Spring break season is nearing its end, but before students across the country trade their flip flops for books again, a southern spring break staple is about to kick off.
Orange Crush is returning to Savannah, Georgia this weekend, and students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities will descend on Tybee Island for three days of music, parties and sun. Students from the major HBCUs in Atlanta could be headed down to the Georgia coast to participate, joining college students from Savannah State University and others in the southeast.
Now an officially sanctioned event, there are a few rules Orange Crush "Crush Reloaded" guests will need to follow.
Heading to Savannah today? Here's what you need to know.
Tybee Police issue warnings ahead of new 'Orange Crush'
Orange Crush, now called " Crush Reloaded " has become an officially permitted event and is now in its second year. It is still expected to draw just as big of a crowd as the past events, so Tybee Island Police said it will be "all hands on deck," and warned those trying to come to the festival that things will be working differently.
First, police said to expect heavy traffic going out to the island. The left lanes of Highway 80 and Butler Avenue will be completely blocked off to be reserved for emergency vehicles, meaning getting on and off the island could take much longer than normal.
There will be a multi-agency road safety checkpoint this week ahead of the event, where police from multiple agencies could stop your vehicle and speak with you.
The 14th and 15th street parking lots will also be closed this weekend, leaving only the 16th through 18th street lots available with a pass. These passes are limited for the employees of local businesses.
Police also said license plate readers will be deployed on the island during the event, likely to address reports of street racing from previous years.
When did "Orange Crush" become "Crush Reloaded"
Orange Crush first started in 1988 with students from Savannah State University. It was sponsored by the student body, and earned its name from the orange school colors, combined with the popular soda. Orange Crush, the brand owned by Dr. Pepper, has never sponsored the event.
In 1991, the event led to dozens of arrests, a stabbing and a drowning and it was officially disconnected from SSU as a school event. The tradition has carried on, however, as an unsanctioned event on the beach for decades, and has primarily been marketed to HBCU students in the southeast.
Orange Crush was rebranded after multiple years of unrest during the event, and it now has an official permit under the new name, "Crush Reloaded" where officials and police can better prepare to handle the influx of students and have worked with promoters to organize activities.
What can you bring on the beach at Tybee Island?
If you're planning to spend time on the beach this weekend, the city of Tybee Island has shared their beach rules .
Guests are required to stay out of the sand dunes and only fish and surf in designated areas. You must swim within 50 yards of the shoreline and are required to follow the rules of life guards. Beachgoers may not climb on the rocks, jetties or lifeguard stands along the beach, and all litter must be contained and removed from the beach.
Smoking is prohibited on the beach, as well as glass, pets, fires, motorized vehicles and overnight sleeping. Those who exhibit disorderly conduct may be removed from the beach and possibly arrested.
Feel free to bring chairs, towels, coolers and umbrellas. Alcohol is also permitted on the beach of Tybee Island, but it cannot be in glass containers or kegs. Tybee Island has an open container ordinance, so drinks can be taken out onto the beach in to-go cups, but public intoxication laws will also be enforced.
Beware of rip currents, swim safely
The city also asks beachgoers to be aware of the rip current flag guide to determine whether it is safe to swim. Two red flags mean the water is closed to the public. One red flag means there is a high hazard, and swimming is not recommended.
A yellow flag means there is a medium hazard and only strong swimmers should enter the water. A green flag means there is a low hazard of a rip current and swimming is safe. A purple flag means there is potentially dangerous marine life in the ocean, and swimmers should get out of the water until it is safe to reenter.
What events will take place at "Crush Reloaded" and how to get tickets
While the official event day is April 18, Crush Reloaded will start on Friday, April 17 with a welcome party to kick off the weekend. It will start at 1 p.m. on Friday.
Saturday the event will run from 10 a.m. to sundown and include live music and an after party. Sunday will include a "Crush the Block" car and bike show, a brunch and fashion show and more.
Tickets are available exclusively on Posh . An all access pass to all of the weekend's events starts at $136.59.
Irene Wright is the Atlanta Connect reporter with USA Today’s Deep South Connect team. Find her on X @IreneEWright or email her at ismith@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: HBCU students make journey to Savannah for Orange Crush weekend
