Tybee Island Maritime Academy purchases Thunderbolt property ahead of 2028 lease deadline

TYBEE ISLAND, Ga. (WTOC) - Tybee Island Maritime Academy has secured a new property in Thunderbolt as its current lease on the island approaches a 2028 expiration, school leaders said.

On July 13, the Foundation for Maritime Education, TIMA’s governing body, completed the purchase of the former Thunderbolt Elementary School property. The academy serves 425 students.

School leaders said the acquisition eases pressure around the 2028 deadline but does not signal a permanent departure from Tybee Island.

“Now we can really focus on what our partnership looks like with the City of Tybee, what we can do to maintain a presence here on the island,” Executive Director Peter Ulrich said.

As part of its effort to remain on the island, the school is hoping to secure a role in Tybee Island’s Memorial Park Master Plan, a long-range, citizen-led initiative focused on the future of the public space.

“We’re still really invested in that process,” Ulrich said.

The school’s board is also working to determine how to use the newly acquired Thunderbolt building.

“I know that our board is really committed to ensuring that we can provide this opportunity for as many students as possible,” Ulrich said.