Real Estate Blog for the Golden Isles of GA including St. Simons Island, Jekyll Island, Sea Island, and Brunswick, GA.

St. Simons Island, Georgia

Read our thoughts on real estate. As local REALTORS® and real estate investors, we believe there are many reasons to invest in real estate and in your lifestyle! Buyers and Sellers are encouraged to post any questions they may have on CMA's, home inspections, contracts, etc. We're here to help!

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RE: The Credit Score Mystery
Great points about the importance of credit. I...
RE: Fear can Truly Paralyze Agents and their Clients
Sally, you are so right!!!!  This is a time t...
Read the fine print re Jekyll development
Protection of  natural resources is a prime c...
RE: Many Thanks for your Comments and Interest in Jekyll Island
We are "doing something".  All thre...

I too hope that a meeting of the minds can take pl...

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Real Estate Blog for the Golden Isles of GA including St. Simons Island, Jekyll Island, Sea Island, and Brunswick, GA.

An Island Sprung up from the Ocean is a Bird Refuge

Aug. 18, 2008
Categorized in: Jekyll Island Information

 

This lovely photo shows pelicans on the pilings and in the distance on the right you'll see the Sidney Lanier Bridge (a cable stayed bridge) which spans the South Brunswick River in Brunswick, GA.  The current bridge was built to replace the original lift bridge which was struck by ships two times.  Currently it is the longest spnning bridge in GA and named for poet, Sidney Lanier.

 

An Island Sprung up from the Ocean is a Bird Refuge
 
There is a small patch of land off Jekyll Island in Southeast GA which has unofficially been named “Bird Island.” This was created less than 1 year ago from dredging in the channel of the Brunswick River to deepen the waterway and that silt being dumped off formed this so-called island. To the surprise of the Non-game Conversation Section of the DNR, this little patch of beach has become a refuge for the white pelican that typically visits the Great Lakes area and not Georgian shores. In addition to the white pelican, two other protected bird species began calling this area home. The least tern, black skimmers and gull-billed tern are nesting on the uninterrupted beach sand. These three species have been hard pressed in their normal roosting habits with development running them from their homes. This isolated island has provided them a protected area for their feeding and the ritual mating dance. Conservationists hope that in coming years this island will help the birds increase in population. The area is closed to the public; however, bird enthusiasts may get close to the shore by boat and observe from afar. Bird watchers have long found our area to be an abundant source for different species, but this is beyond any expectations.
 
How thrilling to learn of an instance of man’s actions having such a positive impact on nature! 

Shrimp and Grits, A Southern Classic

Aug. 13, 2008
Categorized in: Jekyll Island Information

The Jekyll Island Authority and the Wild GA Shrimp Assn. will be bringing the Shrimp and Grits: The Wild Georgia Shrimp Festival from September 19th-21st. This annual event is absolutely committed to upholding our fresh, wild GA shrimp versus “that imported variety from God only knows where” as well as their combination with a Southern staple---grits. Certainly other delicious seafood and shrimp dishes will also be available from several local restaurants, so bring your taste buds and come to Jekyll Island in Southeast GA for a truly entertaining experience. In addition to culinary delights, there will be wonderful music, a Family Fun Zone, vendors with arts and crafts, antiques and collectables. You will have the opportunity to take a tour of a “real” shrimp boat or to take a shrimp excursion over the weekend. 

The setting for the event is in the quaint and charming historic district under moss draped oak trees. For more information on this event you can 877-4-JEKYLL or go to:
 
Or better yet, give me a call or an email for more details or events in this wonderful area. September and October are prime months to plan a visit to the Golden Isles as the average temperature for September is 77.9º and 69.6º for October. With the pleasant temperatures and our typical glorious weather, I can almost guarantee you’ll enjoy your stay.   Give me a call!

‘Staycations’ the new summer vacation?

Jul. 25, 2008
Categorized in: Just for Fun!

In a time when the majority of us are curtailing extraneous driving due to the high cost of gas, many summer vacationers are looking a little closer to home. In watching the morning news channel recently out of Jacksonville, they had a segment on Staycations---or staying home and enjoying the fun and recreation available in close proximity to home. Certainly the Golden Isles of GA offers a variety of choices as those of us fortunate enough to live here realize the natural beauty and recreational opportunities are simply fabulous. From golf and tennis, to water sports and fishing, our area offers diverse choices for either the athlete or the more sedate sand and sun worshiper. Dining opportunities from surf to turf are accessible and the “shopportunities” in Glynn County should titillate even the most discriminating buyer. Lodging choices range from chain hotels, quaint inns to even the nationally recognized Cloister Hotel on Sea Island.

 But even more significant in these days with talk of cut-backs, economy slow-downs and such challenges are the delightful options available for enjoyment at no charge at all. Our public beaches, nature trails, picnic areas and fishing piers and many historical spots are offered to the public at no charge. Don’t forget our phenomenal sunrises, sunsets and the unending marsh vistas to add to a peaceful and memorable holiday. 
 
If you want to plan a get-away, give me a call and come by and visit our office in the Village Area on St. Simons Island. We have two property managers handling vacation rentals now and love to share our area with new guests, and who knows you may get a little sand in your shoes you can’t shake out!

Many Thanks for your Comments and Interest in Jekyll Island

Jun. 20, 2008
Categorized in: Jekyll Island Information
My post of 6/18/08 received numerous comments that I would like to respond to and follow up on:
As you so rightly pointed out, I should have included both urls.  As I stated in my initial post, personally, I think Jekyll Island is overdue for a face lift.   I was initially opposed to the Linger Longer Development until I attended a presentation and saw the plans.  I must admit, I was impressed by their commitment to the environment.  All parking lots, sidewalks, etc. will be made of porous materials to allow for natural drainage.  That was just one thing that sold me.  
 
Last spring, I attended a conference at Lake Oconnee.  During the evenings, I drove around the area and marveled in how beautifully it was being developed.  I remember thinking that it was too bad that St. Simons had undergone such an onslaught of unplanned and unregulated development as opposed to this beautiful area that retained so much of its natural beauty.   Then I found out that the developer of Reynolds Plantation was Linger Longer.   If you haven't gone to that area, I encourage you to check it out. 
 
The reality is that if we don't do something, Jekyll Island will be beyond repair.  I am not in 100% agreement with this proposal (I'm very much opposed to the construction of time shares on Jekyll Island).  But over all, I personally think that Linger Longer has put together a solid plan for the island as can be seen at www.RediscoverJekyll.com.  I have no problem with opposing viewpoints as can be seen at www.SaveJekyllIsland.org.  Discussion is good; it is important for the public to be aware and involved.

The Revitalization of the “Crown Jewel” of Georgia---Jekyll Island

Jun. 18, 2008
Categorized in: Jekyll Island Information
Nobody disagrees with the opinion that many of structures and lodging on Jekyll Island need a facelift, but to what extent and where to position the redevelopment has definitely sparked a huge controversy. 
 
If you have not heard of what’s going on in Southeast Georgia, last year the Jekyll Island Authority sought bids for the revitalization of the island and ultimately awarded the Linger Longer Communities Corporation with the project. Their redevelopment plan includes a new convention center, new hotels and rental cottages to give visitors to our State Park some much needed accommodation choices. From the instant the Linger Longer plans were presented, the dispute between supporters of the project and the opponents ensued. You can hear statements like “Greedy developers intent on creating a exclusive resort with prices out of reach of the average Georgian” or “that Jekyll has declined to a rundown and financially challenged glimmer of what it once was.” 
 
I personally own a rental property on Jekyll Island and therefore have a vested interest in what happens there. I believe that the improvements are needed and I’m grateful that a company with the experience and track record of Linger Longer is willing to spend $350 million to make Jekyll a popular destination again. I am impressed that their plans include many new and innovative “green” materials and methods committed to conservation and ecology. 
 
I sincerely hope that a satisfactory meeting of the minds between proponents and the opposition can soon be reached so plans can go forward. There is a link below if you care to read about the Linger Longer plans:
 
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