Tybee is implementing control measures for Orange Crush weekend. Where does the party go?

With parking prohibited and access to businesses and lodging limited on Tybee Island for the anticipated Orange Crush weekend, a number of OC-adjacent events — none sanctioned by the official Orange Crush trademark holder George Ransom Turner III — have been advertised through social media.

Turner sent a cease-and-desist letter to all involved parties on April 15.

Still, “Crush & Park” has been advertised as a day party with free food and other activities at 3 p.m., April 19, at Lake Mayer. However, this event is unpermitted.

Chatham County Parks and Recreation received a reservation for facilities at Lake Mayer, according to a county spokesperson, however that reservation was rescinded and the fee returned after organizers’ request for a permit was denied because county officials discovered the event would include for-profit vendors, which violates facility rental terms.

It does not appear that piece of critical information has been conveyed to potential attendees, however, who are most likely already on their way to the Savannah area for the Saturday beach bash on Tybee Island, which is being promoted by CrowdedFunctionsATL.

This same promoter is also selling tickets on Eventbrite for an April 20 performance by Atlanta artist Hunxho at Elan Savannah, 301 Williamson St. in downtown Savannah. That concert is not listed on Elan’s website. One of the many Instagram pages for Orange Crush posted on April 16 states Hunxho will still be coming.

Is Savannah ready to accommodate Orange Crush spillover?

Last year’s event drew approximately 111,000 people to Tybee Island over a three-day period, straining resources and causing tension with residents. Should this year’s attendance reach those levels with the more stringent restrictions imposed by Tybee and Chatham County law enforcement, the party may move to other locations around Savannah and surrounding areas.

There is no indication based on conversations with Savannah Police Department and City of Savannah spokespeople that any plans have been made to absorb those numbers. According to Visit Savannah, lodging is already at 90% occupancy countywide in keeping with a typical tourist season weekend.

This is a developing story.

Destini Ambus is the general assignment reporter for Chatham County municipalities for the Savannah Morning News. You can reach her at dambus@gannett.com

This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Where will spring breakers go instead of Tybee Island for Orange Crush