Coastal Electric Cooperative

Tabby House Brewing Company & The Canopy Restaurant

Jarriel Lawn LLC

Amwaste

McIntosh County Industrial Development Authority

Seaboard Real Estate, Inc.

Darien Telephone Company

Southeastern Bank

Darien Downtown Development Authority

Emma's Driftwood Farm

McIntosh Seed

Fox's Pizza

Coastal Tide Excursions, LLC.

Hamilton Place Statesboro Airbnb

Ashley Miles, P.C.

Oaks on the River - Luxury Boutique Resort

Welcome New KMB PARTNERS

Emma's Driftwood Farm and Fox's Pizza Darien!

We are honored to share that Keep McIntosh Beautiful has been awarded the President’s Circle Award for 2025 by Keep America Beautiful!

This national recognition is given to affiliates who uphold the KAB mission, values, and vision—keeping communities clean, green, and beautiful. Through annual reporting, strong partnerships, and community involvement, KMB continues to shine as part of the national KAB network.

Our Impact Goals guide everything we do:

• Vibrant Tourism Economy
• Clean, Green & Beautiful McIntosh County
• Preserved, Protected & Healthy Coastal Environment

Keep McIntosh Beautiful is more than a name—it’s a movement. With the support of our partners, members, volunteers, and leadership, we’re protecting what makes McIntosh County special, from our fishing industry and waterways to our scenic landscapes and small-town charm.

KMB Board of Directors from left to right: Haze Casey, (front) Mandy Harris, Leighann Adams, (back) Secretary Julie Sowell, (front) Lauryn Gilmer, (back) Executive Director Tracy Sanford, (front) Chairman Lisa Brewer, (back) Vice Chairman Angie Groover, (front) Treasurer Jameshia Wilson, (back) George Bigham, (front) Barbara Hawthorne, Thornell TK King, and Father Mike Gumulauskas. Not pictured: Past President Selso Tello.

Welcome NEW KMB PARTNER AmWaste!

FROM THE MCINTOSH COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS:

Dear McIntosh County Residents and Community Partners,

We want to inform you of upcoming changes to our garbage and recycling collection services as we transition from Waste Management to AmWaste. Our goal is to make this transition as smooth as possible for everyone.

Beginning the week of October 12th, the transition will be visible in neighborhoods across the county. Please take note of the following important steps:

• Cart Removal: Every property that currently has a Waste Management poly cart (including second homes, vacation homes, and rental properties) must place those carts at the curb for pickup.
• Be a Good Neighbor: If you know a neighbor who is not a full-time resident, please help us spread the word or assist in getting their cart to the curb.
• New Cart Delivery: AmWaste will provide one (1) poly cart for garbage service to each property.

Additional Carts & Recycling: If you require more than one garbage cart, or if you would like recycling service, you must call AmWaste directly to establish your account and request additional carts.

We understand change can sometimes be inconvenient, but your cooperation will help ensure a successful start with AmWaste.

For more details about service features and specific changes, please see the attached flyer.

Thank you for your patience and for working together as neighbors to keep McIntosh County clean and welcoming.

What a night!

GREAT turnout for our recent Keep McIntosh Beautiful’s Member & Volunteer Appreciation + Open House at the incredible Emma's Driftwood Farm. Couldn’t have been a better venue for the community to come together, mingle, and celebrate what makes McIntosh so special.

The Venue: 80 acres of breathtaking views, cozy rental houses, a huge open-air barn perfect for big events, and the charming Dining Hall where we held ours. Truly a hidden gem in Darien!

The Food: Foxs Pizza- Darien GA absolutely wowed us with their pizzas and salads. They’ve rolled into Darien like a storm—in the best way! Great food, wonderful owners, and a true community spirit.

The Highlight – TRASH CLASH!

Our brave contestants turned piles of junk into wildly imaginative creations:

*City Councilman Jeff Ragsdale: Created “Hazel,” a scuba-tank-wielding, trash-picking hero reminding us: Don’t be trashy!

*Sheriff TK King: Built a police car from an old electric mower shell, Nerf gun, cape, and crown—because, yes, the department could use some new wheels!

*City Manager Holden Osburn: A protein powder bottle + popsicle sunglasses + duct tape = a jet pack! For faster travel… and maybe a quick escape from City Council meetings.

*County Commission Chairman Kate Karwacki: Crafted a full coastal home from corrugated boxes, Tupperware lids, and plenty of duct tape—plus some stylish trash-chic accessories. Realtor skills shine everywhere!

Big thanks to our KMB Board of Directors—tireless, passionate, and the heart behind everything we do. Chairman Lisa Brewer, Vice Chairman Angie Groover, Secretary Julie Sowell, Treasurer Jameshia Wilson, George Bigham, Haze Casey, Mandy Harris, Leighann Adams, Lauryn Gilmer, Barbara Hawthorne, Thornell TK King, Father Mike Gumulauskas, Selso Tello & Executive Director Tracy Sanford.

And to our amazing partners—we’re not government funded. We are COMMUNITY POWERED. Your support truly makes the difference:

Coastal Electric Cooperative • Tabby House Brewing Company & The Canopy Restaurant • Amwaste of Georgia • Jarriel Lawn LLC • McIntosh County Industrial Development Authority • Seaboard Real Estate, Inc. • Darien Telephone Company• Southeastern Bank • Darien Downtown Development Authority• Emma’s Driftwood Farm • Fox’s Pizza • McIntosh Seed• Coastal Tide Excursions, LLC.• Hamilton Place Statesboro Airbnb • Ashley Miles, P.C. • Oaks on the River - Luxury Boutique Resort

This was not a big fundraiser but McIntosh came through anyway! We made almost $1000 from memberships, a $350 partnership, and our Trash Clash votes! Thanks y’all!

Want to join us as a member, partner, or supporter? Donate? More info here: keepmcintoshbeautiful.com

RIVERS ALIVE!

Saturday, October 18 | 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM

Butler Island Dock & Kayak Launch

Join us for our annual waterway & shoreline cleanup in partnership with Fort King George State Historic Site! Canoes, life jackets, and all supplies provided — or bring your own kayak or canoe! Every volunteer gets a FREE Rivers Alive T-shirt!

Call 912-289-1083, email director@keepmcintoshbeautiful.com, or simply message us to sign up.

Let’s come together to keep McIntosh County clean, green, and beautiful. You’ll leave with a free t-shirt, new friends, and the satisfaction of making a real difference. We can’t wait to see you there! 

An important reminder from Mr. Rogers himself on Good Neighbor Day.

So how do we live that out? By being good neighbors - not just to each other, but to the places we call home

How to be a good neighbor (the Keep America Beautiful way):

*Pick up litter

*Plant something green

*Volunteer together

*Join the Greatest American Cleanup: kab.org/greatest

Let’s carry Mr. Rogers’ spirit forward and #DoBeautifulThings - one small act at a time!

AMERICA RECYCLES DAY – BIG IN MCINTOSH! 

Keep McIntosh Beautiful invites you to our Annual Fall Community Recycling Event Saturday, November 15, 2025, 7 AM – 5 PM, Eulonia Park

THANK YOU to our PARTNERS: McIntosh County Commission, SA Recycling, Sensible Recycling & Amwaste.

We’re making it EASY (and FREE!) to clear out clutter, recycle responsibly, and help keep McIntosh County clean and green.

WHAT WE’RE COLLECTING:

* Electronics (including TVs, printers & more)

* Scrap Metal & Appliances (yes, even grills!)

* Batteries & Ink Cartridges

* CFL Bulbs & Fluorescent Tubes (up to 4 ft only)

* Household Goods (including mattresses, boxsprings, furniture, unusable items)

* And MORE…

Volunteers will be on hand to help unload your items directly from your vehicle.

TIRE AMNESTY EVENT – FREE TIRE DISPOSAL! In partnership with the McIntosh County Commission and made possible by an EPD STAR grant.

Bring in your old vehicle tires for FREE (rules apply).

ALLOWED:

* Car, SUV & Light Truck Tires

* Semi Truck Tires

NOT ALLOWED:

* Competitive Racing Slicks

* Farm Equipment or Motorcycle Tires

* NO RIMS!

* Business/Shop Tires

REQUIREMENTS:

* Tires MUST be clean & dry

* Accepted ONLY during event hours (dumping before/after is a violation)

For more information, contact Keep McIntosh Beautiful: (912) 289-1083

Let’s celebrate America Recycles Day by recycling BIG in McIntosh! Spread the word and join us!

ABANDONED BUILDING Removal Assistance PROGRAM

Looking for a way to remove an abandoned building or mobile home from your property? Keep McIntosh Beautiful may be able to help.

Dilapidated and abandoned buildings are eyesores that detract from our community’s appearance and reduce the value of the property where they are located. They can also be unsafe and unhealthy nuisances that are locations for criminal activity. 

To address the problem in McIntosh County, KMB offers financial assistance to OWNERS for the demolition and removal of abandoned buildings from THEIR property. We salvage and recycle what can safely be removed.

STRUCTURES MUST BE LOCATED IN MCINTOSH COUNTY, UNOCCUPIED, AND BEYOND REPAIR TO QUALIFY. 

Thank you to the many dedicated partners that help with this program. You are appreciated!

Our Most Recent Abandoned Building Program Beautification Project!

We’re excited to share our upcoming events and activities! From cleanups and recycling drives to beautification projects and community outreach, there’s something for everyone who wants to help keep McIntosh County clean, green, and beautiful.

This is just our basic calendar — expect more exciting additions as the year unfolds! Be sure to follow us on FACEBOOK & INSTAGRAM for the most up-to-date info!

 Get involved. Stay connected. Make a difference.

Vehicle Donation Program helps owners AND Keep McIntosh Beautiful!

The Keep America Beautiful Vehicle Donation Program, through Insurance Auto Auctions’ Donation Division, provides an opportunity for individuals to get rid of unwanted vehicles and donate to Keep McIntosh Beautiful simultaneously.

The new program is tax-deductible to dispose of vehicles in almost any condition, including cars, trucks, boats, tractors, motorcycles, ATVs, snowmobiles, jet skis, RVs, construction, farms, and other heavy equipment. KMB receives a share of the funds from cars donated from McIntosh County.

For ALL the details and to start YOUR donation:

https://careasy.org/nonprofit/keep-america-beautiful

Coffee & Connect at the McIntosh Schools Board of Education was nothing short of inspiring. Most high level staff and every principal was there sharing updates from their schools, and it was powerful to hear how supportive our community truly is of one another. Attendees also shared what’s happening in their/our own organizations—and how we can work together to make a difference.

We even got to watch that fantastic video highlighting our school system. If you haven’t seen it yet, don’t miss it https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1CfJFd3zFK/?mibextid=wwXIfr

And of course, a special shout-out to the one and only Mrs. Rose, the amazing Nutrition Director. She treated us to true Southern hospitality with grits, biscuits & gravy, fresh fruit, quiche, and the most magical cinnamon-nut-maple coffee cake concoction (crispy and moist at the same time!). Only in the South do you see stockpots of grits and gravy at a breakfast meeting.

Grateful for our schools, our leaders, and this community that keeps showing up for one another.

KEEP MCINTOSH BEAUTIFUL WILL BE THERE!

Discover the best of McIntosh County all in one unforgettable event!

Get your tickets now!! Only $40 for Chamber Members or $50 for Non-Members.

The Business Expo & Taste of McIntosh brings together local businesses, entrepreneurs, and restaurants for an evening of networking, community connection, and incredible food.

Stroll through exhibits highlighting McIntosh County’s vibrant business community — from retail shops and professional services to tourism, industry, and community organizations. At the same time, enjoy samples of signature dishes from some of the area’s favorite restaurants, giving you a true taste of the unique flavors that define coastal Georgia.

Whether you’re a resident, visitor, or business owner, this event offers a perfect opportunity to:

*Connect with local businesses and discover products and services right here in McIntosh County.

*Taste the best dishes from area restaurants, featuring fresh seafood and Southern favorites.

*Network with community leaders and support the growth of our local economy.

Join us in celebrating the entrepreneurial spirit, culinary talent, and vibrant community that make McIntosh County a wonderful place to live, work, and visit.

Our limited-edition KMB HATS are here! Only $10 and going fast. Show your support in style! Ask any board member or contact Tracy at 912.289.1083 to grab yours before they’re gone!

Mapping a Healthier Future for Rural Georgia

I had the honor of representing Keep McIntosh Beautiful (KMB) and McIntosh County Family Connection (MCFC) at the Community Health Resource Project (CHRP) Community Meeting hosted by the Institute for Health Logistics & Analytics at Georgia Southern University.

Joining me were Jackie Cox Mull, MCFC Chairman, and Lisa Cornell Brewer, Georgia Family Connection Partnership Region 12 Manager & KMB Chairman.

Why represent both organizations? Because true community health means looking at the whole picture— Human + Animal + Plant + Environment.

Meeting Goals Included:

*Gathering insights on what makes a community truly healthy

*Identifying key One Health needs in Southeast Georgia

*Exploring strengths & barriers for workforce development

*Contributing to rural health research

This project, supported by the Centene Foundation and Peach State Health Plan, has already created county-specific asset maps and reports to highlight local strengths and resources. McIntosh data isn’t quite ready yet—but YOU KNOW I’ll share it as soon as it’s available!

Beyond the sessions, I made some AWESOME networking connections. I got funding for KMB’s next big beautification initiative! And honestly, (ALL) this is the very work GA Family Connection does every day in every county in GA .

Excited to keep learning though, sharing, and working together for a healthier, stronger McIntosh County!

~ Tracy Sanford

Executive Director, KMB & MCFC

Want a Cleaner, Greener, More Beautiful McIntosh County? Join Us.

Keep McIntosh Beautiful is on a mission — but we can’t do it alone. We’re seeking Members & Partners who believe in the power of community and care deeply about preserving our land, waterways, and shared spaces.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and proud affiliate of Keep America Beautiful and the Keep Georgia Beautiful Foundation, we work every day to make a visible difference — but here’s the truth:

• We receive no funding from these national or state partners.
• We’re one of only a few affiliates in Georgia that receive no local government funding either.

That means your support is vital.

By becoming a member or partner, you’re directly contributing to the programs that are shaping a more vibrant McIntosh County:

*Land & Water Cleanups + Litter Control

*Adopt-A Highway, Park or Spot Program

*Recycling Events + Education

*Community Beautification Projects

*Award-Winning Abandoned Buildings Removal Program

Learn more or donate today at www.KeepMcIntoshBeautiful.com Together, we can Keep McIntosh Beautiful — but it starts with you.

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