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Initiative to Protect Jekyll Isl and
IPJI Newsletter 
Winter 2019
In This Issue
Buyer Beware!
Golf Course Master Plan
Cargo Ship Sinks in Channel
Marriot Hotel Construction Underway
Campground Expansion
Amphitheater to Be Resurrected?
Holiday Season on Jekyll
Quick Links
Dear Friends of Jekyll Island,

The winter 2019 edition of IPJI's Newsletter includes two articles of special interest, one dealing with the future of Jekyll's golf course complex; the other with a condominium project on land deemed inappropriate for development.  
 
Included as well is other Jekyll news along with a photographic sampling of the island decked out for the holiday season. 
 
We welcome any comments or questions you might have regarding the newsletter and appreciate your continued support of IPJI's effort to preserve Jekyll's traditional character, wildlife habitats and natural communities.
 
David and Mindy Egan, Co-Directors, IPJI
degan1@bellsouth.net
912-635-2167 (H)   912-577-4655 (C)

"Once your feet touch the sands of Jekyll Island,  
you'll always come back."
Jekyll's Golden Islander
Buyer Beware!  
 
For reasons that remain unclear, the JIA board has approved a 48-unit condominium project called "The Moorings at Jekyll Harbor" even though the initial Environmental Assessment Review led by the JIA's own conservation staff said the project site "would be more exposed to risk of near term coastal flooding impacts and long term sea-level rise impacts than any other residential property on Jekyll Island.
 Golf Course Master Planners  
Seeking  Public Input 
 
If you care about the future of golf on Jekyll Island and how the possible closure of part of the golf course complex might affect the island, click here. 
 Cargo Ship Sinks in Shipping Channel  
 
On September 8, 2019, a cargo ship (the Golden Ray) carrying 4,200 vehicles capsized in the shipping channel off the north end of Jekyll Island. The dramatic rescue of stranded crew members, the quelling of the fire that raged inside the ship, and the containment of the fuel and oil that spilled from the ship were reported in newspapers around the nation. Media coverage continues as the daunting effort to dismantle and remove the ship from the channel remains in the planning stage. Estimates vary but the consensus is that the removal of the Golden Ray could take a year or more. Meanwhile, ships are able to navigate the channel with help as they pass the Golden Ray, which hugs the north bank of the channel.
 
The H uffington Post provides a YouTube video of the effort to rescue trapped crew members. 
USA Today reports on what might have caused the ship to capsize.   
The Brunswick News describes the problems that hamper the removal effort.  
The Brunswick News reports oil removal is complete. 
 
 
Photos by James Holland 
Site of Marriott Hotels - Photo by James Holland
Construction Begins on New Beachfront Hotel 
Construction is underway on a 209-room Marriott hotel on the site of the former Georgia Coast Inn, just south of the Hampton Inn & Suites. Developed by a group of investors that has full or shared ownership of the vast majority of Jekyll's hotels, the 4-story structure will be the largest of Jekyll's beachfront hotels, consisting of both a Marriott Courtyard and Residence Inn operating off a shared lobby. Opening in the spring of 2021, the hotel's daily average room rates are expected to be around $180. With the completion of the hotel, Jekyll's hotel room inventory will be approximately 1,500 units, matching its all-time high.
Campground Expansion Detailed by Jekyll Island Authority
 
Plans for expansion of Jekyll Island's campground are moving forward. The 12-acre expansion 
under consideration will accommodate 54 camp sites and will include a number of facility improvements.
 
 
Resurrection of Jekyll's Amphitheater
under Consideration   
 
The JIA is considering renovation of the Jekyll Island Amphitheater. The amphitheater, which can seat 2,000 people and had hosted Valdosta State University theater performances for years, closed in 2005 and has since fallen into disrepair.
  
 
Jekyll Shines Bright for the Holiday Season

Adorned with 500,000 lights, Jekyll is a 'must see' this holiday season. Before you enter the Historic District to see the great tree, play a round at Jekyll's mini-golf, which has been turned into Peppermint Land.Then enjoy the ride down Shell Road where you can sing the Twelve Days of Christmas to a wondrous light display depicting the segments of the song. There are also spectacular lights along Riverview Drive in the Historic District and fanciful light displays at Great Dunes Park. Click here to view a slideshow of some of the decorations.