Senator Derek Mallow of Savannah addressed the recent Orange Crush event, pointing to the positive impact the beach party has had on the local economy. In a statement reported by the Senate Press, Mallow emphasized that, while there were some incidents, these should be viewed separately from the overall success of the tradition that dates back to the 1980s and is rooted in the history of Savannah State University's students. The event is not only a social gathering but also a notable economic booster for the businesses on Tybee Island.

The senator argued that the narrative surrounding Orange Crush should be about independence from event promoters, which empowers participants and aligns with taxpayer interests. Unfortunately, the safety of the college students gathering on the shores may have been overshadowed, despite Mallow's call for prioritized safety measures like "guaranteeing measures to prevent exploitation and providing adequate resources for all attendees."

In his statement, Senator Mallow insisted on leadership and collaboration from various community members to cultivate a safe and successful future for Orange Crush. He vowed to drive dialogue and collaboration towards this end. Acknowledging the contributions of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) to the communal fabric, Mallow's remarks underscored the importance of tradition and unity among local stakeholders.

"Ultimately, Orange Crush needs leadership and cooperation from individuals of all backgrounds to ensure its continued success," stated Mallow, as per the Senate Press's report. He ended his address with a commitment to focused dialogue and collaboration, ensuring the "continued success of this beloved event." While addressing the need for infrastructural support, like frequent city shuttles, Mallow may not have fully delved into the concerns raised in previous years regarding littering and public intoxication at the event.