Memo From
The Mayor
By Mayor Shirley Sessions
I would like to start by wishing everyone a very healthy, happy
and prosperous 2020 and offer my sincere thanks for giving me the
opportunity to serve the community that we all love as your new mayor
of Tybee Island. I promise to do my best to make decisions based on
what is in the best interest for this wonderful island we all call home.
As I approach my new role, I realize that I have big shoes to fill. Four
previous Tybee mayors—Allen Hendrix, Pat Locklear, Walter Parker and
Jason Buelterman—either live on the island full time or own property
here. I am honored to call all of them friends and have had the privilege
of serving with former Mayor Parker and Mayor Buelterman. Each of
the four had their own leadership style and issues they were especially
passionate about, but one thing they all had in common was their focus
on protecting Tybee’s most valuable assets—its people and keeping
sand on our beach through periodic renourishment projects.
Former Mayor Allen Hendrix first collaborated with all parties
involved, including the State of Georgia, via the Department of Natural
Resources, Chatham County, City of Tybee and the Federal government
and executed a formal contract in April 1974 to begin the periodic
renourishment of Tybee’s beach. There have since been several
modifications to the original agreement, and the task of seeking support
from state and federal agencies has been a constant for subsequent
mayors throughout the years.
My goal to continue this critical effort in ensuring beach renourishment
includes sustaining and strengthening partnerships with individuals and
entities involved in helping Tybee keep a healthy beach and wetlands.
A big salute and appreciation to our state and federal legislators, the
US Army Corps of Engineers, the Department of Natural Resources and
the Chatham County Georgia Ports Authority for their past and future
support. I look forward to the opportunity to work with individuals from
these agencies to help keep Tybee “sandy!” More history and plans for
the future next month.
Meanwhile, please make plans to attend the 2020 Inaugural Ball
and celebrate with your mayor and council on Saturday, January 18th
at the American Legion. Music, dance, food and fun, $20, tickets at
Seaside Sisters or at the door, proceeds benefit the Legion.
Cheers!
Pralines
Saltwater Taffy
Old Fashion Candy
Dole Whip
204 First St. • Tybee Island, GA • 912-499-4937
24 TYBEE BEACHCOMBER | JAN 2020
Tybee Insurance Agency Inc.
Serving Tybee Island since 1987
204 First Street
• Homeowner’s Insurance
• Flood Insurance
• Renter’s Insurance
• Condo Owner’s Insurance
• All Commercial Insurance
“Mrs. Jiggs” 912-786-5541
LOW AS
Delivery
Weddings
Parties
Tours
Late Night
Call Carrie Traeger
WE ALSO RIDE OFF THE ISLAND!
361-TURTLES
Serving Breakfast until 12:30pm
OPEN 7:30AM ON WEEKENDS ONLY | Open to the Public
• Coffee
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Espresso
• Juice
• Frappes
• Spirits
• Daiquiris
1701 BUTLER AVE 912-786-5500