Jekyll Island’s new 128,000sf Convention Center is now in the Design Development Phase. It is on schedule to go out for construction bids this summer with a construction start of September 2010. A March 1, 2012 opening date is planned.

The new 128,000 square foot facility will provide more than 78,000 square feet of prime function space. The Convention Center is designed to provide optimum flexibility for meeting planners. The roof forms of the building’s exterior harmonize with the surrounding beachfront trees. More than 5,600 square feet of outdoor terraces allow visitors to enjoy vistas and cool coastal breezes while sheltered from sun or rain. The center features a 45,000 square foot divisible exhibit/banquet hall and 12 break out meeting rooms ranging from 720 square feet to 3100 square feet. Generous prefunction areas allow flexibility for large conventions as well as multiple smaller events. Ocean-view lobby, prefunction, registration, and meeting rooms never let attendees forget they are in a beautiful beachfront location.

KEY FEATURES
• Operational Flexibility
• Ocean-view lobby & registration areas
• Pre-function areas work as the
“front porch”
• Day lighting at pre-function and
meeting rooms
• Efficient Operations
• Beach side function lawn
• Parking-hidden, but convenient
• Beach view meeting rooms
• Hidden service

SUSTAINABLE DESIGN
• Low-flow lavatory fixture
• Dual flush toilet fixtures
• Solar photo voltaic power generation
• Solar water heating
• Energy management system
• Natural lighting with automatic blinds
• Outside air energy recovery
• Reflective roof material
• Rain water capture for irrigation

Tags: jekyll island convention center, jekyll island development, jekyll island revitalization, meetings on jekyll island
Posted in Beachscape | No Comments »

Listen as Eric Garvey, Jekyll Island’s, Chief Communications Officer, gives an interesting overview, a brief history, and an update on the revitalization of Jekyll Island on the “Georgia Focus” program on the Georgia News Network with interviewer, John Clark.

Click here to listen.

Tags: georgia news network, jekyll island, jekyll island history, jekyll island revitalization
Posted in In the News | No Comments »

Jekyll Island revitalization is NOW UNDERWAY with the creation of Great Dunes Park.

Great Dunes Park will become a premier public beach active zone with modern amenities, plenty of green space and a renewed bicycle and pedestrian beach walk along the entire oceanfront. The site is the approximate location of the front nine holes of the famous links golf course designed by Walter Travis in 1926. The remaining back nine holes of Great Dunes Golf Course are still open for public play.

The first phase of the park is underway and consists of 8 acres with the north ern boundary at the intersection of Beachview Drive and Shell Road. When complete, the entire park will cover approximately 20 acres and connect the mini golf and playground area with the new beach village.

The first phase will create an entirely new accessible park experience featuring; new native landscaping, walks and parking (195 spaces), three family pavilions, one group pavilion, a 4,100 SF Beach Deck Pavilion, and a Restroom/ Changing building. The Beach Deck Pavilion connects to an accessible dune crossover for access to the beach. Bicycle parking, showers, and an environmental sculpture area will also complement the new park. The pavilion structures have a relaxed coastal style and are constructed of pressure treated wood with standing seam metal roofs. The restroom building includes individual changing areas for men and women and has low maintenance stained concrete floors and standing seam metal roofing. Construction is underway and is scheduled for completion by Summer 2010.

Tags: great dunes park, jekyll island development, jekyll island revitalization
Posted in Beachscape, March 2010 | No Comments »

Beach Village

In June 2009, plans for a new Jekyll Island Beach Village were unveiled as part of the overall effort to revitalize the island. The focus of the Beach Village is the main commercial area of the island where the current strip retail shopping center and the convention center now sit. The Beach Village plan will reconfigure this area into a pedestrian-friendly shopping village with a small main street framed by shops and cafes. The main street will terminate into a large Village Green that will be adjacent and overlooking the dunes and beach. Breezes from the Atlantic Ocean will bring fresh smells of the salt air along the large public spaces. Conventioneers will be able to stroll along under covered arcades from the new hotels to the newly constructed Jekyll Island Convention Center.

Hotels

Plans call for two new hotels in the beach village, both will serve convention delegates and vacationers. Each hotel will offer a different price point and a variety of options in terms of room sizes and amenities. A full service hotel is desired to be along the beachfront and an economy level hotel will be a short village block away from the beach and be fully integrated into the village setting. The plans call for around 500 lodging units in the Beach Village.

Shops & Restaurants

The new village main street will be framed with one-, two-, and three-story buildings in a coastal style with large roof overhangs creating large outside areas for cafes or merchandise display. There is an opportunity for some loft offices, residences and/or additional lodging units. Parking areas will be hidden, and large, wide sidewalks will encourage pedestrian activity. Several key locations will be designated as restaurant opportunities, taking full advantage of pedestrian traffic and fantastic views!

Village green

The centerpiece of the Jekyll Island Beach Village is the new Village Green. The Village Green is the terminus and visual focal point for all vehicular traffic entering the island on Ben Fortson Parkway. It provides a clear axial view to the dunes, the beach and the ocean for all traffic headed east on the village main street. The Green creates a physical and conceptual connection between the community and the beach. It also provides an identifiable center of activity for the Jekyll Island community and guests. The Village Green also functions equally well as a passive space for residents and guests to enjoy a beverage or an ice cream, read a book, people watch, or escape the heat of the sun. It can also host art shows, concerts or children’s programs.

Entry Corridor

The majestic canopy of Jekyll Island’s live oaks will enhance the Beach Village entry experience at Ben Fortson Parkway. The two major roads of Jekyll Island, the Causeway and Beachview Drive, are both two-lane roads and provide adequate traffic capacity for the existing and proposed development. The four lanes of Ben Fortson Parkway are presently oversized. The new design will convert the existing eastbound lanes into a two-lane entry road. The existing westbound lanes will be used as part of an overflow parking lot. All improvements will take advantage of the existing live oaks to enhance the intimate character of the Jekyll Island entry experience.

Tags: jekyll island, jekyll island beach village, jekyll island development, jekyll island redevelopment, jekyll island revitalization
Posted in Beachscape | 1 Comment »

1929 Morgan Tennis Center is scheduled to reopen in June 2010 as a Multi-use facility.

Jekyll Island Authority has entered into an agreement with Jekyll Landmark Associates (a Jekyll Island Club Hotel affiliate) to do an adaptive reuse of the 1929 Morgan Tennis Center.

This will include exterior work, as well as refurbishing the interior with the addition of restrooms and an event balcony so that the building can be used for weddings, meetings, banquets, and other events. New food service/kitchen facilities will be added to the existing building. The completed facilities will open in June 2010 and will be used along with temporary structures and tents in the adjacent parking area for convention and meeting events during the June 2010 to December 2011 construction of the new Convention Center. The Morgan Building, when completed, will be operated by the Jekyll Island Club Hotel.

Tags: Jekyll Island Beachscape, jekyll island historic district, jekyll island revitalization, morgan conference center, morgan tennis center
Posted in History comes Alive | 2 Comments »

Jekyll Island revitalization is NOW UNDERWAY and the initial phase is now being realized with the completion of the design for Great Dunes Park.

The first phase of the park consists of 8 acres with the northern boundary at the intersection of Beachview Drive and Shell Road. The entirely new accessible park experience includes; new landscaping, walks and parking (195 spaces), three family pavilions, one group pavilion, a 4,100 SF Beach Deck Pavilion, and a Restroom/Changing building. The Beach Deck Pavilion connects to an accessible dune crossover for access to the beach. Bicycle parking, showers, and an environmental sculpture area will also
complement the new park. The pavilion structures have a relaxed coastal style and are constructed of pressure treated wood with standing seam metal roofs. The Restroom building includes individual changing areas for men and women and has low maintenance stained concrete floors and standing seam metal roofing.

Construction will begin with the December 7th ground breaking. Phase I of Great Dunes park will take approximately 5 1/2 months and will be complete by summer 2010.

Tags: great dunes park, Jekyll Island Beachscape, Jekyll Island Events, jekyll island redevelopment, jekyll island revitalization
Posted in Beachscape, In the News | No Comments »

HHCP Architecture design team presents project planning and programming concepts for the revitalization of Jekyll Island beach village and entry corridor projects.

recap of work effort

The HHCP Architecture Design Team started work in April with a fact gathering kick off meeting with Jones Hooks, Jekyll Island Authority Executive Director, and Jim Broadwell, Jekyll Island Authority Project Manager. This was followed by a two day on-Island workshop with Jekyll Island Authority ( JIA) staff and Linger Longer Jekyll, LLC (LLJ) representatives. The purpose of this meeting was to establish the project goals and vision, review design concepts developed prior to the workshop, and to establish direction for future design work. Numerous ideas suggested in the workshop, as well as in follow-up discussions with JIA & LLJ, were subsequently developed and refi ned and have resulted in the conceptual plans for the Beach Village, Beach Park, and Convention Center, shown herein. A user input work session for the Village Signature Park/Boardwalk was held on May 27, 2009. With input from this session and from JIA staff and management, planning was completed in July with presentations to the JIA Board and the public on July 13th and 14th.

budget

The current Project Budget is $44.6 million dollars. JIA is carrying an additional $5 million dollar contingency. This includes all construction, equipment, furnishings and professional fees for all components of the project. Project components include: 1) Beach Village/Beach Park related entry and internal roads, parking, utilities, drainage and amenities; 2) New Convention
Center; 3) Refurbishing of the historic Morgan Building; 4) Providing temporary structures for convention use during 2010 & 2011. Budget estimates show that the current plan direction is within budget.

entry road

The majestic canopy of Jekyll Island’s live oaks will enhance the Beach Village entry experience at Ben Fortson Parkway. The two major roads of Jekyll Island, the Causeway and Beachview Drive, are both two lane roads and provide adequate traffic capacity for the existing and proposed development. The four lanes of Ben Fortson Parkway are presently oversized. The new design will convert the existing eastbound lanes into a two lane entry road. The existing westbound lanes will be used as part of an overfl ow parking lot. All improvements will take advantage of the existing live oaks to enhance the intimate character of the Jekyll Island entry experience.

beach park
Jekyll Island will be providing a newly expanded Beach Park experience. This park will include a walkway along the base of the existing dune tying
the park into the Village Green and retail buildings as well as the hotel development to the south. The Convention Center’s existing parking will be
redesigned to provide parking for the new Convention Center and Beach Park. The new design will have expanded family and group pavilions
with flexible activity lawns to accommodate a wide range of activities. A new beach deck will provide users an elevated view of the beach and
lawn activities. The large shade pavilion will provide restrooms and a comfortable place to enjoy the views and enhance the civic identity. Two new
dune crossovers will be constructed. All beach crossovers will have bicycle parking and showers. Native tree and shrub plantings will enhance the
beachside feel and provide durable, low maintenance vegetation to protect the dunes, provide wildlife habitat and educate visitors on the sensitivity
of barrier islands.

Tags: hhcp architecture, jekyll island beach village, jekyll island development, jekyll island revitalization, north beach park on jekyll island
Posted in Beachscape, November 2009, Press Releases | No Comments »

PLACE Week # 12 Results — Sept. 12 1 Prudential Georgia Intracoastal Properties 59 2 Ingalls Inc. 60 3 Gulfstream 60 4 Emerald Princess II Casino 61 5 Longhorns 61 6 Jekyll Island Authority 62 7 Suzie’s Friends 62 8 Allgood Pest Control 63 9 Scientific Turf 63 Year – To – Date Standings Week #11 Week #12 Total 1 Prudential Georgia Intracoastal Properties 130 150 1665 2 Gulfstream 140 135 1604.5 3 Longhorns 117.5 122.5 1512 4 Jekyll Island Authority 117.5 112.5 1455 5 Emerald Princess II Casino 125 122.5 1430 6 Ingalls Inc. 150 135 1384.7 7 Suzie’s Friends 110 112.5 1372.5 8 Scientific Turf 102.5 102.5 1343.7 9 Allgood Pest Control 102.5 102.5 1210.2

Tags: Add new tag, Beach Music Festival, emerald princess, Geocaching on Jekyll Island, Georgia, georgia beaches, georgia coast, golden isles, golf, jekyll island, jekyll island arts association, jekyll island authority, jekyll island beach vacation, Jekyll Island Beachscape, jekyll island birding, Jekyll Island Club Hotel, Jekyll Island Events, jekyll island georgia, jekyll island golf, jekyll island history, jekyll island hotels, jekyll island museum, jekyll island revitalization, jekyll island vacation, Jekyll Island vacations, Shrimp & Grits Festival, shrimp and grits, The Georgia Sea Turtle Center on Jekyll Island, Wild Georgia Shrimp Festival
Posted in Coastal Georgia Golf League, Wild Georgia Golf | No Comments »

PLACE	Week # 11 Results — Sept. 5
1	Ingalls Inc.**	59
2	Gulfstream	59
3	Prudential Georgia Intracoastal Properties	60
4	Emerald Princess II Casino	61
5	Jekyll Island Authority	62
6	Longhorns	62
7	Suzie’s Friends	63
8	Allgood Pest Control	64
9	Scientific Turf	64
	Year – To – Date Standings	Week #10	Week #11		Total
1	Prudential Georgia Intracoastal Properties	135	130		1515
2	Gulfstream	122.5	140		1469.5
3	Longhorns	122.5	117.5		1389.5
4	Jekyll Island Authority	150	117.5		1342.5
5	Emerald Princess II Casino	135	125		1307.5
6	Suzie’s Friends	110	110		1260
7	Ingalls Inc.	110	150		1249.7
8	Scientific Turf	100	102.5		1241.2
9	Allgood Pest Control	110	102.5		1107.7

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
Posted in Coastal Georgia Golf League, Wild Georgia Golf | No Comments »

Coastal Georgia Business League Point Standings
PLACE	Week # 10 Results — Aug. 29
1	Jekyll Island Authority	58
2	Prudential Georgia Intracoastal Properties	59
3	Emerald Princess II Casino	59
4	Gulfstream	60
5	Longhorns	60
6	Suzie’s Friends	61
7	Ingalls Inc.	61
8	Allgood Pest Control	61
9	Scientific Turf	62
	Year – To – Date Standings	Week #9	Week #10		Total
1	Prudential Georgia Intracoastal Properties	150	135		1385
2	Gulfstream	125	122.5		1329.5
3	Longhorns	110	122.5		1272
4	Jekyll Island Authority	125	150		1225
5	Emerald Princess II Casino	110	135		1182.5
6	Suzie’s Friends	125	110		1150
7	Scientific Turf	140	100		1138.7
8	Ingalls Inc.	110	110		1099.7
9	Allgood Pest Control	100	110		1005.2

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
Posted in Coastal Georgia Golf League, Wild Georgia Golf | No Comments »

PLACE	Week # 8 Results — Aug. 15
1	Gulfstream	58
2	Suzie’s Friends	58
3	Prudential Georgia Intracoastal Properties	60
4	Jekyll Island Authority	60
5	Longhorns	61
6	Ingalls Inc.	61
7	Emerald Princess II Casino	62
8	Scientific Turf	63
9	Allgood Pest Control	63
	Year – To – Date Standings	Week #7	Week #8		Total
1	Prudential Georgia Intracoastal Properties	150	127.5		1100
2	Gulfstream	132	150		1082
3	Longhorns	132	117.5		1039.5
4	Jekyll Island Authority	117.5	127.5		950
5	Emerald Princess II Casino	117.5	110		937.5
6	Suzie’s Friends	105	140		915
7	Scientific Turf	110	102.5		898.7
8	Ingalls Inc.	132	117.5		879.7
9	Sanctuary Cove GC	90	90		827.5
10	Allstate Insurance (Rob Dunagan Agency)	90	90		806.2
11	Allgood Pest Control	100	102.5		795.2
12	Coastal Regional Commission	90	90		790.2
13	Dan Vaden Chevrolet	90	90		790.2

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
Posted in Coastal Georgia Golf League, Wild Georgia Golf | No Comments »

Jekyll Island Golf Cart Nature Tours

Explore Jekyll Island‘s Golf Courses

“Fore” a Birding and Nature Adventure

You don’t have to be a golfer to enjoy the beautiful courses of Jekyll Island.

The golf courses on Jekyll Island abound with native species of animals and plants.

Explore the lives and habitats of egrets, herons, deer and raccoon, turtles, frogs

and many more island creatures.

Both morning and afternoon tours are scheduled for the summer.

Call 912-635-2368 to reserve a spot- or, just drop by and join the tour!

(Private tours available by appointment.)

See the schedule below or check our website at: www.jekyllisland.com/golf

$15 a person for the two hour tour.

Tours will be led by

Lydia C. Thompson (Wild Bird Unlimited Nature Shop’s Chief Naturalist and Artist-in-Residence),

Christa Frangiamore (JIA’s Conservation Manager)

or visiting naturalists.

Don’t forget your camera and binoculars!

Tags: beach vacation, Beachscape, emerald princess, feedback, geocaching on jekyll island jekyll island georgia, Georgia, georgia beach vacation, georgia beaches, georgia coast, Georgia Sea Turtle Center, 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 Events, jekyll island facts, jekyll island festivals, jekyll island golf, jekyll island history, jekyll island revitalization, jekyll island vacation, The Georgia Sea Turtle Center on Jekyll Island, Wild Georgia Shrimp Festival
Posted in Coastal Georgia Golf League, Wild Georgia Golf | 1 Comment »

	Year – To – Date Standings	Week #1	Week #2		Total
1	Longhorns	150			150
2	Gulfstream	140			140
3	Dan Vaden Chevrolet	130			130
4	Prundential Georgia Intracoastal Properties	125			125
5	Suzie’s Friends	117.5			117.5
6	Emerald Princess II Casino	117.5			117.5
7	Jekyll Island Authority	110			110
8	King & Prince Seafood	100			100
9	Sanctuary Cove Golf Club	100			100
10	Summer Waves Water Park	100			100

Tags: Add new tag, brunswick golf, coastal golf, emereald princess, georgia golf, jekyll island authority, jekyll island beach, jekyll island beach vacation, Jekyll Island Beachscape, jekyll island birding, Jekyll Island Events, jekyll island georgia, jekyll island golf, Jekyll Island Golf Club, jekyll island history, jekyll island revitalization, jekyll island vacation, sea turtles, The Georgia Sea Turtle Center on Jekyll Island, Wild Georgia Shrimp Festival
Posted in Coastal Georgia Golf League, Wild Georgia Golf | No Comments »

Since the inception of the Jekyll Island Shrimp & Grits: Wild Georgia Shrimp Festival in 2006, Joe Barnett, Jr. has participated and won in every Shrimp & Grits Cooking Competition. His winning streak and jovial personality caught the attention of Food Network. On March 18 at 9:00 PM the amateur chef will go up against world-renowned chef Bobby Flay on Food Network’s “Throwdown with Bobby Flay”.

Taped in Joe Barnett’s hometown of Washington, GA, the show features Joe Barnett cooking his version of shrimp & grits against Bobby Flay’s version. Both chefs use locally caught wild Georgia shrimp provided by the Georgia Shrimp Association, a partner in the Jekyll Island Shrimp & Grits annual festival. Their dishes are judged by local fans and shrimp & grits connoisseurs. The one-on-one competition was a complete surprise to Barnett. In each “Throwdown” episode, the amateur cook thinks Food Network is shooting their profile for a show. What they don’t know is that Food Network star Bobby Flay is going to drop in for a surprise visit and challenge them to an unexpected cook-off.

“I was shocked when Bobby Flay walked onto the set,” said Barnett. “Of course, I’m always up for a cook-off and was proud to represent the Jekyll Island Shrimp & Grits Festival and the Georgia Shrimp Association.”

The annual Shrimp & Grits: Wild Georgia Shrimp Festival is held each year on Jekyll Island in September. This year’s event is scheduled for September 18-20 and will include cooking competitions, celebrity book signing, cooking demonstrations, shrimp boat tours and excursions and much more. More details can be found at jekyllisland.com and the festival Facebook fan page.

Tags: Georgia Shrimp Association, Jekyll Island Events, jekyll island revitalization, Jekyll Island vacations, Shrimp & Grits Festival, shrimp and grits festival, shrimp festival, The wild georgia shrimp festival
Posted in Festivalgoer, Press Releases | No Comments »

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 »

As the Georgia General Assembly begins its 2009 session, Jekyll Island revitalization is again a topic under the Gold Dome. Although the economy and the tough fiscal issues that the recession has created will certainly dominate the session, the Jekyll Island Authority was asked to give an update before the House State Institutions and Properties Committee on Wednesday, January 28. The presentation is available on our web site as well as a link to the video archive of the meeting. The committee seemed pleased with the progress to date, but some questions were raised regarding the vacation ownership component of the new Beach Village. The vacation ownership is just one part of the Private Revitalization Partnering Agreement signed last month with Linger Longer Communities. There has been some misinformation circulated and even reported in the Georgia Times-Union regarding the vacation ownership that needs to be clarified. It has been suggested that the profits flowing from the vacation ownership to our private partners are such that the public bonds to build the new convention center and beachfront park are not necessary. This assertion is completely wrong and based on flawed financial analysis. It is being claimed that the net profits will be in excess of $100+ million dollars – the difference between the ground lease plus the anticipated construction cost and the anticipated sales of time intervals.This calculation does not consider any of the costs associated with marketing, selling, operating or maintaining this facility over time and ignores the risk of a changing marketplace. The net profits are uncertain, and will be earned by Linger Longer Communities’ ability to execute a successful business plan. We have complete confidence in our partner, but in these tough economic times they will earn every cent. We will do all we can regarding our responsibilities to the public parts of the plan to help ensure success. Economic Stimulus The General Obligations Bonds are critical to revitalization of Jekyll Island, and will be used appropriately to fund the public portions of the revitalization plan. That includes a new Jekyll Island Convention Center and a new beachfront “signature” park. The new convention center will allow us to attract Georgia-based conventions that currently meet in neighboring states. Convention business is critical in reversing the downward trend in visitation, and our sales staff is already selling future business. Conventions provide benefit to all hotels and businesses on the island. Typical convention groups that will be attracted to Jekyll Island will not particularly utilize the vacation ownership, but rather book hotels all over the island, especially since we will be able to offer a variety of room types and price points. To suggest that our private partner should construct the vital public amenities is misguided, and would be unacceptable to our other hotel partners. The economic stimulus to the State of Georgia associated with revitalization will be significant with $162.8 million in tax revenues and an estimated $180 million in payroll over the next 15 years. Jekyll Advisory Forum We are excited to host the first meeting of the Jekyll Advisory Forum. This group will provide input directly to our board chairman regarding Jekyll Island and how revitalization can move forward in a way that benefits all Georgians. A diverse group of twenty-four citizens were invited and all have confirmed their participation. The first meeting will be held February 5th on Jekyll Island.  Participants will include representatives of the Jekyll Island Citizens Association, the Glynn County Board of Commissioners, City of Brunswick, Department of Natural Resources, The Georgia Conservancy, as well as others. Jekyll Island Authority Board Members We were pleased to be informed that two board members will be reappointed for another term. Mike Hodges from St. Simons and Steve Croy from Richmond Hill have both been reappointed by Governor Perdue. We appreciate the hard work of all of our appointed board members, in particular Mr. Hodges who serves as Secretary and Finance Committee Chairman; and Mr. Croy who serves as Vice Chairman and Legislative Committee Chairman. Mr. Croy and Mr. Hodges have been instrumental in seeing that revitalization takes place, and we thank them for their commitment and look forward to continuing our work together. Thank you for your continued interest in Jekyll Island, and I appreciate the frequent notes and input that I receive. Based on your feedback, it seems we are on the right track, and many of you share my excitement for good things to come. I want to encourage you to continue to visit us and see revitalization take place first-hand. Jekyll Island offers such a wonderful escape, and I feel grateful to be able to work towards enhancing and protecting the island for future generations. Sincerely, Jones Hooks Executive Director, Jekyll Island Authority

Tags: jekyll island development, jekyll island revitalization, linger longer communities, master plan amendment
Posted in From the Desk of Jones Hooks, In the News | 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 »

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.

Tags: jekyll island authority, jekyll island beach, jekyll island board, Jekyll Island Foundation, jekyll island golf, jekyll island hotels, jekyll island revitalization
Posted in Press Releases | No Comments »

On Tuesday, December 16^th, the Jekyll Island Authority presented a comprehensive update regarding the revitalization of Jekyll Island to members of the Jekyll Island Legislative Oversight Committee. The meeting was held at the State Capitol in Atlanta, and lasted approximately 2 hours. The full presentation document is available online at www.jekyllisland.com/news.

Members of the Legislative Oversight Committee in attendance were Committee Chairman Rep. Jerry Keen (R-St. Simons), Rep. Terry Barnard (R-Glennville), Rep. Karla Drenner (D-Avondale Estates), Sen. Ross Tolleson (R-Perry) and Sen. Chip Pearson (R-Dawsonville). Jekyll Island Authority Chairman Bob Krueger delivered a complete update on revitalization that includes five projects and represents over $390 million of private investment to rebuild Jekyll’s aging hotels and convention center. Chairman Krueger gave a detailed description of the recently adopted amendment to the Jekyll Island Master Plan that will allow work on the new Beach Village project to move forward.

Oversight Committee members were pleased with the progress and satisfied with the terms of the recent redevelopment agreements, including the new Revitalization Partnering Agreement with Georgia-based Linger Longer Communities. All new ground leases are tied to the fair market value of the land and include inflation-based increases. Land values range from $600,000 to $900,000 per acre. New leases also include requirements for continued capital investment.

Members raised concern over existing Jekyll Island residential leases that are not tied to land value, and expressed their desire for a remedy. Residential leases were created over fifty years ago and have a fixed ground lease rate. Residential units on Jekyll Island occupy 204 acres, more than four times the amount of land currently under commercial redevelopment. Residential lease revenue to the Jekyll Island Authority from these older leases averages $350 per lease or $1,025 per acre, equivalent to less than 1% of a fair market value-based lease.

Concern over residential leases continued with a discussion and question of how leases on the protected south end will be handled. The southern portion of the island was given special protection in 2006 under HB214. Oversight Committee Chairman Keen asked legislative counsel to determine if residential leases could even be extended in this area of the island.

Jekyll Island Authority Vice-Chairman Steve Croy reinforced the importance of moving forward with Jekyll Island revitalization given the struggling economy and the continued decline in island visitation. Committee members were impressed with the number of Georgia-based conventions that currently meet outside the state but have expressed intention to return to Jekyll Island once new hotels are built.

Rep. Drenner echoed the compliments of committee members with the progress of revitalization, but did express a desire for more information regarding environmental protection. Chairman Krueger shared the elements of Jekyll Island Design Guidelines that encourage LEED-certification for new development, and recent conservation initiatives including the new Wildlife Viewing Platform located on the Jekyll Island Causeway overlooking the Marshes of Glynn.

Sen. Jeff Chapman (R-Brunswick), not a member of the Oversight Committee but whose district includes Jekyll Island, was extended committee courtesy to make remarks. Sen. Chapman applauded efforts to improve Jekyll Island, but referenced a letter distributed to committee members that outlines criticism over revitalization projects. His criticism and call for a halt to revitalization stood in contrast to the support of the committee. Chairman Keen acknowledged receipt of the letter, and asked the Jekyll Island Authority to prepare a complete written response.

A complete video archive of the meeting is available online at http://www.legis.state.ga.us/legis/2007_08/house/Committees/GLN/boardcastIndex.htm

Tags: jekyll island, Jekyll Island Legislation, Jekyll Island Oversight Committee, jekyll island revitalization
Posted in Press Releases | No Comments »

The Department of Natural Resources Coastal Resources Division (CRD) and Jekyll Island Authority have announced that renovation of the Jekyll Island public boating access site is complete.  Improvements include a larger, resurfaced boat ramp, a larger boating service dock, and more parking area. This $400,000 renovation was one of four projects made possible by a $1.5 million CRD budget enhancement approved by the Georgia legislature in 2007.

The new ramp is 50-ft wide allowing three boaters to launch or load simultaneously.  It is 130 feet long and extends well below the low tide line making it possible for boaters to safely launch and recover their vessels at all stages of the tide. The service dock now provides 200 feet of perimeter providing space for several boats. Two acres of crushed-limestone-surface parking area was added to the site. The lot also includes handicapped parking and space of anglers fishing in the nearby lake, Ski Rixen Pond.

The boat ramp launches into Jekyll Creek, a popular area for fisherman seeking triple tail, redfish and trout. The ramp is also a favored launch site for kayakers looking to explore the vast salt marsh, creeks, and rivers adjacent to Jekyll Island.  These improvements and expansions will allow more fishermen and kayakers to enjoy Jekyll Island’s intrarcoastal waterways.

In addition to the boat ramp, Ski Rixen Pond is rich fishing location for anglers seeking redfish, speckled trout, and Atlantic croaker. For those visitors wishing to explore the area without fishing, Tidelands Nature Center is a wildlife educational facility and canoe/paddleboat rental location sponsored by the University of Georgia. Tidelands is located on the shore of Ski Rixen Pond and also offers guided kayak tours through the intracoastal waterways. These tours are individual lessons in kayaking and up-close encounters with the eco-systems that border Jekyll Island.

The above picture was taken at the December 15 ribbon cutting. Pictured are members of the Jekyll Island Authority Board; staff of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Coastal Resources Division; and Jekyll Island Authority Staff. Cutting the ribbon (left to right, holding scissors) are Shawn Jordan, DNR Boating Access Coordinator; Spud Woodward, DNR Asst. Director of Marine Fisheries; and Bob Krueger, Chairman of the Jekyll Island Authority Board.

Tags: jekyll island activities, jekyll island authority, jekyll island authority board, jekyll island boat ramp, jekyll island boating, jekyll island fishing, jekyll island revitalization
Posted in Press Releases | No Comments »