Check out this great article on Worldgolf.com by Stan Awtrey:  Jekyll Island on three budgets: Plenty to do on Georgia a golf vacation

Tags: georgia beaches, georgia coast golf, georgia golf, jekyll island beach, jekyll island golf, jekyll island hotels
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$300 registration fee per person. Jekyll Island hotel packages available. Georgia-Florida Golf Classic defending champions Tyler Smith, Harold Glover, Alan Argo and Don Bell shot a two-day low score of 114 last year to win the coveted champions’ ring! The boys will be back for the 30th edition of the Georgia-Florida Golf Classic on Jekyll Island in their bid to be back-to-back champions. Who’s going to stop ‘em? Register as a team or as an individual! Make your plans to join the 30th annual Georgia-Florida Golf Classic. See website for complete details.

Tags: georgia coast vacations, georgia florida classic, georgia florida golf tournament, jekyll island accommodations, jekyll island hotels
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Tags: Beach Music Festival, beach vacation, Beachscape, emerald princess, Geocaching on Jekyll Island, geocaching on jekyll island jekyll island georgia, Georgia, georgia beach vacation, georgia beaches, georgia coast, Georgia Sea Turtle Center, golden isles, golf, jekyll, jekyll island, jekyll island authority, jekyll island beach, jekyll island beach vacation, Jekyll Island Beachscape, Jekyll Island Club Hotel, jekyll island development, Jekyll Island Events, jekyll island facts, jekyll island golf, jekyll island hotels, jekyll island museum, jekyll island revitalization, jekyll island vacation, sea turtles, Shrimp & Grits Festival, shrimp and grits, The Georgia Sea Turtle Center on Jekyll Island, Wild Georgia Shrimp Festival
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Tags: Beach Music Festival, emerald princess, Geocaching on Jekyll Island, geocaching on jekyll island jekyll island georgia, Georgia, georgia beach vacation, georgia beaches, georgia coast, golf, jekyll, jekyll island, jekyll island authority, jekyll island beach, jekyll island beach vacation, Jekyll Island Beachscape, Jekyll Island Club Hotel, jekyll island development, Jekyll Island Events, jekyll island golf, jekyll island history, jekyll island hotels, jekyll island revitalization, jekyll island vacation, Jekyll Island vacations, sea turtles, Shrimp & Grits Festival, shrimp and grits, The Georgia Sea Turtle Center on Jekyll Island, Wild Georgia Shrimp Festival
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Tags: Beach Music Festival, beach vacation, Beachscape, emerald princess, Geocaching on Jekyll Island, geocaching on jekyll island jekyll island georgia, Georgia, georgia beach vacation, georgia beaches, Georgia Sea Turtle Center, georgia's jewel, golden isles, golf, island treasures, jekyll, jekyll island authority, jekyll island beach, Jekyll Island Beachscape, jekyll island birding, Jekyll Island Club Hotel, Jekyll Island Events, jekyll island facts, jekyll island festivals, jekyll island golf, jekyll island hotels, The Georgia Sea Turtle Center on Jekyll Island, Wild Georgia Shrimp Festival
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Tags: Add new tag, emerald princess, emerald princess cruise, feedback, geocaching on jekyll island jekyll island georgia, Georgia, georgia beach vacation, georgia beaches, georgia coast, Georgia Sea Turtle Center, georgia's jewel, golden isles, golf, jekyll, jekyll island, jekyll island authority, jekyll island beach, jekyll island beach vacation, jekyll island birding, Jekyll Island Club Hotel, jekyll island golf, jekyll island history, jekyll island hotels, jekyll island revitalization, Jekyll Island vacations, Shrimp & Grits Festival, The Georgia Sea Turtle Center on Jekyll Island, Wild Georgia Shrimp Festival
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Tags: Add new tag, coastal georgia, emerald princess cruise, geocaching on jekyll island jekyll island georgia, georgia beach vacation, georgia beaches, georgia coast, Georgia Sea Turtle Center, georgia's jewel, golden isles, jekyll, jekyll island authority, jekyll island beach, jekyll island beach vacation, Jekyll Island Beachscape, Jekyll Island Club Hotel, Jekyll Island Events, jekyll island facts, jekyll island festivals, jekyll island georgia, jekyll island golf, jekyll island history, jekyll island hotels, jekyll island museum, jekyll island vacation, Jekyll Island vacations, Shrimp & Grits Festival, The Georgia Sea Turtle Center on Jekyll Island, Wild Georgia Shrimp Festival
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Tags: Add new tag, beach vacation, Beachscape, emerald princess, geocaching on jekyll island jekyll island georgia, georgia beaches, georgia coast, georgia's jewel, golden isles, golf, jekyll, jekyll island, jekyll island authority, jekyll island beach vacation, jekyll island birding, Jekyll Island Club Hotel, Jekyll Island Events, jekyll island golf, jekyll island hotels, jekyll island vacation, Jekyll Island vacations, Wild Georgia Shrimp Festival
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Tags: beach vacation, Beachscape, coastal georgia golf, coastal golf, emerald princess, geocaching on jekyll island jekyll island georgia, Georgia, georgia beach vacation, georgia beaches, georgia coast, georgia's jewel, golden isles, golden isles golf, island treasures, jekyll, jekyll island, jekyll island authority, jekyll island beach, jekyll island beach vacation, Jekyll Island Beachscape, jekyll island birding, Jekyll Island Club Hotel, jekyll island development, Jekyll Island Events, jekyll island facts, jekyll island festivals, jekyll island golf, jekyll island history, jekyll island hotels, Shrimp & Grits Festival, shrimp and grits, Wild Georgia Shrimp Festival
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PLACE	Week # 2 Results — July 4 – Indian Mound
1	Gulfstream	56
2	Longhorns	58
3	Prundential Georgia Intracoastal Properties	59
4	Suzie’s Friends	61
5	Emerald Princess II Casino	61
	Year – To – Date Standings	Week #1	Week #2		Total
1	Gulfstream	140	150		290
2	Longhorns	150	140		290
3	Prundential Georgia Intracoastal Properties	125	130		255
4	Suzie’s Friends	117.5	122.5		240
5	Emerald Princess II Casino	117.5	122.5		240
6	Dan Vaden Chevrolet	130	100		230
7	Jekyll Island Authority	110	112.5		222.5
8	Ingalls C.	100	112.5		212.5
9	Sanctuary Cove Golf Club	100	100		200
10	Summer Waves Water Park	100	100		200
11	King & Prince Seafood	100	100		200

Tags: Beachscape, emerald princess, feedback, Georgia, georgia beach vacation, georgia coast, georgia's jewel, golden isles, island treasures, jekyll island, jekyll island authority, jekyll island beach, jekyll island beach vacation, Jekyll Island Beachscape, Jekyll Island Club Hotel, Jekyll Island Events, jekyll island golf, jekyll island history, jekyll island hotels, Jekyll Island vacations, Shrimp & Grits Festival, shrimp and grits, Wild Georgia Shrimp Festival
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When the going gets tough the tough get going, well that’s what the marketing team of the Days Inn & Suites has done. With the slow down in tourism and everyone watching every penny spent, it was important to get the word out that the Days Inn & Suites would offer creative specials to not only help their bottom line, but also the savvy traveler looking for a deal. The team came up with “The temperature of the Day Rate” last winter when the temperatures dropped down in the 30’s and even 20’s the guests walking into the hotel seeking a room paid what the outside thermometer read at time of check in!
   
“With all the cold nights we had this past winter needless to say, we had some very happy guests”, said General Manager, Shirley Rayhon. Not to be undone, and to keep the momentum going, the team came up with a “Spring Clearance Special” discounts as much as 45% off have been offered this spring over specific low occupancy dates. “With the success of both of these programs, we will certainly continue to offer these and other great specials throughout the rest of the year,” said Ms. Rayhon.
   
Many new renovations have been completed this year to include renovated lobby, breakfast room, and a brand new outside pool area where two oceanfront pools, one heated in the winter time, have been added. A hot tub and a separate kiddy pool have also been added. With the above improvements just completed, the hotel was nominated for the “Hotel Renovations of the Year” category at the recent Days Inn National Convention in Orlando, FL.
   
The Days Inn & Suites is owned and operated by Budget Motels, Inc. out of Manassas, Virginia. BMI has owned this property since 1998 when a complete 4 million dollar renovation was done. With these many new improvements simply goes with their philosophy and commitment to offer the best in customer service while providing a clean comfortable stay for their clientele.
   
For more information on the Days Inn & Suites, and to check availability of specials offered, please visit their website at www.daysinnjekyll.com.

Tags: affordable vacation, beach vacations, days inn & suites, family travel accomodations, georgia beaches, georgia coast, georgia's jewel, golden isles, hotel deals, jekyll island, jekyll island beaches, jekyll island days inn, jekyll island hotels, shirley raygon, temperature of the day rate
Posted in June 2009 | No Comments »

The Jekyll Island Authority is celebrating the two year anniversary of the Georgia Sea Turtle Center and the 2009 sea turtle nesting season with a week-long series of family-fun activities. Advanced registration is required for some of the events and can be found at www.jekyllisland.com/nestfest.

Monday, June 8

Georgia Sea Turtle Center – Two Years Later and Beyond

5:30-7:00, Georgia Sea Turtle Center

Meet the staff at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center for a private tour of the Center and a discussion with Dr. Terry Norton, Director of the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, on success stories and accomplishments from the past two years plus their vision for the future.

FREE with paid admission to the Center. Reservations Required.

Tuesday, June 9

Turtles Are Not the Only Animals that Nest on Jekyll Island  – A discussion with Jim Gertis, Beekeeper, and Lydia Thompson, Birding Enthusiast.

5:30 – 7:00, Georgia Sea Turtle Center

Learn from Jim Gertis and Lydia Thompson about other animals that nest on Jekyll Island. Jim will give information on bee keeping and the natural benefits of honey. Lydia will speak on Wilson’s Plovers, savvy little birds that nest on Jekyll Island’s beaches and have a unique social structure.

FREE with paid admission to the Center. Reservations Required

Wednesday, June 10

Movie Night, Finding Nemo

7:00 PM  – 9:00 PM, Georgia Sea Turtle Center

Join staff from the Georgia Sea Turtle Center for a movie night at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center. Bring you favorite sea life stuffed animal, blanket or sleeping bag, and watch this classic under-the-seas movie.

FREE. Reservations Required

Thursday, June 11

Beach Sweep

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM, Jekyll Island Beachdeck

Help us clean the Jekyll Island beach so that the sea turtles have pristine nesting grounds.

FREE

Friday, June 12

Breakfast with Scute and Pajama Tour

8:30 AM – 10:00 AM, Georgia Sea Turtle Center

Join the staff from the Georgia Sea Turtle Center along with Scute the Sea Turtle for a delicious breakfast and tour of the Center – in your pajamas! All kids are invited to wear their pajamas as they watch the turtles rise and shine for their day.

$11 per person. Includes admission to the Georgia Sea Turtle Center. Reservations Required.

Saturday, June 13

Nest Fest Party at the Beachdeck

12:00 Noon – 4:00 PM, Jekyll Island Beachdeck

Join the staff at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center for an afternoon of interactive educational activities, arts and crafts, and fun on the beach. Vendors and exhibitors from various organizations in the Brunswick-Golden Isles region will also be present with hands-on exhibits. Kids can test their skills in the always popular Turtle Crawl obstacle course. Plus, one or more of the rehabilitated patients from the Georgia Sea Turtle Center will be released.

FREE

In addition to all these great activities, kids can visit the Georgia Sea Turtle Center and have their picture taken with Scute or vote on their favorite sea turtle patient to win Patient of the Year. Votes are accepted throughout the month of June. The winner will be announced online on July 2. For more information on any of these activities contact the Georgia Sea Turtle Center at 912-635-4444 or visit www.jekyllisland.com/nestfest. Be a fan of Nest Fest on Facebook.com.

Tags: Georgia Sea Turtle Center, georgia sea turtles, green sea turtles, jekyll island beach, jekyll island beachdeck, Jekyll Island Events, jekyll island hotels, jekyll island sea turtles, Jekyll Island vacations, kemps ridley sea turtles, loggerhead sea turtles, Nest Fest, sea turtle nesting, sea turtle nests, terrapin turtles, turtle conservation
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The Quality Inn and Suites hotel of Jekyll Island, GA is pleased to announce that it was recently recognized as a hotel that “supports green practices” by its franchisor, Choice Hotels International. The Quality Inn and Suites hotel has successfully completed and fulfilled the basic requirements of the company’s “Room to be Green” program, an optional program that allows properties to be recognized for their fulfillment of specific “Green Initiative” requirements.

“We’re very excited to be able to let guests know that we are making efforts to be environmentally conscious,” said Linda Keel, general manager of the Quality Inn and Suites hotel. “We are always working to provide the things that travelers are looking for in their hotels today and by adopting these new ‘green’ practices, we hope to set ourselves apart from the competition.”

As a participant of Choice Hotels International’s “Room to be Green” program, the Quality Inn and Suites hotel has adopted green practices in the program’s core addressable areas of energy conservation, water conservation, and recycling and waste management.  In addition the Quality Inn and Suites hotel uses only biodegradable chemicals, lower water usage showerheads, and donates all old linens, blankets and pillows to the Red Cross or the Humane Society.

Some of the hotel’s new practices that it has already put into place include:

• Energy efficient lighting such as compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs and LED signs.
• A towel and/or linen re-use program, giving guests the option to keep their linens throughout the course of their stay.
• Recycling receptacles for staff and guest use.

And for these efforts, the hotel has received a designation as a hotel that “Supports Green Practices” – a distinction that some travelers may value when choosing where to stay.

For more information on the Quality Inn and Suites hotel of Jekyll Island, GA, or to book your reservations today, visit choicehotels.com, jekyllislandquality.com, call 800.4CHOICE, or contact the property directly at 912.635.2202.

Tags: Choice Hotel Properties, Choice Hotels, Eco-Friendly Hotels, Georgia Sea Turtle Center, Green Hotels, Group Accommodations on jekyll Island, Hotel Suites on Jekyll Island, hotels on Jekyll Island, jekyll island beach, jekyll island golf, jekyll island hotels, Jekyll Island Quality, Jekyll Island vacations, Quality Inn & Suites
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Beginning this year, the Jekyll Island Authority Event Marketing team is getting extra help via volunteer participation on event planning committees. The committee approach was initiated to encourage more community and inter-departmental involvement at all Jekyll Island events.”Our local business owners, managers, and residents are great resources for ideas and are eager to help,” said Jones Hooks, Executive Director of the Jekyll Island Authority. “By establishing these committees, we hope to bring those ideas together and open more lines of communication between the JIA and our community.”

The Event Planning Committees are divided into two categories. Event Support Committees help bolster all events via sponsorship sales, fund-raising, entertainment negotiations, financial management, volunteer recruitment, and environmental oversight. Event Committees work on issues directly related to their specific event. An Event Steering Committee, comprised of representatives from each of the other committees, oversees all events and makes decisions on any new event proposals.

“With more people involved we are able to gather ideas and find better solutions,” said Beth Burnsed, Event Marketing Coordinator for the Jekyll Island Authority. “We want our annual events to be more community-oriented rather than just promote tourism. So far the response has been extremely positive and we appreciate the input and support.”

Interested parties are still invited to participate on an Event Committee. To sign up contact Beth Burnsed, Event Marketing Coordinator for the Jekyll Island Authority at 912-635-4189. For more information on all Jekyll Island events, visit www.jekyllisland.com.

Tags: jekyll island, jekyll island beach, jekyll island beach music festival, jekyll island convention center, Jekyll Island Events, jekyll island golf, jekyll island hotels, Jekyll Island volunteers, Shrimp & Grits Festival
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The Chairman of the Jekyll Island Authority will host the first meeting of the Jekyll Advisory Forum on February 5th, 2009. The new advisory forum was established by Chairman Bob Krueger to provide input and advice on future decisions facing the Jekyll Island Authority Board. The advisory group, comprised of leaders from across the state, will work with the board as it guides Jekyll Island through the revitalization process over the next several years.

“Even though we allow time at each board meeting for public input, this forum will be a more appropriate venue for deeper discussion on certain issues facing the Authority,” said Bob Krueger, Chairman of the Jekyll Island Authority Board. “Jekyll Island is such an important asset to all Georgia, and therefore this forum includes community leaders from across the state.”

Twenty-four invitees have confirmed their attendance at the inaugural meeting. Areas of expertise are widespread participants and include a representative from the Georgia Conservancy, Georgia Land Conservation, Jekyll Island residents, City of Brunswick, Glynn County, chamber of commerce representatives and citizens at-large.

“With revitalization in full swing, the Advisory Forum will be instrumental in keeping the lines of communication open between the Authority and the community,” said Jones Hooks, Executive Director of the Jekyll Island Authority. “We are committed to listening, and charting the right course the best serves the citizens of Georgia.”

The Jekyll Advisory Forum will meet regularly throughout the year and will be a valuable resource to the policy-making board. The revitalization of Jekyll Island seeks to reverse the downward trend in visitation that has occurred over the last twenty years as facilities have become outdated. Several hotel redevelopment projects are underway, and the Jekyll Island Authority has plans for a new convention center and “signature” beachfront park. Together with commercial redevelopment, new public amenities will attract more convention and vacation guests to the island. The revenue generated from visitor activity will make it possible for the Jekyll Island Authority to care for the public island, including 65% of the island that must remain undeveloped. As one of only three Georgia barrier islands accessible by automobile, Jekyll Island is a critically important tourism asset for the state. Because of the statewide importance, Jekyll Island Authority Chairman Krueger announced the formation of the forum upon his appointment in September 2008 as a way to receive input and advice.

Tags: Hampton Inn on Jekyll Island, jekyll island, jekyll island authority, jekyll island board, jekyll island hotels, jekyll island revitalization, Jekyll Island vacations, vacations on Jekyll Island
Posted in Press Releases | 2 Comments »

 Beginning February 22, over 100 bird educators and enthusiasts from bird clubs, nature centers, school system, refuges and parks will be flocking to Jekyll Island for the 2009 Bird Education Network National Gathering. The Bird Education Network (BEN) Committee, along with the Council for Environmental Education and Flying WILD, chose Jekyll Island because of its exceptional birding and nature-based tourism opportunities.

Open to anyone with an interest in bird education and conservation efforts, the five day event encourages attendees to explore not only Jekyll Island but other nearby wildlife viewing areas as well. Guided field sessions include bird rambles on Jekyll Island, kayak trips in the intercoastal waterways, canoe trips through the Okefenokee Swamp and other outdoor adventures. Indoors, at the Jekyll Island Club Hotel, the gathering’s host hotel, speakers and exhibitors share their knowledge and experience on subjects such as urban-based bird education, climate change, and connecting families to nature.

“We are thrilled to be selected as the host hotel for Bird Education Network’s 2009 National Gathering,” said Patty Henning, Director of Sales at the Jekyll Island Club Hotel. “Jekyll Island has numerous opportunities for our guests to explore nature and it is gratifying to see these recognized in the birding community.”

As part of the Colonial Coat Birding and Nature Trail, Jekyll Island is home to over 250 bird species including Bald Eagles, Roseate Spoonbill, Painted Bunting, and Woodstorks. These species have attracted the attention of birders for years and are the reason for such annual events as Georgia’s Colonial Coast Birding and Nature Festival. The annual festival is held the second week of October each year. Jekyll Island was designated an Important Birding Area by the Audubon Society in 2001.

“We were drawn to Jekyll Island because of its reputation in the birding community,” said Geoffrey Castro, Manager of Operations and Marketing for the Council for Environmental Education and member of the Gathering’s planning committee. “Jekyll Island offers one of the best opportunities for our conference attendees to come within viewing range of so many magnificent species.”

Registration for the 2009 National Gathering is still open. Daily registrations are also available. For registration and a full conference agenda visit www.birdeducation.org/jekyllisland.

“With no less than 65% of the island protected as a natural sanctuary, Jekyll Island is the perfect setting for this bird education conference,” stated Jones Hooks, Executive Director of the Jekyll Island Authority.

Jekyll Island currently has seven hotels open and operating, including the nationally recognized Jekyll Island Club Hotel, the host hotel for the conference. Other hotels include the Beachview Club, Oceanside Inn & Suites, Quality Inn, Jekyll Oceanfront Clarion Resort, Villas By The Sea and the Days Inn & Suites. Rental cottages are also available through two local real estate firms. Trip planning information can be found at jekyllisland.com

Tags: , Bird Education Network gathering, Birding on Jekyll Island, Coastal Georgia Birding, Council for Environmental Education, Georgia's Colonial Coastal Birding and Nature Trail, Jekyl Island vacations, Jekyll Island Club Hotel, jekyll island hotels
Posted in Bird Watching, Uncategorized | No Comments »

Following the adjournment of their January 14 monthly board meeting, the Jekyll Island Authority Board took a hard hat tour of the new Hampton Inn & Suites hotel.  Set to open late summer 2009, the hotel will included 138 hotel rooms, a restaurant, and meeting space. It will be the first new hotel to open on Jekyll Island since 1974.

The new hotel is being constructed on the basic footprint of the former Holiday Inn, preserving the oak tree canopy that is unique to the site. When open, the hotel will feature boardwalks through maritime forest and over protected sand dunes. The adjacent beach is the widest and most pristine on Jekyll Island, with wonderful views of Cumberland Island and the Atlantic Ocean.

The new Hampton inn & Suites is one component being built on the site of the former Holiday Inn. The developer is Jekyll Ocean Oaks LLC, and includes partners that also own and operate the historic Jekyll Island Club Hotel. The Jekyll Ocean Oaks project is one of five hotel redevelopment projects on Jekyll Island currently underway. Along with the seven hotels currently operating, the new hotel and convention center projects will bring about a revitalization of Jekyll Island making it a premier vacation and convention destination.

For more information about Jekyll Island revitalization visit www.jekyllisland.com/news.

Tags: Hampton Inn on Jekyll Island, jekyll island, jekyll island authority, jekyll island board, jekyll island hotels, jekyll island revitalization, Jekyll Island vacations, vacations on Jekyll Island
Posted in Press Releases, Uncategorized | 1 Comment »

The first float finder of Jekyll Island’s 2009 Island Treasure promotion is Eric and Deborah Stevens from Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. Staying at the Jekyll Island Club Hotel, the couple read about Island Treasures in Jekyll Island’s Beachscape Newsletter.

“Island Treasures on Jekyll Island” is a unique treasure hunting experience on Georgia’s most popular public beach. The treasures are hand-crafted glass floats, called Island Treasures. The glass floats have been sought after by Jekyll Island guests since 2002. Each is unique and stamped with the year to be a collector’s item for the lucky beachcomber who finds one.

Island Treasures mimic glass floats once used on the fishing nets of fishermen in the early 1900s. The floats would sometimes break loose and wash ashore for lucky beachcombers to find and keep. Collecting these glass floats became a hobby in the 1950′s, declined as commercial fishing moved to plastic and Styrofoam floats. Glass fishing floats became rarer and are highly sought after and very valuable today.

During January and February, the Jekyll Island Authority recreates this hunt-and-find experience is recreated. The glass float treasures are the works of commissioned artists from across the country. “Beach Buddies” hide them along the shore line every day for lucky visitors to find and keep. Treasure finders can register their Island Treasure at the Jekyll Island Visitor Information Center to receive a bio on the artist and a certificate of authenticity. The Jekyll Island Visitor Information Center has Island Treasure floats and an array of the other colorful glass creations for purchase in-store or online at www.jekyllisland.com/islandtreasures.

Since the promotion began six years ago, over 1,000 glass floats have been found by guests from across the U.S., Canada and England. Jekyll Island floats are collector’s items and can be occasionally found on auction sites like eBay.

Those who are unable to visit Jekyll Island can participate in a virtual treasure hunt on www.jekyllisland.com. Search the website for small, hidden Island Treasure pictures. The first person to click on one will win an actual Island Treasure that will be shipped to them.

Tags: Beachcombing on Jekyll Island, Georgia Coat, glass floats, island treasures, jekyll island, jekyll island beach, jekyll island convention center, Jekyll Island Events, jekyll island golf, jekyll island hotels, Jekyll Island Island Treasures, Winter vacations on the Georgia Coast
Posted in Beach Bummin', Festivalgoer | No Comments »

Beginning New Year’s Day and continuing through the months of January and February, the Jekyll Island Authority hosts “Island Treasures on Jekyll Island”, a unique treasure hunting experience on Georgia’s most popular public beach. The treasures are hand-crafted glass floats, called Island Treasures. The glass floats have been sought after by Jekyll Island guests since 2002. Each is unique and stamped with the year to be a collector’s item for the lucky beachcomber who finds one.

Island Treasures mimic glass floats once used on the fishing nets of fishermen in the early 1900s. The floats would sometimes break loose and wash ashore for lucky beachcombers to find and keep. Collecting these glass floats became a hobby in the 1950′s, declined as commercial fishing moved to plastic and Styrofoam floats. Glass fishing floats became more rare and are highly sought after and very valuable today.

During these first two winter months, the Jekyll Island Authority recreates this hunt-and-find experience is recreated. The glass float treasures are the works of commissioned artists from across the country. “Beach Buddies” hide them along the shore line every day for lucky visitors to find and keep. Treasure finders can register their Island Treasure at the Jekyll Island Visitor Information Center to receive a bio on the artist and a certificate of authenticity. The Jekyll Island Visitor Information Center has Island Treasure floats and an array of the other colorful glass creations for purchase in-store or online at www.jekyllisland.com/islandtreasures.

“Jekyll Island is a popular winter escape for guests from northern states and Canada,” explained Beth Burnsed, Event Marketing Coordinator. “The natural beauty of our beach has its own special rewards to beachcombers, but to find a beautiful Island Treasure is really exciting!”

Since the promotion began six years ago, over 1,000 glass floats have been found by guests from across the U.S., Canada and England. Jekyll Island floats are collector’s items and can be occasionally found on auction sites like eBay.

Those who are unable to visit Jekyll Island can participate in a virtual treasure hunt on www.jekyllisland.com. Search the website for small, hidden Island Treasure pictures. The first person to click on one will win an actual Island Treasure that will be shipped to them.

Participating hotels have special programs and packages to celebrate Island Treasures on Jekyll Island. Jekyll Island has seven hotels open and operating, including the boutique Beachview Club. Other hotels include the Oceanside Inn & Suites, Quality Inn, Jekyll Oceanfront Clarion Resort, Villas By The Sea, Jekyll Island Club Hotel and the Days Inn & Suites. For more information on Island Treasures and other events on Jekyll Island, visit www.jekyllisland.com or call 1-877-4JEKYLL.

Tags: beach treasure, glass fishing floats, island treasures, island treasures on Jekyll Island, jekyll island beach, jekyll island convention center, jekyll island golf, jekyll island hotels
Posted in Festivalgoer, Uncategorized | No Comments »

By Joe Wilkinson

During the gilded age of the late 1880s and until World War II, Jekyll Island was a place where Rockefellers, Vanderbilts, Astors, Morgans and Pulitzers would escape the cold New York winters.

More than a century later, however, many of Jekyll Island’s facilities are in disrepair —- so much that even some Boy Scouts trying to earn merit badges don’t find much appeal to this precious coastal asset. Numerous civic and professional groups have scratched Jekyll off their list for annual conventions.

The sad fact is Jekyll has suffered a 23 percent drop in tourism since 1989. It is in desperate need of revitalization, and now is the perfect time to undertake a major redevelopment while protecting the fragile environment as the foremost goal.

Earlier this month, the Jekyll Island Authority finalized a 25-year contract with Linger Longer Communities to revitalize the island. On Monday, the authority made a final amendment to its long-term master plan so redevelopment can proceed in January. For the sake of Jekyll and the people of Georgia, it is time to now move forward and to stop changing the rules and moving the goal line. With this plan for the state to partner with the private sector to carefully redevelop Jekyll, all parties have won.

As someone who has a second home in Glynn County, the future of this island is as important to me as it is to the residents of Jekyll and others who fear the word development. I, too, am an environmentalist. Yet I knew it was important to strike a balance between making Jekyll attractive to the public and not harming the ecosystem including loggerhead turtles and a variety of birds. I believe the state has struck that balance with this developer.

I applaud the Jekyll Island Authority for responding to public concerns and working with the developer to scale back original plans for the 10-mile-long island. It agreed to reduce the size of the 22-acre Beach Village, the largest proposed project.

Concessions include:

> A proposed 141,000-square-foot convention center has been changed to a renovation of the existing convention center at 76,000 square feet.

> A proposal for 725 new hotel rooms has been scaled back to 350 rooms. The original concept was to include three hotels; now there will be two.

> A plan for a 59,000-square-foot retail shopping center has been reduced to 30,000 square feet.

The state will also earn $20 million in the first 15 years of the lease —- money that can be used for beach renourishment or to make repairs to the historic village where the wealthy visitors lodged so long ago.

In today’s economy, Georgia taxpayers are fortunate to find a private partner to operate and build these new facilities at no cost. In addition, a new Jekyll will bring 700 jobs to Glynn County and $94 million in sales tax and $38 million in motel tax revenue to the state and local coffers. That’s not worth another hour of delay because of continued disputes over procedure or the concept of this project.

In 1947, the state bought Jekyll for a bargain, just $600,000. The purpose was to make it a place for all Georgians to revel in a piece of the Golden Isles. As a member of the board of the Jekyll Island Foundation, I believe no one can say they are a true Georgian unless they have experienced the marshes of the island, Jekyll’s dunes or the sea turtles that nest there. Fortunately for all of us, Jekyll will be a much more appealing place thanks to the work those who will give it another Golden Age —- this time, in the 21st century.

>Joe Wilkinson, a state representative (R) from Sandy Springs, is a part-time resident of St. Simon’s Island and a member of the board of the Jekyll Island Foundation.

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