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Initiative to Protect Jekyll Island
IPJI Newsletter  Summer 2015
In This Issue
Sea turtle nesting habitat exposed to light pollution
IPJI aims to expand its Facebook family
Help keep Jekyll's beach free of commercial vehicular traffic
Third hotel in Beach Village on hold
Whittles and Maxwell's now open in Beach Village
Jekyll's inaugral 4th of July parade
Columnist 'speaks' with Jekyll's deer
Quick Links
Dear IPJI Friends,
 
As IPJI's Summer Newsletter reveals, there is a lot going on these days on Jekyll Island. To get up to speed on what is happening, check out the articles below. If you have any questions or concerns about any of the issues discussed, please do not hesitate to contact us.
 
David and Mindy Egan
Co-directors, Initiative to Protect Jekyll Island
degan1@bellsouth.net

Jekyll's shopping center circa 1960. Photo courtesy of Greg Lowery

Sea turtle nesting habitat on Jekyll exposed to light pollution     

A May 19, 2015 beach lighting survey led by the DNR revealed 33 violations of the JIA's beach lighting ordinance, with the Westin hotel leading the way with 10 infractions. Thanks to documents obtained by IPJI through an Open Records request, it is now known that over a year ago the DNR had a number of communications with the Westin regarding the type of fixtures and lighting needed to be in compliance with the state park's beach lighting ordinance. For reasons unknown, the Westin did not follow the DNR's guidance, most notably with respect to light emanating from the hotel's balconies and lobby. Read more.

Help expand IPJI's presence on Facebook  

 

Facebook is playing an increasingly important role in the education and outreach efforts of the Initiative to Protect Jekyll Island. We are therefore encouraging folks who love Jekyll Island and want to preserve its traditional character to help expand IPJI's presence on Facebook. Here's how you can support this effort as a Facebook user:

  • If you have not yet "Liked" IPJI's Facebook page, please do so by simply clicking on the "Like" tab on the Protect Jekyll Island Facebook page. Our goal is to top the 5,000 mark for "Likes."
  • If you've not yet joined the Save Jekyll Island Facebook page, please do so by going there and clicking on the "Join" or "Friend Request" tab. Our goal is to top the 3,000 mark for "Joins."
  • Please check those two Facebook pages regularly for breaking news about Jekyll Island. And, please participate in the dialogues that can be found on those pages. We need to know what Jekyll's friends think about the issues raised on IPJI's Facebook pages.

Help keep Jekyll's beach free of commercial vehicular traffic

 

You, yes you, have a chance to help keep Jekyll's beach free
of commercial vehicular traffic. All you have to do is participate in an IPJI survey regarding whether the Jekyll Westin hotel should be allowed to operate a motorized beach services business on Jekyll's beach. The results of the survey will be presented to the DNR and JIA when the Westin beach driving permit comes up for renewal. Read more. 
Plans for a third hotel in Jekyll's beach village placed on hold 

 

At the July 20th board meeting, the JIA announced that it is cancelling the tentative arrangement reached just three months ago with Georgia Coast Holdings for a limited service hotel in Jekyll's beach village. Read more.  
A pair of iconic Jekyll shops reopen in beach village

 

 

 

Whittles Souvenir Shop and Maxwell's General Store have been mainstays for Jekyll visitors for decades. Long time visitors will be thrilled to see their charming new shops, which have just opened in the beach village. Read more.   
Jekyll's inaugural 4th of July parade
 a smashing success
George and Martha Washington, the Statue of Liberty, golf carts adorned in red, white and blue, dogs decked out in their holiday best, Jekyll's famous feline "Marty"  and a host of other patriots participated in Jekyll Island's first ever 4 th of July parade. Traveling along the Historic District's Pier Road and wrapping around the Morgan Conference Center, the parade's participants delighted the crowd, triggering cheers, waves and many a smile. Sponsored by the Jekyll Island Museum, the parade is on tap to be an annual event that will complement the thunderous evening fireworks display that continues to draw thousands to the island to celebrate America's birthday.   

Syndicated columnist Dick Yarbrough  

'speaks' with Jekyll's deer  

 

If you need a good laugh today, then read Dick Yarbrough's hilarious account of his 'conversation' with Claude, the ringleader of Jekyll's deer.