🌱 Start-Up Runway Four Finalists + Upcoming City Council Meetings

Hey, Savannah. I'm here with your Tuesday edition of the Savannah Patch newsletter, filled with all the things you need to know about what's happening locally.

But first, today's weather:

Showers and a heavier t-storm. High: 81 Low: 69.

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Here are the top three stories in Savannah today:

1. Yesterday, Start-Up Runway announced its four finalists for the 21st Startup Runway Savannah Pitch, being held on Jun. 22. The finalists are VicTreeFi with Christine Fleming, The Animation TV Network with Micah King, Performer Pocket with CJ Jackson, and Oro Maternal Health with Melanie De Filippis. Competing as the most promising new startups in Savannah they will strut their stuff in competition for a $20,000 grant. (Savannah Business Journal)
2. The Savannah City Council will discuss lower taxes and much-needed stormwater drainage improvements on Jun. 22, in the first of three meetings. Savannah's climbing property values could generate an additional $7,873,086 in tax revenue if the current millage rate is maintained, as proposed by City Manager Jay Melder. Melder aims to allocate the excess funds towards vital capital projects, particularly drainage and stormwater improvements. However, some council members are expected to advocate for the adoption of the rollback rate, which would reduce property tax bills and may lead to discussions on prioritizing stormwater bottlenecks throughout the city. (Subscription: Savannah Morning News)
3. One Love Animal Rescue of Savannah, founded in 2013, was awarded a $3,500 grant from Petco Love, a non-profit foundation for its dedication and lifesaving measures towards animals in Chatham County. One Love Animal Rescue has saved more than 7,000 animal lives over the years and has grown from a single no-kill foster home to an organization of over 400 volunteers. (Savannah Business Journal)

Today in Savannah:

Tuesday, June 20

• Childcare Industry Workshop Series At Zoom (Virtual) (7:00 PM)
• Rewind! The Musical At The Historic Savannah Theatre (8:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• In honor of Juneteenth which was observed on Jun. 19, Visit Savannah is inviting the public to learn more about Savannah's African-American history through Gullah/Geechee culture and traditions. You can read more here. (Visit Savannah via Facebook)
• Join Marigold Press Books, a local non-profit publishing company affiliated with the International School of Story, for an exciting Writer's Night on Jun. 20! This event welcomes all local writers and aspiring authors. Enjoy hors d'oeuvres, wine, and a special guest speaker, Cheri Cobb, who will share valuable insights on effective online self-marketing strategies without experiencing burnout. The evening will also feature a reading by Dr. Sage Campione, DC, the author of Eight Days Under. (Savannah Master Calendar)

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You're all caught up for today! I'll be in your inbox tomorrow morning with your next 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 two cats.