Faces of Our Community: Miss Judy’s lifelong love of Savannah’s coast

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - At the end of a narrow gravel road, a clearing opens to reveal a quiet section of marsh along the creek. There, Judy Helmey waves her arms high in greeting. Early morning still cloaks the water in darkness — that means it is time for fishing.Soon, murmuring boats will begin steadily drifting in alongside the weathered wood of Helmey’s dock, waiting patiently to collect their passengers. A hanging white panel welcomes visitors with a phrase: “Miss Judy Charters: Kicking Fish Tails Since 1956.”“How would I describe Miss Judy? She’s full of life. She’s full of stories. Even more full of stories, but also full of experiences,” said Kevin Rose, fish wrangler at Miss Judy Charters. “It’s never a dull moment.”Over the bridge from Savannah to Wilmington Island exists the place Helmey’s family has called home since 1948.“If I had to move, I couldn’t even imagine it. So, I’m just going to stay until I can’t anymore,” Helmey said. “This is being on vacation 24/7.”The water