LEWES, DE - Petitions to rename Savannah Beach to Lewes Beach are gaining traction, one online petition has gained over 1,500 signatures. In October 2021, the beach was renamed to it's current name from 'Beach 1' with Johnnie Walker Beach also being renamed from 'Beach 2.'
The petition states it dilutes the history and deep sense of place that comes with the name Lewes Beach.
Lewes Parks and Marina Manager Janet Reeves says the change wasn't sudden, and the city went through five public meetings where the name change for the two guarded beaches were discussed.
She says the decision came to make identifying the guarded beaches easier, as Savannah Beach, which changed from Beach 1, sits at the end of Savannah Road, and there was frequent confusion.
“They are free and able to refer to it as Lewes Beach, but for those that aren’t as familiar with Lewes it gives a directional point to them," said Reeves.
Some neighbors in town tell WBOC they have always just simply called it the same,
“Growing up here, growing up in Sussex County, we’ve always referred to this place as Lewes beach, nothing else," said Andre Ramil.
“It’s ridiculous, it was always Lewes Beach, and it should always be Lewes Beach," said Cynthia Molino.
But others in town say it simply makes things easier,
“I think it helps the community here, because now when you talk about Savannah Beach you know exactly where your talking about … instead of Beach number one," said Steve Thienel.
Reeves added that petitioners are more than welcome to attend next week's Park and Recreation Commission meeting, but there are currently no plans to formally address the petition on the agenda.