“We’re not messing around”: Tybee Island mayor deploys heavy security ahead of Crush Reloaded

TYBEE ISLAND, Ga. (WTOC) - Tybee Island officials are deploying a heavy multi-agency security presence and adjusting traffic plans ahead of this year’s Crush Reloaded music festival, set for April 18 and 19 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Multiple law enforcement agencies — including state, county and local police — will be stationed on the island, with checkpoints along Highway 80 and a designated emergency response lane.

Department of Natural Resources officers and lifeguards will patrol on four-wheelers, while the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office will have a helicopter overhead and an incarceration van on standby.

Tybee Island Mayor Brian West made clear the city is taking a zero-tolerance approach to misconduct.

“We’re not messing around, this isn’t a joke to us,” West said. “If anybody is screwing around, we’re gonna take them. We’re gonna put them away. We’re gonna lock them up until the event’s over and take them to jail.”

West said barricades helped keep things safe during last year’s event but limited parking access. This year, officials are adjusting the barricades to improve access while still restricting parking lots to prevent tailgating and disorderly conduct.

“They know what they’re doing,” West said. “If you’re gonna come here and try to be nefarious, you’re not gonna get away with it. It’s well policed.”

The festival permit also addresses sanitation. Event organizers are required to clean the beach before leaving.

Local businesses adapt

Local businesses are also preparing for the influx of visitors. Sand Cat Cafe is adjusting its hours, rerouting customer lines and ensuring employees can get to and from work without getting stuck in traffic.

Owner Carmen Simpson said the business is focused on keeping operations smooth for staff.

“We wanna be as efficient as we can as a business to not expect our employees to possibly get stuck in the traffic,” Simpson said.