The party is on, but more subdued. That's the word from St. Simons Island, where thousands of young people celebrate the football game this weekend between the Georgia Bulldogs and Florida Gators.

Local officials, responding to resident complaints, announced a zero tolerance policy for this year’s ‘Frat Beach’ party - no underage drinking, roadside sobriety checks and more police armed with breathalyzers.

By Friday afternoon, it appeared that the big shindig was not what it had been in earlier years, in both attendance and attitude. Several hundred young people were on the beach, with a steady stream still coming in, but not in numbers seen in prior years. Several hotels reported fewer bookings.

Word of the crackdown created a giant buzz-kill among UGA students, alumni and other fans who make the annual pilgrimage to the island. Police Chief Matt Doering still expects several thousand revelers this weekend.

His advice to young people: “Don’t lie to the police.”

About the Author

Keep Reading

If the Senate's version of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act passes, the 30% federal tax credits offered for clean energy installations — such as these solar panels being installed atop an Ellenwood home in 2022 — would be sunset by the end of 2025. (Jason Getz/AJC 2022)

Credit: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com

Featured

People carrying a giant pride flag participate in the annual Pride Parade in Atlanta on Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez