Jekyll Island Progress Report 2024

JEKYLL ISLAND PROGRESS REPORT

This progress report details the advancements and accomplishments achieved over the past year on Jekyll Island. As we continue our ongoing projects and initiatives, it is essential to reflect on the accomplishments made and the overall trajectory of our efforts.

JEKYLL ISLAND PROGRESS REPORT

STATE OF GEORGIA OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

ATLANTA 30334-0900

Greetings, As Georgia’s tourism industry continues to reach new heights, Jekyll Island’s role as a preferred destination for both Georgians and visitors alike, whether for business or leisure, keeps getting stronger. In the latest data, Georgia achieved a new high of 171 million visitors. That translated into an economic impact of $79.7 billion, supporting more than 463,400 jobs. With the tourism and hospitality industries playing a vital part in Georgia’s economic success, the contributions of destinations like Jekyll Island to the state’s visibility in attracting travelers from around the world cannot be overstated.

That’s why we are working to make sure this incredible resource for our state remains a top draw for years to come, all while safeguarding its irreplaceable natural beauty. I was proud to join leaders last year to cut the ribbon on the new Jekyll Island Public Safety Complex, ensuring adequate emergency response resources are available to residents and visitors alike. We’re also funding ongoing projects like the Golf Improvement Plan and the introduction of the new Wildlife Corridor, helping the Authority promote sustainable redevelopment. Additionally, our latest budget proposal for AFY25 includes funding for water pollution control improvements. These efforts reflect a deep commitment to balancing progress with environmental stewardship.

The island’s unique mix of history, nature, and recreation continues to attract millions annually. And despite this year’s challenges, including the unexpected setbacks of historic rainfall and the unprecedented impacts of hurricanes, Jekyll Island, like so many places across our state, remained steadfast through its resilient and dedicated workforce. As we work to keep moving forward, Marty, the girls, and I are excited to see what the future holds for preserving and promoting this special place. Georgia is fortunate to have a vibrant, sustainable place like Jekyll Island, and we will keep working to preserve it and its incredible experiences for years to come.

Sincerely,

Governor Brian P. Kemp

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It has been my honor to serve on the Jekyll Island Authority Board of Directors for several years, and further now as I stepped into the role of Chair at the end of 2024. I am grateful to the staff of the Jekyll Island Authority who serve as the boots on the ground, day-in and day-out, helping our residents and visitors in all capacities. They are the lifeblood of this island, and their outstanding contributions and achievements are essential to our success.

Glen Willard Chairperson Jekyll Island Authority Board of Directors

It was a tremendous first full year as Executive Director and although the unprecedented rain brought some challenges, we remained steady in our service to the residents and visitors of Jekyll Island. I am elated we have completed some long-standing projects and remain enthusiastic about what is to come for the island in 2025 as we complete some of our most important to date. We will continue to honor our mission of careful management and stewardship of this special place.

Mark Williams Executive Director Jekyll Island Authority

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JIA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Robert “Bob” W. Krueger Vice Chairperson Hawkinsville, GA

William “Bill” H. Gross Secretary/Treasurer Kingsland, GA

Dale Atkins Baxley, GA

Joy Burch-Meeks Screven, GA

Dr. L.C. “Buster” Evans Bolingbroke, GA

George Ruel Joyner, Jr. Savannah, GA

Walter Rabon Monticello, GA

Joseph B. Wilkinson, Jr. St. Simons Island, GA

2024 JEKYLL ISLAND LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE

Senator Blake Tillery Chair Vidalia, GA

Representative Steven Sainz Vice Chair St. Marys, GA

Senator Mike Hodges Brunswick, GA

Representative Matt Hatchett Dublin, GA

Senator Billy Hickman Statesboro, GA

Representative Buddy DeLoach Townsend, GA

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2024 BY THE NUMBERS TRAFFIC REVENUE $6.6M

$5.7M

$5.7M

2021

2022

$6.9M

$4.5M

2020

2023

2024

56.5% INCREASE OVER 5 YEARS

REVENUE SOURCES >1% 1.9% 3.3% 4.5%

6.1% 7.9% 45% 14.3%

16%

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AMENITIES PARKING COMMERCIAL LEASES HOTEL TAX UTILITIES FIRE DEPARTMENT OTHER RESIDENTIAL LEASES MARKETING & EVENTS

ISLAND VISITATION

3.3 MILLION VISITORS *This data is based on the number of cars through the entry gate using a standard multiplier of 2.5 people per car.

Selig Center for Economic Growth, UGA

ISLAND REVITALIZATION BREAKDOWN

78% 22%

PRIVATE FUNDING $285,050,000 PUBLIC FUNDING $82,690,000 $367,740,000 5

2024 AWARDS & ACCOLADES

MAINTAINED

NFPA FIREWISE USA COMMUNITY DESIGNATION

MAINTAINED

CLASS 5 FLOOD RATING (LOWEST IN GLYNN COUNTY)

VEHICLE MAINTENANCE RECOGNIZED AS A

TIER 1 FLEET

WITH A PERFECT 20/20 POINT SCORE 6

SUMMER WAVES HIGHEST SEASONAL REVENUE TO DATE

$3.8 MILLION

CONVENTION CENTER RECORD REVENUE OF

$6 MILLION

FROM MAY–SEPTEMBER

WITH ATTENDANCE OF 96,422

TENNIS EARNED

MOSAIC ADMISSION RECORD REVENUE OF

2 USTA GA AWARDS TOURNAMENT OF THE YEAR TENNIS PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR

$1.58 MILLION 14% OVER 2023

RECORD RETAIL REVENUE OF

GEORGIA SEA TURTLE CENTER RECORD REVENUE OF

IN 2024

FOR BEHIND THE SCENES TOURS

$4,768,339

$77,450

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PUBLIC SAFETY COMPLEX The Jekyll Island Public Safety Complex officially opened its doors, marking a significant milestone for the island’s emergency services. This state-of-the-art facility houses the Jekyll Island Fire and EMS teams, alongside the Georgia State Patrol. Designed to enhance response times and provide a more integrated approach to public safety, the complex offers modern amenities and advanced technology. It’s a key step in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of both residents and visitors. Local leaders and public safety officials celebrated the collaboration, emphasizing the positive impact this will have on the island’s overall emergency management capabilities.

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PUBLIC SAFETY COMPLEX

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GOLF We celebrated the reopening of the newly redesigned Pine Lakes golf course, featuring enhanced landscapes and modernized greens that promise an exciting experience for golfers.

Great Dunes also began a significant renovation, adding 9 holes from Oleander to restore the original 18-hole course created by famed course designer Walter Travis in 1926. The other 9 holes from Oleander will make way for a new wildlife corridor, aligning with the island’s commitment to conservation and environmental preservation. These updates reflect Jekyll Island’s effort to balance recreational offerings with sustainable development, ensuring both natural beauty and community enjoyment for years to come.

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31•81 SHOP OPENING The 31•81 lifestyle shop officially opened its doors in May, marking the debut of the island’s new official lifestyle brand. Offering a curated collection of refined coastal apparel, gifts, collectibles, jewelry, and accessories, 31•81 celebrates the unique moments and memories that make Jekyll Island so special. With a focus on quality craftsmanship and island-inspired designs, the store captures the relaxed elegance of coastal living. Whether it’s a piece of apparel for a beach day or a memento to remember your stay, 31•81 reflects the timeless charm and natural beauty of Jekyll Island, inviting visitors to carry a piece of it home.

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RECORD SEA TURTLE RELEASE In April, Jekyll Island served as the host beach site for the largest sea turtle release on record for the state of Georgia. Four east coast rehab facilities had their patients flown down to Jekyll Island with the aid of nonprofit organization Turtles Fly Too. Georgia Sea Turtle Center staff received the turtles and released them the same day. Among them were 33 Kemp’s ridley sea turtles, a critically endangered species, and one green sea turtle.

This historic release marked a significant conservation milestone, highlighting the Georgia Sea Turtle Center’s ongoing mission of rehabilitation, research, and education. The turtles, rehabilitated after undergoing care for hypothermia-related conditions, were released into the Atlantic Ocean. The event drew attention to the importance of conservation and the need to safeguard ocean ecosystems.

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MOSS COTTAGE REOPENING Moss Cottage officially reopened in June after an extensive restoration and redesign. The project, which began in 2021, involved meticulous research and historic preservation to ensure the home’s authentic charm was preserved. Significant updates included an interior redesign utilizing period fabrics and furnishings, along with careful staging to reflect the cottage’s original character. New graphics and interpretation were also developed, enhancing the visitor experience and providing deeper insight into the home’s history. The reopening of Moss Cottage offers a fascinating glimpse into Jekyll Island’s past, inviting guests to explore its rich cultural heritage.

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VIVATICKET Jekyll Island has upgraded its ticketing and point of sale system to Vivaticket, enhancing the visitor experience with a more seamless, efficient platform. This update allows guests to easily purchase tickets for amenities, tours, and events online or on-site, streamlining the process for both visitors and staff. The Vivaticket system offers improved convenience, real-time inventory management, and faster transactions, making it easier to access Jekyll Island’s popular destinations. This transition reflects our commitment to modernizing our services, ensuring a smooth, hassle-free experience for guests while maintaining high standards of customer service and operational efficiency.

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Financial Results Financial Results Fiscal Year 2024* Fiscal Year 2024* Financial Results Fiscal Year 2024*

FINANCIAL RESULTS FY2024* FY2024* FY2023* FISCAL YEAR 2024*

enues

Revenues

nistration Administration

venues

ness Leases

Business Leases

ministration Hotel Tax l Tax

usiness Leases Tourism ism Development Fund Development Fund otel Tax Parking ing ourism Development Fund Interest est arking Lot Rentals Rentals terest Foundation ndation

ot Rentals Airport ort oundation Administration revenue inistration revenue rport Beach Village ch Village dministration Intern Housing n Housing revenue each Village

Total Administration otal Administration tern Housing

Enterprises prises Total Administration Golf

terprises vention Center Convention Center

olf Summer Waves mer Waves onvention Center Campground pground ummer Waves Life is Good s Good ampground Museum eum fe isSea Good Georgia Sea Turtle Center rgia Turtle Center

useum Conservation servation eorgia Sea Turtle Center Golf & Bikes Miniature ature Golf & Bikes

onservation Water/Wastewater er/Wastewater iniature tation Golf & Bikes Sanitation

Water/Wastewater Department Fire Department

$$

$

FY2024*

FY2023*

6,616,530 2,653,525 6,616,530 1,093,244 2,653,525 7,316,456 1,093,244 1,088,597 7,316,456 911,126 1,088,597 8,371 911,126 32,667 8,371 341,092 32,667 2,316 341,092 49,110 2,316 20,113,034 49,110

6,616,530 6,203,995

$

20,113,034

2,861,713 5,577,281 2,861,713 3,855,512 5,577,281 2,796,270 3,855,512 310,812 2,796,270 1,576,558 310,812 2,706,252 1,576,558 26,973 2,706,252 433,460 FY2024* 26,973 1,795,905 $ 433,460 591,135 1,795,905 1,782,423

$

2,653,525 2,715,908 6,203,995 1,093,244 1,152,917 2,715,908 7,316,456 5,968,300 1,152,917 1,088,597 320,297 5,968,300 911,126 995,601 320,297 8,371 8,497

FY2023* VARIANCE $

(000's)

VARIA

(000's)

%

VARIANCE

(000's)

%

413 4136,203,995 7% 2,715,908-2% (62) (62) 413 1,152,917-5%7% (60) (60)

(62) 1,348 1,3485,968,300 23%-2% (60) -5% 768 768 320,297 240% 1,348 23% (84) 995,601-8% (84) 768 8,497-1% 240% (0) (0)

995,601 32,667 22,274 8,497 341,092 179,137 22,274 2,316 1,661 179,137 49,110 45,415

22,27447%-8% 10 10(84) (0) 179,137 162 90%-1% 162 10 47% 1,66139% 1 1 162 90% 4 4 45,415 8% 1 39% 17,614,00214% 2,499 2,499 4 8%

17,614,002 2,861,713 3,026,390

2,499 14% 3,026,390-5% (165) (165) 5,719,495-2% (142) (142) (165) 3,208,68420%-5% 647 647

1,661 20,113,034 17,614,002 45,415

5,577,281 5,719,495 3,026,390 3,855,512 3,208,684 5,719,495 2,796,270 2,661,921 3,208,684 310,812 312,356 2,661,921 1,576,558 1,383,985 312,356 2,706,252 2,520,337

(142) 2,661,921 5%-2% 134 134 647 20% (2) (2) 312,356 0% 134 1931,383,98514%5% 193 (2) 1862,520,337 7%0% 186

1,767,907 1,480,582 1,782,423

28 3021,480,582 20%2% 302

1,383,985 14% 17 26,973 10,181 1719310,181 165% 2,520,337 186 433,460 455,176 (22) 455,176-5%7% (22) FY2023* FY2024* FY2023* VARIANCE VARIA 10,181 17 165% 1,795,905 1,767,907 $$ (000's)281,767,907 $ % 2% (000's)28 455,176 555,222 591,135 36(22) 555,222 6%-5% 36

cle & EquipmentVehicle Maintenance & Equipment Maintenance ity Maintenance Facility Maintenance

160,907 434,613 236,904 258,085 69,254 1,194 6,145

Course Maintenance Golf Course Maintenance Road Shops Pier Road Shops

909 18,683

909 18,683 -

otal Enterprises Total Enterprises

25,500,990

24,299,905 25,500,990

1,201 24,299,905 5% 1,201

al Revenues Total Revenues

45,614,023

41,913,906 45,614,023

3,700 41,913,906 9% 3,700

nis Tennis eting, Special Events Marketing, & Sales Special Events & Sales

st Information Center Guest Information Center p Jekyll & SoccerCamp FieldsJekyll & Soccer Fields dscaping, RoadsLandscaping, & Trails Roads & Trails

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enses

Expenses

147,488 160,907 433,012 434,613 272,547 236,904 204,499 258,085 126,687 69,254 3,333 1,194 10,101 6,145

13 147,488 9% 2 433,012 0%

13 2

(36) 272,547 -13% 54 204,49926% (57) 126,687 -45%

(36) 54 (57)

(2) 3,333 -64% (4) 10,101 -39%

(2) (4)

- 0% - 0%

1 19

1 19

al Revenues Total Revenues

ensesExpenses

Sanitation an Resources Human Resources ire Department plies & Materials Supplies & Materials ennis & Sales ertising Advertising & Sales

Marketing, Special & Sales airs -for Facilities & Grounds Repairs -Events Facilities & Grounds erve Fire Truck Reserve for Fire Truck Guest Information Center es Utilities Camp & Soccer Fields ranceJekyll Insurance andscaping, Roads & Trails tracts Contracts Vehicle & Equipment Maintenance tals Rentals acility Maintenance ing Printing Golf Course Maintenance or Vehicle Motor Vehicle Pier Road Shops phone Telephone

pment Purchase <$1K Equipment Purchase <$1K Total Enterprises pment Purchase $1KPurchase to $5K $1K to $5K Equipment

Total Revenues el

Travel s Dues es dit Card Fees Credit Card Fees dit Card Fees xpenses k Fees nk Fees Bank Fees rest Expense Interest Expense erest Expense Human Resources

Supplies & Materials otal Expenditures Total Expenditures Total Expenditures Advertising & Sales

Operating Cash **** Income ** Operating Cash Operating Cash Income Repairs -Net Facilities &Income Grounds Reserve for Fire Truck

Utilities

d Designated Board Fund Designated Fund Contributions rd Designated FundContributions Contributions nsurance

Contracts g Fee reserve Fee - Fire equipment reserve ng Fee- Parking -Fire Fireequipment equipment reserve Rentals g Fee Water/Sewer Improvements Fee - Water/Sewer Improvements ng Fee Parking - Water/Sewer Improvements Sewer reserves Printing Water/Sewer reserves r/Sewer reserves quipment reserves Fire Equipment reserves Equipment reserves Motor Vehicle elephone m Development Fund Tourism Development Fund sm Development Fund Equipment Purchase Village Improvement Fund Village<$1K Improvement Fund h VillageBeach Improvement Fund Utilities improvement fund Equipment Purchase to $5K area &$1K Utilities improvement fund carea area&&Public Utilities improvement fund gical Design Ecological & Outdoor area Design ogical Outdoorarea area Design(Golf (GolfCourse) Course)(Golf Course) ravel&&Outdoor

45,614,023

41,913,906 45,614,023

FY2024*

FY2023*

$

3,700 41,913,906

$

9% 3,700

VARIANCE

(000's)

591,13519,480,368 555,22217,263,686 19,480,368 17,263,686 2,217 36 1,782,423 2,310,154 1,480,582 2,303,367 2,310,154 2,303,367 7302

%

13%6% 2,217 20% 0% 7

160,907 1,338,697 147,488 1,381,956 1,338,697 1,381,956 (43)13 434,613 433,012 2,463,6442,438,286 25- 2 2,463,644 2,438,286 236,904 272,547 (36) 2,107,165 1,886,914 220 2,107,165 1,886,914 258,085 204,499 1,339,102 1,023,603 315 54 1,339,102 1,023,603 69,254 126,687 4,504,520 4,329,770 175 (57) 4,504,520 4,329,770 1,194 3,333 880,607 835,192 45 (2) 880,607 835,192 6,145 10,101 124,739 183,744 (59) (4) 124,739 183,744 909 325,389 310,634 15 1 325,389 310,634 18,683 114,272 107,412 7 19 114,272 107,412

9% -3% (43) 1% 250% 0% -13% 12% 220 26% 31% 315 -45% 4% 175 -64% 5% 45 -39% -32% (59) 0% 5% 15 6%70%

2,310,154 2,303,367 7 36,413,566 33,500,086 2,913 36,413,566 36,413,566 33,500,086 33,500,086 2,913 1,338,697 1,381,956 (43) 9,200,457 8,413,821 787 9,200,457 8,413,821 787252,463,644- 9,200,457 2,438,286- 8,413,821

0% 9% 2,913 9% -3% 9% 787 9% 1% 0%

1

-

1

3

-3

71,039 122,134 (51) -42% 71,039 (51) -4 25,500,990 24,299,905 122,134 1,201 5% 83,148 89,886 (7) -7% 83,148 89,886 (7) FY2024* FY2023* VARIANCE FY2024* FY2023* FY2024* FY2023* VARIANCE VARIANCE 45,614,023 41,913,906 3,700 9% 58,541 68,026 (9) -14% $$ $$ (000's) %% (9) 68,026 $ 58,541 $(000's) (000's) %-1 512,870 458,918 54 12% 512,870 458,918 54 1 512,870 458,918 54 12% 693,712 694,829 (1) 0% 693,712694,829 694,829 (1) 693,712 (1) 0% 1,377 (0) -20% 1,377 1,730 1,730 (0) -2 1,377 1,730 (0) -20% 4,221 -44 0% 4,221 4 4,221 0% 19,480,368 17,263,686 2,217 13%

2,107,165

1,886,914

220

12%

1,339,102 4,504,520 175,000 175,000

1,023,603 4,329,770 175,000 175,000175,000

315 175 175,000

31% 4%

880,607 835,192 --- 45 15,544 311,560 124,739 183,744 (59) 15,544311,560 311,560 15,544 208,385 - 15 208,385 325,389 208,385 310,634 114,272 1,093,244 107,412 1,152,9177 1,093,244 1,152,917 1,093,244 1,152,917 71,039 175,000 122,134 175,000 --(51) 175,000 1,098,080 568,570 83,148 89,886 (7) 568,570 1,098,080 1,098,080568,570 100,000 - 100,000 58,541 68,026 100,000 (9)

otal Board Designated Board Fund Designated Fund Contributions 2,765,252 Total BoardTotal Designated FundContributions Contributions 2,765,252

2,308,047 2,765,252 2,308,047

5% -32% 5% 6% -42% -7% -14%

2,308,047

unt for Capital Cash Reserves 6,105,774 Amount Available for Capital or Cash Reserves 6,435,205 untAvailable Available for Capitalor or Cash Reserves 6,435,205 6,435,205 6,105,774 6,105,774

l Projects and Capital Projects and Equipment al Projects andEquipment Equipment

2,624,918 2,624,918

5,001,808 2,624,918 5,001,808

ce Available for Cash Balance Available for Cash Reserves nce Available for CashReserves Reserves

3,810,287 1,103,966 3,810,287 3,810,287 1,103,966 1,103,966

5,001,808

**Amounts are on a budget basis format. Board Designated Fund Contributions and Capital Projects and Equipment are funded from current year revenues. These amounts are designated (set aside) from current year funds for equipment or projects and if not spent in the current fiscal year, will be spent in subsequent fiscal years, depending on the timeline of the project. *The financial information in this self-published Jekyll Island Authority Annual Report contains unaudited figures and is presented in a budget basis format which is used for operational management and oversight. Jekyll Island Authority’s financial information is reviewed annually by the State Department of Audits and Accounts and is included in the State of Georgia’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR). Financial stewardship is a high priority and the Jekyll Island Authority has a history of clean reports from the Georgia Department of Audits. All financial information contained in this self-published report is believed to be accurate and error-free but should only be used for informational purposes. The Jekyll Island Authority shall not be liable for any loss of profit or any other commercial damages, including but not limited to special, incidental, consequential or other damages related to unintentional typographical or other errors, omissions or inaccuracies of the information contained in this document.

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