Sarah Smith

Savannah

Reporter at WSAV-TV (Savannah, GA)

Reporter @WSAV | [email protected] | Georgia Southern Alum 🦅

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Articles

Historic Collier home condemned, advocates work towards restoration

1 week ago | wsav.com | Sarah Smith

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) — WSAV News 3 is getting answers for residents and historians concerned about the future of a historic home in the Liberty City neighborhood of Savannah. Orange signage on the front of the Collier house on Mills B Lane Boulevard shows the home is condemned, but locals with a passion for historic preservation are wanting to prevent demolition and keep this piece of history alive. The home stands tall in Alderman Estella Shabazz’s, PhD, district.
Car reportedly flipped in high-speed chase

1 week ago | wsav.com | Natasha Young |Sarah Smith |Christine Queally

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) — A car could be seen flipped over following a high-speed chase on Ogeechee Road Tuesday evening. WSAV’s Sarah Smith witnessed a car driving at what seemed to be high speeds on Ogeechee Road near Mullis B Lane Boulevard. She then heard a crash and witnessed a car turned over. WSAV’s Christine Queally spoke to GSP on the scene. The blue Dodge Charger that flipped was not a trooper, but the suspect in the chase.
Savannah mayor reacts to Trump’s plans to ‘phase out’ FEMA

1 week ago | wsav.com | Sarah Smith

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) — Savannah’s mayor reacted to President Donald Trump’s plans to “phase out” the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Tuesday. Parts of our area were hit hard by Hurricane Helene last fall. Trees were down on homes, and the power was out for days. Responding to natural disasters could look a lot different after this hurricane season if President Trump phases out FEMA.
ONLY ON 3: Georgia AG talks Savannah crime, mayor responds

1 week ago | wsav.com | Sarah Smith

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) — The Savannah mayor responded to criticism from the Georgia attorney general related to crime in the city. AG Chris Carr shared his concerns exclusively with WSAV Tuesday. The candidate for governor called Savannah “a jewel in Georgia’s tourism crown,” but stated he’s worried for the safety of residents and tourists following recent shootings. Carr criticized city council for considering restricting business hours and said leaders aren’t getting to the “root cause” of crime.
‘We need to be counted’: thousands show up for ‘No Kings’ protest in Savannah

2 weeks ago | wsav.com | Sarah Smith

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) — With signs and megaphones in hand, nearly 2,000 people marched through the streets of downtown Savannah for the “No Kings” protest Saturday. The event started in Thomas Square Park at 11 a.m. with speeches from several activists and representatives from local organizations. A march followed, ending at the Forsyth Park fountain. This was just one of several events in our area and across the country.
Georgia Power working to reduce number, length of outages

2 weeks ago | wsav.com | Sarah Smith

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) — Whether it’s a brief shower or a severe storm, Georgia Power said they are investing in their infrastructure by upgrading their energy grid for their 2.7 million customers. Georgia Power spokesperson Matthew Kent said they’re doing this through smart grid technology. The company hopes to reduce outages when severe weather moves in. “The technology can remotely restore power in the event that a line is down if there’s an available way to reroute that power,” Kent said.
WATCH: 3 men arrested in hotel SWAT situation near airport

2 weeks ago | wsav.com | Sarah Smith

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) — Body-worn camera (BWC) footage from Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport Police shows the arrests of three men at the Comfort Inn and Suites near the airport. Records show Alexander Blanco-Medina, 26, and Jean Nieves-Ortiz, 19, were both arrested for false imprisonment and terroristic threats and acts on June 1st. Yeiker Luis Arevalo Hernandez, 20, was arrested the following day and has been charged with aggravated assault, terroristic threats and theft by taking.
Local officials share differing opinions as ICE raids, protests continue

2 weeks ago | wsav.com | Sarah Smith

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) — Local and state leaders are reacting to the recent Immigration Control and Enforcement (ICE) raids and the protests against them. According to a report from the White House, ICE officers have arrested more than 100,000 people in less than five months since President Donald Trump took office, compared to 113,000 in the entire 2024 fiscal year. Arrests took place in Bulloch County just last Friday.
Sterling Creek Park to reopen after recent crime

2 weeks ago | wsav.com | Sarah Smith

RICHMOND HILL, Ga. (WSAV) — Sterling Creek Park will reopen in late June according to Richmond Hill officials. The park closed for maintenance on May 1 following several reported disturbances. Richmond Hill Police Department (RHPD) records show officers investigated 26 incidents on April 27th at the park. Almost 20 people were arrested for driving without a license, two arrested for drug possession and another arrested for driving under the influence.
‘He was larger than life’: Olympia Cafe staff remember Nick Pappas

3 weeks ago | wsav.com | Sarah Smith

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) — Olympia Cafe is one of the many restaurants that welcome tourists and locals to iconic River Street, but one familiar face is missing. The co-owner, Nick Pappas, unexpectedly passed away last month at 80 years old. WSAV sat down with Vasilis Varlagas, co-owner, and Frances Krieg, manager, weeks after to check in on how they were. They told WSAV, it’s hard to believe he’s really gone. “Mr. Pappas was working until the day before died.