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 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
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.
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.
Glen Willard Chairperson
Jekyll Island Authority Board of Directors
Mark Williams Executive Director
Jekyll Island Authority
JIA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Senator Blake Tillery Chair Vidalia, GA
Senator Mike Hodges Brunswick, GA
Senator Billy Hickman Statesboro, GA
Representative Steven Sainz Vice Chair St. Marys, GA
Representative Matt Hatchett Dublin, GA
Representative Buddy DeLoach Townsend, GA
Robert “Bob” W. Krueger Vice Chairperson 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
2024 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
$82,690, 00 0
$367,740,000
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
SUMMER WAVES HIGHEST SEASONAL REVENUE TO DATE $3.8 MILLION FROM MAY–SEPTEMBER
TENNIS EARNED
2 USTA GA AWARDS
TOURNAMENT OF THE YEAR
TENNIS PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
CONVENTION CENTER RECORD REVENUE OF $6 MILLION WITH ATTENDANCE OF 96,422
RECORD RETAIL REVENUE OF $4,768,339 IN 2024
MOSAIC ADMISSION RECORD REVENUE OF $1.58 MILLION 14% OVER 2023
GEORGIA SEA TURTLE CENTER RECORD REVENUE OF $77,450 FOR BEHIND THE SCENES TOURS
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
FINANCIAL RESULTS
**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
and error-free but should only be used for informational purposes. The Jekyll Island Authority shall not be liable for any
or any other commercial damages, including but not limited to special, incidental, consequential or other damages
to unintentional typographical or other errors, omissions or inaccuracies of the information contained in this document.
