Hurricane Matthew Recovery

Saying Thank You

Last updated 11/2/16 at 5:30 p.m.

In this season of gratitude, we are all especially thankful for the many hands who aided in Jekyll Island’s efficient and effective Hurricane Matthew recovery. Many of you have asked for a way to express thanks to those who made it possible. We are delighted to share the contact list below for the agencies and organizations who worked tirelessly to restore Jekyll Island. Please consider sending a note of appreciation from you, your family, or business.

Closures

Last updated 10/31/16 at 3:21 p.m.

There are some areas of Jekyll Island we are still working to cleanup, repair, and/or get back online. The list below is not a complete list, please contact Island businesses directly for more information.

• Beach Accesses/Crossovers: Nearly half of the beach crossovers on the Island are damaged or blocked, and marked accordingly with caution tape. View a map of open beach accesses. Some access points to Driftwood Beach have been cleared, but some remain closed. Do not attempt to use access points and crossovers that are closed and marked with caution tape. The accessible beach access points at Great Dunes, Beach Village, and St. Andrews are all open.
• Jekyll Island Tennis Center: Closed until further notice

Tree Removal Permitting Resumes; Debris Collection Schedule

10/24/16 at 2:05 p.m.

Effective 8 a.m. Tuesday, October 25, the temporary suspension of Chapter 20, Article IV (“Tree Protection”) of the Jekyll Island Authority Code will be rescinded.  After that time, required permitting and an approved service provider will resume. For questions, please contact Cliff Gawron, Director of Landscaping & Planning at 912.635.4099.

As a reminder, storm debris pick-up has begun. Please see the full schedule below.

Please note, this is the last residential storm debris collection. You must have all of your storm debris in front of your home on your scheduled collection date. Storm debris will be collected within the week and will not be collected after.

Please keep debris away from utilities, especially water meters, and do not mix household trash, like plastic bags, with the storm debris.

Final Storm Debris Collection Schedule

Closures

10/20/16 at 7:55 a.m.

There are some areas of Jekyll Island we are still working to cleanup, repair, and/or get back online. The list below is not a complete list, please contact Island businesses directly for more information.

• Jekyll Island Golf Club: Pine Lakes course will open Wednesday, October 26. All other courses and areas of the Golf Club are open.
• Beach Accesses/Crossovers: Nearly half of the beach crossovers on the Island are damaged or blocked, and marked accordingly with caution tape. View a map of open beach accesses. Some access points to Driftwood Beach have been cleared, but some remain closed. Do not attempt to use access points and crossovers that are closed and marked with caution tape. The accessible beach access points at Great Dunes, Beach Village, and St. Andrews are all open.
• Jekyll Island Tennis Center: Closed until further notice

Final Recovery Update

10/13/16 at 5:00 p.m.

Storm recovery is nearly complete on Jekyll Island. Residents are settling back into their homes and visitors are returning, exploring our beaches, and enjoying the Island. Today, the Jekyll Island Convention Center hosted its first post-Matthew group, the 400-person Georgia Family Connections Partnership Annual Convention. Jekyll Island is open and ready to welcome back the people of Georgia and beyond.

Residential Debris Pick-up
We are working with Georgia DOT and currently have crews working to pick up residential debris. We anticipate that the majority of debris will be removed by this weekend.  We will assess the remaining debris removal needs early next week and issue a schedule if needed.

Causeway Paving Delayed
Georgia DOT confirmed today that repaving of the Jekyll Island Downing Musgrove causeway has been delayed until November. An updated schedule will be issued once GDOT confirms new dates.

Beach Clean-up Day
The Georgia Sea Turtle Center, in partnership with Satilla Riverkeeper and Rivers Alive, will be hosting a Jekyll Island beach clean-up day on Saturday, October 22, 8 – 10  a.m. For more information and to volunteer: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f094ba8ab2aa2fa7-jekyll1

Closings
There are some additional areas of the island we are working to cleanup, repair, and/or get back online. The list below is not a complete list, please contact Island businesses directly for more information.

• Jekyll Island Golf Club: Indian Mound and Great Dunes courses will open Saturday, October 15. Oleander and Pine Lakes courses are closed until further notice. The driving range, Golf Academy, Pro Shop, and practice greens are all open.
• Georgia Sea Turtle Center: The exhibit gallery and gift shop are open to the public for free, during regular operating hours. The patient pavilion and viewing window are closed because our patients are being transported back to the Center. Regular admission fees will resume Tuesday, October 18.
• Jekyll Island Campground: Opens Friday, October 14
• Bike paths: All paths are open, with the exception of the path behind Flash Foods. Please use caution while navigating any path, you may encounter debris adjacent to the paths.
• Beach Accesses/Crossovers: Nearly half of the beach crossovers on the Island are damaged or blocked, and marked accordingly with caution tape. Some access points to Driftwood Beach have been cleared, but some remain closed. Do notattempt to use access points and crossovers that are closed and marked with caution tape.
• Jekyll Island Tennis Center: closed until further notice

Recovery Update

October 11, 2016 at 6:25 p.m.

Today, Jekyll Island continued to welcome home our residents and businesses, and began to greet Island visitors. We are in Phase 2 of our Re-entry Plan, which is full public access.

All of the hotels and the majority of the Island’s shops and restaurants are now open and welcoming public business. The Post Office, AmerisBank, and Jekyll Marina are also open. Storm recovery is nearing completion on Jekyll Island. We invite everyone to come over and enjoy this beautiful place and this beautiful weather.

In accordance with Glynn County, and in consultation with the Georgia State Patrol, curfew is no longer in effect on Jekyll Island.

Debris removal continues. To date, a total of 129 dump truckloads of storm debris has been removed. That’s 1,200 cubic yards of debris added to the JIA composting facility that will later be reused throughout the island. Another impressive storm recovery number is 1,000. That’s the number of meals that the staff at McCormicks Grill has prepared and served to recovery workers since last Saturday.

Trash & Debris
Please continue to separate storm debris from your regular trash. JIA will issue a residential debris pick up schedule later this week.

Mosquito Control
Glynn County will be spot treating all standing water on Jekyll for mosquitos starting tomorrow, October 12.

Beaches
Many have been asking, what is the status of Jekyll’s beaches? Our beaches are in great shape and the dune system did an incredible job of protecting our little island. There have been shifts in the shape and structure of some of the dunes, but that was expected and should not be detrimental. Many of our beaches still have storm debris on the shore. We will be organizing a beach cleanup soon, more information to come.

Driftwood Beach is intact; those big, ancient trees were stronger than Matthew. The access paths to Driftwood are currently blocked. We’re working diligently to clear them and will update you once Driftwood beach is accessible.

Nearly half of the beach accesses/crossovers on the Island are damaged, and marked accordingly with caution tape. Do not attempt to use these crossovers.

Closings
There are some additional areas of the island we are working to cleanup, repair, and/or get back online. The list below is not a complete list, please contact Island businesses directly for more information.

• Jekyll Island Golf Club: Indian Mound course will open starting at noon Saturday, October 15. Great Dunes, Oleander, and Pine Lakes courses are closed until further notice. The driving range, Golf Academy, Pro Shop, and practice greens are all open.
• Georgia Sea Turtle Center: the Center’s exhibit gallery and gift shop will open to the public for free starting tomorrow, October 12. The patient pavilion and viewing window are closed. Regular admission fees will resume once our patients are transported back to the Center.
• Jekyll Island Museum & Museum properties: open Thursday, October 13
• Jekyll Island Campground: open Friday, October 14
• Jekyll Island Arts Association at Goodyear Cottage: open Sunday, October 16 at 10:00 a.m., no classes this week
• Bike paths: All paths will be open tomorrow, October 12, the only exception is the path behind Flash Foods. Please use caution while navigating any path, you may encounter debris adjacent to the paths.
• Jekyll Island Tennis Center: closed until further notice
• Public Boat Ramp (north of Summer Waves): closed until further notice

Recovery Update

October 10, 2016 at 3:40 p.m.

This morning we proudly opened the gates to Jekyll Island, and welcomed home our residents and businesses.

Jekyll Island is in Phase 2 of our Re-entry Plan, which is public access. We continue to ask that everyone allow residents, homeowners, and businesses to return to the island first, and give the crews time and space to complete storm clean up and power restoration before visiting.

It is imperative that clean up and power crews be allowed to work and should not be interrupted. Recovery will go much faster if everyone will remain at their homes and let the crews complete their work.

The clean-up continues to make remarkable progress. The National Guard joined our ranks today to assist with engineering and debris clean up. Their work, combined with the work of teams from Jekyll Island Authority, DNR Chainsaw Strike Force, and Georgia Department of Corrections have now cleared ALL roads, with only one exception. A portion of Old Plantation Rd. remains blocked by fallen tree.

Today the teams have been working on removing debris from the Historic District, bike paths, and the shoulders of the interior roads. The bike paths on the marsh side and interior of the island remain closed, but we anticipate opening them tomorrow or Thursday. To date, we’ve moved more than 50 dump truckloads of debris to the JIA debris composting facility. That’s more than 500 cubic yards of limbs, trees, leaves, and Spanish moss.

Georgia Power just informed us that Jekyll Island will be 100% restored today. Thank you Georgia Power and all of the hardworking crews for making this possible!

Hotel and restaurants are beginning to reopen on the Island. Many of the hotels are offering reduced rates and fees to help area residents, workers, and evacuees.

On Wednesday, the Jekyll Island Convention Center will host its first post-Matthew group, Georgia Family Connection Partnership. And, the Jekyll Island Airport is open and fully-functional.

Recovery is definitely speeding along on Jekyll Island. Below are some updates and reminders regarding recovery. For a full list of what to expect when you return, please review the Re-entry Update below from 10/9/16 posted at 6:36 p.m.

Trash & Debris Pick-up
Waste Management is on a holiday schedule because of Columbus Day. WM will begin regularly scheduled pickups tomorrow (Tuesday), and will remain on holiday schedule for the remainder of the week. There is no recycling this week. Below is additional information regarding trash collection.

• Trash in recycling carts will not be collected.
• You must separate normal household garbage such as food refuse, diapers and regular household waste from storm debris. Storm debris including tree limbs, carpet, aluminum and wood fencing should be placed curbside in a separate pile that will be picked up by JIA
• The JIA will issue a zoned storm debris pick-up schedule later this week
• Separating normal household waste from storm debris will allow Waste Management to collect your household garbage quickly and safely

Safety & Security
Georgia State Patrol, Military Police, and Glynn County Sherriff’s Department teams will remain in place on Jekyll to ensure law and order until recovery is complete. The safety and security of the Island is our priority. 

Curfew
Curfew will continue on Jekyll Island until further notice. Curfew begins at midnight through 5:00 a.m. During a curfew, it is prohibited for any person to appear in public in the territory subject to the curfew, including but not limited to, streets, highways, alleys, sidewalks, vacant lots, parks, public buildings or any other public places on Jekyll Island during the stated hours of the curfew.

Recovery, Repairs, and Fraud
The Georgia State Patrol and City of Brunswick Police Department have issued alerts regarding possible scams you may encounter during recovery (list below). We have also been reminded by several area contractors that if your home or business has sustained damage your first call should be to your insurance company, before any calls are made to hire repair services.

• FEMA
  There have been some people going door to door in neighboring counties attempting to impersonate FEMA employees. They are wearing vest with “FEMA” on them. They have asked for money up front in exchange for future services. Please be on the lookout for anyone attempting to do this. FEMA will NEVER ask for money.
• Form Completion Services
  Beware of people charging a fee to help you complete disaster assistance forms, such as FEMA or GEMA, or obtaining assistance checks. These services are provided free through FEMA and the Red Cross.
• Phony Inspectors
  Never let anyone in until you have verified they have the appropriate credentials. Always ask for a telephone number so you can confirm the inspector is working for an authorized agency.
• Government Grant Offers
  Be aware of entities offering “free grant money” for flood repair or disaster relief. A true grant is free and never requires any up-front fees or repayment. Check with a regional or state economic development office to see if they know of grant programs for which you might qualify, or contact your local social service agency for information or assistance. Be aware of Contractors claiming to have business license but are unable to provide documentation. Some may even charge high prices and claim that you will be reimbursed from government entities for payment of services. Always use a reputable company.

Recovery Update

October 10, 2016 at 10:40 a.m.

This morning, October 10, 2016 at 8:00 a.m. Jekyll Island entered Phase 2 of our Re-entry Plan. Please note, the Jekyll Re-entry Plan phases differ from the Glynn County phases. Phase two for Jekyll Island is public access.

We ask that everyone continue to allow Jekyll Island residents, homeowners, and businesses to return to the island first, and give the crews time to complete storm clean up and power restoration before visiting.

It is imperative that clean up and power crews be allowed to work and should not be interrupted. Recovery will go much faster if everyone will remain at their homes and let the crews complete their work.

If you have travel planned to Jekyll Island, please contact your hotel or rental property directly for an update on property conditions.

More information about what to expect when you return can be found at: jekyllisland.com/matthew

Tree removal
During storm recovery you will NOT be required to use a JIA approved tree company. You are permitted to use any tree company you wish for tree removal. A list of area tree services is provided below. This is not a complete list.

Additionally, tree permits will NOT be required to remove a tree that has fallen on your property, is lying on your home or property, or poses a safety risk. Permits will resume once recovery is complete, and a notice will be sent accordingly.

Forestview Tree Service
Justin Snell
Office) 912-634-3581
Cell) 912-577-1011

Affordable Tree Service
Mike Barta
Office) 912-297-0029
Cell) 912-202-6025

Big John’s Tree Service, Inc.
John Grant
Office) 912-264-7503
Cell) 912-996-0582

Bennett’s Tree Service
Donnie Bennett
Cell) 912-242-5437

Stump Sam Tree Service
912-266-2003

D&M’s Tree Services
912-571-7249

Wright’s Tree Service
912-285-5114

Trash Collection
Waste Management on is a holiday schedule because of Columbus Day. WM will begin regularly scheduled pickups tomorrow, and will remain on holiday schedule for the remainder of the week.

JIA Debris Removal Schedule
The JIA will issue a zoned pick-up schedule later this week.

FEMA Information and Claims
Please visit the FEMA web site

Phase 2 Re-entry in Effect

October 9, 2016 at 6:36 p.m.

On Monday, October 10, 2016 at 8:00 a.m. Jekyll Island will move into Phase 2 of our Re-entry Plan. Please note, the Jekyll Re-entry Plan phases differ from the Glynn County phases. Phase 2 for Jekyll Island is public access.

We ask that everyone allow Jekyll Island residents, homeowners, and businesses to return to the island first and give the crews time to complete storm clean up and power restoration before visiting.

If you have travel planned to Jekyll Island, please contact your hotel or rental property directly for an update on property conditions.

What to expect when you return:

Bridges
Georgia DOT has confirmed that the Jekyll Island Downing Musgrove Causeway bridges are safe to be traveled by the public.

Storm Debris
The teams from the Jekyll Island Authority, DNR Chainsaw Strike Force, and Georgia Department of Corrections have done an incredible job and cleared 90% of the roads on the Island. All homes and businesses are accessible, but you may experience detours. The bike paths on the west side of the island (marsh side) and the interior paths are impassable and are extremely dangerous. DO NOT attempt to navigate these paths at this time. The only bike paths that are open are the paths on the east side (oceanfront). We will continue to work diligently to clear the paths in the coming days. We cannot give updates on individual homes or businesses at this time.

Water & Sewer
Power has been restored to the Jekyll Island Water & Sewer plant, and the plant is fully functional. Only three of 20 lift stations are operational via permanent power at this time. JIA personnel will be manually operating those 17 lift stations on continuous generator power until permanent power is fully restored. There is NOT a boil-water advisory in effect for Jekyll Island.

Power
There are still power lines down on the island. Please use the upmost caution when you return. It is imperative that the power crews be allowed to work and should not be interrupted. Any questions about individual properties should be directed to Georgia Power at 888-660-5890. Power has been restored to a portion of the island, but there are areas that remain without power. We anticipate that Georgia Power crews will remain on-island during daylight hours until they fully restore power. Please check the Georgia Power outage map for more information.

Safety & Security
Georgia State Patrol, Military Police, and Glynn County Sheriff’s Department teams are currently in place on Jekyll, and will continue to have an increased presence on the Island to ensure law and order until recovery is complete. The safety and security of the Island is our priority.

Curfew
Curfew will continue on Jekyll Island until further notice. Curfew begins at midnight through 5:00 a.m. During a curfew, it is prohibited for any person to appear in public in the territory subject to the curfew, including but not limited to, streets, highways, alleys, sidewalks, vacant lots, parks, public buildings or any other public places on Jekyll Island during the stated hours of the curfew.

Beach Crossovers
Roughly half of beach crossovers/accesses are damaged and should not be used at this time. If you see caution tape on a crossover DO NOT attempt to use it, you will be in extreme danger. The access paths for Driftwood Beach are not accessible at this time because of fallen trees and debris.

Gas
Flash Foods has been fully refueled and will begin sales at 8:00 a.m. October 10, 2016.

Cable and Phone
Please check with your service provider for updates on outages and restoration.

Closings
All Jekyll Island Authority administrative offices, shops, and amenities will remain closed through Tuesday, October 11. This is not a complete closings list, please contact island businesses directly for more information.

• Jekyll Island Authority admin offices: closed through Tuesday, October 11
• Jekyll Island Golf Club: closed through Tuesday, October 11
• McCormick’s Grill: closed through Tuesday, October 11
• Georgia Sea Turtle Center: closed through Tuesday, October 11
• Jekyll Island Museum & Museum properties: closed through Tuesday, October 11
• Jekyll Island Mini Golf: closed through Tuesday, October 11
• Jekyll Island Bike Barn: closed through Tuesday, October 11
• Jekyll Island Tennis Center: closed through Tuesday, October 11
• Jekyll Island Guest Information: closed through Tuesday, October 11
• Jekyll Island Campground: closed through Tuesday, October 11
• Jekyll Island Convention Center: closed through Tuesday, October 11
• Life is Good: closed through Tuesday, October 11
• All public restrooms: closed until further notice

What can I do to help?
We will be coordinating an island-wide beach cleanup with all JIA staff and anyone who wishes to volunteer. More information to come.

Recovery & Re-entry Update

October 9, 2016 at 10:30 a.m.

The cleanup crews made incredible progress yesterday. The Jekyll Island Authority crews worked in conjunction with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Strike Teams and managed to clear all main thoroughfares and many secondary roads on the Island yesterday.

As a result, Georgia Power was able to begin sending trucks to start repairs late yesterday afternoon. Georgia Power returned early this morning with 45 crews. Their top priority is restoring power to the waste water treatment plant. At this time, the crews are also working to remove limbs from lines and untangle the power lines so power can be restored to homes and businesses. JIA public works crews are on-island removing debris and clearing the remaining roads. We have also been able to clear the access to Clam Creek. After visual inspection it appears that the Fishing Pier is intact and the businesses based at Clam Creek are also intact.

Without traffic and people on-island the cleanup and power crews are getting twice as much work done. Thank you for following the evacuation plan. It is making Jekyll Island’s recovery go much faster than expected.

While crews continue to work to remove downed power lines. It is still not safe to be out and about on the Island, and curfew is in effect from midnight until 5 a.m. We are still in Phase 1 of the Re-entry Plan and currently GSP will not allow people on Jekyll.

The hospital is now open in Brunswick. The last two items we must fulfill to allow for Phase 2 re-entry are 1) getting wastewater back online and, 2) having our bridges inspected and cleared. We must have safe water and the public cannot cross the causeway bridges until they are inspected by the Georgia DOT bridge inspectors.

If all goes as planned, there is a real possibility that we will be able to clear the Island for Phase 2 re-entry tomorrow morning, October 10.

We will update the re-entry timeline at 6:00 p.m. today, October 9, 2016.

Jekyll Island Authority offices, shops, and amenities (including the Campground) will remain closed through at least Tuesday, October 11. Only essential JIA staff will report to work as needed. JIA staff should continue to call 912-635-4085 for return-to-work updates.

Recovery Update

October 8, 2016 – 4:45 p.m.

The Jekyll Island Authority assessment team arrived on Jekyll Island at 7 a.m. today, October 8. The team has just completed an island-wide assessment, including visits to all businesses and neighborhoods. The only area that is unreachable because of downed trees, thus has not been checked, is Clam Creek. The initial assessment reported that all businesses are intact and the vast majority of homes on Jekyll have sustained no significant damage.

In regards to flooding, the dune network worked exactly as it was designed by Mother Nature. The storm surge did not penetrate beyond the second row of dunes. The assessment team has seen no evidence of flooding, in fact, we have confirmation that Villas by the Sea, the Westin, Hampton Inn, and Jekyll Club Hotel did not experience flooding or severe damage, nor did the new Youth & Learning Center or the Convention Center.

It is important to reiterate that there are a massive amount of downed trees and power lines and much work to be done. Jekyll Island will remain in Phase 1 of the Re-entry Plan until further notice.

Georgia Power is on-island doing their initial assessment. Their top priority is restoring power to the waste water treatment plant. We have lots of work to do to clear roads.

It is not safe to be out and about on the Island right now, and curfew is in effect from midnight until 5 a.m.

We are currently in Phase 1 of the Re-entry Plan. Georgia State Patrol will not allow people on Jekyll until roads are clear, water is safe, emergency services are up and running, and the hospital is open to transport patients if needed. You can review the Jekyll Island Re-entry Plan below.

We cannot give additional updates on individual homes or businesses at this time. We will continue to update you as information is available.

Jekyll Island Re-entry Plan

The Jekyll Island Re-entry Plan balances the need for restricted access for protection of the community, while allowing the public re-entry for recovery. When conditions allow, access will occur in two (2) phases.

Phase 1: Public works for roadway passage, public safety personnel, utility personnel (sanitation, water, electrical, fuel, telephone, etc.), and government personnel or governmental contractors, are allowed access to restore critical infrastructure, public safety and health services. Identification required. The Georgia State Patrol (GSP) and Military Police (MP) will staff the re-entry check point to restrict access to Jekyll Island during Phase 1.

The following conditions must be in place before Phase 2 access is permitted; roadways being open, availability of potable water for sanitation, emergency services, and the opening of hospital to transport patients if needed.  

Phase 2: Full public access. No identification required. Please note, this plan differs slightly from the Glynn County plan. Glynn County will have check points set up throughout the county with increased phased access. The only approved access route to Jekyll Island will be via I-95 at exit 29 to Hwy 17 directly to the Jekyll Island Downing Musgrove Causeway.

Public Notification Methods: Radio, T.V., Glynn County EMA web page, Jekyll Island web page, Police, Glynn County, and the Code Red Public message service system. To receive a Code Red message on a cell phone, you must be a Glynn County resident and your cell phone registered. How? Go to glynncounty.org webpage and click on Emergency Management and then the Code Red tab and follow instructions.

Storm Updates & Notices: Glynn County EMA

• Latest updates, alerts, and closings: Glynn County Emergency Management Agency web site or Facebook page
• Register for alert messaging: Glynn County’s Code Red system
• Georgia Power outage map: Map
• Glynn County Emergency Advisory Radio System: tune FM radio to 104.9
• Jekyll Island emergency preparedness information: Emergency preparedness
• Jekyll Island Authority staff: call 912-635-4085 for latest updates

Photo courtesy: FEMA