NEWS RELEASE
March 14, 2018
For Immediate Release
City, Police Announce Security Enhancements To Parade Route
SAVANNAH, GA (March 14, 2018) — The City of Savannah Police and other law enforcement agencies will be implementing an enhanced security zone for the Vice-President’s visit to the Savannah St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The enhanced security zone will be located between Bay Street to the north, Oglethorpe Street to the south, Whitaker Street to the west and Drayton Street to the east.
The zone will go into effect at 12:01 a.m. Saturday morning. At 12:01 a.m., no parking will be allowed on streets between Drayton Street and Whitaker Street from Bay Street to the north and Oglethorpe Street to the South. This includes but is not limited to:
- Bay Street
- Bryan Street
- Saint Julian Street
- Congress Street
- Broughton Street
- State Street
- York Street
- Oglethorpe Street
- All lanes between streets
Authorities will begin towing any vehicles parked on the street at 12:01 a.m., including the vehicles of residents. Vehicles will still be permitted to drive through the enhanced security zone until 2:00 a.m.
From 4:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. no one is allowed into the enhanced security zone due to a security sweep of the area. During this time, only residents who are already in the enhanced security zone will be permitted in the area. Residents are subject to be stopped at this time and will be asked for identification and proof of residence. Business owners and employees will not be permitted in the enhanced security zone until the magnetometer check points open at 7 a.m.
On Saturday March 17 at 7:00 a.m., the enhanced security zone will re-open for pedestrians. All pedestrians wanting to enter the enhanced security zone must pass through a magnetometer check point.
The magnetometer check points will be located at the following roads intersecting with Whitaker Street
- Bay Lane
- Saint Julian Street
- Congress Street
- Broughton Street
Magnetometer checkpoints will also be located at the following roads intersecting Drayton Street
- Bay Lane
- Broughton Street
- President Street
Pedestrians coming from the west side of Savannah are encouraged to use the Saint Julian Street and Broughton Street check points on the intersection of Whittaker Street. Pedestrians coming from the east side of Savannah are encouraged to use the President Street and Broughton Street check points on the intersection of Drayton Street.
Pedestrians will have until 10:00 a.m. to enter the enhanced security zone. After 10:00 a.m. the enhanced security zone will be closed and pedestrians wishing to enter will be denied at the check points.
Inside the enhanced security zone, pedestrians will not be allowed to cross the parade route (Bull Street) at any time until security clearance is given at approximately 1:00 p.m.
Director of Public Information Michelle Gavin said, “The enhanced security is necessary to accommodate the security measures needed for the Vice President’s visit. We know that attending this parade is a tradition for many families. The City of Savannah is working closely with the Savannah St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee, the White House, and law enforcement officers to make this enhanced security zone as comfortable as possible where people can enjoy the parade and take part in this historic visit by the Vice President.”
Due to the number of restrictions in the enhanced security zone, the City is providing bleacher seating. All parade goers will be able to purchase items from stores that are open inside the enhanced security zone. In addition, the City will allow four food trucks into the enhanced security zone; two will be located in Johnson Square, two will be located in Wright Square.
Please visit savannahga.gov for information & maps and a list containing what items are permitted in the enhanced security zone. Savannah residents with any further questions can call 311. Non-Savannah residents can reach the 311 Center by calling 912-651-6565