Rep. Carl Gilliard Issues Statement in Support of the Georgia Supreme Court’s Decision on Sapelo Island

ATLANTA - State Representative Carl Gilliard (D-Savannah) today issues the following statement in support of the Georgia Supreme Court's decision on zoning on Sapelo Island:

"In response to the Georgia Supreme Court's ruling regarding Sapelo Island, I stand in strong support of preserving the island in its most original and pristine form. As the author of House Resolution 625, the Georgia Gullah Geechee Heritage Society, I understand that Sapelo Island is not merely a place on a map; it is a living archive of our state's history, culture and the enduring legacy of the Gullah-Geechee people who have called this land home for generations.

"Sapelo Island embodies a unique and irreplaceable chapter of Georgia's story-its natural landscapes, its historic structures and the rich, enduring culture of its people. Preserving the island's integrity safeguards this heritage for future generations, ensuring that the memory of those who built, tended and safeguarded Sapelo remains central to our collective identity.

"I support actions that maintain the island's preservation component, keeping Sapelo in as pure and true a form as possible. It is essential that we protect the ecological integrity of the marshes, beaches and tidal habitats, while also honoring the cultural and historical significance of the communities who have substantially shaped Sapelo's story.

"To preserve this history means more than protecting land; it means safeguarding the places where families gathered, where elders shared stories and where artifacts held the clues to a people's resilience and ingenuity. The state has a responsibility to steward Sapelo Island with care, transparency and a commitment to continuity, so that the island's rich past remains accessible and meaningful to generations yet to come.

"I commend the Georgia Supreme Court for affirming a path that prioritizes preservation and responsible stewardship. Let us move forward with deliberate action to maintain Sapelo's character, honor its history and support the people whose heritage is inseparable from this land.

"To those who seek to diminish Sapelo's integrity: this community and its history deserve respect, and we will continue to advocate for policies that protect Sapelo's preservation, its cultural heritage and the well-being of its residents and descendants."

*Editor's note: for more information, please contact 404-656-7859.

Representative Carl Gilliard represents the citizens of District 162, which includes a portion of Chatham County. He was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2016 and currently serves as Secretary of the Creative Arts & Entertainment. He also serves on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Economic Development, Insurance, Natural Resources & Environment, Reapportionment and Redistricting and Transportation committees.

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