Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How Savannah shoppers can beat the Christmas week grocery store rush

You won't want to miss Savannah Christmas Market at Plant Riverside District on the Savannah Patch calendar

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Good morning to you Savannah! Catch up on our news and events right here. Keep reading to stay in the know. ☀️

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Find out what's happening in Savannahfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

In today's newsletter:

  • How Savannah shoppers can beat the Christmas week grocery store rush
  • How will Savannah’s new 2026 crime plan actually change your neighborhood?
  • How new flu rules could change your next hospital visit

Also on today's calendar: A Holiday Evening Performance - Christmas in Wartime and 9 more events.

Find out what's happening in Savannahfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: What did one magnet say to the other magnet? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Tuesday: Warmer with partial sunshine, with a high of 76 and low of 54 degrees.
  • Wednesday: Mostly sunny and very warm, temps: high: 78, low: 52.
  • Thursday: Partly sunny and very warm, with a high of 78 and low of 54 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Holiday shopping crowds expected to grow as Christmas week begins (wjcl.com) — If you’re shopping in Savannah this Christmas week, expect crowded aisles and longer lines, especially at busy spots like the Kroger on Mall Boulevard. Store leaders suggest going earlier in the day, bringing a focused list, and allowing extra checkout time so last-minute gift and grocery runs feel less stressful.
   

2. Mayor Van Johnson unveils proactive strategy to curb violent crime in 2026 (wtoc.com) — Savannah’s mayor says violent crime is down this year and is outlining a more proactive strategy for 2026 built on targeted policing, expanded technology, and youth‑focused prevention. He points to responses after incidents like the Oglethorpe Mall shooting and a rare acid attack, and promises proposed policy changes, including a gun ordinance, early next year.
   

3. Rising flu cases causes hospital to change visitor policy (wjcl.com) — St. Joseph’s/Candler hospitals in Savannah have tightened visitor rules because of rising flu cases, asking unvaccinated or symptomatic visitors to wear masks and barring most visitors under 18. Officials urge residents to get flu and other respiratory vaccines before holiday gatherings as a more easily spread flu strain circulates in Coastal Georgia.
   

4. Howdy, neighbor! These are the most tourist-friendly cities in the U.S. (mercurynews.com) — Savannah ranks third on Conde Nast Traveler’s new list of the most tourist‑friendly cities in the U.S., putting the Hostess City alongside destinations like Lexington and San Diego. The ranking highlights Savannah’s welcoming feel for visitors, reinforcing the city’s national reputation as a friendly, must‑see getaway.
   

5. Principal at REACH Public Schools (gacharters.org) — A new high school, REACH Public Schools in Savannah, is hiring a founding principal ahead of its planned Fall 2026 opening. The full-time role will lead academics, staffing, budgeting, and community partnerships, and applicants are encouraged to have Georgia certification and several years of school leadership experience.
   

📸 Around Savannah

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Adopt, don't breed: A heartfelt story of pet rehoming/adoption.
    (Note: copied verbatim from Best of Craigslist, Missed Connections, St. Louis) .... … (Nextdoor Oakridge at The Landings)
  • Found female yellow lab in Berwick area wearing harness but no collar.
    Friendly, scared girl needs to find owner. Please message to identify. (Nextdoor Stonebridge at Berwick)
  • SPD has a suspect in custody for a carjacking that took place in the 1300 block of W. Bay St. at around 4:40 pm this evening. Anyone w/ info should... (X: SavPolice)
  • SPD Badge Pinning and Promotion Ceremony (12/19/2025) #teamsavannah #savannahga #savannahpd (X: SavPolice)
  • Burlington Coat Factory Corporation posted a job opening for Seasonal Retail Stocking Associate - Part Time in Savannah. Apply here.
  • Burger King posted a job opening for Team Member in Savannah. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Savannah here.

Ok Savannah! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I find you very attractive!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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