PERMIT UPDATES

Legal Memorandum to Initial Permit Application April 27, 2025.

Orange Crush Festival Permit Update

June 2, 2025 | By George R. Turner III, Founder & Trademark Owner

Dear Crush Community,

I’m writing today to share a brief update on the current status of our 2026 Orange Crush Festival permit application with the City of Tybee Island. As the federally registered owner of the Orange Crush Festival® trademark (USPTO Class 041) and a 100% service-connected disabled veteran, I formally submitted our appeal, legal memorandum, and supporting plans on June 2, 2025. These documents outline why our team alone is legally authorized to produce “Orange Crush” events on Tybee Island, and provide a complete blueprint for safety, accessibility, and community engagement.

What We’ve Submitted

  1. Permit Appeal & Legal Memorandum
    We have invoked our trademark rights under the Lanham Act and our veteran-owned business preference under Georgia law. Our legal memorandum respectfully demands that the City process our application in a separate, non-competitive review, recognizing that any unauthorized use of the Orange Crush name violates federal law.

  2. Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
    We have drafted an MOU to establish a partnership framework with Tybee Island officials—detailing our mandatory licensing requirement for any brand partners, and clarifying our commitment to transparency, coordination, and mutual cooperation.

  3. Safety, ADA, and Erosion Contingencies
    Our submission includes a comprehensive Safety & Sanitation Plan, ADA-compliant shuttle/parking routes, medical and security post layouts, plus emergency and erosion-contingency staging options to ensure that, even if beach erosion conditions change, our festival can proceed safely and efficiently.

  4. Site Map & Compliance Addendum
    An illustrated site map with vendor zones, dumpster locations, VIP areas, water stations, and emergency egress routes has been provided to help City staff visualize the full footprint. We’ve also included vendor waste-management, post-festival reporting, and community complaint-resolution procedures to guarantee a well-managed event.

Where We Stand Today

Our entire packet is now under review by the Tybee Island Special Events Committee. We have formally requested that the City honor our trademark registration and veteran-owned status by treating our application as the only legitimate “Orange Crush Festival” proposal—meaning there is no need for us to compete against any unlicensed or unauthorized events. We’ve also asked to submit clarifications or minor updates without going through a full resubmission process, so that any last-minute adjustments can be handled swiftly.

At this time, we expect a formal response or hearing date no later than July 1, 2025. While our team patiently awaits the City’s decision, please know that we remain fully committed to hosting an inclusive, safe, and unforgettable festival next spring. Our goal is to bring together HBCU students, alumni, local businesses, and veteran supporters for a celebration of music, culture, and community—backed by our nonprofit arm, Orange Crush University.

How You Can Help

  • Stay Informed: We’ll continue to post updates on this website and our social channels.

  • Spread the Word: If you’re a local business owner, student leader, or community member, let your elected representatives know how much the Orange Crush Festival means to Tybee Island. Encourage them to support our permit application under our federally protected trademark.

  • Prepare for 2026: In the meantime, keep an eye on this page for volunteer signup links, sponsorship opportunities, and early bird ticket announcements once our permit is approved.

Thank you for your ongoing support and patience. We’re grateful for our entire Crush community—veterans, HBCU partners, local businesses, and all of you who believe in the power of this Festival. We look forward to sharing more news soon and—fingers crossed—celebrating together on Tybee’s beautiful shoreline next spring.

With gratitude and determination,

George R. Turner III

Founder & Trademark Owner, Orange Crush Festival®

CEO, Orange Crush University (501(c)(3)

Orange Crush Festival 2026 Permit Update

By George R. Turner III, Founder & Trademark Owner

Last updated June 2, 2025

1. Overview & Current Status

As the federally registered owner of Orange Crush Festival® (USPTO Class 041) and a 100 % service-connected disabled veteran, I officially submitted our Permit Appeal Packet to the City of Tybee Island on June 2, 2025. This packet includes:

  • Legal Memorandum & Permit Appeal Letter
    • Asserts exclusive trademark rights and veteran‐owned preference.
    • Demands a separate, non‐competitive review process.

  • Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
    • Establishes a formal framework with City staff.
    • Enforces a mandatory licensing fee for any co‐organizers or partners using the “Orange Crush” name.

  • Safety, ADA & Erosion Contingency Plans
    • Detailed medical/emergency layout, sanitation, and security.
    • Alternate on‐shore staging options in case of extreme beach erosion.

  • Site Layout & Compliance Addendum
    • High‐resolution site map with labeled zones (stage, vendor tents, dumpsters, water stations, etc.).
    • Vendor oversight, waste management, post‐festival reporting, and complaint resolution processes.

All of these materials are now under review by the Tybee Island Special Events Committee. We respectfully requested that the City treat us as the sole, legally eligible applicant for any “Orange Crush” event—eliminating any need to compare competing, unlicensed proposals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is Orange Crush a “separate, non‐competitive” permit?

A: Because Orange Crush Festival® is a federally registered trademark, any other individual or organization that attempts to run an “Orange Crush” event on Tybee Island without our authorization is infringing on our trademark under the Lanham Act (15 U.S.C. § 1125). We’ve also asserted our status as a 100 % service‐disabled veteran‐owned business, which Georgia law encourages decision‐makers to prioritize. As a result, the City is being asked to treat our application outside of a competitive pool—acknowledging that only the trademark owner may host “Orange Crush.”

Q2: What if Tybee denies the permit?

A: If an initial denial occurs, we are prepared to:

  1. File an administrative appeal within Tybee’s special events process.

  2. Engage veteran‐friendly advocacy groups (Georgia Veterans Affairs, local veteran councils) to support our case.

  3. Initiate a mandamus action in Georgia Superior Court to compel the City to act on our legally protected rights.

However, we do not anticipate a denial: our packet is comprehensive, our legal footing is strong, and the community impact is clearly articulated. We remain optimistic.

Q3: How can local businesses or students get involved?

A: Several ways to support and participate:

  1. Letters of Support:
    – Download and print our “Letter of Support” template and submit it to the City Council.
    – Email a short note of endorsement (template below) to events@tybeeisland‐ga.gov and copy info@orangecrushfestival.org.

  2. Volunteer Signup:
    – Once the permit is approved, we’ll launch our volunteer portal. Students from Savannah State, Spelman, Clark Atlanta, and other campuses can earn community service hours by staffing vendor gates, assisting with ADA shuttles, and helping with post‐event cleanup.

  3. Vendor or Sponsorship Inquiry:
    – If you operate a local hotel, restaurant, or beachside shop, become an official “Vendor” or “Local Sponsor.”
    – Email info@orangecrushfestival.org to receive our 2026 Vendor & Sponsorship Packet.

  4. Festival Staff & Security:
    – Local security agencies and EMT providers can apply via info@orangecrushfestival.org.
    – Tybee‐based off‐duty officers and EMTs are welcome to join our safety team under a special city‐negotiated rate.

Q4: Where can I find all the submitted documents?

All core permit‐related files are available for download below. Feel free to review them or share them with friends, local businesses, or City Council members:

  1. 📄 Legal Memorandum (PDF)

  2. 📄 Permit Appeal Letter (PDF)

  3. 📄 MOU with City of Tybee (PDF)

  4. 📄 Compliance Addendum Packet (DOCX)

  5. 🗺️ Final Site Map (PDF)

  6. 🚐 Shuttle Route Plan (PNG)

4. How This Impacts You

  • Local Businesses & Hospitality:
    Expect a surge in spring break tourism. Our goal is to drive $3 million+ in economic impact to Tybee Island, benefiting hotels, restaurants, beachfront shops, and service providers. Vendors who join early can secure prime beachfront—reach out soon!

  • Students & HBCUs:
    Orange Crush Festival is built around HBCU culture: student step shows, Greek Life Kreyol nights, beachside mixers, and academic‐track panels. Each year, we bring 15 – 20 student organizations from Savannah State, Clark Atlanta, Spelman, Morehouse, and beyond. Volunteers earn service hours, and scholarship opportunities are available through Orange Crush University.

  • Veterans’ Outreach:
    As a 100 % Service‐Connected Disabled Veteran‐Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), we commit to hiring local veterans for security, shuttle operations, and production roles. We’ve set aside a portion of vendor and sponsorship revenue to fund mental health services and veteran support programs during the festival.

5. What You Can Do Right Now

  1. Submit a Letter of Support to Tybee City Council using our template here.

  2. Follow & Share our social channels—posts tagged #OrangeCrush2026Permit help generate positive community buzz.