Thursday, May 14, 2026
CORRECTION: Tybee Beach Bum Parade is 6:30 p.m., Friday, May 15
Good morning!
I’m Robin Kemp, The Current GA’s reporter in Liberty County, bringing you a bountiful catch in this week’s Cast Net! Coastal Georgia offers you opportunities to meet local wildlife, immerse yourself in Impressionist art, make a ‘zine, help local foster kids aging out of the system, tell your local government what you think, and blow off steam at the South’s biggest water fight. Check our lovingly-curated calendar, then plan your own adventure!
Let us know how we’re doing or send a suggestion to staff@thecurrentga.org
CHATHAM COUNTY
Résumés for Beginners: Are you looking for a new job? Maybe you’ve never needed a résumé before? Bring your job history and references to the W. W. Law Library from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., today, Thursday, May 14, at 909 E. Bolton St., Savannah, and we’ll help you get started – using resources right here in the library! Walk-ins welcome. Share this with someone you know who needs résumé help.
Celebrate Impressionist Art: The Impressionists upended the art world. Find out why at the opening reception and lecture for “Impressionism and Modernity: French and American Painting,” 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Thursday, May 14, at the Jepson Center, 207 W. York St., Savannah. Drinks, hors d’oeuvres, then lecture at 6:15 p.m. by National Gallery of Art head of French paintings Mary Morton, who has published extensively on Cézanne, Renoir, and Caillebotte. Members free; public $20; register online.
Tybee Beach Bum Parade: Fill your water pistols and grab an extra towel – it’s time for “the South’s largest water fight!” The parade starts at 6:30 p.m., Friday, May 15, down Butler Avenue, then left on Tybrisa and right on Strand Ave. Wear your best beach bum attire, hail the Big Kahuna, Princess Moana, Queen, and Grand Marshal, and enjoy that island vibe! See rules of engagement (no pressure washers, water balloons, or squirting cops). Keep it kid-friendly! Parking info here.
Skates Night at the Park: The 912 Skaters Coalition holds an all-ages skate 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Thursday, May 14, at Lake Mayer Park, 850 E Montgomery Cross Road, Savannah. Featuring tunes by DJ Live Child. Free skating; Cash App tips to $djlivechild. Skate every Thursday. The group is working to create a safe, inclusive skating facility in Savannah.
TEDxSavannah 2016: Local thought leaders talk “Shaping the Future” at this year’s 15th annual TED Talks, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Friday, May 15, at Georgia Southern University’s Fine Arts Auditorium, 11935 Abercorn St. Enjoy performances between speaker blocks, catered lunch, and a speaker meet-and-greet after the event. Tickets $68.79 and up. Special discounts for educators, students, nonprofits, active-duty military, and groups of 9 or more. Contact tedxsav@gmail.com.
Let’s Paddle: Let’s Kayak!! Sav GA is hosting a 9-mile paddle at 10 a.m., Saturday, May 16, at the Abercorn Creek Boat Ramp, Abercorn Landing Road, Rincon. Bring your own gear; drop at put-in; shuttle to takeout point at Houlihan Boat Ramp, Port Wentworth; carpool back. Paddle from Abercorn Creek, then down the Savannah River. Contact James Maddox for more information.
Veterans Art Studio: The Telfair Museums’ weekly veterans-only studio program offers a calm, open approach to drawing and painting with guidance from an experienced instructor, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 16, at the Jepson Center, 207 W. York St. Savannah. You don’t need experience in making art. Studio space allows artists to work independently, but you can request guidance from an instructor as you wish. Includes occasional tours of major exhibits at the museum. Contact Kip Bradley at 912-790-8823 or bradleyk@telfair.org.
Hands-On ‘Zine Workshop: Join “Drawn to the Sea” artist Avery Hick for an evening of hands-on ‘zine-making, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday, May 16, at Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum, 41 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., Savannah. Includes artist talk with Hick and curator Tania Sammons, special guest Lee Heidel of Neighborhood Comics, drinks and light snacks. $10 museum with discount code, $20 non-members.
Savannah Photo Club: Beginner to pro, cell phone to Hasselblad – come meet other photographers for coffee and a photo walk every 3rd Sunday of the month. Social hour 9 a.m., Sunday, May 17, at Foxtail Coffee Riverside, 601 Indian Street Unit A, Savannah. Walk starts 10 a.m. No gatekeeping, chill crowd, all ages and experience levels. Share ideas, see cool vintage gear, and explore Savannah. Share your results on Instagram and follow @savannahphotoclub for monthly meetup and map. Free. Hosted by Josh Lindsey, Daniel White, and Randall Lyvers.
Comic Currents: Over 30 comic artists from across the Southeast converge for Comic Currents, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. (last entry 4:30 p.m.), Sunday, May 17, at Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum, 41 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Savannah. Includes “Drawn to the Sea” exhibit, featuring reinterpreted visual narratives of the voyages of the Anne, the S.S. Savannah, the Pulaski, and the Wanderer. Meet other local comic fans and learn how to make your own mini-comic or ‘zine. Free; RSVP requested.
Air Your B&B Concerns: Chatham County residents are invited to a public meeting on proposed changes to the county’s short-term rental ordinance affecting unincorporated Chatham at 6 p.m. Monday, May 18, in the Memorial Stadium Community Room, 101 John J, Scott Drive, Savannah, The proposed amendment would go into effect July 1. Read recent Board of Commissioners transcripts and materials on the issue here.
Summer 500 Student Jobs: Chatham County high school juniors and seniors looking for part-time summer jobs can apply through the Student Workforce Apprentice/Internship Program (S.W.A.P)’s Summer 500 program. You must be a high school student in Chatham County, age 16 or older, and be able to teach and lead various activities. Employers are looking for people with excellent character, integrity, adaptability, enthusiasm, patience, self-control, and a sense of humor. Starts immediately. Apply online here.
Register for summer camp: City of Savannah summer camps, including general and specialty camps, are open for registration. General camps will run from May 26 to July 17. Ten community centers across Savannah will host their own themes for each two-week session, Locations and dates vary for all camps. Online registration will be open until a week before each session begins. Financial aid is available. Savannah residents get priority. Non-residents will be waitlisted until the week before camp.
How do you travel? Coastal Region Metropolitan Planning Organization (CORE MPO) wants you to participate in a regional Bicycle and Pedestrian Survey to better understand where people feel safe, where improvements are needed, and which bicycle or pedestrian projects should be prioritized in the region. Surveys are open through May 31, and can be completed in English or Spanish. You also can map your experiences.
CAMDEN COUNTY
Summer Art Camp: Sign up now for Coastal Camden Art League’s Summer Art Camp. Session 2 runs 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Monday, June 15 through Friday, June 19, at 2006 Osborne Road, St. Marys. Artists will help develop your child’s imagination with fun projects. Snacks provided. Ages 6 and up. Cost $195. Call or text Terry Muse, 912-464-4146 with questions or to register.
Bingo Night: Get your cards for Blue Bridge Coffeehouse’s Bingo Night, 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Friday, May 15, at 102 S. Lee St., Kingsland. Your $10 ticket gets you 8 cards and a chance to win. Call 912-439-2053 or email manager@BlueBridgeCoffeehouse.com for more information.
Chess Tournament: You can talk smack about strategy or you can sign up for Blue Bridge Coffeehouse’s first-ever chess tournament, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Friday, May 22, at 102 S. Lee St., Kingsland and show what you know. Find out who the real chess champion is! Tickets $5. Call 912-439-2053 or email manager@BlueBridgeCoffeehouse.com for more information.
BRYAN COUNTY
Business After Hours: Register now for the next Bryan County Chamber Business After Hours networking event, 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Thursday, May 21, at Ways Station Shopping Center, 2487 GA 17 South, Richmond Hill. Hosted by Papa’s Pizza to Go, Alsie’s Ice Cream, Miller Cleaning, and Emergency Admins. Relax, nibble, and make great connections. 50/50 cash drawing supports the Bryan County High School Scholarship Fund. Free for Chamber members; $30 non-members; registration encouraged. Email Erin Fountain, ceo@bryancountychamber.org for more.
Casino Benefit: Bet on a bright future for foster kids at the Coastal Georgia Apartment Association’s Shanghai Royale Casino Night, 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., Thursday, May 14, at The Venue, 1446 Dean Forest Road, Savannah. Proceeds benefit Gilliard and Co., which helps young adults transition out of foster care through mentorship, educational and vocational resources, and a strong support system. Black tie/formal wear. Tickets $89.
GLYNN COUNTY
Womp Off 2026: Skimboarders, hit the slicks! Meet at 9:30 a.m., Sunday, May 1, at Massengale Beach, 1350 Ocean Blvd., St. Simons Island, for a morning of skim school lessons, co-ed 4-person volleyball (email Kristi at kavanaugh59@gmail.com to register team), Guppy Games, and at 11 a.m., the Womp Off. Overall, specialty, age group trophies, and 2 scholarships awarded at the Wompfest afterparty at Mullet Bay, 512 Ocean Blvd. Food wristbands extra. Waiver and permission for under 18 required.
Get Your Will Written: The City of Brunswick, Georgia Legal Services Program (GLSP), and Commissioner Gwen Atkinson-Williams will host a free Wills Clinic from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Friday, June 5, at Old City Hall, 1229 Newcastle St. Simple wills, financial powers of attorney, and advance healthcare directives by a GLSP staff attorney. Space limited; advance registration is required. Call 912-963-1793 or 912-400-2004 no later than 3 p.m. Friday, May 29, for intake and scheduling.
LIBERTY COUNTY
Celebrate Asian/Pacific Cultures: Hinesville’s AAPI Community Celebration honors Asian American Pacific Islander Month, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday, May 15, at Bradwell Park, 110 S. Commerce St. Cultural performances, food vendors, live music and dance, local vendors/artisans, and family fun. Free.
Liberty County Reverse Pitch: Are you a small business owner or entrepreneur in Liberty County? Find out who can help you at 6 p.m. to 8 p.m, Wednesday, May 20, at the Hinesville Business Incubator, 220 W. Washington Ave. Relax while local business support agencies pitch their services to you in an informal setting. Sponsored by Georgia Southern Business Innovation Group. Free; reserve your spot.
Water Treatment Meeting: The Liberty County Development Authority hosts a public meeting on its proposed 1 to 3 million gallons per day water reclamation facility. Some water would flow to the Laurel View River. The meeting will happen 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesday, June 9, at the Courthouse Annex, 112 N Main St., Hinesville, in the Board of Commissioners Chambers, 2nd floor. You can see plans in advance, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the LCDA, 425 W. Oglethorpe Hwy., Hinesville. Call Katie Dye, 912-368-3356.
MCINTOSH COUNTY
One Hundred Miles Meetup: Members of One Hundred Miles meet up at 9:30 a.m., Friday, May 15, at Savannah National Wildlife Refuge’s King Fisher Pond Trail, 279 King Fisher Drive, Hardeeville, S.C. for a guided tour with naturalist and Advocacy Education Coordinator Eric Swanson. Join other nature lovers to learn about these rich habitats and their migratory and resident wildlife. Bring binoculars and bug spray! Register here. Learn about our Member Meet-ups at OneHundredMiles.org/Member-Meetups.
Family and Friends Movie Night: Movie night is back at 6 p.m., Friday, May 15, at Fort McAllister State Park, 3894 Fort McAllister Road, Richmond Hill. Kick off your weekend with a PG-rated mystery movie (title revealed at event) and snacks. Free event; parking fee or Park Pass required. More info at 912-727-2339.
Archery 101: Ever wanted to try a bow and arrow? Shoot your shot at 1 p.m., Saturday, May 16, at Fort McAllister State Park, 3894 Fort McAllister Road, Richmond Hill. Learn archery fundamentals from certified instructors on a safe range. All equipment is provided (note: bows are right-handed). No outside bows; must be able to support 15-pound bow independently. $15 plus parking fee. Limited space; reserve your spot at 912-727-2339.
EFFINGHAM COUNTY
Meldrim Park Grand Opening: New playground equipment, fresh landscaping, renovated basketball and pickleball courts, better on-street parking, and more await you at Meldrim Memorial Park! Come to the ribbon-cutting from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, May 16, at 115 Ogeechee Ave., Bloomingdale and see what your SPLOST tax dollars paid for. New concrete walkways and fencing, updated utilities, and improved drainage add to the experience.
Effingham Skates: Lace up your skates or borrow a pair (first come, first serve) at Effingham Skates from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., Friday, May 22, at Maranatha Family Church, 454 Wisenbaker Road, Rincon. Music, lights, and a snack shack (cash only) will get you rolling at this free community event.
ALONG THE COAST
Protect yourself: All branches of the Coastal Health District are offering free testing for sexually transmitted infections this month. One in five people in the U.S. are infected yet often don’t realize it until long-term serious damage develops. Protect yourself and the ones you love—get checked. See the schedule by county for an STI testing event near you.
Flu shots available: Health departments in Bryan, Camden, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, Liberty, Long, and McIntosh counties now offer updated 2025-2026 flu vaccine. Supplies limited in some locations. Call your local health department to confirm availability and schedule an appointment. A yearly flu vaccine is the best way to prevent serious flu-related illness for everyone age 6 months and older. Insurance usually covers costs. Low-cost options available if you’re uninsured.
COVID shots available: The health departments in Bryan, Camden, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, Liberty, Long, and McIntosh Counties are offering the Pfizer brand of COVID vaccine without a prescription, the Coastal Health District announced.
Cast Net features nuggets from Coastal Georgia that we hope you’ll find interesting, fun or useful. All that said, we’ll need to hear from you to make sure we’re on the right track.
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