🌱 River Street Improvements + East Side Rising Teen Violence

Hello, everybody. I'm back in your inbox this morning with everything you need to know about what's happening in town these days.

But first, today's weather:

A shower and thunderstorm. High: 83 Low: 60.

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Here are the top three stories today in Savannah:

1. Though still in the early stages, a group of River Street businesses have come together to create a special tax to improve public areas around their establishments and are willing to pay for it. It is known as a Community Improvement District (CID). Renovations and improvements are needed in the area, and once the money is collected and in the coffers, it will be used to improve stormwater damage, streets and sidewalks, and plant trees, among other things. Julie Musselman, Executive Director of Savannah’s Waterfront, stated that the Atlanta area has experienced success and is the best example of a public-private partnership in the state of Georgia at this time. She hopes to start the process in the next few months. (WSAV-TV)
2. City leaders are concerned about rising teen violence on the East Side of Savannah and need the community’s support. According to Mayor Van Johnson, officials are trying to find a solution to the issue of stolen guns. He is urging families in neighborhoods to "step up" because these issues are relational and not necessarily police issues. Since the beginning of March, Savannah Police have responded to four separate shootings that have taken place in Savannah Gardens apartments. (WTOC)
3. The Savannah Police Detectives are asking for the public’s help regarding a burglary located at a building in the 800 block of E. Victory Drive. Surveillance footage captured an unknown suspect described as an adult male with a shaved head, dark-colored beard, and mustache. The building has been burglarized by unknown men multiple times between mid-March and early April. Anyone with information on the suspect or incident should contact detectives at (912) 651-6903 or Crimestoppers at (912) 234-2020. (Savannah Police Department)

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Today in and around Savannah:

• Geocaching 101 At Skidaway Island (2:00 PM)
• Full Band, At Plant Riverside District (Riverwalk Pavilion Stage) (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Save the date! Apr. 17-28 is the 12th Annual Georgia Legal Food Frenzy. Last year, the Legal Food Frenzy raised $880,248 which is the equivalent of 3,520,992 meals! The Legal Food Frenzy is committed to making this year's Legal Food Frenzy a true record-breaker. Everyone within the legal community is eligible to enter the competition. Do you want to reduce hunger? Will you participate? For more information or to register online, visit galegalfoodfrenzy.org. (Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia via Facebook)
• Don’t forget! The Coastal Gardens is hosting its first Easter Egg Hunt, this Saturday, Apr. 8, from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. In addition to the Easter Bunny's appearance, there will be an egg hunt, arts & crafts, face painting, and more. The cost is $10 per child; parents enter free. Registration is required. Visit coastalbg.uga.edu/events/easter-egg-hunt to sign up. (Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens)
• There's still time to get out and enjoy the Savannah Music Festival, Georgia’s largest musical arts event, featuring up to 100 productions ranging from country to folk to jazz to chamber music. The festival's last day is tomorrow, Apr. 8. Tickets and the event's line-up can be accessed at savannahmusicfestival.org. (Savannah Music Festival via Facebook)

That's it for today! I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow morning with your next 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.