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JEKYLL ISLAND PROGRESS REPORT

2025

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.

STATE OF GEORGIA

OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

ATLANTA 30334-0900

Greetings,

As tourism and hospitality remain driving forces for Georgia’s economy, Jekyll Island continues to be one of our most distinct and sought-after destinations for visitors from across the state and around the nation. In 2024, Georgia saw a new highwater mark of over 174 million domestic and international visitors, marking the third consecutive year of record-breaking tourism. Destinations like Jekyll drive that success, helping Georgia rank No. 5 in the nation for overnight visitation for the fifth year in a row.

This year brought exciting progress across the island that strengthened the visitor experience while honoring the island’s rich history and natural character. We are especially proud of the thoughtful restoration of Great Dunes Golf Course, which marked the return of a cherished recreational asset for island visitors. And, with the recent opening of The District Shops at historic Pier Road, the Jekyll Island Authority teams continue to make enhancements that celebrate the island’s storied past while supporting economic vitality through new and welcoming activities that encourage exploration.

Together, these efforts and many more reflect a broader vision for Jekyll Island, one that balances thoughtful growth with responsible stewardship. By investing in projects that maintain and complement the island’s character and purpose, Jekyll Island continues to serve as a model for destination management and long-term sustainability throughout the Southeast region of the United States.

Jekyll Island reflects the very best of Georgia. It is an honor for First Lady Marty Kemp, our girls, and me to support the island and to have watched the care, investment, and stewardship poured into this state asset over the last eight years. I am confident in its future as a destination that serves both Georgians and visitors from around the world for generations to come.

Sincerely,

Governor Brian P. Kemp

It is a privilege to serve on the Jekyll Island Authority Board of Directors alongside others who share a strong commitment to the island’s success and to its continued progress, and 2025 was no exception. This dedication is carried forward each day by the Authority’s staff, whose skill and collaboration are evident across every area of operation. Together, their efforts ensure Jekyll Island is thoughtfully managed, well cared for, and preserved as a place that continues to serve our residents and visitors.

This past year was an especially busy and productive one for Jekyll Island, with significant improvements completed and important projects continuing to move forward. I am grateful for the continued support and guidance of the Jekyll Island Authority Board of Directors as we advance both day-to-day operations and long-term initiatives. Looking ahead to 2026, there is much to be excited about as we continue to thoughtfully enhance the island experience while remaining focused on the stewardship of this special place.

Glen Willard Chairman

Jekyll Island Authority Board of Directors

Mark Williams Executive Director

Jekyll Island Authority

JIA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Senator Blake Tillery

Chairman Vidalia, GA

Senator Mike Hodges Brunswick, GA

Senator Billy Hickman Statesboro, GA

Representative Steven Sainz

Vice Chairman

St. Marys, GA

Representative Matt Hatchett Dublin, GA

Representative Buddy DeLoach Townsend, GA

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

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

George Ruel Joyner, Jr. Savannah, GA

Joy Burch-Meeks Screven, GA

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

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

Dale Atkins Baxley, GA

Walter Rabon Monticello, GA

2025 BY THE NUMBERS

TRAFFIC REVENUE

REVENUE SOURCES

3.3 MILLION VISITORS

*This data is based on the number of cars through the entry gate us ing a standard multiplier of 2.5 peop le per car.

Selig Center for Eco nomic Growth, UGA

ISLAND REVITALIZATION BREAKDOWN

$285,050 ,000 PUBLIC FUN DI NG

$107,340, 393

$392,390,393

2025 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

RECORD RETAIL REVENUE OF $5,400,000 IN 2025

MINI GOLF/BIKE RENTAL RECORD REVENUE OF $600,000 33.5% OVER 2024

CONVENTION CENTER RECORD REVENUE OF $6,000,000 WITH ATTENDANCE OF 98,576

GEORGIA SEA TURTLE CENTER RECORD REVENUE OF $3,000,000

17.5% OVER 2024 AND HOME OF THE FIRST SEA TURTLE NEST

LAID AND HATCHED IN THE STATE

CONSERVATION WILDLIFE CORRIDOR RECIPIENT OF THE ASLA/IFLA GLOBAL IMPACT AWARD AND RECIPIENT OF THE ASLA NORTH CAROLINA CHAPTERSTATE MERIT AWARD

GREAT DUNES GOLF COURSE

The reopening of Great Dunes marked the return of one of Jekyll Island’s most significant recreational and historic assets. Originally designed in 1927 by renowned golf course architect Walter Travis, Great Dunes was once among the most celebrated seaside courses in the country. Following a year-long, multimillion-dollar restoration, the course returned as a full 18-hole experience that honors its Golden Age roots while reintroducing Great Dunes as a welcoming, walkable course for today’s golfers.

The restoration thoughtfully blended past and present, reinstating nine holes of Travis’ original design alongside nine newly reimagined holes from the former Oleander course. Extensive archival research guided the work, ensuring that the character, flow, and playing style of the original course were respected while improving playability and cohesion across the landscape. The resulting layout features wide playing corridors and immerses golfers in the island’s dunes, forests, and oceanfront setting.

Great Dunes also sets a new standard for sustainable golf in Georgia. As the first course in the state to use a brackish-water irrigation system, the restoration significantly reduces freshwater use while supporting long-term environmental resilience. Salt-tolerant turf, modern irrigation technology, and the integration of a designated wildlife corridor alongside the course reflect a balanced approach to recreation and conservation. Now, nearly 100 years from its original opening day, its return has been widely celebrated by golfers, visitors, and partners alike, positioning Great Dunes as a revived historic asset and a forward-looking amenity that reflects the island’s approach to recreation and sustainability.

WILDLIFE CORRIDOR

Work continued on the conservationled Wildlife Corridor as a long-term effort to restore and reconnect native ecosystems across the island, including the transformation of the former Oleander Golf Course. By repurposing a previously maintained landscape, the corridor establishes a connected area of longleaf pine savannas, maritime forests, freshwater wetlands, salt marshes, and sweetgrass prairies. In addition to its ecological benefits, the Wildlife Corridor will emerge as a recreation hub where visitors and residents can immerse themselves in nature. Thanks to a $1.3 million Department of Natural Resources Georgia Outdoor Stewardship grant, docks, observation platforms, and trails will invite people into the landscape, offering opportunities to explore, observe wildlife, and learn about coastal ecosystems firsthand.

During the year, restoration efforts focused on hands-on habitat work, including invasive species removal and the growing and planting of native plant plugs specifically for corridor areas. These plantings support birds, pollinators, reptiles, and amphibians, while also improving drainage and overall ecosystem health. The corridor is designed to function as a connected landscape, allowing wildlife to move more freely across the island.

The Wildlife Corridor also gained national recognition for its innovative approach to conservation. In partnership with Design Workshop, the project received the ASLA/IFLA Global Impact Award for its comprehensive restoration plan, which outlines the transformation of the former Oleander Golf Course into resilient coastal habitat.

THE DISTRICT SHOPS

The long-anticipated opening of The District Shops at Historic Pier Road took place summer of 2025, celebrating the completion of a nearly two-year preservation enhancement project. This new shopping and dining corridor of the historic district—formerly a service area of trade shops for employees of the Gilded Age Jekyll Island Club—was transformed into a vibrant, walkable destination for visitors to explore and linger beyond the beach. Careful attention was given to preserving original architectural character while introducing upgraded landscaping, lighting, and outdoor gathering spaces that enhanced the function and atmosphere within the National Historic Landmark District.

The District Shops opened with eight curated retail and dining experiences designed to reflect the island’s identity, history, and sense of place. These include 31•81, a Jekyll Island Lifestyle Shop; Founder’s Social Restaurant & Beer Garden; Georgia Grown Signature Shoppe, in partnership with the Department of Agriculture; J.P. & Co. Gilded Age Portrait Studio; Jekyll Island Sweets; North Pole South; Pier Road Outfitters; and Wake Up Coffee Company. Together, these businesses create a balanced mix of shopping, dining, and experiential offerings that appeal to a broad audience while reinforcing the district as a destination rooted in authenticity and discovery.

The activation of The District Shops represents a strategic reinvestment in an existing area of the island, maintaining and improving current development. By introducing new experiences with timeless favorites and supporting small, local businesses, the project strengthened the Pier Road corridor as a hub for connection, commerce, and community life. The District Shops now serve as a central gathering place for visitors and residents alike, enhancing the overall island experience while respecting the character of its historic setting.

SUMMER WAVES

Summer Waves Water Park achieved a significant accessibility milestone by becoming a Certified Autism Center™ through the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). This designation recognizes organizations whose staff are trained to better support autistic and sensory-sensitive guests and their families.

As part of this effort, Summer Waves implemented a variety of features designed to create a more comfortable and inclusive environment. A dedicated sensory room offers a quiet space where guests and families can take a break from stimulation and return to activities at their own pace. Splash pads were designed with multiple entry points and widely spaced spray features to improve navigation for guests using wheelchairs. The park also offers wheelchairs for guest use and provides a chair lift to assist those who have difficulty with stairs.

Together, these enhancements reflect a commitment to thoughtful design, staff preparedness, and inclusive recreation. The Certified Autism Center™ designation reinforces Summer Waves’ role as a welcoming, family-friendly destination where all guests can enjoy the experience with confidence and support.

GILDED & WILD

In partnership with the Jekyll Island Foundation, the inaugural 2025 Gilded & Wild Getaway & Gala marked an extraordinary milestone that delivered on both financial success and unforgettable experiences while building and strengthening partnerships for the island. The weekend-long event raised $431,200, surpassing expectations for a first-year initiative. With 39 sponsors and 209 attendees participating in the multi-day celebration of progressive experiences, conservation excursions, and live and silent auctions, the event demonstrated the power of community in advancing the Foundation’s mission of raising funds to help conserve and preserve Jekyll Island’s natural and cultural resources for future generations.

Looking ahead, Gilded & Wild will enable the Foundation to fund more than $400,000 in critical projects during FY26, ensuring continued progress that supports projects and initiatives of the Jekyll Island Authority. The impact of this inaugural gala extends far beyond one weekend; it serves as a catalyst for transformative work that will shape the future of Jekyll Island for generations to come.