College of Coastal Georgia-Jekyll Island Plan to Team for Culinary Program

During the monthly Jekyll Island Authority Board meeting Monday, May 20, College of Coastal Georgia president Dr. Valerie Hepburn and Jekyll Island Executive Director Jones Hooks presented a fresh, new idea that would combine the college’s culinary arts program with the island’s dining experience.

The partnership would put culinary and hospitality students from the college into the regular workings of Fins on the Beach, a Jekyll Island Authority-owned restaurant. The pairing would be a win-win for all involved. Below, education reporter Sarah Lundgren of The Brunswick News reports on the proposed new partnership program:

Culinary Students Take Over Business

May 21, 2012

By Sarah Lundgren

The Brunswick News

College of Coastal Georgia has added another link in its partnership with the Jekyll Island Authority – one that will benefit more than just the two partners involved.

Culinary students enrolled in the Hospitality Management Program at the college campus in Camden County will soon operate Fins on the Beach, a restaurant at 200 North Beachview Drive on Jekyll Island.

The restaurant operated as Blackbeard’s before the name changed to Fins. College of Coastal Georgia President Valerie Hepburn addressed the board of the Jekyll Island Authority, which approved the concept, during its meeting Monday on Jekyll.

“We have, at Coastal, the only American Culinary Federation accredited program in higher education in the whole state,” Hepburn said. “We’ve always had a tie with Jekyll (Island), so when (JIA ExecutiveDirector) Jones (Hooks) came and presented this idea, it really resonated.”

Hooks proposed the entrepreneurial idea in August 2012 to Hepburn, and the two entities have been working together to make it happen ever since.

The opportunity directly ties into the college’s curriculum goal of a student-operated restaurant capstone experience.

“We need real life experiences for these students so they can leave their education and be prepared,” Hepburn said.

Hepburn says most of the students have apprenticeships in Glynn County restaurants and hospitality facilities.

Details of the partnership are still being hammered out. Hooks said many will benefit from the partnership.

“This is not just a win-win. This is a win-win-win-win-win. That’s five wins,” Hooks said.

The obvious beneficiaries will be the JIA with reduced operational costs and as the owner of Fins. For the students, it will be an enhanced experience and on-the-job training.

“Once the program is established, 120 students will be in the program in any given year,” Hooks said.

Hepburn said Gregory Aloia, who will replace her as president when she leaves at the end of June, supports the program.

“He is extremely enthusiastic of this project,” she said. “I want to assure you that despite the leadership change, we won’t miss a beat.”

The Brunswick News: Jekyll Island Westin Breaks Ground

On May 20, 2013, Jekyll Island made history when it broke ground on the new Westin Hotel, which will be an integral part of our Convention Center/Beach Village campus. Not only is this a major day for Jekyll Island, it marks a triumph for the state are a whole, as this is  only the second new hotel to break ground in Georgia in more than five years.

The Jekyll Island Authority broke ground on the widely anticipated Westin hotel Monday, exactly one year after it opened the new convention center to the public.

The Westin is the next major piece of Jekyll’s revitalization.

Jekyll officials hope the $41 million 200-room hotel will provide the visitation boost needed to bring in larger conventions, some of which have bypassed the island because of its lack of facilities.

Expected to open in September 2014, the Westin will be the second hotel built on the island in 40 years.

“It has been difficult,” said Jones Hooks, executive director of the Jekyll Island Authority. “It was been difficult during some tough economic times that really hit the hospitality industry.”

The hotel hit a roadblock last September when Gov. Nathan Deal announced it would not qualify for a new tourism tax credit, which the hotel was counting on initially.

The hotel is now back on track.

Also planned are a 120-room limited service Hyatt Place hotel and a smaller suites lodging facility.

Jekyll officials hope that combining the hotels with a Beach Village retail complex will create a town center feel.

“The Westin Jekyll Island will be catalyst that allows the Jekyll Island revitalization to realize its full potential,” Hooks said.

Construction on the retail center has been on hold because a provision in the authority’s loan to self-develop requires ground to be broken on the Westin before the retail complex can be built.

“The Westin Jekyll Island is pivotal to the entire Beach Village development,” said Dave Curtis, managing partner of Jekyll Oceanfront Hotel, LLC that is developing the hotel. “It’s the perfect complement to the wonderful new convention center and the island’s relaxed and gracious ambiance.”

A bid could be presented to the authority board as early as its June meeting.

“We’re tee’d up and ready to roll on that,” Hooks said.

Construction is expected to generate 365 jobs and a one-time economic benefit estimated of $47 million to the state, with $37 million of that going to the local Glynn County economy.

Ongoing operations of the new hotel will generate $40 million annually to the state, with $33 million annually accruing to Glynn County.

The hotel, the land of which will be owned by the authority and leased to operator Newcastle Hotels and Resort, will give more Georgians a chance to experience what is known as “Georgia’s Jewel,” said board chairman Richard Royal.

“This development project is the perfect example of a public private partnership that will allow countless visitors to have the Jekyll experience,” Royal said.

Bart Gobeil, chief operating officer for the office of Gov. Nathan Deal, called the project a “tremendous state effort.”

A number of state officials attending the groundbreaking, including Sen. Buddy Carter, RPooler, and Rep. Joe Wilkinson, R-Atlanta

Westin Jekyll Island Breaks Ground!

Jekyll Oceanfront Hotel, LLC (JOFH), (a joint venture comprised of Leon N. Weiner & Associates, Inc. (“LNWA”), a nationally recognized real estate development company, New Castle Hotels & Resorts (“NCHR”), an award winning,  independent third-party hotel manager, owner and developer and other investors)  today broke ground on the $41 million Westin Jekyll Island, a 200-room, convention-class, beachfront hotel that will open in September 2014 as  part of the Jekyll Island Beach Village project.  The ceremonies were held at the construction site, 110 Ocean Way, adjacent to the new Jekyll Island Convention Center.

“The Westin Jekyll Island is pivotal to the entire Beach Village development,” said Dave Curtis, managing partner of Jekyll Oceanfront Hotel, LLC. “It’s the perfect complement to the wonderful new convention center and the island’s relaxed and gracious ambiance. We are extremely proud to help write yet another new and exciting chapter in Jekyll Island’s rich and fabled history.”

 The Beach Village project, developed by the Jekyll Island Authority, (JIA) is part of a plan to reinvigorate the island’s tourism economy and includes the only beachfront convention center in the southeast.  The 128,000 square foot Jekyll Island Convention Center opened in May 2012 and is the centerpiece of the project which also includes an oceanfront promenade, village green, restaurants, retail shopping and Great Dunes Park.

“With the groundbreaking of the new Westin, we are seeing one more step toward completing our end goals of island revitalization,” said Richard Royal, chairman Jekyll Island Authority.  “This is a thrilling day for all of us and we have much to be excited about as we look to Jekyll’s future.”

“The Westin Jekyll Island will be a catalyst that enables Jekyll Island revitalization to achieve its full potential,” said Jones Hooks, executive director of the Jekyll Island Authority.  “Westin Hotels and Resorts are marketed as havens of wellness and rejuvenation, which is exactly the right brand for Jekyll Island.   Now that Westin construction is underway, the Jekyll Island Authority is much closer to realizing our goals of increased visitation and financial prosperity.  This stunning new lodging facility will be a significant draw for Georgia’s Golden Isles.”

 “Jekyll Island’s style of laidback luxury and environmental awareness meshes perfectly with Westin’s goal of creating an oasis of well-being for travelers,” said Arik Kono, vice president North America development and acquisitions Starwood Hotels and Resorts. “Westin will reach the 200^th hotel mark later this year and with that milestone in sight, we’re proud to join with our longtime development partners, New Castle Hotels and Resorts, in setting the stage for the next 100 Westins worldwide.”

 With breathtaking ocean views and direct beach access, The Westin Jekyll Island will feature both meeting and banquet facilities alongside a full suite of Westin’s signature amenities and services.   It will include a full-service restaurant and the brand’s signature WestinWORKOUT® program all designed to promote overall wellbeing.  LEED design elements, coupled with the brand’s room designs which are 60 percent more sustainable than earlier iterations will ensure that the hotel will minimize its impact on the environmentally sensitive barrier island and meet guests’ desires for a more healthful hotel experience.

Close to the island’s National Historic Landmark District, The Westin Jekyll Island also will be convenient to the island’s four golf courses, 10 miles of barrier island beaches and a variety of outdoor recreation, including marsh eco-tours, the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, more than 20 miles of bike paths and kayaking.

Upon completion in September 2014, the hotel will be operated by New Castle Hotels and Resorts.

About Jekyll Island

On Jekyll Island, you’ll be close to nature and close to home, and experience a place you will hold close to your heart.  Located in the Golden Isles, Jekyll Island is rich in history, but celebrated as a place of retreat, sanctuary and balance that has attracted guests for more than 125 years.  Owned by the State of Georgia and governed by the Jekyll Island Authority, development is limited to just 35 percent of available land, to preserve the critical barrier island ecosystem.

Within the limited development, guests on Jekyll Island can enjoy nearly 10 miles of beach, more than 20 miles of bicycle trails, four golf courses, a history museum, tennis center, Summer Waves water park, wildlife viewing platforms and many other cultural and eco-tourism tourism opportunities.  In 2012, the island celebrated the completion of the only oceanfront convention center in the Southeast, with more than 78,000 square feet of meeting space in a beautifully designed facility that makes full use of sustainable conservation and alternate energy technologies.  For more information about Jekyll Island, please visit www.jekyllisland.com.

About The Jekyll Island Authority

Through an act of the state legislature, the Jekyll Island Authority was created to oversee the conservation and development of the Island.  The Authority board consists of members appointed by the governor to serve four-year terms.  The chairman of the board is also appointed by the governor to serve a one-year term. According to state law, the Authority board consists of the Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources or his designee and eight residents of the state, two of whom reside in the coastal area. The members of the board constitute the policy-making body of the Authority.  They do not receive compensation for their services and are accountable in all respects as trustees for the island. The Authority is a self-supporting body, obtaining its operating revenues from leases, park fees, and Island amenities.  This income is used to maintain, develop, beautify, and promote the Island as a world-class vacation and meeting destination.  Jekyll Island does not receive any tax revenues for its operation.

The Authority employs a full-time executive director who is responsible for the operation and promotion of the Island’s amenities, and for providing certain public services to Island residents and businesses. The Authority is organized into three divisions; each directed by an executive reporting to the CEO. Currently, the Jekyll Island Authority Board is made up of Richard Royal, chairman; Mark Williams, Georgia Department of Natural Resources; Robert Krueger, vice chairman; Michael Hodges, secretary; Sybil Lynn; Laura Lanier; Stephen Croy; Buddy DeLoach; and Dr. Al Ike. For more information about the Jekyll Island Authority, please visit jekyllislandauthority.org.

About Jekyll Ocean Front Hotel, LLC

Jekyll Ocean Front Hotel LLC (“JOFH”) is the leasehold owner of a 4.78 acre ocean front parcel located in the new Beach Village and adjacent to the new convention center on Jekyll Island, GA.  JOFH has contracted to build a new 200 room full service Westin hotel on the ocean front site, which is scheduled to open at the end of 2014.  JOFH is comprised of Leon N. Weiner & Associates, Inc. (“LNWA”), a Wilmington, DE based nationally recognized homebuilder and multi-family real estate development company, New Castle Hotels & Resorts (“NCHR”), a Shelton, CT based independent hotel owner, operator and manager of distinctive hotel and resort properties, and other individual investors.  LNWA and NCH previously teamed up in 2008 to develop a now successful and stabilized Hampton Inn & Suites, also on Jekyll Island.  LNWA and other individual investors in JOFH are also owners and operators of the Jekyll Island Club Hotel, a four star resort and National Historic Landmark.

About Westin Hotels & Resorts

Westin Hotels & Resorts offers innovative programs that transform every aspect of a stay into a revitalizing experience. All Westin signature services – like the Heavenly Bed, delicious SuperFoods and WestinWORKOUT studio – have been designed with the guests’ well-being in mind. Westin hotels, with more than 190 hotels and resorts in nearly 40 countries and territories, is owned by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with 1,146 properties in nearly 100 countries and 171,000 employees at its owned and managed properties.

Starwood is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels, resorts and residences with the following internationally renowned brands:  St. Regis®, The Luxury Collection®, W®, Westin®, Le Méridien®, Sheraton®, Four Points® by Sheraton, Aloft®, and Element®.  The Company boasts one of the industry’s leading loyalty programs, Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG), allowing members to earn and redeem points for room stays, room upgrades and flights, with no blackout dates.  Starwood also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., a premier provider of world-class vacation experiences through villa-style resorts and privileged access to Starwood brands.  For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com.

About New Castle Hotels & Resorts

Shelton Ct. based New Castle Hotels & Resorts, is an award-winning independent third-party hotel manager, owner and developer with more than 29 hotels and resorts and nearly 5,000 rooms under contract or in development.  New Castle’s growing portfolio of hotels spans 10 states and three Canadian provinces and includes several of Canada’s historic landmark resorts.  The privately-held company was established by CEO, David Buffam in 1980 and consistently ranks among the top 100 hotel management and development companies in the United States.  New Castle is a preferred operator for diverse brands within the Marriott, Hilton and Starwood families. For additional information, please visit www.newcastlehotels.com.

Traffic Advisory Issued for Wednesday, May 22

Jekyll Island residents and guests are asked to please be advised that the Jekyll Island Convention Center will host two high school graduation ceremonies on Wednesday, May 22. Brunswick High School will hold its graduation ceremony at 4 p.m., followed by Glynn Academy’s graduation ceremony at 8:30 p.m.

Due to the short time frame in which these two ceremonies will be held, we ask residents and guests to be aware of the increased traffic flow both coming off and coming on the island. Traffic may be slower than usual and drivers should plan accordingly.

Jekyll Island Authority staff and the Georgia State Patrol will be on-hand to help move traffic along as efficiently and quickly as possible. However, congestion may be experience near the entry way to the Jekyll Island Convention Center parking lot, near Great Dunes Beach parking lots, as well as at the Guest Information Center Entry Plaza. We ask that drivers plan accordingly and we thank you in advance for your patience.

Turtle Crawl Races- Results

The finish line has been crossed and the annual Turtle Crawl races are now complete! Congratulations to all of our participants and of course, many thanks to all of our dedicated volunteers and sponsors. Here, we present to you the final race results for each category. We hope to see you all out here next year!

Result- Long_All_AGrp

Result- Run_All_AGrp

Result- Short_All_AGrp

Result- Long- Athena

Result- Long- Clydesdale

Result- Long- Relays

Result- Short- Athena

Result- Short- Clydesdale

Result- Short- Relays

Season First Sea Turtle Nest Found on Wassaw Island

A nest has been found! Sea turtle nesting season officially began this month, but until earlier this week, no nests had been detected. All that changed Monday night when researchers and nest patrollers found their first sea turtle nest, on Wassaw Island. Below, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Nongame Conservation Section reports on the finding. Be sure to stay tuned to hear about nests found along Jekyll Island shorelines thanks to the watchful eyes of researchers and volunteers at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center!

 SEA TURTLE NESTING SEASON STARTS: FIRST LOGGERHEAD NEST FOUND ON WASSAW

The sea turtle nesting season in Georgia has begun.

Kris Williams of the Caretta Research Project and a group of volunteers were patrolling the beach on Wassaw Island at 11 Monday night when they discovered the year’s first loggerhead sea turtle nest.

Other Georgia Sea Turtle Cooperative members found loggerhead nests on St. Catherines and Ossabaw islands Wednesday morning, confirmation that the state’s primary sea turtle species is beach-bound.

These massive reptiles federally listed as threatened crawl ashore on Georgia’s barrier island beaches, dig a hole at the base of the dunes and lay their eggs – usually at night.

They did that a lot last year. Georgia had 2,241 loggerhead nests in 2012, the most in the 24 years the state’s coastline has been closely surveyed for sea turtle nesting. The new high capped three consecutive summers of record totals, including 1,760 nests in 2010 and 1,992 in 2011.

Analysis by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources has also shown that those highs aren’t an anomaly. Statistically, loggerhead nesting is increasing in the state.

Nesting is off to a slower start this year. The first loggerhead nest in 2012 was almost three weeks earlier – April 25 on Cumberland Island. The average arrival is May 5.

But DNR Sea Turtle Program Coordinator Mark Dodd cautioned that nesting onset is no predictor of how the season will go. “There’s not a correlation between when nesting starts and how high nesting numbers will be,” said Dodd, who works with DNR’s Nongame Conservation Section.

As an example, he points to 2010, when seven nests had been documented as of May 15 and 1,760 by the end of the season, a total that is significantly more than the 24-year average of 1,156 nests a year.

In Dodd’s words: “No need to panic.”

Sea turtle nests are found, marked, monitored and protected by the Georgia Sea Turtle Cooperative. Coordinated by the DNR, the cooperative is made up of volunteers, researchers and agency employees who patrol barrier island beaches daily during the nesting season.

The health of loggerheads effects coastal environments and economies, particularly in a state where more than 30 percent of residents 16 and older take part in wildlife-watching activities.

DNR’s Nongame Conservation Section works to conserve sea turtles and other rare wildlife not legally fished for or hunted in the state, as well as rare plants and natural habitats. The agency does this without using state appropriations, depending instead on fundraisers, grants and direct contributions. Fundraisers include the eagle and hummingbird license plates. A portion of each sale and renewal of the wildlife plates helps restore species such as loggerheads.

Learn more here. Details on the Nongame Conservation Section’s work are in the agency’s annual report, click here.

Online:

Georgia nesting updates by beach
Georgia Sea Turtle Cooperative
Loggerhead profile – (click “Reptiles”)

Turtle Crawl Races, Nest Fest & Turtle Release Planned for Saturday

Lace up those sneakers and get ready to run– it’s time again for the Jekyll Island Turtle Crawl races and Nest Fest! This annual, fun family event on Jekyll Island’s signature beachfront begins with a filling pasta dinner on Friday, is then followed on Saturday by a morning of races and is then rounded out with the eco-educational Nest Fest and a recently scheduled turtle release.

Start the race weekend with the signature Pre-Race Pasta Dinner, a hearty meal filled with several pasta dishes, salads and garlic rolls. The Pasta Dinner will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Friday, May 17 at the Jekyll Island Convention Center. Meals are $10 per person, and children ages 4-years-old and under eat for free. Please note, reservations are required and no meal tickets will be sold at the door.

The next day, burn off those carbs at a morning of races and activity. On May 18, the Turtle Crawl Triathlon and Nest Fest will be held, celebrating athleticism and ecology on Jekyll Island. Known as one of the most scenic triathlons on the East Coast, this USAT-sanctioned event includes an Olympic Triathlon, Sprint Triathlon, and 5K Run. With so many race options, there is something for athletes of any skill level!

The Olympic Triathlon features a 1.5-mile swim, 28-mile bike ride and 10K race. Athletes in the Sprint Triathlon will tackle a 750-meter swim, 14.5-mile bike race and 5K race. Not up for biking and swimming? Then opt-in for the 5K race, which winds through island bike paths for a relaxed, scenic run. Any age can participate in the 5K race, but no strollers or pets please.

This triathlon is more than a morning of races, though. It’s also a chance to help a worthy cause, as $2 for every 5K entry and $5 for every triathlon entry goes to support the ongoing operations of the Georgia Sea Turtle Center.

After the races have been run, stick around at the finish line for the annual Nest Fest celebration and turtle release. Hosted by the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, this yearly festival showcases our coastal ecosystem through a variety of educational exhibits and hands-on activities. Of course, the Center’s mascot, Scute, will be on hand to snap pictures and pose with runners to capture their big race day.

Also during the festival, the Georgia Sea Turtle Center will host a turtle release, sending patient Sandy Hook back to her ocean home. The sub-adult loggerhead sea turtle, which was named in honor of the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy that took place in the community of Newtown, Conn., was found stranded this March in Florida, covered with a heavy load of barnacles, leeches, and other micro marine organisms.

Sandy Hook has recovered remarkably well and will be the 100^th loggerhead sea turtle released by the Georgia Sea Turtle Center.  The release will take place at 1 p.m. Saturday between Great Dunes Park and the Convention Center on Jekyll Island as the culmination of the annual Turtle Crawl Triathlon & Nest Fest event.  Please note, conditions for all releases are subject to change at any time prior to the event and may be cancelled with little advanced notice.

Races begin at 7 a.m. with the Olympic Triathlon, followed by the Sprint Triathlon, which starts at 7:30 a.m. The 5K race begins at 8:15 a.m., with Nest Fest to follow immediately at the finish line.

To register for the races, please visit gamultisports.com. Online registration for the triathlons has closed, but registration for the 5K race remains open. For more information about Turtle Crawl races and Nest Fest, visit www.jekyllisland.com. For more information about the sea turtle release, visit www.georgiaseaturtlecenter.org.

Hands Across the Sands Set for Saturday

This Saturday, after the annual Turtle Crawl races have been run, a group of environmentalist will gather on Jekyll Island for a peaceful demonstration. The Hands Across the Sands organization will host an event at Great Dunes Park. Here, the group offers their message. Please note: This is a public event and is not sanctioned or sponsored by the Jekyll Island Authority. The views expressed in this blog do not necessarily reflect the position or policy of the Jekyll Island Authority.

On May 18, 2013, Georgians will once again join hands to express support for clean energy and clean oceans.  Hands Across the Sand is a movement made up of people from all walks of life. We are parents, friends, neighbors, small business owners, and sportsmen.  We span political lines, geographic boundaries, and socio-economic groups. We are united by the desire to protect our coastal economies, oceans, wildlife, fisheries, our environment and our way of life.

We will be joining hands to show our support for the right whale, dolphins, turtles, and all marine life that could be affected by seismic testing off the coast of Georgia. We do not believe that thousands of marine species should be impacted in continuing to search for unclean energy sources. We do not want to see an event similar to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Atlantic Ocean or the Georgia coast.

Across the state, across the nation, and around the world, we join hands for future generations. We join hands so they will know the beauty of our shores, catching the perfect wave, or reeling in the big one. We join hands on May 18 to protect what we love.

We look forward to standing and joining hands with you in support for a clean ocean and coast.

WHAT: Join hands to form lines in the sand against oil drilling in your coastal waters. Yes to clean energy and NO to seismic testing.

WHO: This Hands Across The Sand event is hosted by Surfrider Foundation Atlanta Chapter. The event is open to the public.

WHEN: Noon, Saturday, May 18, 2013

WHERE: Jekyll Island beach adjacent to Great Dunes Park (North of the Jekyll Island Convention Center, 75 North Beachview Dr., Jekyll Island, GA 31527).

MORE INFO: Visit http://atlanta.surfrider.org and http://handsacrossthesand.org

Last Minute Deals For A Jekyll Island Getaway

School is almost out for the summer and now is the time to book your family getaway! Join us this season on Jekyll Island and enjoy great savings with these Last Minute Deals — but hurry, these specials end soon!

Beachview Club Hotel
721 North Beachview Drive
912.635.2256
www.beachviewclub.com
This beachfront hotel on Jekyll Island features 38 luxury rooms and suites. Most of our rooms have an ocean view with an efficiency kitchen. All the suites are oceanfront with private patios, with most featuring a full-sized kitchen. At this hotel, guests will note that special attention has been paid to give a warm, welcoming and casual beach stay.

* Special *
$119 per night for a king or double efficiency guest room

Oceanfront rooms with private balconies or patios are also available for an additional price, depending on room type. This rate special is available now through May 23, 2013, and is offered for Sunday through Thursday stays only. Call 912.635.2256 to book your getaway. Be sure to mention the “Spring Special” when booking your reservation.

Days Inn & Suites
60 South Beachview Drive
1.888.635.3003
www.daysinnjekyll.com
Jekyll Island’s Days Inn & Suites is an award-winning oceanfront hotel that offers tastefully decorated guest rooms and one-bedroom oceanside suites. Each suite is complete with a kitchenette, patio area or private balcony. Hotel amenities include a complimentary continental breakfast, free wireless internet, two pools- one heated in the winter- as well as a hot tub, kiddie pool, picnic and grilling areas, and bike rentals.

* Special *
Island-side guest rooms starting at $109.13
Oceanside guest rooms starting at $129.13
Oceanside one-bedroom suites starting at $209.13

All room rate specials include a complimentary deluxe continental breakfast. Due to limited availability, these room rate specials are only available June 2, 9, 16-19, 23-25, and 30, 2013. This offer is not available with any other discount or special. Call1.888.635.3003 or 912.635.9800 to book your getaway. Be sure to mention the “Jekyll Sizzler” when booking your stay.

Hampton Inn & Suites
200 South Beachview Drive
1.912.635.3733
www.jekyllislandhamptoninn.com
As Jekyll Island’s newest hotel, the Hampton Inn & Suites has everything you need for a relaxing, modern beach vacation. Our location offers a private, moss-draped boardwalk to a quiet beach, a heated outdoor swimming pool, a whirlpool and a snack bar. Hampton Inn suites are spacious and serene, with many available with a sitting area and balcony.

* Special *
10 percent off best rate available

Take 10 percent off our best rate! All room rate specials include a free House Hot Breakfast served daily from 6 to 10 a.m. This special offer is available through July 2013. Call 912.635.3733 to book your getaway. Be sure to mention the “Last Minute Special” when booking your stay to take advantage of this great deal!

Jekyll Island Club Hotel
371 Riverview Drive
888.974.8493
www.jekyllclub.com
Once an exclusive retreat for America’s most elite families, the Jekyll Island Club Hotel is now a National Historic Landmark and an affordable vacation resort. Enjoy turn-of-the-century charm with modern conveniences and an ideal location in the center of the Jekyll Island Historic District.

* Special *
25 percent off any room or suite

This special Spring rate is available Sunday through Thursday, from May 27 to August 1, 2013. Some restrictions may apply. This discount is based on availability and does not include room tax or resort fees. Discounts may not be combined with other specials or packages and are based on a normal daily rate. This offer is valid only on new reservations. Some blackout dates may apply. A three night, consecutive stay is required. Be sure to ask for the “Sensational Summer Special” when making reservations. Call 888.974.8493 or visit www.jekyllclub.com to book your getaway.
Oceanside Inn & Suites
711 North Beachview Drive
912.635.2211
www.oceansideinnandsuites.com
Guests seeking affordable accommodations will be right at home at the Oceanside Inn & Suites, located directly on Jekyll Island’s oceanfront. The hotel restaurant, The SandBar & Grill, features a well-stocked menu, seven flat screen HDTVs, pool tables and games.

* Special *
Summer upgrade special

Guests can enjoy an early summer getaway with a complimentary room upgrade. This offer is valid May 9 to June 15, 2013. This offer is not valid for holidays, groups or existing reservations. Be sure to ask for the “Summer Upgrade Special” when booking reservations. Call 912.635.2211 to take advantage of this deal.

Quality Inn & Suites
700 North Beachview Drive
912.635.2202
www.jekyllislandquality.com

Conveniently situated in the middle of the island, the Quality Inn & Suites offers ideal accommodations for families, golfers and vacationers. Our pet-friendly hotel is perfect for any kind of getaway, be it a week-long family vacation or a short weekend stay for you and a loved one. We offer an outdoor pool, putting green, bike rentals, laundry facilities and continental breakfast each morning.

* Special *
Rooms starting at $79 per night

A complimentary breakfast and free wireless internet are included in this special. This offer is valid weekdays through June 6, 2013 and is based on availability. Certain restrictions may apply. This rate does not include taxes and is not valid with other discounts. Call 912.635.2202 to book your getaway. Be sure to mention the “Pre-Season Special” when booking your stay to take advantage of this great deal!
Villas by the Sea
1175 North Beachview Drive
800.841.6262
www.VillasbytheSeaResort.com
Situated on 17 acres of lush natural foliage, Villas by the Sea is Jekyll Island’s premier beachfront resort. We offer 160 villas, with amenities including an oceanfront beach pavilion, heated pool, free wireless internet, Driftwood Bistro and Bar, Click Café, fitness center and prime ocean views.

* Special *
3-day, 3-night summer getaway package

With this special package, guests can enjoy an early summer getaway with three days and three nights in one of the Villa Condominiums. This package includes a bag of goodies upon arrival, as well as passes to Summer Waves Water Park. Taxes and resort fees are included in the price. Packages are $545 for a Mini-Villa or Studio Islandside for 1 to 2 people; $615 for a One-Bedroom Islandside Villa for 1 to 2 people; $885 for a Two-Bedroom Islandside Villa for 3 to 4 people; and $1,218 for a Three-Bedroom Islandside Villa for 5 to 6 people. Oceanside rooms are available for a slightly higher fee. Prices are based on availability and are not available during holidays. Certain blackout days may apply. Call 1.800.841.6262 to book your getaway. Be sure to mention the “Summer Getaway Special” when booking your stay.

Georgia Sea Turtle Center Plans Release

The Georgia Sea Turtle Center, in partnership with Wild Amelia, will send three rehabilitated sea turtles back to their ocean home this Friday, May 10, at 1p.m. at Main Beach in Fernandina.  This previously unscheduled release is needed to relieve crowding at the Sea Turtle Center, due to strandings of sick turtles during the unusually cool spring weather.

There will also be a release on Friday, May 17, at 10:30 a.m. at the same location to kickoff the 7th annual Wild Amelia Nature Festival.  Both releases are free and open to the public. Come early to get a good place on the ropeline to see this remarkable event and wish the turtles a safe journey home!