🌱 Residents File Lawsuit Over Fire Fees + Earth Day Celebration Today

Good morning, neighbors. It's me, Danielle Fallon-O'Leary, your host of the Savannah Patch newsletter — back in your inbox with all the most important things happening in town.

But first, today's weather:

Sun mixing with clouds; nice. High: 81 Low: 64.

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Here are the top three stories in Savannah today:

1. Chatham County is facing a class action lawsuit from two residents who claim the recently instated annual fire fee violates Georgia state law. In December 2021, county commissioners approved a contract with Chatham Emergency Services to provide fire protection in unincorporated areas of Chatham County. Part of that contract includes the county collecting an annual fire fee to reimburse Chatham EMS. Plaintiffs in the case say that because the fire fee includes a flat fee of $100, it violates state law requiring property taxes to be assessed based on a property's value. If a judge rules in favor of the plaintiffs, the county would have to repay each resident who paid the fire fee. (WSAV)
2. In nearby Garden City, police are investigating a grocery store shooting. The incident occurred Wednesday night at a Food Lion on Minus Ave. One person was taken to the hospital after being shot in the arm. Investigators have not released any further details. (WJCL 22)
3. Today, Apr. 21, the Earth Day Savannah celebration will be held in Daffin Park from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. This event is family-friendly and will include educational activities, entertainment, and food trucks. Georgia Power will be hosting a showcase of electric vehicles and transportation options. There will also be several local nonprofit organizations at the event with information and activities. (Savannah CEO)

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Today in Savannah:

• Movies In The Afternoon, At West Broad Library (3:30 PM)
• Family Friendly Comedy Tour, At 223 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. (1:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• This Saturday, Savannah-Chatham County Public School System is hosting Books, Blankets, and Family Fun at Daffin Park. This free event is set to take place from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. and will include reading activities, games, music, and food trucks. (Savannah-Chatham County Public School System via Facebook)
• Savannah Classical Academy recently received $26,000 from Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. to support the charter school's STEAM programs. The school's CEO, Barry Lollis, said the grant funds would be used to expand computer science programs for middle and high schoolers. (Savannah Business Journal)
• Today, the Walmart on Whitemarsh Island is hosting a Books to Kids book collection event from 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. The books will be donated to students in kindergarten through third grade in the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System. (WTOC)
• The Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens has announced an upcoming May workshop all about fire ants. Participants will learn how to identify fire ant colonies as well as appropriate treatment methods. (Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens via Facebook)

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Alrighty, you're all caught up for today. 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.