🌱 Dean Forest Road Closure Next Week + Boil Water Advisory Lifted

Hey, Savannah! I'm here in your inbox per usual to get you caught up on everything you need to know about what's going on in town.

But first, today's weather:

Increasing clouds. High: 80 Low: 62.

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Here are the top three stories in Savannah today:

1. A 96-hour road closure is scheduled next week at the Dean Forest Road and I-16 overpass intersection, with the aim of advancing a diverging diamond interchange improvement project. The closure is expected to begin at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 22, and end at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 26. The eastbound off-ramp exit onto Dean Forest Road will be closed for 15 hours on the first night of the closure, from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 a.m. Drivers are advised to take alternate exits on Chatham Parkway or Pooler Parkway. (WSAV-TV)
2. A precautionary boil water advisory that was issued by the City of Savannah after a local water main break was lifted yesterday afternoon. Officials say a leak caused the break, which led to a drop in water pressure and prompted a boil advisory until water service was fully restored and tested for safety. The City says it has collected bacteriological samples from throughout the affected areas, all of which tested negative for Coliform bacteria. As of shortly after noon yesterday, Chatham County customers can resume normal water usage. (WTOC)
3. The family of a man who died by suicide while in Savannah police custody in 2021 is now demanding answers and $12 million from the city. Lawyers for the family claim William Zachary Harvey was suffering from mental illness and threatened to take his own life while in a police interview room. Two officers who interacted with Harvey were fired and another was suspended following an internal affairs investigation into the incident. The case is still being investigated by the Chatham County district attorney. (WJCL News Savannah)

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Today in Savannah:

• Savannah Black Heritage Festival At Carver Heights Community Center (11:30 AM)
• Marcus Gullen At Myrtle & Rose (6:00 PM)
• Live From The Secret Garden At Kimpton Brice Hotel (6:00 PM)
• Cabaret! With Diana Langer Jones At 6 East State(6:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Heads up, local house hunters: Open houses for some gorgeous Savannah properties are happening this weekend, including 45 Fiore Drive, 20 Bundy Park, 2215 Utah Street, and more. Get the details, property specs, and list prices in our latest real estate roundup. (Savannah Patch)
• Have you seen this man? The Savannah Police Department is working to identify a suspect who allegedly assaulted a woman in late January. The suspect, who was captured on surveillance footage just before the incident, is described as an older Black male with a short white beard and mustache and an earring in his right ear. If you recognize the man in the photos at the link, please contact the Special Victims Unit at 912-651-6742. (WSAV-TV)
• Last chance to register your child for Chatham County Little League! Registration is still open through Saturday, Feb. 18. Contact Chatham County Little League at communications. chathamcountyll@gmail.com or League President Mike McCann at 417-392-0634 for more information. (Savannah Tribune)
• When it comes to doling out municipal fines and fees, Georgia ranks fourth in the nation. According to an analysis of 2020 Census Bureau data, the Reason Foundation found that Peach State cities collected nearly $377 million in fines and fees from residents across the state that year. That’s about $35.16 per person, compared to the national average of $27 per resident. (The Center Square)

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Featured events:

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Thursday. See you all tomorrow for another update!

— Danielle Fallon-O'Leary

About me: Danielle Fallon-O’Leary is a content manager with content creation agency Lightning Media Partners and assists Patch.com with community newsletter curation. Danielle also holds a Master’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and works part-time as a pediatric speech therapist.