Initiative to Protect Jekyll Island

Newsletter

Volume 3, Issue 2

Spring 2009

The News

Three-Year Anniversary of IPJI: Accomplishments and Concerns (click here)

The JIA Density Study: Fact, Fiction, and Jekyll's Future (click here)

Jekyll's Affordability at Risk (click here)

Jekyll's Role in the 2010 Governor's Race (click here)

Announcements

Today, May 20, 2009, marks the 554th since a draft version of the Jekyll Island Conservation Plan was shelved by the Jekyll Island Authority (JIA) board. Consequently, park redevelopment is proceeding without the protective benefits that a comprehensive Conservation Plan would provide. IPJI, which has repeatedly urged the JIA to adopt a Conservation Plan and will continue to do so, will henceforth add a scroll bar to its website which will announce to the public the number of days that Conservation Plan has been tabled by the Authority.

• On April 20, 2009, two botanists from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources announced the discovery of a remarkable biological community on Jekyll Island's south end [click here for details]. An oasis for many rare plant and animal species, the botanists’ discovery serves to highlight the need for the JIA to adopt a Conservation Plan that would identify and protect Jekyll’s environmentally sensitive areas, a draft of which was produced but tabled by the Authority for “legal review” 18 months ago.
  

• On April 28, 2009, IPJI was honored by Common Cause of Georgia for its work on behalf of protecting Jekyll Island’s the traditional character and natural systems [click here for a video of the award ceremony]. The Common Cause Democracy Award, which “acknowledges outstanding citizens for their service to their local communities,” marks the third time in the past year that IPJI has been honored. 
  

• On May 15, 2009, Democratic Party gubernatorial candidate General David Poythress was interviewed by IPJI's Atlanta metro area coordinator, Dory Ingram, with the aim of establishing his position on the Jekyll development issue and the actions of the current JIA board of directors. To watch this revealing interview, click here. To view General Poythress’ recently released video on his Jekyll Island position, click here. Golden Isles residents will have a chance to meet General Poythress at a campaign fund-raising event he will be holding on June 13th, 3:30-5:30, at Jim's Corner Cafe, 1312 Newcastle St., Brunswick.
  

• IPJI has joined the YouTube generation. To locate IPJI’s videos, click here. or go to www.youtube.com/ and enter savejekyllisland in the search box. Of special interest are the videos dealing with the Bleakly Consulting Group’s density study and the JIA’s demolition of the federally funded Aquarama swimming pool, removed by the Authority in 1995 without federal authorization and now set aside as part of Linger Longer’s town center site. Also new to YouTube are the creations of an anonymous videographer, called “Jivethesockpuppet,” who offers a satirical look at the Jekyll redevelopment issue. To find “Jive’s” videos, enter jivethesockpuppet in the YouTube search field. Please note that Jive does not speak for IPJI.
  

• IPJI’s website has a new feature entitled “Affordable Jekyll Specials,” the goal of which is to showcase efforts to keep Jekyll affordable for mainstream citizens and to inform IPJI’s supporters of bargains available on the island. 
  

• IPJI has purchased another 1,000 “Defend Jekyll Island State Park” bumper stickers. Click here to receive your free bumper sticker(s).