Why "Remember Jekyll Island?"

Why did I write a book about Jekyll Island? Isn't the battle over?

Unfortunately, the events of the past three to five years have exposed the hand of the Jekyll Island Authority. A poor economy and public pressure have succeeded in scaling back the planned development FOR NOW. All indications from the JIA reveal that, when economic conditions are better, they will begin anew to add new development to Georgia's Jewel.

Development occurs in a stepwise fashion. We tend to forget what our communities were like before the big box store and its associated shopping center was built. Our short term memory works in favor of those who would push more and more development of our communities. The same is true of Jekyll Island State Park. The JIA will add another boutique hotel here, another upscale store there. They've already indicated that they plan to build villas around the golf courses, and that they'd love to purchase homes on Jekyll when current residents sell.

Over 7,000 Georgians and 3,000 citizens from outside of Georgia have spoken out against extensive development of Jekyll Island State Park. The JIA has been derelict in its duty to the citizens of Georgia. It's time to require the JIA to plan and manage Jekyll Island State Park according to professional best practices.

Jekyll Island and the people of Georgia deserve better.