🌱 GSU Report Indicates Slow Economic Growth + Fort Pulaski Updates

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

But first, today's weather:

Clouds and sun with a t-storm. High: 85 Low: 69.

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Here are the top three stories in Savannah today:

1. According to the Q1 2023 Economic Monitor at Georgia Southern University, Savannah has now seen six consecutive quarters of slower economic growth. GSU Professor of Economics Michael Toma, Ph.D. said that the area's economic outlook depends increasingly on hiring at Hyundai Metaplant and its suppliers. He noted that while activity at Savannah's port has decreased, investments in port infrastructure have boosted job creation and real estate development. The tourism sector led the economy for the first quarter, with a 5.2 percent increase in short-term rental and hotel room tax receipts. (Savannah Business Journal)
2. Savannah's Hispanic population is rapidly growing, but studies indicate that Hispanic students are underrepresented in the city's schools. Daniela Rodriquez with Migrant Equity Southeast, a local Latino rights organization, is speaking out about the disparities. Rodriguez explained that Hispanic students in Savannah and Chatham County have lower scores in math and English than Hispanic students in the rest of the state. Christina Magana, also with Migrant Equity Southeast, said that only 57 percent of Hispanic students with low English proficiency are receiving instruction in English as a second language (ESL). (WSAV)
3. The National Park Service is accepting public comments through Jul. 12 regarding planned updates at Fort Pulaski National Monument. A proposed Development Concept Plan would update the visitor entryway and parking area, as well as provide for the construction of a building for maintenance equipment. The plan would also update the picnic and restroom areas. There will be an in-person meeting on Thursday, Jun. 22 from 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. at the park's visitor center, or you can click here to learn more. (Savannah Now)

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Today in Savannah:

Thursday, June 15

• Art Start: Stroller & Toddler Tour At Jepson Center (10:30 AM)
• Tune In...At Tandem Coffee & Spirits (6:00 PM)
• Savannah Bananas Vs. Savannah Party Animals At Grayson Stadium (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia shared some helpful tips for making food donations. In general, plastic containers are preferred over glass, and cans that have a tab opening are better than cans that require a can opener. (Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia via Facebook)
• Step Up Savannah has announced that it is partnering with the City of Savannah to host an interest meeting for Ignite Advantage, Minority-Owned Business Co-op. The meeting will take place on Wednesday, Jun. 28 at 10:00 a.m. at the Coastal Georgia Center Auditorium. (Step Up Savannah via Facebook)
• The Savannah Police Department shared pictures from its Girls Camp! Campers went with officers to tour City Hall where the campers got to try out the mayor's chair. (Savannah Police Department via Facebook)

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You're all caught up for today! I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow morning 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 two cats.