Jekyll Island

Part of what led to the idea for this blog is the ongoing discussion about Jekyll Island, GA and its future. This is far too long and complicated an issue to discuss in a limited time. However, I saw something in this morning's Tifton (GA) Gazette that got me thinking. In the "Rant and Rave" column was the following comment:

“At present, you do not have to be ‘rich’ financially to enjoy Jekyll Island. My family is far from wealthy; however, we have spent many virtually free weekends at Jekyll Island, enjoying the sun, sand and surf on a beautiful public beach, Little money was spent, but the adventure offered a world of emotional and family wealth to a family that would otherwise never spent any time on a beach. The deal is the island is Georgia history, and some things don't need to be developed. It is your personal choice to enjoy or not, and it is a freedom that should not be taken away.” 

First, in all the proposals that I have seen for Jekyll Island, I have not seen anything to suggest that people will no longer be able to enjoy the island for little or no cost. Yes, there will probably be new hotels, shops, etc. Yes, it will probably cost more to stay in these new hotels than it does to stay in the present facilities. This person's comment, however, leads me to think he or she does not stay in hotel of spend a lot of money in Jekyll Island's shops and restaurants. In short, this one's kind of a non-starter.

Secondly, where did people get the idea that they are entitled to an "affordable" rate for Jekyll Island's hotels? Do they think, because it is a "state park" that they are entitled to a room near the beach (ON the beach would be even better) for less than $100 a night (which, by the way, would be a stretch for a lot of people, "average" or not). My family visited two national parks last summer: Yellowstone and Grand Tetons. We stayed in the Old Faithful Inn, and the Jackson Lodge. These were by no means inexpensive accommodations. Frankly, I couldn't have afforded to stay in them but we were there on someone else's tab (Thanks, mom).

The point is this: Just because they are in NATIONAL PARKS, owned by YOU and ME, I did NOT feel that it was my "right" to stay there at a reduced rate. Likewise, Georgia residents -- the owners of Jekyll Island -- should not expect to stay there for an unrealistic ("affordable") rate.

Certainly this will probably offend some people, and frankly I look forward to the dialogue. Stay tuned.

-- Jekyll Boy