, II, received the 2020 Citizen of the Year award from the...

City Council passes 2021 budget with increased focus on specific initiatives

On Friday, Dec. 18, the Savannah City Council passed a balanced 2021 budget that does not include any tax increases, fee increases, layoffs or furloughs.

The 2021 budget lists six policy priority areas:

• Poverty, especially childho...

City of Savannah to donate canned food to America’s Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia

Office of Marketing and Communications 

opc@savannahga.gov 

City of Savannah to donate canned food to America’s Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia

SAVANNAH (Dec. 18) – The City of Savannah will donate canned food collecte...

Virtual community forum scheduled for District 5

Office of Marketing and Communications 

opc@savannahga.gov 

Virtual community forum scheduled for District 5

SAVANNAH (Dec. 17) – District 5 Alderwoman and Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Estella Shabazz will host a virtual ...

November 2020 Responses

November 2020 Responses

During the Month of November, the Savannah Fire Department responded to more than 667 incidents including 71 fires, 241 emergency medical service and rescue calls, 65 hazardous condition & excessive heat calls, 37 publ...

Savannah nearly doubles Municipal Equality Index

Office of Marketing and Communications 

opc@savannahga.gov 

Savannah nearly doubles Municipal Equality Index

SAVANNAH (Dec. 9) – The City of Savannah has nearly doubled its Human Rights Campaign Municipal Equality Index or MEI in...

Sanitation 2021 schedule distribution

Office of Marketing and Communications 

opc@savannahga.gov 

Sanitation 2021 schedule distribution

SAVANNAH (Dec. 8) – The City of Savannah Sanitation Department began distributing 2021 calendar packets today and will continue dist...

Virtual community forum scheduled for Districts 2, 3, 4 and 6

Office of Marketing and Communications 

opc@savannahga.gov 

Virtual community forum scheduled for Districts 2, 3, 4 and 6

SAVANNAH (Dec. 8) – District 2 Alderman Detric Leggett, District 3 Alderwoman Linda Wilder-Bryan, District 4...

Second virtual meeting scheduled about community benefits agreement

Office of Marketing and Communications 

opc@savannahga.gov 

Second virtual meeting scheduled about community benefits agreement

SAVANNAH (Nov. 25) – The City of Savannah will host a second virtual meeting about creating ...

October 2020 Responses

October 2020 Responses

SAVANNAH, GA (Friday, November 23, 2020) – During the Month of October, the Savannah Fire Department responded to more than 642 incidents including 71 fires, 226 emergency medical service and rescue calls...

2021 budget public hearings rescheduled

Office of Marketing and Communications 

opc@savannahga.gov 

2021 budget public hearings rescheduled 

SAVANNAH (Nov. 23) – The Savannah City Council has delayed public hearings for the proposed 2021 budget from Tuesday, No...

2021 budget retreat scheduled

Office of Marketing and Communications 

opc@savannahga.gov 

2021 budget retreat scheduled

SAVANNAH (Nov. 18) – The Savannah City Council will hold the 2021 budget retreat on Thursday, Nov. 19, and Friday, Nov. 20, in the Johnny M...

City of Savannah to recognize Transgender Awareness Week and Transgender Day of Remembrance

Office of Marketing and Communications 

opc@savannahga.gov 

City of Savannah to recognize Transgender Awareness Week and Transgender Day of Remembrance

SAVANNAH (Nov. 17) – The City of Savannah and PROUD Savannah will r...

T-Mobile donates $5,000 to Savannah Youth Council

Office of Marketing and Communications 

opc@savannahga.gov 

T-Mobile donates $5,000 to Savannah Youth Council

SAVANNAH (Nov. 17) – Today, Mayor Van R. Johnson, II, announced and accepted a $5,000 donation from T-Mobile for the Sav...

Additional virtual meetings scheduled about renewable energy resolution

Office of Marketing and Communications 

opc@savannahga.gov 

Additional virtual meetings scheduled about renewable energy resolution

SAVANNAH (Nov. 12) – The City of Savannah Office of Sustainability has scheduled the add...

City of Savannah to honor veterans on Wednesday

Office of Marketing and Communications 

opc@savannahga.gov 

City of Savannah to honor veterans on Wednesday

SAVANNAH (Nov. 10) – The City of Savannah will recognize Veterans Day with small, silent and socially distant ceremonies t...

Sanitation schedule adjusted for Veterans Day

Office of Marketing and Communications 

opc@savannahga.gov 

Sanitation schedule adjusted for Veterans Day

SAVANNAH (Nov. 9) – City of Savannah Sanitation Department will operate on an adjusted schedule this week due to the Veteran...

Public meeting scheduled for Project DeRenne

Office of Marketing and Communications 

opc@savannahga.gov  

Public meeting scheduled for Project DeRenne 

SAVANNAH (Nov. 4) - The public engagement process for the long-awaited Project DeRenne will start with a meeting on Tuesday,...

First virtual meetings scheduled about renewable energy resolution

Office of Marketing and Communications 

opc@savannahga.gov 

First virtual meetings scheduled about renewable energy resolution

SAVANNAH (Nov. 3) - The City of Savannah Office of Sustainability has scheduled the first set of virtual meetings...

Community benefits agreement informational meeting scheduled

Office of Marketing and Communications 

opc@savannahga.gov 

Community benefits agreement informational meeting scheduled 

SAVANNAH (Oct. 23) - The City of Savannah will host a virtual meeting on Thursday, Nov. 5, at 6 p.m. to begin...

City launches new, multi-platform 311 system

Office of Marketing and Communications 

opc@savannahga.gov 

City launches new, multi-platform 311 system

SAVANNAH (Oct. 22) - Today, the City of Savannah launched a new 311 system, including an app and website, to improve customer service. ...

Community input needed for first-ever Forsyth Park Master Plan

Office of Marketing and Communications 

opc@savannahga.gov  

Community input needed for first-ever Forsyth Park Master Plan

SAVANNAH (Oct. 21) - For the first time in its 179-year history, Forsyth Park will have a master plan. Trustees' Gar...

September 2020 Responses

September 2020 Responses

SAVANNAH, GA (Monday, October 19, 2020) – During the Month of September the Savannah Fire Department responded to more than 630 incidents including 58 fires, 2 excessive heat incidents, 226 emergency me...

City’s CARES Act distribution reduced by State of Georgia

Office of Marketing and Communications 

opc@savannahga.gov 

City’s CARES Act distribution reduced by State of Georgia

SAVANNAH (Oct. 15) – The City of Savannah was extremely disappointed to learn of the change of plans b...

Mayor Johnson to deliver State of the City address

Office of Marketing and Communications 

opc@savannahga.gov  

Mayor Johnson to deliver State of the City address

SAVANNAH (Oct. 14) - Mayor Van R. Johnson, II, will deliver a virtual State of the City address via Zoom on Wednesday, Oct. 21, ...

Savannah selected to participate in new program with support from Bloomberg Philanthropies

Office of Marketing and Communications 

opc@savannahga.gov 

Savannah selected to participate in new program to tackle budget crises and advance equity with support from Bloomberg Philanthropies

SAVANNAH (Oct. 14) - Bloomberg Philanthropies ...

City Council selects interim City Manager

Office of Marketing and Communications 

opc@savannahga.gov 

City Council selects interim City Manager

SAVANNAH (Oct. 8) - Mayor Van R. Johnson, II, and the Savannah City Council announced the selection of Michael Brown a...

Alderman Nick Palumbo invited to Active People, Healthy Nation Champions Institute

Office of Marketing and Communications 

opc@savannahga.gov  

Alderman Nick Palumbo invited to Active People, Healthy Nation^SM Champions Institute  

SAVANNAH (Oct. 7) - Alderman Nick Palumbo will be part of the inaugural cl...

Mayor Johnson introduces Hispanic taskforce

In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Mayor Van R. Johnson, II, introduced HOLA Savannah on Oct. 1, a new taskforce focusing on Hispanic Outreach, Leadership and Advocacy. 

"Roughly 7,000 City of Savannah residents identify as Hispanic o...

Mayor to announce HOLA Savannah taskforce

Mayor Van R. Johnson, II, will hold a press conference on Thursday, Oct. 1, at 10 a.m. at City Hall to announce the formation of a Hispanic taskforce named Hispanic Outreach, Leadership and Advocacy (HOLA) Savannah. 

HOLA Savannah will educate Sav...

Meet the Savannah City Manager finalists

The three finalists for Savannah City Manager share their leadership qualities, vision for Savannah and reasons they want to work, live in and lead the City of Savannah.

The finalists are Caluha Barnes, Deputy City Manager of Modesto, Calif., Odie Donald, ...

August 2020 Fires

August 2020 Responses

SAVANNAH, GA (Friday, September 18, 2020) – During the Month of August the Savannah Fire Department responded to more than 624 incidents including 66 fires, 224 emergency medical service and rescue calls, 54 hazardous condit...

Mayor Johnson, SCAD, RISE coordinate computer access for Savannah students

On Wednesday, Mayor Van R. Johnson, II, joined Paula Wallace, president and founder of the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), and Pastor John Ruehl, an at-large member of Savannah Presbytery, to announce SCAD’s donation of 160 computers ...

Savannah City Manager finalists selected

Savannah Mayor Van Johnson announced the city council narrowed a pool of 110 applicants for Savannah City Manager to three finalists.

“The city council and I have selected three highly-qualified candidates as the finalists to be Savannah&rsqu...

Wilemere Place Cooking Fire

Wilemere Place Cooking Fire Displaces Three

SAVANNAH, GA (Thursday, September 3, 2020) – The Savannah Fire Department was dispatched to a cooking fire in the 2300 Block of Wilemere Place at 2:56 p.m., Thursday, September 3. Battalion Chief Jack M...

Mayor Johnson joins Gov. Kemp to encourage COVID-19 safety ahead of holiday

Mayor Van R. Johnson, II, joined Gov. Brian Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp for a news conference on Friday, Sept. 4, to encourage best practices and adherence to public health guidance to slow the spread of COVID-19 ahead of Labor Day weekend.

“W...

Mayor Johnson to join Gov. Kemp for news conference

Mayor Van R. Johnson, II, will join Gov. Brian Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp for a news conference on Friday, Sept. 4, to encourage best practices and adherence to public health guidance to slow the spread of COVID-19 ahead of Labor Day weekend.

The news ...

Public feedback needed on City of Savannah strategic plan

The City of Savannah is seeking public input on the proposed VISION SAVANNAH strategic plan. The City of Savannah’s mission is to provide exceptional public services to residents, businesses and guests, so they may experience a safe, healthy and...

Mayor Johnson to hold weekly news conference at arena site

Mayor Van R. Johnson, II, will hold his regular weekly news conference on Tuesday, Sept. 1, at 10 a.m. at the Savannah Arena site on Stiles Avenue.

The project is beginning vertical construction. Mayor Johnson will provide an update on milestones met since...

Round two CARES Act business grant applications open Sept. 1

Applications for the second round of CARES Act funding for Savannah businesses will open Tuesday, Sept. 1, at 8 a.m. and remain open until Tuesday, Sept. 8, at 5 p.m.

Businesses can apply online at sbacsav.com/caressavannah.

To be eligible for a grant, busi...

City of Savannah, United Way, SBAC partner for CARES Act funding distribution

Media AnnouncementAug.13, 2020For Immediate Release

City of Savannah, United Way, SBAC partner for CARES Act funding distribution

Today, the City of Savannah, the United Way of the Coastal Empire and the Savannah Small Business Assistance Corporat...

Virtual public meetings scheduled for 3rd District alcohol density overlay districts

Media AnnouncementAug. 14, 2020For Immediate Release 

Virtual public meetings scheduled for 3rd District alcohol density overlay districts

The City of Savannah is creating alcohol density overlay districts within the 3rd Distric...

Kitchen Named Assistant Chief Logistics

Elzie Kitchen named Savannah Fire Department Assistant Chief, Logistics

SAVANNAH, GA (Friday, June 12, 2020) – After a nationwide search and thorough interview process with more than 60 applicants, the Savannah Fire Department’...

Juniper Circle Fire

Family of Three Displaced by Juniper Circle Fire

SAVANNAH, GA (Thursday, July 30, 2020) – At 10:09 p.m., Wednesday, July 29, the Savannah Fire Department was dispatched to a fire in the 100 Block of Juniper Circle, located in t...

Assistant Chief Wallace Retires

Savannah Fire Celebrates the Career of Assistant Chief Curtis Wallace 

SAVANNAH, GA (Thursday, August 13, 2020) – In appreciation of his 23 years of dedicated service, the Savannah Fire Department will celebrate the remarkable c...

July 2020 Responses

July 2020 Responses

SAVANNAH, GA (Monday, August 3, 2020) – During the Month of July, the Savannah Fire Department responded to more than 643 incidents including 82 fires, 1 excessive heat incident, 204 emergency medical service and rescues, 63 h...

June 2020 Responses

June 2020 Responses

SAVANNAH, GA (Monday, July 6, 2020) – During the Month of June, the Savannah Fire Department responded to more than 574 incidents including 60 fires, 1 excessive heat incident, 207 emergency medical service and rescues, 55 haz...

May 2020 Responses

May 2020 Responses

SAVANNAH, GA (Thursday, August 13, 2020) – During the Month of May, the Savannah Fire Department responded to more than 582 incidents including 112 fires, 187 emergency medical service and other incident calls, 52 hazardous con...

Savannah Fire Hires New Chief Fire Marshal

Savannah Fire Hires New Chief Fire Marshal

SAVANNAH, GA (Friday, May 1, 2020) – The Savannah Fire Department welcomes new Chief Fire Marshal Whitney Williams-Smith. Williams-Smith comes from East Point Fire Department, in East Point Geo...

City of Savannah, United Way, SBAC partner for CARES Act funding distribution

The City of Savannah, the United Way of the Coastal Empire and the Savannah Small Business Assistance Corporation (SBAC) are partnering to distribute $5.3 million received through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security or CARES Act to Savannah ...

Mayor Johnson to hold virtual news conference

Media AnnouncementAug. 13, 2020For Immediate Release

Mayor Johnson to hold virtual news conference

Mayor Van R. Johnson, II, will hold a zoom news conference today at 5:30 p.m. to discuss the community distribution of the City of Savannah’s CARES ...

Mayor Johnson, City Manager Monahan and Chief Minter to attend District Attorney’s press conference

Media Advisory

Aug. 12, 2020

For Immediate Release

Mayor Johnson, City Manager Monahan and Chief Minter to attend District Attorney’s press conference

Savannah Mayor Van R. Johnson, II, City Manager Pat Monahan, and Police Chief Roy Minter will atte...

Savannah wins Georgia Smart Communities Challenge grant

The City of Savannah is a 2020 Georgia Tech Georgia Smart Communities Challenge winner. The award provides the city’s Housing and Neighborhood Services Department with a $50,000 grant to apply civic data analytics for equitable community develop...

Savannah wins Georgia Smart Communities Challenge grant

Media AnnouncementAug. 6, 2020For Immediate Release

Savannah wins Georgia Smart Communities Challenge grant

Today, Georgia Tech announced the City of Savannah as a 2020 Georgia Smart Communities Challenge winner. The award provides the city’s Hous...

Alderwomen Gibson-Carter, Miller Blakely to host virtual town hall

Media AnnouncementAugust 5, 2020For Immediate Release

Alderwomen Gibson-Carter, Miller Blakely to host virtual town hall

Alderwoman Kesha Gibson-Carter, post one at large, and Alderwoman Alicia Miller Blakely, post two at large, will host a virtual...

Citizen survey about 3rd District alcohol density overlay districts

The City of Savannah is creating alcohol density overlay districts within the 3rd District.

An alcohol density overlay district recognizes the concentration of establishments engaging in alcohol sales in certain areas of the City has contributed to undesir...

Mayor Johnson elected to Georgia Municipal Association Board, Legislative Policy Council

Media AnnouncementAugust 5, 2020For Immediate Release

Mayor Johnson elected to Georgia Municipal Association Board, Legislative Policy Council

Mayor Van R. Johnson, II, will serve on the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) Board of Directors as on...

Residential Sanitation Collection Suspended on Monday

Due to expected impacts from Tropical Storm Isaias, the City’s Sanitation Department will suspend residential collection on Monday and follow a modified schedule for the rest of the week, pushing collection back by one day.

The Dean Forest Road ...

COVID-19 testing site at Temple of Glory to close today

Media AnnouncementJuly 31, 2020For Immediate Release

COVID-19 testing site at Temple of Glory to close today

Due to travel concerns for visiting healthcare professionals from New York related to Hurricane Isaias, the COVID-19 testing site at Temple...

Mayor Johnson announces Housing Savannah taskforce

Media AnnouncementJuly 30, 2020For Immediate Release

Mayor Johnson announces Housing Savannah taskforce

Today, Mayor Van R. Johnson, II announced the formation of the Housing Savannah taskforce today.

The group will investigate and develop an action...

Mayor Johnson announces Housing Savannah taskforce

Mayor Johnson announces Housing Savannah taskforce

Today, Mayor Van R. Johnson, II announced the formation of the Housing Savannah taskforce.

The group will investigate and develop an action plan for affordable housing in Savannah – housing that c...

UPDATE: Brentwood Drive Fire

Electrical Issue Suspected Cause of Brentwood Drive Fire; Resident Transported to Augusta Burn Center

SAVANNAH, GA (Tuesday, July 28, 2020) – Savannah Fire Department Investigators suspect, but have not been able to definitively confirm,...

Brentwood Drive Fire

Resident Injured in Brentwood Drive Fire 

SAVANNAH, GA (Tuesday, July 28, 2020) – At 1:40 a.m., Tuesday, July 28, the Savannah Fire Department was dispatched to a fire in the 2100 Block of Brentwood Drive, near Skidaway and DeRe...

Mayor Johnson urges Congress to include local governments in COVID-19 relief package

Media AnnouncementJuly 28, 2020For Immediate Release

Mayor Johnson urges Congress to include local governments in COVID-19 relief package

Today, Mayor Van R. Johnson, II, joined fellow members of the National League of Cities and the U.S. Conferenc...

Free Covid-19 Diagnostic Testing

Starting on Wednesday, July 29, free COVID-19 testing is available at Temple of Glory Community Church located at 1105 Stiles Avenue. This testing is possible thanks to the City’s partnership with New York state.

You can get tested Wednesday thro...

Mayor Johnson announces racial equity and leadership taskforce

On Thursday, July 23, Mayor Van R. Johnson, II and former Mayor Dr. Otis Johnson announced the formation of the Racial Equity and Leadership (REAL) Savannah taskforce.

The group will investigate disparities in our city and use data to identify, prioritize ...

Public invited to millage rate hearings

Media AnnouncementJuly 23, 2020For Immediate Release

Public invited to millage rate hearings

The Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Savannah are considering adopting a millage rate which will require an increase in property taxes by .92 percent over...

Mayor Johnson to announce racial equity and leadership taskforce

Media AnnouncementJuly 22, 2020For Immediate Release

Mayor Johnson to announce racial equity and leadership taskforce

Mayor Van R. Johnson, II and former Mayor Dr. Otis Johnson will announce the formation of the Savannah Racial Equity and ...

Mayor Johnson to make announcement with New York Gov. Cuomo

Media AnnouncementJuly 20, 2020For Immediate Release

Mayor Johnson to make announcement with New York Gov. Cuomo

Mayor Van R. Johnson, II will hold a media availability today at approximately 1:30 p.m. with New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo to announce pa...

Mayor Johnson, joined by Gov. Cuomo, announces New York State to establish two church testing sites

Media AnnouncementJuly 20, 2020For Immediate Release

Mayor Johnson, joined by Gov. Cuomo, announces New York State to establish two church testing sites in Savannah COVID-19 hotspots

Mayor Van R. Johnson, II and Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that New ...

Mayor Johnson announces LGBTQ+ taskforce

Today, Mayor Van R. Johnson, II announced the creation of PROUD Savannah, a commission dedicated to ensuring Savannah’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer communities can work and live in a welcoming and safe environment.

"We want...

South Street Fire

South Street Car Fire Damages Home, Displaces Two

SAVANNAH, GA (Tuesday, July 14, 2020) – The Savannah Fire Department was dispatched to a fire in the 600 Block of South Street at 4:24 p.m., Tuesday, July 14. Engine 1 was first on scene....

Mayor Johnson to announce LGBTQ+ taskforce

Media AnnouncementJuly 14, 2020For Immediate Release

Mayor Johnson to announce LGBTQ+ taskforce

SAVANNAH, GA (July 14, 2020) — Mayor Van R. Johnson, II will hold a news conference on Wednesday, July 15 at 10 a.m. at City Hall to introduce...

Recorder’s Court closed due to COVID-19

Media AnnouncementJuly 14, 2020For Immediate Release

Recorder’s Court closed due to COVID-19

Due to positive COVID-19 tests of two Recorder’s Court employees, all operations have ceased out of an abundance of caution, except for first app...

2021 Community Partnership Program request for proposals

Media AnnouncementJuly 10, 2020For Immediate Release

2021 Community Partnership Program request for proposals

SAVANNAH, GA (July 10, 2020) — The City of Savannah’s Community Partnership Program is now accepting applica...

Applications now open for 2021 arts and culture funding program

Media AnnouncementJuly 10, 2020For Immediate Release

Applications now open for 2021 arts and culture funding program

SAVANNAH, GA (July 10, 2020) — The City’s Art and Culture Enrichment Program (ACE) is now accepting application...

City unveils public art installations in Waters Avenue shopping center

The City of Savannah unveiled new art installations created by local artists in the Waters Avenue shopping center.

Local artists created these exhibits through the City’s Arts on Waters program, celebrating the Waters Avenue corridor’s ...

Savannah’s Frontline Heroes campaign honors local COVID-19 standouts

The City of Savannah is excited to help honor local heroes who are fighting COVID-19.

Savannah’s Frontline Heroes campaign highlights and thanks the public health, medical, food and nutrition employees, first responders and City staff who have co...

Mayor Johnson announces re-entry taskforce

Media AnnouncementJuly 8, 2020For Immediate Release

Mayor Johnson announces re-entry taskforce

SAVANNAH, GA (July 8, 2020) — Today, Mayor Van R. Johnson, II, announced the formation of a re-entry taskforce to help formerly incarcerated in...

Fireworks-related Responses

Fireworks-related Calls

SAVANNAH, Ga (Monday, July 6, 2020) - During the Fourth of July Weekend - from Friday, July 3, 2020 to Sunday July 5, 2020 - the Savannah Fire Department responded to 18 fires and seven smoke scare incidents where...

Mayor Johnson signs emergency order requiring face coverings in City of Savannah

Media AnnouncementJune 30, 2020For Immediate Release 

Mayor Johnson signs emergency order requiring face coverings in City of SavannahView the full order here

SAVANNAH, GA (June 30, 2020) — Today, Mayor Van R. Johnson, II, signed an emerg...

UPDATE: Mobile Home Fire

Mobile Home Fire Suspect Arrested

SAVANNAH, GA (Monday, June 29, 2020) – Joshua Leon Brown was arrested and charged with first degree arson for setting a mobile home on fire Sunday night. At 9:38 p.m., Sunday, June 28, Savannah...

East 53rd Street Kitchen Fire

East 53^rd Street Kitchen Fire

SAVANNAH, GA (Monday, June 29, 2020) – At 1:42 a.m., Monday, June 29, the Savannah Fire Department was dispatched to a kitchen fire in the 1100 Block of E. 53^rd St. Engine 8 was first on scene. Fir...

Suspicious Mobile Home Fire

Suspicious Mobile Home Fire Under Investigation

SAVANNAH, GA (Sunday, June 28, 2020) – The Savannah Fire Department has extinguished a suspicious fire at a mobile home park in 10000 Block of Middleground Road. The cause is unde...

West 39th Street Fire

West 39^th Street Fire

SAVANNAH, GA (Thursday, June 25, 2020) – At 10:40 a.m., Thursday, June 25, the Savannah Fire Department was dispatched to a fire in the 500 Block of W. 39^th Street. Truck 5 was first on scene. Firefighters discovere...

Oak Pointe Trail Fire

Lighting Strike Causes Oak Pointe Trail House Fire

SAVANNAH, GA (Monday, June 22, 2020) – At 5:24 p.m., Sunday,  June 21, the Savannah Fire Department was dispatched to a fire in the 100 Block of Oak Pointe Trail. Lightning stru...

West 39th Street Attic Fire

Six Displaced by W. 39^th Street Attic Fire

SAVANNAH, GA (Saturday, June 13, 2020) – The Savannah Fire Department was dispatched to a fire in the 600 Block of W. 39^th Street just after midnight on Saturday, June 13. Engine 5 was first on ...

City Enters Phase One of Reopening Plan

High-Priority Services

The first phase of our plan focuses on resuming high-priority services to include Residential Recycling and Yard Waste Pickup Services. These services were temporarily suspended as a result of the coronavirus pandemic and in an effor...

Mayor Johnson accepts President Obama’s challenge to review police policies

Media Announcement

June 4, 2020

For Immediate Release

Mayor Johnson accepts President Obama’s challenge to review police policies 

SAVANNAH, GA (June 4, 2020) — Mayor Van R. Johnson, II is accepting President Obama&r...

Mills B. Lane Boulevard closure extended

Media AnnouncementJune 4, 2020For Immediate Release 

Mills B. Lane Boulevard closure extended

SAVANNAH, GA (June 4, 2020) — Mills B. Lane Boulevard will remain closed to thru traffic between Erickson Drive and Ross Road until Friday, June...

Update: Curfew Lifted as of 6-1-20

Media ReleaseMay 31, 2020For Immediate Release

UPDATE: Curfew Lifted as of  6-1-20

Mayor Johnson announces citywide curfew beginning at 8:30 tonight

SAVANNAH, GA (May 31, 2020) — 

Mayor Van R. Johnson, II has announced the implemen...

Fireworks Safety Tips

Fireworks Safety Tips

Thousands of Americans are injured while using fireworks on the Fourth of July. The only safe way to view fireworks is to attend a professional show, according to the National Fire Protection Association. However, this year ...

Eateries to promote social distancing, SPD to increase enforcement

Media AnnouncementMay 21, 2020For Immediate Release

Eateries to promote social distancing, SPD to increase enforcement 

SAVANNAH, GA (May 21, 2020) — As Savannah’s economy reopens, the City of Savannah is encouraging businesses,...

City of Savannah to distribute cloth face coverings to community

Media AnnouncementMay 19, 2020For Immediate Release

City of Savannah to distribute cloth face coverings to community

SAVANNAH, GA (May 19, 2020) — The City of Savannah is distributing 4,500 cloth face coverings for free to the community....

Mayor Johnson to host discussion with faith leaders regarding COVID-19

Media AnnouncementMay 15, 2020For Immediate Release

SAVANNAH, GA (May 15, 2020) — Mayor Van R. Johnson, II, will host a discussion with faith lead...

Restaurant and Bar Outdoor Dining Permitting

Any restaurant or bar seeking to use the public right-of-way for outdoor dining during the COVID-19 Pandemic must submit an application to the Office of Special Events, Film and Tourism. 

The application can be found HERE.

Applicants should also pr...

National Search For New City Manager Begins

The award-winning City of Savannah, Georgia (estimated 2020 population 146,440) is recruiting nationally for a City Manager with the courage to lead and has a verifiable and highly successful track record in a full-service local government with finance, p...

April 2020 Responses

April 2020 Responses

SAVANNAH, GA (Tuesday, May 12, 2020) – During the Month of April, the Savannah Fire Department responded to more than 515 incidents including 107 fires, 131 emergency medical service and other incident calls, 49 hazardous con...

City yard waste pick up ongoing, Collection crews expanded

Media AnnouncementMay 12, 2020For Immediate Release

City yard waste pick up ongoing, collection crews expanded

SAVANNAH, GA (May 12, 2020) — The City of Savannah continues to pick up yard waste and has expanded the number of collection crews to ex...

March Responses

March 2020 Responses

During the Month of March, the Savannah Fire Department responded to more than 615 incidents including 95 fires, 181 emergency medical service and other incident calls, 62 hazardous condition calls, 26 public service calls, 62 smoke sc...

Talking points for: Mayor Van R. Johnson, II Mayor Johnson media conference- April 21, 2020

en español

Mayor Johnson media conference – April 21, 2020

Talking points for: Mayor Van R. Johnson, II 

● Good morning, and welcome to my first remote news conference.

● We want to continue to share what we know with the public...

Talking points for: Mayor Van R. Johnson, II Mayor Johnson media conference- April 14, 2020

Mayor Johnson media conference – April 14, 2020

Talking points for: Mayor Van R. Johnson, II

en español

• Good morning. Thank you for joining us on our continuing journey of COVID-19 and our continuing mission to keep Savannah sa...

Talking points for: Mayor Van R. Johnson, II Mayor Johnson media conference- April 7, 2020

Mayor Johnson media conference – April 7, 2020

Talking points for: Mayor Van R. Johnson, II

• Good morning. Thank you for continuing to help us share the latest information about Savannah’s response to COVID-19. We continue to s...

Sanitation services altered due to COVID-19

Media AnnouncementApril 2, 2020For Immediate Release

SAVANNAH, GA (April 2, 2020) — Effective Monday, April 6, Sanitation’s residential services will be limited to garbage c...

Talking points for: Mayor Van R. Johnson, II Mayor Johnson media conference- March 31, 2020

Mayor Johnson media conference – March 31, 2020 Talking points for: Mayor Van R. Johnson, II

• Good morning and thank you for joining us and continuing to partner with us to make sure that the most up to date information about Savannah&am...

February 2020 Responses

February 2020 Responses

SAVANNAH, GA (Thursday, March 5, 2020) – During the Month of February, the Savannah Fire Department responded to more than 564 incidents including 47 fires, 205 emergency medical service and other incident calls, ...

January 2020 Responses

January 2020 Responses

SAVANNAH, GA (Monday, March 30, 2020) – During the Month of January, the Savannah Fire Department responded to more than 646 incidents including 87 fires, 214 emergency medical service and other incident calls, 63 ...

Additions to enhanced emergency declaration

Media AnnouncementMarch 25, 2020For Immediate Release

Additions to enhanced emergency declaration

SAVANNAH, GA (March 25, 2020) — Today, Mayor Van R. Johnson, II, announced additions to and clarifications of the enhanced emergency declaration for ...

Talking Points for Mayor Johnson media conference – March 24, 2020

Mayor Johnson media conference – March 24, 2020

Talking points for: Mayor Van R. Johnson, IIVer en español

• Good morning.  Today’s media availability is entirely devoted to the City’s resp...

City departments limiting public access

Media AnnouncementMarch 20, 2020For Immediate Release

SAVANNAH, GA (March 20, 2020) - In response to Mayor Van R. Johnson’s emergency declaration, City Manager Pat Monahan has a...

COVID-19 media briefings scheduled

Media AnnouncementMarch 20, 2020For Immediate Release

SAVANNAH, GA (March 20, 2020) — Mayor Van R. Johnson, II will begin hosting regular media briefings next week to provi...

Mayor declares local state of emergency

Media AnnouncementMarch 19, 2020For Immediate Release

 View full declaration here

SAVANNAH, GA (March 19, 2020) — Today, Mayor Van R. Johnson, II declared a local state ...

Mayor Johnson remarks regarding St. Patrick’s Day celebration

·       Good evening and thank you for joining us as we update you with the ...

November 2019 Responses

November 2019 Responses 

During the Month of November Savannah Fire Rescue responded to more than 661 incidents including 72 fires, 211 emergency medical service and other incident calls, 53 hazardous condition and explosion calls, 25 public servi...

October 2019 Responses

October 2019 Responses 

During the Month of October Savannah Fire Rescue responded to more than 676 service calls, including 56 fires, 260 emergency medical service and other incident calls, 62 hazardous condition and explosion calls, 19 ...

September 2019 Responses

September 2019 Fires

During the Month of September Savannah Fire Rescue responded to 603 service calls, including 64 fires, 237 emergency medical service and other incident calls, 55 hazardous condition calls, 32 public service calls, 69 smoke sc...

View the 2020 Adopted City of Savannah Budget

View 2020 Adopted Budget

July 2019 Responses

Savannah Fire Rescue July Responses

SAVANNAH, GA (Thursday, August 1, 2019) – During the Month of July Savannah Fire responded to 702 incidents, including 105 fires, 1 gas rupture, 236 rescue incidents, 62 hazard calls, 38 service calls, 52 good i...

August 2019 Responses

August 2019 Responses

During the Month of August Savannah Fire Rescue responded to 689 service calls, including 70 fires, 228 emergency medical service and other incident calls, 85 hazardous condition calls, 49 public service calls, 52 s...

New Apparatus Added to Fire Fleet

New Apparatus Added to Savannah Fire Fleet

SAVANNAH, GA (Thursday, July 18, 2019) – Savannah Fire Rescue is adding three new vehicles to its fleet. Two new Sutphen Pumper Trucks will replace the old apparatus at Station 8 and Station 9, and a new Sutphen L...

June 2019 Responses

June 2019 Responses

SAVANNAH, GA (Thursday, July 18, 2019) – During the Month of June, Savannah Fire responded to 679 service calls, including 80 fires, 2 incidents involving excessive heat, 228 emergency medical service and other incide...