The Jekyll Island Salt Marsh Wildlife Viewing Platform officially opened on November 10, 2008.Located next to the VisitorInformationCenter on the Jekyll Island Causeway, the Wildlife Viewing Platform is a two-story structure built to provide the public with an extended view of the expansive salt marsh adjacent to JekyllIsland. By providing a better view, the Platform will bolster an appreciation for this rich habitat.Among the many wading and shore birds that guests can view from this spot are the beautiful Roseate Spoonbill, Bald Eagle, Woodstork, and Clapper Rail.“Providing non-invasive access to natural areas is a key component of the Jekyll Island Authority mission,” said Christa Frangiamore, Conservation Manager for the Jekyll Island Authority. “We are proud to have the Wildlife Viewing Platform as part of this mission.” The Jekyll Island Salt Marsh Wildlife Viewing Platform is made possible by the monetary support and in-kind donations from: The Atlanta Audubon Society, The Coastal Georgia Audubon Society, Shearouse Lumber Company, The Georgia Ornithological Society, and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources – Wildlife Resources Division.For more information on the Wildlife Viewing Platform, as well as other birding and nature walk opportunities on JekyllIsland, please call the JekyllIslandVisitorInformationCenter at 1-877-4-JEKYLL or visit www.jekyllisland.com.
Jekyll Island Golf Club’s Link Up 2 Golf program is targeted towards new golfers or individuals that have participated and finished the “First Swing” program or other beginner golf programs. Link Up 2 Golf is also suitable for individuals that have left the game and now desire to play again, as well as individuals that would be classified as “Occasional Golfers”. Link Up 2 Golf’s purpose is to offer an orientation, series of group lessons, and structured playing opportunities in a casual setting to address barriers keeping people from the game. This format is intended to be a fun way to learn the game; providing easy and affordable access while connecting participants with golfers of equal ability. On the last day following the 2 hour lesson, there will be a 9 hole “Graduation Scramble”. Clinic fee includes 4 days of instruction (10:00am-12:00pm), 3 rounds of golf with an electric cart and the Graduation Scramble.
Guest Editorial by Rep. Jerry Keen, Sen. Eric Johnson, Sen. Tommie Williams and Rep. Roger Lane
The State of Georgia is blessed with abundant natural beauty, and for many of us the barrier islands of our beloved coast are truly special. JekyllIsland is no exception, this state-owned jewel provides affordable access and opportunity to experience the best our coast has to offer. Unfortunately, Georgians have slowly stopped taking vacations and bringing conventions to JekyllIsland as many of the commercial facilities have aged and become outdated. Visitation has dropped 23% from its peak in 1989. A few years ago, it became clear that something needed to be done to reverse the downward trend. A new course was set for the comprehensive revitalization of JekyllIsland. The goal is to replace the aging facilities with new, but do it in a way that protects the natural beauty, embraces affordability and establishes financial sustainability so that the island’s public amenities can be improved and enhanced for the enjoyment of all Georgians.
Governor Perdue made the revitalization of JekyllIsland a priority in 2006, and the leadership of both the House and Senate pledged support. The Jekyll Legislative Oversight Committee was established to provide on-going oversight of the revitalization process and the island’s management. In addition, two legislative-appointed advisory positions were established on the Jekyll Island Authority to create active engagement. Together with the Authority, legislative colleagues from around the state have worked together to move revitalization forward in a way that is in the best interest of the citizens of Georgia.
In politics, it is easier to be against something than to be for something. To support an issue requires hard work to gain deep understanding of all sides of the issue, and a willingness to work for the compromise that is so often required. It takes political courage to withstand the barrage of complaints and criticism that opponents throw at you.
The revitalization of JekyllIsland has taken some great steps forward with the approval of the final BeachVillage plan and the private partner agreement with Linger Longer Communities. Several other hotel projects have also been approved, and over $380 million in private investment is now committed. In addition, the Jekyll Island Authority has adopted policy that will limit building height, density and further protect the beach and natural areas.
Through oversight and appropriate legislation, JekyllIsland will remain a special place with 65% of the island remaining in a natural state. The developed portions will feature enhanced public areas including a new, large “signature” beachside park that will provide beach access to all Georgians, whether visiting for the day or taking a family vacation. A newly renovated and expanded convention center will allow us to capture conventions – many held by Georgia-based associations – that currently meet outside the state. And the compromises made by the development partners will keep JekyllIsland an affordable vacation spot for future generations of Georgia families. JekyllIsland will be a model for restrained and responsible coastal development, and a model for teamwork among elected officials, state government and the private sector.
The Jekyll Island Authority and all those involved deserve to be congratulated for the progress to date. We are proud to serve in both oversight and advisory roles and participate in this exciting progress. However, there is still much more work to be done. We pledge to continue to provide diligent oversight and consent as warranted. We will honor the public trust, and work for the good of all Georgians in seeing that JekyllIsland revitalization continues and ultimately fulfills its promise.
Take in some history as you shop along the Live Oaks and Spanish moss in Jekyll Island’s Historic District. Each store has a panel beside it to tell you about the history of the building.
Uploaded by Miss-D80 to Flickr.com on 16 Nov 08, 7.54PM PST.
The Jekyll Island Salt Marsh Wildlife Viewing Platform officially opened on November 10, 2008. Located next to the 
