Share and Follow
TYBEE ISLAND, Ga. () – Crowds of people are not the only ones flocking to Tybee for the weekend. The Georgia State Police plans to be out in force as well.
All day Friday police had cars stopped up and down the entrance of Tybee. Georgia State Patrol was conducting inspections at every interval.
One particular traffic stop led to a drug bust and the arrest of what GSP called a substantial amount of marijuana, cocaine and ecstasy. Officers say there were several drug arrests today including one individual who attempted to flee on foot from police.
Georgia State Patrol Corporal Dustin Stone says, “Troopers on patrol here on Tybee Island initiated a traffic stop on a Ford Mustang and during the course of the investigation, they had probable cause to search the vehicle and uncovered a substantial amount of illegal drugs from the vehicle.”
However, residents say that compared to last year they feel safer this time around with an increased amount of police officers.
“This year I know it looks like it’s overkill and maybe it is, but last year, I felt like I was in a war zone. I actually sold my house that I had finished to keep for the rest of my life and moved over to this end of the island to be away from it,” says Karen Kelly, a Tybee resident.
While many restaurants and bars near the pier were closed or only open for takeout some were open with regular service as locals were out and about.
Kelly continued by saying, “I am going to dinner and then I am gonna ride back home because these guys are here. The men in blue. Thank God for the men in blue.”
Most of the present police force was concentrated near the pier on Tybee as many of the Orange Crush goers had already begun partying in that area.
A group of people in attendance had this to say, “We love law enforcement. As long as they’re not bothering us, we’re straight.” They continued by telling , “Tomorrow, Saturday, it is going to be way more people.”
While traffic is still moving through right now, many residential streets and parking in the area have been blocked off with fencing
Tomorrow is an entirely different question though. With most of the pier closed many Orange Crush goers are flocking to other areas of the island. With some locals telling News 3, they have heard about large events planned in their neighborhoods.
Georgia State Police say they will be stationed up and down the island. Possibly reaching as far as Wilmington.
