🌱 SPD Looking For Missing Teen + Historical Society Gets $500K

Good morning, hello. Danielle Fallon-O'Leary here with your fresh copy of the Savannah Daily. Keep reading to find out all the local news you need to know right now.

But first, today's weather:

Rain and drizzle in the a.m. High: 51 Low: 47.

📢 I'm looking for business owners and marketers in Savannah who want to build awareness, connect with customers and increase sales.

I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. If that's you, then I invite you to learn more and secure your spot now.

Here are the top three stories today in Savannah:

1. Savannah Police are seeking the public's help in locating a missing teenager. Sixteen-year-old Luis Ortega was last seen on the night of Dec. 18. Luis is five feet and five inches, weighs about 120 pounds, and has black hair and brown eyes. (WSAV-TV)
2. Bivalent COVID booster shots are now available to kids under five. The Coastal Health District encourages parents to get young children the bivalent booster ahead of holiday festivities. Upper repository infections are of increased concern, with the flu and RSV rising in number as well. (WTOC)
3. The Georgia Historical Society has received an inheritance of $500,000 through the estate of Robert B. Smith II, a former United Airlines pilot who lived in Savannah from 2010 to 2021. Dr. W. Todd Groce, President and CEO of the Georgia Historical Society, said, “By creating the Robert B. Smith II named fund as part of the GHS Endowment, Bob and his family have secured an enduring legacy that will advance the mission of this institution and benefit history students, teachers, and researchers for generations to come.” (WSAV-TV)

From our sponsor:

Today’s Savannah Patch newsletter is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. T-Mobile has invested billions to light up their best network ever, covering 99% of people in America with LTE, which helps to keep communities like ours informed and connected. We thank T-Mobile for their support and for making today’s Savannah newsletter possible.

Today in Savannah:

• Oyster Hike At Skidaway Island State Park (12:30 PM)
• Dinner By Award-Winning Chef Collin At The Desoto (5:00 PM)
• Fireside Stories With Santa At King And Prince Beach & Golf Resort (5:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• A viral TikTok scavenger hunt in Savannah features books and severed limbs. Click to learn where you can find — or avoid — them. (Savannah Morning News, Subscription)
• Looking for a new home? There are a handful of new houses available in and around Savannah. (Savannah Patch)
• A painting of McCauley Park has been donated to the Charles Ellis Montessori estate. The painting was donated by Dino Papadopoulos, a nearby resident, and painted by artist Mia Merlin. (Press Release Desk )

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 senior writer 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.