TYBEE ISLAND, Ga. () — Tybee has been a hub for public discussion with residents voicing opinions on two major topics: changes to the election system and the upcoming Orange Crush event.

It’s been a busy few days as dozens of residents are coming out to speak their minds. Two meetings yesterday, one more today— all while officials navigate changes shaping Tybee’s future. From election reforms to Orange Crush, big conversations continue today.

Tybee’s Thursday public meetings drew packed crowds, with another expected Friday for Orange Crush updates— now less than a month away.

Tybee Mayor, Brian West, is advocating for changes to elections, saying it better reflects voter intent, while some residents argue the current plurality system works.

“I don’t want to ask them to approve it if a large number of people on the Island disagree with it,” said Mayor West.

Yesterday’s public meetings on election changes drew heated discussions, with many residents opposing a proposed shift from the current plurality system to a majority system.

“This takes away the power from the voter. And it takes away the power from the voter who votes in the first election. Because in a run-off election – even if you don’t vote in the first election – you get to vote a second time. We have basically 1500 voters we are small enough to know the candidates through the candidate forums,” said a Tybee resident at the meeting.

“Research group in Georgia said it is a 60% drop off in a runoff election. If you have 1500 people that vote in a regular election – that means that you are only going to have 600 people that are going to vote in the runoff. You are taking what the 600 people are voting for over the 1500,” said another Tybee resident in regard to the potential election system change.

Mayor Brian West argues that the current system, where the top three candidates with votes win, doesn’t ensure majority support. However, many residents pushed back, saying Tybee’s 56% voter turnout—the highest in the region—proves the current system works just fine.

The election change was recommended by the legislature to Mayor West when he was visiting Atlanta. Ultimately, with the state legislative session winding down, Mayor West says the proposed election changes will likely be tabled for now but could resurface next year.

Meanwhile, Tybee will hold another meeting today regarding Orange Crush. The festival in recent years has caused tension on the Island. While the city won’t make an official public announcement until later today, officials tell that a permit for this year’s event is strongly favored for approval. This would mark the first time Tybee has officially permitted Orange Crush, a move city leaders say will allow them to better manage the event’s impact by setting clear boundaries and expectations.

Assuming that once the City’s first-ever permit for Orange Crush is expected to pass today… this would aim to regulate crowds and improve safety. While some fear it could boost attendance, officials say planned entertainment and a curfew will help manage crowds.

“There is a lot of misunderstanding about the reasoning behind the permit. A lot of people think that the permit is going to attract more people to the island – and cause a bigger problem. We are very confident that we have we have learned the system to keep the island safe,” said Mayor West.

Last year’s Orange Crush saw up to around 8,000 college students on the beach with little organized entertainment. Officials believe that by working with event promoters and establishing a permit, they can create a safer, more structured environment. This would include a curfew of 8 p.m. on Saturday that would direct the crowd to events in downtown Savannah for Saturday night.

To voice your opinion or learn more about Orange Crush today, there is a public town hall at 11 a.m. at the Public Safety Building at 78 Van Horne Ave. With strong opinions on both issues, today’s Orange Crush meeting is expected to be just as lively as yesterday’s election reform debate.

Mayor West shared with that lessons from last year’s Orange Crush event should ease traffic and ensure a safer Easter weekend for residents.