TYBEE ISLAND, Ga. (WTOC) – Wednesday, Tybee leaders and law enforcement are laying out their plan for safety as we’re just days away Orange Crush.

It’s expected to bring thousands to the island, and it’s returning this year as a permitted event.

Barricades are already being put up on the streets of Tybee Island ahead of Orange Crush this weekend.

City officials and law enforcement said safety is top of mind.

“The idea behind that is to keep traffic flowing and moving as efficiently as possible,” said City of Tybee Island Director of Code Compliance, Walter Hattrich.

Leaders held a final press conference Wednesday on how they plan to ensure safety and sanitation.

As residents faced both a jam-packed island and unkempt beach back in 2023. While 2024 was a much better year, they’re still preparing for thousands to flood the island in just a few days.

“Our goal is to make this the cleanest Orange Crush in it’s history,” said Tybee Island City Manager, Brent Bell.

For the first time this year, Orange Crush will be a city permitted event.

Officials said promoters have agreed to bring in a team and volunteers to help clean afterward.

Heading into the annual sunrise service tradition on the beach Sunday.

“More than 50 trash cans will be provided, will be positioned throughout the festival area north of the pier,” said Bell.

Residents like Craig Meyer still have some concerns.

He’s lived on Tybee for 35 years. He said he and many of his neighbors won’t stay on the island.

“There’s very little reason to want to be here this weekend,” said Meyer.

But he also said he’s optimistic about how the city is regulating the event now.

“I’m hoping for and looking for a much better environment this year,” said Meyer.

People like Craig Carter said he has students in Savannah who plan to attend the event.

He hopes that the city will be welcoming for them.

“Some of the first things that were mentioned is that the tow trucks will be available not that they will make accommodations for parking, seems a little odd,” said Carter.

Officials said there will be garages open for parking. And all middle lanes on the island will be emergency vehicle lanes so they can respond quickly.

More than 130 officers will be stationed on the island.

Tybee Police said all of their officers will be on duty and working the event this weekend.

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