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Atlantic Beach approves first reading to make Gullah Geechee Festival an annual town event
Summary
Council approved the first reading of Ordinance 16-2025 to designate the Gullah Geechee Festival as a town-sponsored annual festival managed by Atlantic Beach, with recommended language edits on timing and committee appointments.
Atlantic Beach took a step Oct. 6 to formalize an annual Gullah Geechee Festival, approving the first reading of Ordinance 16-2025 and instructing staff to refine language on scheduling and committee appointments.
Town Manager Adrian Jones said the ordinance would make the festival a town-sponsored and town-managed event, similar to the town’s Bike Fest. He said the event generated positive publicity during a recent August iteration and council should bring it under a town-managed framework.
Councilwoman Carla Taylor expressed support but recommended changes to the ordinance’s language on timing and appointments — striking a directive that the festival occur "generally during the month of August, September or Labor Day weekend" and instead leaving the date to the planning committee. She also recommended that the Town Manager "may appoint" committee members and allow committee members to serve additional consecutive terms under manager appointment.
Councilman Edward Campbell moved approval of the first reading and Taylor seconded; the motion passed by roll call: Campbell "Yay," Taylor "Yay," and Mayor Pro Tem John David "Yes." The ordinance will return for a second reading with Taylor’s suggested verbiage adjustments.
