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If you are accused of a crime, the only thing standing between your freedom and a verdict of "guilty" is an experienced criminal defense attorney in Port Wentworth, GA.

Those who have been arrested before know that life in the legal system is no laughing matter. Aside from the imminent ramifications of fines and jail time, any goals you have of bettering yourself and advancing your life could be compromised. Without a trusted attorney by your side, you could face a lifetime of embarrassment and poor employment prospects due to a tarnished criminal record.

The good news? Dennis O'Brien and his team of experienced lawyers in Port Wentworth are ready to clear your name. By retaining the help of a criminal defense attorney early in the legal process, you have a much better chance of securing your freedom and living a life as a productive member of society.

At O'Brien Law Firm PC, our practice was founded to fight for the rights of individuals accused of or charged with a crime. Our team of legal experts is well-equipped to take even the most difficult, contentious cases. From violent felonies to DUI, there is nothing we haven't seen and handled. As a former law enforcement officer, founding attorney Dennis O'Brien knows exactly how much a person can lose if convicted. That's why we work tirelessly to secure a verdict that is favorable for our clients.

Regardless of how serious or minor your case may be, know that we will fight fearlessly on your behalf. You deserve zealous representation - when you hire O'Brien Law Firm PC, you will receive nothing less.

 Drug Lawyer Port Wentworth, GA
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The O'Brien Law Firm PC Difference

Many of our clients are surprised to discover that founding lawyer Dennis O'Brien was a police officer prior to his criminal defense career. As a former Field Training Officer for the Memphis Police Department, he has over two decades of knowledge and experience in the criminal justice system. Dennis truly understands the nuance and complexities involved in a criminal defense case. This rare experience gives Dennis a clear edge in any criminal defense case and gives clients priceless peace of mind when they need it the most. Unlike some criminal defense attorneys in Port Wentworth, Dennis O'Brien and his team believe that every client deserves effective, empathetic legal assistance. While some Port Wentworth criminal defense firms will take weekends off or pass along cases to paralegals, Dennis personally reviews each of his cases. There is no case too small or big for O'Brien Law Firm PC. When you hire our firm, you can rest easy knowing that we will be by your side when the going gets tough.

 Federal Defense Attorney Port Wentworth, GA
Here are just a few reasons why O'Brien Law Firm PC is Port Wentworth's top choice in criminal defense:
  • Vigorous Representation
  • Fierce Dedication to Clients
  • Unmatched Experience
  • Face-to-Face Counsel
  • Prompt Response to Inquiries and Questions
  • Commitment to Defending Your Rights
  • Thorough, Effective Research and Investigation
  • Contact Us or Call: 912-704-5150
 Criminal Defense Law Firms Port Wentworth, GA
Our firm has represented hundreds of criminal defense clients in Port Wentworth and is highly qualified to take your case. Some of our specialties include:

Drug Cases in Port Wentworth, GA

When you are charged with a drug crime in Port Wentworth, it can change your life forever. Georgia imposes very strict punishments for drug offenses. The truth is, it's hard to get your life back on track with a drug charge on your record. Your freedom and way of life could be in the hands of your criminal defense attorney. As such, you need a competent lawyer with years of experience handling drug cases. Leaving your fate in the hands of an incompetent attorney could have long-lasting effects on your family and may result in a conviction.

 Criminal Defense Lawyers Port Wentworth, GA

Consequences for drug crimes in Port Wentworth often include:

  • Jail
  • Prison
  • Heavy fines
  • Community service
  • Court-ordered drug and alcohol counseling
  • Probation or parole
  • Permanent criminal record

While the consequences for a drug crime in Georgia are serious, there's reason to be hopeful: O'Brien Law Firm PC is here to fight for you. Remember - being charged with a drug crime is NOT the same thing as being convicted.

Our stellar team has represented many clients facing numerous drug-related charges. While each situation varies, one constant remains the same for clients facing drug charges: a fear of what lies ahead. At O'Brien Law Firm PC our job is to help you overcome the fear of the unknown. We do so by ensuring you understand your charges, the possible outcomes associated with those charges, and the options you need to consider from a criminal defense standpoint.

With more than a decade of experience as Port Wentworth drug crime attorneys, we have the experience and resources to defend you in court no matter what your charges may be, including:

  • Marijuana
  • Crack
  • Cocaine
  • Heroin
  • Methamphetamine
  • Ecstasy

No matter what charge you are facing, our team has the experience and resources to build a comprehensive defense strategy for your drug case in Port Wentworth, GA. Without a criminal defense attorney acting as your advocate, you could be facing very harsh penalties. Here are a few punishments you could be facing for drug crimes in Port Wentworth:

  • Schedule I or Schedule II Drug Possession
    Schedule I or Schedule II Drug Possession:

    Having less than a gram (or one milliliter for liquids) of this type of drug results in a prison term of one to three years. Having four grams or milliliter carries a term of one to eight years.

  • Schedule III, IV, or V Drug Possession
    Schedule III, IV, or V Drug Possession:

    Any substance on this list is punishable by a prison sentence of one to three years.

  • Non-Narcotic Schedule II Drug Possession
    Non-Narcotic Schedule II Drug Possession:

    If you have less than two grams or milliliters of this substance, punishments can be between one year and three years. Having up to four grams or milliliters results in a prison sentence of one to eight years.

  • Possession of Marijuana
    Possession of Marijuana:

    Those who are in possession of less than an ounce of marijuana are subject to a jail sentence of up to 12 months. Fines may be no more than $1,000. Possession of more than an ounce of marijuana can result in a prison term of one to 10 years.

To avoid these life-changing punishments, you must take action now. Contact O'Brien Law Firm today for a consultation about your case.

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 Defense Lawyers Port Wentworth, GA
 Criminal Defense Attorney Port Wentworth, GA

Violent Crime Cases in Port Wentworth, GA

Violent crime offenses in Port Wentworth typically involve some form of bodily harm to another individual, actions committed against an individual's will, or threatening someone with bodily harm. Aggravated violent offenses are more severe charges and often occur when a violent crime is made more serious due to circumstances like deadly weapons.

Much like serious drug cases, violent crimes create an added layer of negativity that follows the accused for the rest of their life. In these cases, even an accusation is enough to cause irreparable damage to a person's reputation. Those convicted of a violent crime face severe penalties that can include years in a correctional facility.

Common crimes of this nature include but are not limited to:
  • Murder
  • Assault with the intent to murder
  • Vehicular homicide
  • Domestic violence
  • Assault
  • Battery
  • Kidnapping
  • Rape
  • Robbery
  • Carjacking

When you are accused of any of the above crimes, your freedom hangs in the balance. The outcome of your case will determine whether you leave the courtroom with your freedom intact or stripped away to serve time behind bars. Because the punishments for violent crimes are so extreme, you should be seeking legal counsel from a criminal defense attorney in Port Wentworth, GA, as soon as possible. As a former police officer with a long record of positive verdicts in violent crime cases, Dennis O'Brien is well equipped to represent you in court.

Having a criminal defense lawyer by your side is the best way to avoid the serious punishments associated with violent crimes. These punishments usually result in prison time if convicted and include:
Forced rape: 20 years
Armed robbery: Up to 20 years
Simple assault: Up to 12 months
Aggravated assault: 10 to 20 years
Aggravated battery: Up to 20 years
Involuntary manslaughter: One to 20 years
Vehicular homicide Up to 15 years
Murder: Life in prison or the death sentence
Zealous Representation Without Judgement

As a former police officer, Dennis O'Brien has seen the toll it takes on a person when charged with a crime. His time in law enforcement allows him to empathize with his clients who desperately need competent representation. Despite being innocent until proven guilty, accusations are scary, and conviction could be a reality. That is why you must work with a trustworthy criminal defense lawyer in Port Wentworth, GA who will work tirelessly to clear your name.

Clients choose O'Brien Law Firm because we believe in open communication, honesty, and hard work. It is not our job to act as judges for those who have been accused of crimes. Rather, our goal is to find the best defense that allows us to protect our clients' rights and freedoms.

DUI Cases in Port Wentworth, GA

Driving under the influence (DUI) is one of the most common crimes committed in Georgia. Punishments for such a crime can be severe, and for understandable reasons - when a person operates a vehicle while they are intoxicated, they're putting their life and the lives of others at risk.

While DUI is a serious crime that completely upend the accused's life, the earnest desire to end drunk driving can make police officers too eager to catch a person who they believe is under the influence.

 Criminal Defense Law Firm Port Wentworth, GA

The city of Port Wentworth, Georgia, has implemented severe punishments for DUI, even for first-time offenders. Individuals charged with DUI in Port Wentworth could face:

  • Very expensive fines and fees
  • Loss of license
  • Incarceration

Fortunately, if you or someone you love has been charged with DUI, there is hope. This is particularly true when the accused is administered a breath or blood test for DUI. In fact, cases that involve a breath and/or blood test are beaten daily. When you hire O'Brien Law Firm PC, we will dive deep into your DUI case in Port Wentworth and examine every angle possible for your case to be dismissed. Here are just a few questions our team will investigate:

  • Was the stop legal? If not, your case could be dismissed
  • Is there enough evidence or probable cause to arrest you? If not, Dennis O'Brien will file a pre-trial motion and will fight hard to have your case dismissed before trial.
  • Did the police read you your implied consent rights? If not, your case could be thrown out. Failure to read implied consent rights to the accused is one of the most common police errors.
  • Were your blood testing records and breathalyzer results maintained? Breath testing comes with inherent weaknesses that can create doubt in a juror's mind.

There are numerous ways to beat a DUI case in Georgia, from unreliable field sobriety tests to inaccurate state-administered breath tests. As a veteran criminal defense lawyer in Port Wentworth, GA, Dennis O'Brien has the knowledge and experience to expose the state's mistakes and fight for your rights. When you hire O'Brien Law Firm PC your chances of dismissal are greatly increased. When your case is dismissed, you can continue living life without the burden of a criminal record.

 Criminal Justice Attorney Port Wentworth, GA

If you or someone you love is accused of a crime in Port Wentworth, GA, don't leave fate up to the prosecution. Take the necessary steps to protect yourself and your family before it's too late.

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Latest News in Port Wentworth, GA

Port Wentworth Council candidates face off in forum, discuss housing, traffic

Six Port Wentworth candidates recently participated in a forum, discussing residents' traffic concerns, quality of life improvements and affordable housing.The forum included Mayor Pro Tem Thomas Barbee and LaShawn Benton, running for At-Large Post 2; incumbent Mark Stephens, running unopposed for District 2; Shawn Randerwala, running unopposed for District 4; and ArtLise Alston-Cone and Avril Roy-Smith, running for the At-Large Post 1.Addressing needs and concerns of residentsModerator Dawn Baker of WTO...

Six Port Wentworth candidates recently participated in a forum, discussing residents' traffic concerns, quality of life improvements and affordable housing.

The forum included Mayor Pro Tem Thomas Barbee and LaShawn Benton, running for At-Large Post 2; incumbent Mark Stephens, running unopposed for District 2; Shawn Randerwala, running unopposed for District 4; and ArtLise Alston-Cone and Avril Roy-Smith, running for the At-Large Post 1.

Addressing needs and concerns of residents

Moderator Dawn Baker of WTOC asked the candidates Thursday at the CLIC Center what they consider the biggest need for the residents of Port Wentworth.

All of the candidates agreed that the biggest issues were mitigating traffic, more restaurants and improving public service.

"I believe that our opinions that we keep sharing with our state leadership has fallen on deaf ears, because we've been asking them to make Highway 21 six lanes and nothing has been done about it," said Barbee.

He noted traffic mitigation tactics that the council has implemented, including a Benton Boulevard extension. He also mentioned the partnership with Chatham Area Transit to extend an existing route to the city.

More:'This is a very big moment for the city:' Public transportation coming to Port Wentworth

Roy-Smith said the city needs an identity.

"There's absolutely no cohesive identity," Roy-Smith said. "I think if the city can actually come up with an identity, then maybe we could get some citizen involvement."

Baker asked District 2 Incumbent Stephens about the benefits of the new transit service for residents, and if the $400,000 annual cost was a meaningful use of city funds.

"First of all, yes it is," Stephens said. "It's going to work to help eliminate some of the traffic, because less people will be taking cars."

Baker asked all of the candidates what their plan of action was for the first 90 days, if elected.

"The first 90 days for me would be to send out a survey to citizens," Alston-Cone said. "I would like to know what it is that you want. What do you feel are our most pressing issues?"

She also said she would fill all of the city's potholes.

Roy-Smith said something similar and added that she would try and make concrete plans about the things she's been hearing from residents.

Quality of life improvements

Baker asked Randerwala about his plans to improve the quality of life for residents and visitors, and how businesses affects residents.

"More restaurants in the area will definitely be better for the citizens," Randerwala said.

As a large port city, Randerwala said warehouse development seems inevitable, but it can be steered away from residences with buffers.

She asked Barbee and Benton how they felt the new recreation facility would serve residents.

"I think that it will benefit the kids, and moms, and adults overall," Benton said. "It will attract more people that want to come and stay in our city ... it's going to bring more home ownership and people who want to come and stay in Port Wentworth."

Barbee echoed Benton's sentiment.

"It's definitely a benefit for the city," Barbee said. "It has already been an economic driver because it caught the attention of a semi-pro hockey team that decided to choose us out of 108 other cities to build their 90,000 square-foot facility and put in two hockey rinks and a restaurant."

Baker asked Alston-Cone and Roy-Smith about their plans to secure post offices and other vital services.

"I would certainly start the discussions with the United States Postal Service about the possibility of getting an office," Roy-Smith said. "But there are other services we need even more than the post office. We need medical, dental, even a library. Those things we can get."

Alston-Cone agreed with the need for medical offices and more small businesses. But as an educator, she'd like to research first and connect with folks that would guide her.

"As far as other resources, I definitely would like to have our own high school, and I think we can with the population growth in this area," Alston-Cone said.

Affordable housing

The city of Port Wentworth recently approved the zoning amendment for a new housing development, LEO Cottages at Port Wentworth. LEO at the Sanctuary in Rincon is owned by the same company, Advenir, and the monthly rent sits at $1,653 up to $2,599.

The city also announced in August that Habitat for Humanity Coastal Georgia executives signed a letter of intent to build affordable housing on Cantyre Street.

Baker asked the candidates what the city has done right and what it has done wrong in bringing in new types of housing.

Randerwala and Stephens shared the same view: It's up to the builder to build affordable housing.

"If there's somebody wanting to build it, we will approve it to make sure that it's affordable for every citizen," Randerwala said.

Roy-Smith said it's up to the builders to decide and that the city can't control prices outside its limits.

"The market prices are totally out of our control," Roy-Smith said. "We can just keep trying to encourage smaller houses, smaller duplexes that can begin at a price people can afford."

Alston-Cone said that she doesn't see where the city has done anything wrong as some of it is out of their hands.

Barbee said he doesn't think the city has done anything wrong, and has done a lot of things right by allowing builders to build. He also encouraged residents to get with Habitat for Humanity if they are looking for affordable homes.

Benton had a slightly different opinion.

"I want to listen to the people," Benton said. "What's affordable for the builders is not affordable for the people. What we need to do is read those contracts, make them bring something affordable for the people."

Destini Ambus is the general assignment reporter for Chatham County municipalities for the Savannah Morning News. You can reach her at dambus@gannett.com.

More:Here are the qualified candidates for the Port Wentworth elections on Nov. 7.

Municipal Elections:Are you registered to vote? Do you know what precinct you live in?

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Comfort food headed to Port Wentworth in a new 'sit-down' restaurant

All-American classics such as grilled ribeye, crab cakes and more comfort food are on their way to Port Wentworth with the opening of Georgia Comfort Kitchen in a few weeks."What Port Wentworth residents need is somewhere local that they can go for a family meal," said Avril Roy-Smith, who is running for Council At-Large Post 1, during a recent meeting. "And I understand that Georgia Comfort Kitchen is going to be a sit-down, and it's important for us to have somewhere we can go take our friends and relat...

All-American classics such as grilled ribeye, crab cakes and more comfort food are on their way to Port Wentworth with the opening of Georgia Comfort Kitchen in a few weeks.

"What Port Wentworth residents need is somewhere local that they can go for a family meal," said Avril Roy-Smith, who is running for Council At-Large Post 1, during a recent meeting. "And I understand that Georgia Comfort Kitchen is going to be a sit-down, and it's important for us to have somewhere we can go take our friends and relatives, and the income from the tourists coming up Highway 95 will be important."

Port Wentworth Council candidates face off in forum, discuss housing, traffic

Port Wentworth announces $50 million investment in quality-of-life improvements

Georgia Comfort Kitchen will be at 109 Traveler's Way, where the Sweet Tea Grille was located. It will be a full-service restaurant with a bar and a lunch buffet seven day a week, according to Joseph McDermott, the owner and general manager. The bar will have 12 beers on tap, mostly serving Georgia beers.

McDermott said they learned that Sweet Tea had closed and the building was going to be for sale, and they thought it would be the perfect location. They started planning in March to open the restaurant this fall.

"We thought that this was what the community wanted and needed after speaking to a lot of people," McDermott said. "We will be open in just a few weeks, and we look forward to entertaining travelers and locals with families during the holiday season."

Karen Hughes, a Port Wentworth resident said that residents have not only been asking for sit-down restaurants, but also other places to shop in the area.

"I've lived here since 2008, and there's been maybe 15 new businesses, most of which has been built within the last couple of years," Hughes said. "I'm happy to hear that we will be getting a restaurant in the old location of Sweet Tea."

Although there are already two other "sit-down" restaurants in Port Wentworth, Milan Bar & Grill, Mexican Agave Bar & Grill, Roy-Smith said that she is excited for the new restaurant because it's more southern, comfort food.

“We are excited to have Port Wentworth’s newest full-service sit-down restaurants, the Georgia Comfort Kitchen," said Port Wentworth Director of Economic Development James Touchton. "With Pulkit’s extensive background in the culinary world and proven track record, I would make a reservation as soon as its open, because this will be a place where citizens, vacationers and locals flock to. I know this will be the first of many world-class unique restaurants to establish in our city on the heels the Ghost Pirates Training Facility and the incredible energized growth we are seeing within the city."

Destini Ambus is the general assignment reporter for Chatham County municipalities for Savannah Morning News. You can reach her at dambus@gannett.com

Port Wentworth lifts industrial rezoning moratorium, adopts new zoning ordinance

After a year, the City of Port Wentworth has lifted its industrial rezoning moratorium, once again allowing for applications that request to rezone land to industrial uses, such as for warehouses.The expiration of the moratorium was contingent upon the city adopting the new zoning ordinance, which underwent a major overhaul for the last year and was approved during Thursday...

After a year, the City of Port Wentworth has lifted its industrial rezoning moratorium, once again allowing for applications that request to rezone land to industrial uses, such as for warehouses.

The expiration of the moratorium was contingent upon the city adopting the new zoning ordinance, which underwent a major overhaul for the last year and was approved during Thursday night's council meeting.

More:Port Wentworth city planning woes: must redo ordinance, revisit comprehensive plan

Take a look: Port Wentworth's new zoning ordinance

Last summer, the city hired third-party consultants, Horizon Community Planning, to review and revise the city's ordinance, which had received criticism from residents, developers and city staff alike about its inconsistencies and incomprehensibility. The industrial moratorium was enacted to prevent additional parcels of land from being zoned to industrial uses, a grievance echoed by Port Wentworth's residents for decades, while Horizon Community Planning revamped the city's zoning laws.

As part of that process, a steering committee was established last summer to work with Horizon. Also, the city held multiple public workshops, a developer roundtable, and stakeholder meetings along with the required public hearings held before both the Planning Commission and City Council.

The final draft of the new ordinance features greater clarity in terms of readability, a clearer site plan review process, an updated zoning map and other improvements.

More:A liquor store on every corner? Not in Port Wentworth as city enacts limits in alcohol laws

More:Auditors question Port Wentworth's planning and zoning practices. Here's how council responded.

Local zoning laws provide standards for four main types of development: residential, agricultural, commercial and industrial (other categories for places like historic districts and major business districts also exist and vary from city to city). Zoning laws are important because they protect the health, safety and welfare of a city; protect property values; balance community goals with private property rights; and support a city’s comprehensive plan.

While local governments regularly amend the zoning ordinance as new developments are proposed, years of changing administrations and stopgap amendments have introduced inconsistencies. For example, guidelines on landscaping and parking designs are missing. Subjective wording such as “be of high quality” and “proper scale” are found throughout the ordinance, too.

For the law to be effective, it should clearly outline specific height and size requirements so that developments that fall under the same categories are consistent and predictable.

One of the major issues the audit pointed out is Port Wentworth's liberal use of planned unit developments (PUD), which allows for variations in established and standard developments. It's created a "know-it-when-we-see-it" approach, according to auditors.

More:A city divided: Decades of unchecked growth, backlash put Port Wentworth on the brink

More:'Make it happen ...' Records reveal why Port Wentworth council member faced ethics hearing

"Since 1989, almost everything has been PUD creating a bunch of different little projects with diff standards. Everything has become their own defacto zoning so you have to go back and look at each plan for the development rather than the zoning ordinance," said City Manager Steve Davis.

Prior to the overhaul, the ordinance hadn't been revisited in three decades, according to Davis.

Port Wentworth's urban planning woes date back just as long to when the city annexed 20 square miles of land that became known as North Port Wentworth. The annexation tripled the size of the city and, with the aim of increasing resident population, experienced a massive development boom, a growth spurt that the city was ill-prepared to handle.

While the expansion was meant to bolster residential and commercial growth to counter industrial pressures from the neighboring Georgia Ports Authority, poor planning resulted in inadequate public services and commercial resources. Industry still subsumed much of Port Wentworth's once-agricultural and residential land.

The zoning overhaul and industrial rezoning moratorium was one of several moves the city has taken to redress the oversights of the past. Ongoing efforts include attracting commercial resources to the city, building recreational facilities such as the sports complex, and preparing for a revision of the comprehensive plan, which guides the municipality's overall vision.

Nancy Guan is the general assignment reporter covering Chatham County municipalities. Reach her at nguan@gannett.com or on Twitter @nancyguann.

Port Wentworth’s new ordinance allows for growth, prevents over-industrialization

PORT WENTWORTH, Ga. (WSAV) – Probable growth coming to Port Wentworth as the city lifted its industrial rezoning mortarium after a year, now allowing for new developments.But city officials say they know people are worried about over-industrialization, and they believe a newly passed ordinance addresses that.“The growth has been very uncontrolled for many decades out here,” says Steve Davis, Port Wentworth city manager, “and now we’ll be able to develop clear standards, and – at the end of th...

PORT WENTWORTH, Ga. (WSAV) – Probable growth coming to Port Wentworth as the city lifted its industrial rezoning mortarium after a year, now allowing for new developments.

But city officials say they know people are worried about over-industrialization, and they believe a newly passed ordinance addresses that.

“The growth has been very uncontrolled for many decades out here,” says Steve Davis, Port Wentworth city manager, “and now we’ll be able to develop clear standards, and – at the end of the day it’s so the public can read and understand what’s coming, and the developers will know what they can and cannot do prior to even making the application.”

What it essentially does is create a uniform standard for developers.

“Now there are going to be clear guidelines for the amount of units, going to clear guidelines on the buffers, the side setbacks, and the setbacks in general,” says Davis.

He tells News 3 that there were not clear guidelines for developers in the past.

“The zoning ordinance has been a hodgepodge for over the last 30 or 40 years and they updated it as it went little by little,” he says, “this is the first major overhaul that we’ve done and basically rewrote the entire system.”

Although there are already areas that have been zoned prior to the moratorium, the new standards will still apply to all developments moving forward.

“There are zoned industrial areas that will be developed, and all we can do at this point is to make sure when they’re built, it’s so they’re built professionally, they protect the residents around them, they’re aesthetically pleasing, that they don’t cut off the connectivity for the residents for the rest of the community.”

Davis says the two major areas that will see construction are the area north of I-95 and downtown, but more for re-development purposes.

The ordinance is now in effect.

Ghost Pirates' Port Wentworth facility will include public rinks, youth hockey leagues

Training complex to open in 2025 on same property as city's new recreation facilityThe City of Port Wentworth threw a welcoming party for the Savannah Ghost Pirates on Tuesday at city hall, complete with a ...

Training complex to open in 2025 on same property as city's new recreation facility

The City of Port Wentworth threw a welcoming party for the Savannah Ghost Pirates on Tuesday at city hall, complete with a Groves High School Marching band performance, bounce castles and refreshments.

The celebration was a homecoming.

Port Wentworth will be home to the Ghost Pirates' $25 million training facility, set to be complete in 2025.

The rink will be built within the confines of Port Wentworth’s new 150 acre recreation facility, located at the corner of Monteith Road and Interstate 95. Ground was recently broken on the site, and the full buildout is expected to take as long as three years.

But it won’t just be a training facility for Savannah’s hockey team. The complex will include two regulation-size ice rinks, a sports bar and grill, a pro shop and other amenities.

The site will be a practice rink for the Ghost Pirates and host youth and adult hockey leagues, public figure skating and learn-to-skate programs, some of which will be free to the public, according to Ghost Pirates CEO Andy Kaufmann.

“We’re not in this just because we love hockey. Yes, obviously we love hockey, but we also love the community,” Kaufmann said. “We want this to be for everyone, and we want to make sure that’s what happens here.”

Bringing winter sports to Port Wentworth

The Ghost Pirates are partnering with the city to build the facility on Port Wentworth’s land, but the professional hockey franchise will operate the recreational leagues and community events in the as-of-yet unnamed facility.

That doesn’t mean the city will be totally hands-off, Port Wentworth City Manager Steve Davis said.

“We’re going to coordinate our schedules and share our youth rosters and things of that nature so they can participate,” Davis said. “But what a unique opportunity for this to happen in our community. I can’t even tell you how excited I am.”

Davis also touted the uniqueness of the facility, noting it will be the only true ice sports complex in the region.

“If you want to do what they’re doing right now, you have to drive to Jacksonville,” Davis said.

Hockey in 'hot ol' Georgia'

Port Wentworth's Davis and other city leaders recently visited Jacksonville to tour the Community First Igloo, the home of the Jacksonville Icemen hockey team.

The Icemen play in the same league as the Ghost Pirates, the ECHL, and are owned by the same group that is behind the Ghost Pirates.

According to Davis, The Igloo serves as an inspiration for the future Port Wentworth facility: it's a community recreation center, with public skating, hockey leagues for all ages and summer camps. The Igloo even hosts e-sports leagues.

Davis said he wants the building to fit into the landscape of the park as a whole, and he’s pushing for other buildings at the recreation complex to be built using “the same architectural standards” as the Ghost Pirates' facility. He also said the name of the property would be left up to the public through a naming contest.

Port Wentworth Mayor Pro Tem Thomas Barbee said he was excited about the partnership and what having access to a facility like this one means to Port Wentworth. But he was especially excited about finally getting to try out one winter sport in particular: curling.

“I’ve gotta try it. At least once. I like the guy who has to brush really fast, I think it’s comical, but it’s an interesting game, and I’ve always wanted to try it and see what it’s like,” Barbee said. “But really, it’s an awesome, exciting feeling for not just the city but the citizens."

“Who would’ve ever thought that hockey would be coming to hot ol’ Georgia?” Barbee said.

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