🌱 Medical Marijuana Zoning Approved + Man Sentenced For Arson Spree

Hi,! Like many of you, the Patch staff is taking some time off for Memorial Day, so you won’t see this newsletter in your inbox for a few days. We’ll be back soon, but in the meantime, here’s what’s happening in and around town this weekend.

But first, today's weather:

Windy with a few showers. High: 64 Low: 55.

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Here are the top three stories in Savannah today:

1. The City of Savannah has approved a zoning amendment that permits the sale of medical marijuana within city limits. The City Council voted 6-3 in favor of the amendment, which establishes regulations on the locations of dispensaries. Dispensaries must be situated at least 2,000 feet away from parks, libraries, schools, churches, and healthcare facilities, among other places, with the intention to prepare for the potential legalization of recreational marijuana in the future. The decision generated extensive discussion during the council meeting, with differing opinions on the zoning restrictions. (WTOC)
2. Calvin Robbins, a Chatham County resident, has been sentenced to nearly three and a half years in federal prison for an arson spree that occurred in Savannah in 2021. Robbins pleaded guilty to destruction of motor vehicles, as court documents revealed he set ablaze a car on West Harris Street, causing damage to a nearby business. Additionally, he ignited a tour bus, a van at the Savannah Visitor's Center on MLK, and the front porch of a residence on Purse Street. Robbins was apprehended carrying a can of gasoline, identified through surveillance footage, and will also be subject to restitution and three years of supervised release following his imprisonment. (WTOC)
3. Hyundai Motor Group and LG Energy Solutions have formed a $4.3 billion joint venture to construct an electric vehicle battery cell manufacturing plant in Black Creek, South Korea. The plant is expected to commence construction later this year and commence production by 2025, potentially generating 3,000 jobs. The decision to locate the plant in the Greater Savannah region was influenced by manufacturing incentives provided by the Inflation Reduction Act, as highlighted by U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff, who emphasized the growing industrial capacity in electric vehicle and renewable energy technologies in the state. (Statesboro Herald)

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Today in Savannah:

• Savannah Fairytale Ball At Savannah Convention Center (All Day)

From my notebook:

• On Sunday, Jun. 4, Equinox Global Missions is bringing The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra to Community Bible Church of Savannah for a free performance. Attendees can expect a mixture of fan-favorite melodies from recent history, a little bit of Motown, some country thrown in there, folk music, and rock sprinkled on top. All proceeds generated from the event will go straight into supporting the non-profit organization. (Connect Savannah)
• Need gardening help or having issues with your plants? The Chatham County Extension Master Gardeners volunteers are available to answer any of your questions via phone call or email. For more information on how to contact them or submit a photo, visit here. (Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens)
• The Savannah Juneteenth Fine Arts Festival is officially taking place on Saturday, Jun. 17 at Forsyth Park in Downtown Savannah. The event will begin at 1:00 p.m. and feature a ceremony to honor our Black ancestors, African drumming, dancing, a performance from national recording artist Joshua Rogers, and more. For more information on how to attend, visit here. (Savannah Now)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Saturday. I'll be back in your inbox next week with a new update!

— Joyce Nash

About me: Joyce is a freelance writer and poet whose work has appeared in the Hello Gloria newsletter and Nine Cloud Journal. Her background ranges from journalism to fitness instruction and spans the east coast to the West. In her free time, she enjoys reading, cooking, and spending time with her husband and cats.