🌱 Alderman Purtree Speaks Out On Encampment + SPD School Supply Drive

Hi all. It's me, Joyce Nash, your host of the Savannah Patch newsletter — back in your inbox with all the most important things happening locally.

But first, today's weather:

Humid; a stray p.m. t-storm. High: 92 Low: 74.

Here are the top three stories today in Savannah:

1. City alderman Kurtis Purtee is speaking out about the growing encampment of homeless individuals on the city's south side. He said the issue has been exacerbated following the clearing out of an encampment on East President Street. Now, Purtree says that people living in southside neighborhoods are fearful to walk down their streets. He cited recent increases in the area of theft, drug use, and suspicious person calls. Purtree said that clearing out the encampment would be the first step, followed by an extensive clean up effort. (WSAV)
2. A grand jury in Chatham County has indicted two men on murder charges for the shooting death of Devoin Bates-Carrington, 17, in September 2022. Johnathan Yusef Hameed Abdullah and J.T. DeLoach, 19, also face gun charges with Abdullah facing additional charges for intent to distribute marijuana. According to the indictment, a fight allegedly broke out during a transaction that led to Bates-Carrington being fatally shot. (Savannah Morning News)
3. The Savannah Police Department is asking for the public's help for the department's back-to-school supply drive. The department is collecting donations of common school supplies, such as pencils, pens, notebooks, rulers, and colored pencils. Donations can be dropped off at a donation box at any SPD precinct through Jul. 26. (WJCL)

Are you a real estate agent in Savannah struggling to get leads in the current housing market? It's tough out there, but there is a way to stand out from the crowd and attract new clients. Our exclusive sponsorship in the Savannah newsletter can help you do just that. Click here to learn more and discover how you can take your business to the next level today.

Today in Savannah:

Wednesday, July 12

• Save Our Summer Blood Drive At Ships Of The Sea Museum (2:00 PM)
• Wednesday Summer Craft Night At Dreamhouse Studios (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia is seeking volunteers! Volunteers are needed to pack food and prepare it for distribution. Click here to learn more. (Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia via Facebook)
• Today, the Lucas Theatre is kicking off Wurlitzer Wednesdays with free tours and organ demonstrations. (Lucas Theatre for the Arts via Facebook)
• Ukelele classes are returning to Live Oak Public Libraries! Miss Madison's Magical Music is scheduled for five upcoming dates this month. Click here to see the full calendar of events. (Live Oak Public Libraries via Facebook)

Alrighty, you're all caught up for today!

— 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 two cats.