Jekyll island is spiffing up nicely. Phase one of the new retail village located behind the convention center should be open by JIBE - and it cleaned up that lot nicely (for all who commented in prior years). Some of the stores from the temporary center should be moved in. Not sure of the timeline for the rest.

The restaurant at the JIBE staging area - formally blackbeards then Finn's -will be reopened prior to JIBE. It will be a "Baja style Mexican" restaurant. and will be privately managed by an existing successful restaurant organization (and not the state)!. That's why we had to move the Kite Fort south since that lot is no longer controlled by the Authority. We also don't know yet if the bathrooms are public.

The new Holiday Inn Resort is open. While the name is not inspiring, it looks really nice. It's the old Oceanside inn completely gutted and rebuilt, about a mile north of Jibe. Joan and I are staying there Wednesday and Thursday with the little dogs. The pool deck is gorgeous with an outside pool bar that serves sandwiches and snacks and is open to the public.

Sea Jay's restaurant, over in the marina on the west side near the bridge, is sold and reopened under the name "685". We don't know much about it yet but will soon sacrifice ourselves in the name of research.

The Westin inn just south of the convention center will be open before JIBE but we don't yet know about food there.

More news as it develops.

The new restaraunt sounds great. I'm all about some baja may Mexicali !!!! Extra heat? Yes please.

Of course, my favorite island eat has got to be the Driftwood Bistro.

Driftwood Bistro still there - one of the more consistent over years of change.

Today we selflessly checked out "685" (formally Sea Jays at the Marina). It's actually named "685 Seafood" and is named after mile #685 on the Intracoastal Waterway. Greatly expanded menu boasting fresh seafood and local produce. We had just snacks but other diners around us seemed happy. A little more expensive than the mainland for stuff like peel and eat shrimp, but that's of course expected a bit on the island. Still dog friendly on the outside porch overlooking the marina and river. 1/3 of the porch deck now screened. Real smart. Live music Thursday Friday and Saturday.

Sounds great! can't wait to see all the improvements!!!

and do some buggying on the beach of course!!!

New player in the game.

When you drive over the bridge onto Jekyll Island, look up and to the left towards the left at the top of the high tension power poles. There is a pretty good chance you will see an American Bald Eagle on one of them. Big handsome brute.

I think he is charging his new Apple Watch; word is that those batteries suck.

Actually, local Jekyll Is. director of Conservation (and old kiting friend) tells me that there is a pair (mates) and that they nest on the island regularly. From the towers they can get a good view of the fishing in the river below.

Cool sight indeed. Just don't drive off the bridge while peeking.

Awesome tip. I will keep a look out for him!

So today both eagles were over the river - hubby and wifey - one on each power tower. Bright blue sky and strong sun had their white heads shining bright. Oh and a nice east wind bode us well, too. Sea breezes are here.

Sweet hope to get a pic of one or both................afternoon sea breezes are back.....aqua temp is 71, beach temps high 70s..........julips, mani pedis, and grey pupon ready to roll.........things rockin here in Chaz........I'm sure HHI and JI are ditto.........it's SOFKA time!

yeah man, nice couple hours on the water yesterday, super blue sky , CHECK! breeze , CHECK! spring is in swing

Ok... I've seen SOFKA references quite a few times... someone please enlighten me as to what SOFKA is?

SOFKA..........Southern Fried Kiting Association

Awesome... Born and raised in Memphis and now an inhabitant of the great southern Metropolis of Atlanta,.... I believe I qualify, yes?

You're in Soliver!

Quote: Originally posted by soliver

Awesome... Born and raised in Memphis and now an inhabitant of the great southern Metropolis of Atlanta,.... I believe I qualify, yes?

Spence, You need to pay the annual $100 membership fee. I'm the treasurer so you can give it to me at JIBE....Cash.... :bigok:

All I have is bitcoin

Quote: Originally posted by Demoknight

All I have is bitcoin

Then you can only join and fly via internet... That's the lowest membership offered...

Quote: Originally posted by Demoknight

All I have is bitcoin

Would your current residence in Chicago exempt you ... like a "no carpet baggin' kiters" clause

Just kidding

Excited to see Y'ALL soon!

Quote: Originally posted by pokitetrash

Quote: Originally posted by soliver   Awesome... Born and raised in Memphis and now an inhabitant of the great southern Metropolis of Atlanta,.... I believe I qualify, yes? Spence, You need to pay the annual $100 membership fee. I'm the treasurer so you can give it to me at JIBE....Cash.... :bigok:

Just front me a loan and I promise I'll pay you back

I'll gladly pay you Tuesday, for a hamburger today!

I am only vacationing in Chicago! It has just been a two and a half year vacation. A stay-cation if you will. I will be back in GA by this time next year if my plans manage to stick.

Quote: Originally posted by tridude

Sweet hope to get a pic of one or both................afternoon sea breezes are back.....aqua temp is 71, beach temps high 70s..........julips, mani pedis, and grey pupon ready to roll.........things rockin here in Chaz........I'm sure HHI and JI are ditto.........it's SOFKA time!

Oh Man!! Sounds great. Cant wait to see everyone again, and meet some new faces.

SOFKA? I do live in Virginia :D

Quote: Originally posted by Demoknight

I'll gladly pay you Tuesday, for a hamburger today!

... ironically, I was thinking the exact same thing

Quote: Originally posted by 3shot

Quote: Originally posted by tridude   Sweet hope to get a pic of one or both................afternoon sea breezes are back.....aqua temp is 71, beach temps high 70s..........julips, mani pedis, and grey pupon ready to roll.........things rockin here in Chaz........I'm sure HHI and JI are ditto.........it's SOFKA time! Oh Man!! Sounds great. Cant wait to see everyone again, and meet some new faces. SOFKA? I do live in Virginia :D

VA is in the hood............I was born in Roanoke

Here is our buddy, waiting for us...

Two shops in the new retail village are open; one gift shop and one sports outfitter,mostly fishing and beach stuff.

Other shops are still building out interiors and won't open in the new spaces 'til June or so, including the shops now still open in the "Temporary" retail village to the north.

Tortuga Jacks, the new Mexican place in the former Finn's/ Blackbeards overlooking Kite Beach is now slated for opening by Cinco de Mayo, or about the time we start.

Winds today ENE 7 gusting to 17 (avg.), 5 - 25 actual. Seabreeze is now pulling it east and smoothing it out.

Alligator 101 returning to Jekyll

By DONNA STILLINGER The Brunswick News | Posted: Friday, April 24, 2015 12:00 am
042315_02 alligator

Jekyll Island researchers will conduct its annual Alligator 101, a 45-minute program, beginning in May.

Did you know alligators can be found in the ocean and on the beach, as well as in the marsh and in ponds? Did you also know that their favorite “restaurant” is the marsh, not a pond or lagoon?

Those interesting in hearing more facts about American alligators should plan to join one of the experienced wildlife researchers on Jekyll Island and learn all about the biology and behavior of these sometimes mysterious reptiles.

Jekyll Island wildlife researchers will begin conducting the annual alligator program weekly beginning in May. The 45-minute program will include alligator 101 information, including basic biology, conservation challenges they experience and dispelling myths about alligator behaviors.

Information will be provided on the exciting alligator research taking place on Jekyll, as well as how Jekyll Island helps create a safe co-existence between alligators and people. There also will be tips on how to safely enjoy these intriguing predators and how individuals can help with alligator conservation.

“We want people to come and observe nature here on Jekyll Island. It is much better to observe animals in their natural element, not in a zoo or a park,” said Kimberly Andrews, research coordinator for the Jekyll Island Authority.

Observing wildlife in a natural setting requires visitors to know a few rules.

“Right now it’s breeding season for alligators on Jekyll. All of our gators are more active now that the temperatures are warming up. Males are attentive and territorial and could be seen as aggressive,” said Andrews.

Feeding wildlife is a no-no.

“Alligators are very smart. They learn easily. When humans feed them, they become unafraid of us and look to all people for food. As this happens, we have to dispose of the gator. Relocating them doesn’t work – they have a great homing sense and return, no matter the distance,” Andrews added.

“It’s best for the gators for humans to not feed them.”

The current population figure for alligators on Jekyll is 125, 75 percent of which are immature.

“Alligators typically breed at 6-8 years old. They regulate their own population, with the older, more mature gators killing the younger ones, so survivorship of our young ones is low,” she said.

To learn more about the island gator population and to help instill fear of humans in the animals, Jekyll Island researchers catch and tag all of them.

One special alligator, “Tiny,” helps with some of the alligator classes taught on the island.

Jekyll’s alligator program is appropriate for children and adults of all ages, and is available every Tuesday at 11 a.m. May through October.

Cost is $12 per adult, $8 per child. Children 3 and under are free. Georgia Sea Turtle Center members receive a 50 percent discount.

Space is limited to 25 people, and reservations are suggested. Reservations can be made online through The Georgia Sea Turtle Center website or by calling (912) 635-4444.

Participants will meet their guide behind McCormick’s Grill at the island’s golf courses and should expect for the presentation to begin on time. [This is on Capt. Wiley Road, Left off of Beachview Drive heading north]

Minimal walking or standing may be necessary. Folding chairs are allowed but will not be provided. Photography is welcomed and encouraged.

Angus, are there any dog friendly restaurants on Jekyll? Any other dog friendly businesses? What's it like for a dog? :-)

Quote: Originally posted by kiteballoon

Angus, are there any dog friendly restaurants on Jekyll? Any other dog friendly businesses? What's it like for a dog? :-)

Given Angus's last post, I'd say Jekyll is great for dogs so long as you don't meet any of the local wildlife

Just Kidding!... I've known lots of people who brought their dogs along and had a good go of it... But Angus would be the man to answer that best

Quote: Originally posted by kiteballoon

Angus, are there any dog friendly restaurants on Jekyll? Any other dog friendly businesses? What's it like for a dog? :-)

Jekyll is generally dog-friendly.

The one restaurant that I know right now to be dog friendly is 685 Seafood, over near the marina, close to where you drive on to the island. This is the place that was formally known as Sea Jays (and some maps and signage still indicate that). The porch is dog friendly and you can walk around the side to get to it - just announce yourself inside to the wait-staff so that they know to check on you. We like the new expanded menus there.

No word yet on the new Tortuga JacS-P-A-M-L-I-N-K-s near kite Beach. They have a nice big outdoor deck. Prior management did not allow dogs there, citing that because they were state owned and run, they had to follow certain rules (that never made sense to me but...). We will have to see what new private management says. They open the week we start.

Dogs are allowed on the beach, but technically they are supposed to be leashed. Well behaved dogs that mind well (not like ours) have always been tolerated off leash if they do not cause problems.

Joan and I will be staying at the new Holiday Inn Resort Wed and Thurs night in dog-friendly rooms.

Ted and Holly from Maine always bring their dogs. They stay at a rental house.

Dogs are not permitted under any circumstances south of the southern water tower- the same limits for us in the buggies. This is due to protected wildlife.

Thanks Angus. My dog has been there before, but never overnight / in restaurants. Given the new Holiday Inn that now allows pets overnight I was wondering how feasible having a dog for a longer period on the island would be. Sounds definitely doable. Something for me to keep in mind for the future.