I have never received as much response from a blog article than my June 18th post and then my response posted June 20th on the topic of the revitalization project on Jekyll Island. Just last week, the Jekyll Island Authority Executive Director, Jones Hooks, sent an email update on information that was shared at their 9/15/08 board meeting. They had contracted an independent research firm, Bleakly and Associates, to do a study analysis on the visitation numbers. According to this report, the island visitation peaked in the 1988-89 time period with approximately 2.1 million guests visiting Jekyll. Regrettably since that time, there has been a steady decline in visitation. Last year only 1.49 million visitors came to Jekyll which is down roughly 23% from the 1988-89 figures.
The good news is that visitation can be increased with limited redevelopment. Jekyll has approximately 4226 acres, and is mandated by law that 65% of it must remain undeveloped. Of the remaining 35%, only 256 acres or 6% is directly impacted. Most of that portion is already developed with existing hotels and the convention center.
The Bleakly and Associates’ detailed study will be presented in a public meeting on September 29 th at 2:00 pm at the Jekyll Island Convention Center. For more current information and events on Jekyll Island, go to their website at www.jekyllisland.com
As I ended my June 20th post, "Discussion is good; it is important for the public to be aware AND involved.." | 
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