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TYBEE ISLAND, Ga. — Tybee Island is taking another step toward a major transformation of its short-term rental regulations, a debate that has stretched on for months and recently put the city at the center of a legal battle.

Residents will have another opportunity Thursday night to weigh in on the proposed changes. If City Council approves the ordinance following a second reading later this month, Tybee could soon have a new system for how short-term vacation rentals are permitted, regulated and enforced.

The proposal would divide the island into four sectors, with different limits on short-term rentals depending on the area.

One of the biggest changes would be how the city treats neighborhoods on either side of Butler Avenue. Areas closer to the Island’s tourist activity could allow more short-term rentals, while quieter residential areas would face tighter limits.

Under the proposed plan, the city would establish caps on the number of eligible residential units that could operate as short-term rentals.

In the north and west sectors, short-term rentals could account for up to 30% of eligible residential units, leaving 70% for residential use.

In the east and south sectors, the proposed cap would be higher, at 60% of eligible residential units.

City officials said those figures are caps on eligible residential units – not a percentage of every home on Tybee Island.

The goal, officials said, is to strike a balance between preserving residential neighborhoods and allowing short-term rentals in areas where tourism is already concentrated.

“We’re in the middle here with allowing fewer permits in quieter areas and allowing more permits in the areas,” a city official said. “This ordinance makes enforcement very strict, and it requires managers of properties to take care of their homes and to kick people out if they’re not being respectful.”

Tybee has regulated short-term vacation rentals since 2016, with the city tightening restrictions in residential areas in 2024.

Those rules became the subject of a lawsuit challenging the city’s authority to regulate rentals in residential neighborhoods.

Just last week, a judge sided with the city over its authority to regulate short-term rentals in those areas.

The proposed ordinance would replace the city’s existing short-term rental sections with a new set of rules covering permits and enforcement.

The city is also proposing stronger requirements for property owners and managers, including insurance requirements and greater responsibility for addressing problems at rental properties.

The proposal would also establish a 20-person limit on large gatherings at short-term rental properties.

Residents filled Tybee Island council chambers Thursday night. Over a dozen residents spoke out both in favor and against the ordinance.

Many who shared their concerns don’t have a problem with short term rentals but the number of rentals that could be added. Meanwhile others, believe the proposed changes could give families more stability and financial security.

After a long public hearing, council members voted to approve the second reading of the short-term rental ordinance updated. Officials added an amendment to look at tax records surrounding short term rental properties.

A second reading of the proposed ordinance is scheduled for Aug. 27.

If council members approve the measure after that second reading, the new regulations could mark a significant shift in how Tybee Island manages the balance between its residential neighborhoods and its booming vacation-rental industry.

Ask anyone who's spent time in Georgia, and they will tell you it combines some of the country's best natural beauty with plenty of historic buildings. It has a diverse landscape, including coastal towns, expansive forests, and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Take Tallulah Falls, for example. The town sits near Tallulah Gorge State Park, which features an awe-inspiring gorge and several beautiful natural waterfalls. Milledgeville was once the capital of Georgia, and still contains many historic buildings from its past. And Tybee Island offers gorgeous beaches and fishing opportunities for anglers. No matter your definition of beauty, you will be sure to see it on full display at these most breathtaking towns in Georgia.

Ellijay

Ellijay is a quiet town not far from the Tennessee border in the Blue Ridge Mountains, surrounded by beautiful scenery. Mountain bikers have long been drawn to the Ellijay area and Mulberry Gap, an adventure basecamp with access to the Pinhoti and Bear Creek trails. It serves as a basecamp for mountain adventures, with campsites and plenty of trails for mountain biking or just a refreshing hike through jaw-dropping mountain scenery.

The mountain atmosphere serves as the backdrop for Ellijay's highlight of the year: apple season. The town has earned its reputation as the "Apple Capital of Georgia" for its orchards and annual Georgia Apple Festival. The festival gives local artisans a chance to show off their work, and local orchards bring fresh apples and apple products to enjoy. For more high-quality produce, visit Panorama Orchards & Farm Market three miles south of Ellijay. They specialize in apples, but they also have high-quality artisanal goods, like pies, cakes, and jams.

Blue Ridge

Not far from Ellijay is Blue Ridge, a nature lover's paradise. The town is well known by locals for having some of the best fishing in Georgia, especially for trout. Tammen Park, off Highway 515 in Blue Ridge, offers fishing access below the Blue Ridge Lake dam on the Toccoa River. If you prefer lake fishing to river fishing, head down to Lake Blue Ridge. Aside from trout, anglers can expect to find bass and other smaller species that make for good eating or just a fun day of catch and release.

After a day of fishing, kick up your feet and enjoy the beauty of the area at the Blue Ridge Railway. The train makes a 26-mile round trip from downtown Blue Ridge along the Toccoa River to McCaysville, Georgia, and Copperhill, Tennessee. Blue Ridge is also home to the Swan Drive-In Theatre. This theater harkens back to the past, allowing you to enjoy a movie with the beautiful Georgia forest and sky as a backdrop.

Helen

Helen is one of Georgia's quirkiest towns, combining Bavarian architecture with some of Georgia's best natural scenery. Atlanta artist John Kollock suggested the idea to the town to give it a makeover like a Bavarian village. The experiment worked, as Helen is now a popular tourist destination. The Helen Arts & Heritage Center offers a look at this history and how the town's German heritage continues to influence it to this day. And to see that German culture come alive, head to the annual Oktoberfest celebration in town, the longest-running one in the United States. The event features all the delicious food and drink you'd expect from an Oktoberfest, plus a costume party on Halloween Night.

But the natural attractions just outside of Helen are just as good as what's going on in town. The Georgia Mountain Coaster is one of the state's most unique experiences. It is a mountain coaster that lets riders control their speed while descending through the wooded landscape. For something a little slower-paced, there's Unicoi State Park, with excellent opportunities for fishing and hiking.

Tallulah Falls

Tallulah Falls is like something out of a fantasy novel. The town sits by Tallulah Gorge State Park and has some of the best-looking waterfalls and vistas in the state. The park has several trails leading to scenic overlooks and one suspension bridge that crosses above the gorge floor. The park also offers camping and a beautiful lake, making it one of Georgia's best natural areas.

The town also lives up to its name, sitting near several breathtaking waterfalls inside the park. Hurricane Falls is just outside the town and is easy to get to with a quick hike on the trails. And just up the river is L'Eau d'Or Falls. You can get a great view of it from one of the overlooks in the park.

Madison

Madison earns its reputation as one of Georgia's most breathtaking cities thanks to its classic Americana downtown. Anyone who's spent any time in town knows it has one of the best main streets to explore, with beautiful buildings and interesting attractions that demonstrate the best Georgia has to offer. The Madison-Morgan Cultural Center celebrates Madison art and culture with live music, cultural festivals, and a gallery of local artwork, all inside the ornate Madison Graded School building from 1895. Not far from the cultural center is the Morgan County African-American Museum. The museum highlights the art and history of African American residents in Madison, preserving that history for future generations.

But Madison is no slouch when it comes to outdoor entertainment either, as it is home to the Georgia Safari Conservation Park. The park offers the chance to see exotic animals, such as bearded dragons, zebras, and giraffes.

Milledgeville

Milledgeville was once the capital of Georgia, serving in that role until just after the Civil War. This history, along with tireless preservation efforts, has made Milledgeville one of Georgia's most breathtaking towns, with its classic architecture. Georgia's Old Governor's Mansion illustrates that perfectly. Architects designed the mansion in a Greek Revival style, and it has been perfectly restored to how it looked in 1851. The mansion is now a museum that explains its purpose and brings Georgia's past to life. Just down the road is another historic property: the Brown-Stetson-Sanford House. The home went through many changes in its history, serving as an inn, restaurant, and private home over the years. Today, it is a museum that recreates what the building looked like in the past, with information about life in town from 1857-1890.

Milledgeville is also home to a beautiful botanical garden. The Lockerly Arboretum fulfills the dreams of E.J. Grassmann, who envisioned an arboretum in town that would provide a natural area for residents to enjoy. The arboretum is free to visit, with excellent biodiversity and a peaceful setting to take in the sights.

Cordele

Cordele has one of Georgia's most unique and breathtaking landmarks: the Titan I Missile. It is a real (but not loaded) missile that stands in town as a monument to the United States military. The missile serves as a tribute and photo opportunity that showcases the ingenuity of central Georgia.

But Cordele's other main claim to fame is its railroad history. Sitting at the junction of two railroads, trains played a crucial role in the development of the town. Railroads still play a big role in town at the SAM Shortline Excursion Railroad. The railroad takes travelers on a scenic tour of central Georgia, with plenty of beautiful countryside to enjoy from the comfort of a train car. Many train enthusiasts spend time at Railway Park, watching trains pass through Cordele's busy downtown junction.

Thomasville

Thomasville's historical buildings and friendly locals make it one of the most breathtaking cities to visit in Georgia. Not far from the border with Florida, it is home to the Big Oak, one of the oldest oak trees in the country. It dates back to around 1680, and it's a living piece of history nearly 100 years older than the country itself. The tree is just one historic attraction in town, as it also has the Lapham-Patterson House. A former Victorian mansion, it is now open for guided tours, with preservation efforts keeping it in pristine condition.

Thomasville has also earned the nickname the "City of Roses" thanks to its annual Rose Festival. The tradition dates back more than 100 years and showcases the city at its best, with Georgia classics like a massive parade, antique car show, and local artisanal goods on sale. The flower shows also feature breathtaking local blooms that show why the town has earned its nickname.

St. Marys

Anyone who enjoys spending time by the water knows St. Marys is one of the best and most beautiful places to do so in Georgia. The town sits by the East and St. Marys Rivers and is right by the coast, making it a popular place to call home for nature lovers. Crooked River State Park, just north of town, has trails that offer hiking and views of the Crooked River and surrounding marshes. And the fishing is great for anglers. For a more relaxing day by the water, there is the St. Marys Waterfront Park. The riverside walk is a great way to enjoy the river and get some peaceful time in nature. And for a day out on the water doing some fishing, book a trip with Elliott's Bluff Charter Company to pursue trout or just spot some wildlife.

St. Marys is also home to one of Georgia's more unique museums. The St. Marys Submarine Museum takes visitors on a journey through the history of submarines in the United States and how they affected military and civilian life.

Tybee Island

You might not associate Georgia with beautiful islands, but Tybee Island proves that misconception wrong. This barrier island has some of Georgia's best vistas and beaches. On the southern side of town is the Tybee Beach Pier and Pavilion. Here, you can enjoy the waves from the beach or head up to the pier for some excellent ocean fishing opportunities. And for an unforgettable sight, there is the Tybee Island Light Station and Museum. It is Georgia's oldest and tallest light and is open for tours to see the lighthouse and learn more about the role it served for the town.

Tybee Island is also home to one of Georgia's quirkier festivals. The Tybee Pirate Festival brings the kind of swashbuckling fun you can only find in a coastal town. The event features a pub crawl, pirate ball, and a weekend carnival, making it a fun experience for all ages.

The Towns That Accentuate Georgia's Beauty

These towns reveal just how many forms Georgia's beauty can take. Tallulah Falls offers dramatic gorge views, Milledgeville preserves grand architecture, and Tybee Island opens onto sandy beaches and Atlantic waters. Whether the scenery comes from mountains, historic streets, or the coast, Georgia delivers a breathtaking view at every turn.

TYBEE ISLAND, Ga. (WSAV) — The sister of a woman who drowned on Tybee Island said she might still be alive today if lifeguards had reached her sooner.

Thirty-five-year-old Franki Goding drowned on the island in front of lifeguard Tower 15 on June 22, 2026.

According to the Visit Tybee Island website, lifeguards are supposed to be stationed at each tower from 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. every day during the busy season.

On the day Goding drowned, there was no lifeguard there. This is according to records obtained by WSAV, which showed no lifeguard was on duty between 3-5:30 p.m. on June 22 at lifeguard Tower 15.

Goding’s sister, Jasmine Kelley, described her sister as a “wonderful human” and the light of their lives.

She explained that Goding went into the water on that day and began to feel dizzy. She then fell face-first into the water.

Her daughter and a bystander had to bring her out of the water.

“Luckily, there was an ICU nurse vacationing there at Tybee; she started CPR immediately,” said Kelley. “It took 10 minutes for the lifeguards to get there.”

Jen Bishop, Tybee Island’s beach manager, confirmed that lifeguards left Tower 15 due to staffing limitations on June 22.

Her statement is as follows:

“On June 22, 2026, Tower 15 closed at 1:00 p.m. due to staffing limitations and scheduled staff flex hours required under Georgia labor laws for seasonal employees. Although the physical tower was closed, the Tower 15 area remained covered by a roving lifeguard assigned specifically to that zone of the beach. With limited staffing, available lifeguards were strategically distributed across the length of the beach to provide the broadest possible coverage. At the time of the incident, five lifeguards were on duty providing coverage for the entire beach, including one roving lifeguard assigned to the zone. No Lifeguard on Duty” signage was posted at Tower 15, and the Safe Beach Day website noted in the Tower 15 description that the tower would close at 1:00 p.m. The website also indicated that a roving UTV lifeguard would be providing coverage for the zone. Tower 18 and North Beach Tower 1 remained staffed on June 22, 2026, as they are located on opposite ends of the island and protect areas with increased risks from longshore currents and underwater hazards. Both staffed towers had designated “rovers” with UTVs to frequently patrol the areas where towers were unmanned. At the time of the incident, the roving lifeguard assigned to the zone with Tower 15 was less than one block away providing surveillance. The lifeguard arrived on scene immediately after recognizing the incident.”

Kelley said she is speaking up because her sister can’t and she hopes something like this doesn’t happen again.

“I am going to miss her like crazy, I really am,” she said.

The Tybee Island Marine Science Center urged boaters to slow down and keep their distance.

TYBEE ISLAND, Ga. (WTOC) - Manatees have been spotted in creeks and waterways around Tybee Island for the past few weeks, sharing the water with boaters enjoying warm weather.

Manatees often swim just below the surface, making them hard to spot from a moving boat. The only sign may be a snout above the surface or a shadow beneath the waves.

Experts urge caution

Experts at the Tybee Island Marine Science Center said boaters who encounter a manatee should slow down and keep their distance.

Alli Caldwell, programs director at the Tybee Island Marine Science Center, said the Marine Mammal Protection Act requires boaters to stay at least 50 yards away from manatees.

“The Marine Mammal Protection Act you have to stay at least 50 yards away from manatees if you ever are in the proximity its always nice to slow your boat down,” Caldwell said. “No wake if you are in an area where you are able to do a no wake area and also make sure that you are not coming too close to them. If you are getting in that 50 yards, just turn your motor off and just let them get away from you.”

Manatees do not have the agility to dodge a fast-moving boat. Because of their anatomy, the impact from a boat can seriously injure or kill them.

Species remains a concern

Experts said manatees only come to Georgia waters during the spring and summer, and boating collisions have impacted the species as a whole.

Caldwell said manatees were down-listed from endangered to threatened, but remain a species of concern.

“They are no longer endangered. They have gotten down-listed to threatened, which is great, but that means that they are still a species of concern,” Caldwell said. “They have a bad history of getting hit by boats and getting tangles in fishing gear. If you ever see just a manatee in distress, sometimes they’ll get entangles in crab pot line, so if you ever see the behavior of a manatee that just doesn’t look right, it’s always good to give Georgia DNR at 1-800-2-SAVE-ME a call.”

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Tybee Island Marine Science Center are asking anyone who sees an injured, impaired or dead manatee to report it immediately to Georgia DNR at 1-800-2-SAVE-ME.