Orange Crush Festival 2026 Launches Official Permit Plan with Safety, Accessibility, and Sustainability Upgrades
Orange Crush Festival 2026 Launches Official Permit Plan with Safety, Accessibility, and Sustainability Upgrades
Trademark Owner George Ransom Turner III Files Permit for 2026 Orange Crush Festival with Full Legal Backing and City Collaboration
Tybee Island, GA – May 29, 2025 — The iconic Orange Crush Festival® is officially returning to Tybee Island in 2026, now under the full legal ownership, federal trademark protection, and executive direction of George Ransom Turner III. Turner, a 100% Disabled Veteran, cultural advocate, and the only federally recognized trademark owner of the Orange Crush Festival® brand, has filed the official 2026 permit application, backed by a comprehensive plan to elevate safety, accessibility, sustainability, and local economic impact.
This marks a major shift in the festival’s legacy—transforming it from a previously unauthorized gathering into a city-sanctioned, community-partnered event with professional infrastructure and a responsible operational model.
“This is no longer an unsanctioned street party,” said Turner. “It’s a secure, structured, veteran-led cultural celebration that uplifts the community while respecting the law, the land, and the legacy.”
🛡️
SAFETY & SECURITY PLAN
The 2026 Orange Crush Festival permit includes a full-scale public safety framework designed in collaboration with law enforcement and veteran advisors. The plan is led by Alonzo McKinney, Security & Public Safety Lead, with input from city officials, Tybee Island Police, and EMS.
Key safety components:
Clearly marked entry/exit points with barricades, signage, and shuttle coordination
Centralized crowd control zones across stage areas, VIP zones, and vendor corridors
Multiple medical response tents, beachside emergency access lanes, and real-time communication systems between city and event staff
On-site radio command unit operated by logistics and public safety coordinators
This professional approach replaces past confusion with clarity and accountability—demonstrating Turner’s commitment to student safety, city compliance, and legal responsibility.
♿
ACCESSIBILITY & SHUTTLE INFRASTRUCTURE
For the first time in festival history, the 2026 plan includes a robust ADA-compliant infrastructure, designed to ensure equitable access for all attendees. Transportation is managed by Rob Evans, Transportation & Parking Coordinator, in direct consultation with local mobility and ADA specialists.
Accessibility highlights include:
Shuttle services from multiple off-site parking zones, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles
Clearly designated ADA rest areas, restroom facilities, and viewing zones
On-site ADA-trained volunteers and crowd accessibility staff to assist with wayfinding and entry
The transportation grid also includes city-reviewed maps showing traffic flow, loading zones, drop-off locations, and emergency vehicle pathways.
🌍
SUSTAINABILITY & BEACH PRESERVATION
In partnership with Orange Crush University, the festival’s 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Turner is launching a new Green Crush Initiative—a campaign to make Orange Crush a national model for sustainable tourism.
Environmental safeguards include:
Mobile trash collection crews with recyclable and compost-only waste stations
Required vendor compliance policies for recyclable-only packaging
The Beach Sustainability Corps: a student volunteer program focused on protecting dunes, marine life, and post-event cleanup
Led by faculty and student leaders from Savannah State University and Georgia Southern, the initiative blends festival excitement with coastal responsibility.
📝
LEGAL OWNERSHIP, PERMIT AUTHORITY & LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE
George Ransom Turner III is the exclusive federal trademark owner of “Orange Crush Festival®,” verified through active registrations across classes 041, 035, 036, and 042. His legal authority is reinforced by:
USPTO trademark certificates
A record of cease-and-desist filings to unauthorized organizers
Legal counsel from Attorney Charles F. Schmitt
Verified festival licensing and IRS nonprofit status for Orange Crush University
Official Festival Leadership Team:
George Ransom Turner III – Festival Owner & Trademark Holder
Ben Adams – Assistant Organizer
Robert Bellinger – On-Site Logistics Coordinator
Rob Evans – Transportation & Parking Coordinator
Alonzo McKinney – Security & Public Safety Lead
Ladonna Frazier – Finance & Accounting
MJ Gresham – Faculty Engagement
Jayden Tyson – Student Engagement
Attorney Charles F. Schmitt – Legal Counsel
Together, this team represents a fully authorized, multi-disciplinary coalition dedicated to organizing a lawful, impactful event in alignment with community needs and city ordinances.
🗣️
PARTNERING WITH THE CITY & LOCAL ECONOMY
The 2026 Orange Crush Festival is focused on collaboration, not conflict. Turner’s application outlines multiple economic opportunities for Tybee Island and Savannah, including:
Branded partnerships with local storefronts (signage, coupons, merch licensing)
Hiring pipelines for local volunteers, vendors, and security staff
Cross-promotions with Tybee-based businesses and Chamber of Commerce visibility
“We’re here to work with the City of Tybee—not around them,” Turner emphasized. “This isn’t just a party. It’s an economic driver and cultural celebration that uplifts Black creativity, student leadership, and veteran entrepreneurship.”
📬
MEDIA & CITY CONTACT INFORMATION
George Ransom Turner III
Trademark Owner & Festival Organizer
📧 Email: info@orangecrushfestival.org
🌐 Website: www.OrangeCrushFestival.org
Follow:
📘
ABOUT ORANGE CRUSH FESTIVAL®
Orange Crush Festival® is a federally registered trademark and one of the nation’s most iconic Black spring break traditions—now redefined through legal ownership, nonprofit programming, and civic responsibility. Operated by Orange Crush Festival LLC and supported by Orange Crush University, the brand represents a fusion of music, education, crypto innovation, and environmental advocacy.
With festival stops planned across Georgia and future expansions powered by Crush Coin™, Orange Crush Festival is more than an event—it’s a movement for ownership, access, and impact.
