🌱 Historic Savannah's Preservation Movement + Major Drug Trafficking

Hey, Savannah. I'm here in your inbox this morning to get you up to speed on everything you need to know about what's going on in town.

But first, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and breezy. High: 77 Low: 52.

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Here are the top three stories in Savannah today:

1. Every year, the Historic Savannah Foundation celebrates the preservation movement in Savannah. The movement is deeply ingrained in the city's history, culture, and identity. This week, as part of National Preservation Month in May, the foundation will present its annual Preservation Awards for 2023. (WTOC)
2. Fifteen defendants have been indicted in a major drug trafficking conspiracy named "Operation Be Real Every Second" in the greater Savannah area. The indictment alleges that the defendants conspired to distribute large amounts of cocaine, crack cocaine, fentanyl, methamphetamine, and marijuana throughout Chatham County from 2017 to 2023. The indictment carries a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison, and all 15 defendants are charged with drug possession and distribution charges along with the conspiracy charge. (The Georgia Virtue)
3. Facundo Diaz Acosta, of Argentina, won the 2023 Savannah Challenger men’s singles championship by defeating Tristan Boyer, who qualified for the tournament. Diaz Acosta won the first set 6-3 and dominated the second set with a score of 6-1, earning his second ATP title. The Savannah Challenger, a professional tennis event that offers prize money and ATP Tour ranking points, celebrated its 12th anniversary this year. (WJCL News Savannah)

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Today in Savannah:

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From my notebook:

• The cast of the 2023 Dance & Aerial Showcase is receiving good vibes and a good grip for their upcoming performance, as their feet refuse to stand still. They are determined to put on a great show! (Savannah Children's Theatre via Facebook)
• Strong winds on Sunday resulted in small tree limbs remaining in yards and on the sides of streets, with some large trees toppling to the ground. While on duty, Officer Peace of the Savannah Police Department responded to a call in the Highland Drive neighborhood for a large pine tree that had fallen and was blocking the street, performing his duties as expected by reporting it to records and checking for damage. (Police Department via Facebook)
• The newest restaurant of The Toasted Yolk, which serves unique breakfast, lunch, and brunch favorites, opens today! Diners can enjoy their egg specialties and coffee in the morning, boozy cocktails and savory pancakes during brunch, and a variety of salads, sandwiches, and soups during lunchtime. (Chamber of Commerce events)

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You're officially in the loop for today. See you all tomorrow morning 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.