Jekyll Island: 'A renewed coastal paradise'

Hundreds gathered in Jekyll Island over the weekend to celebrate the rededication of the revitalized state park to the people of Georgia.
Jekyll Island has been undergoing a unique and ambitious renewal with developments that include a new convention center, beach village and hotel operations. These efforts are expected to bolster economic opportunities for tourism, and, what's more important, put Jekyll Island back on the map as a beloved Georgia treasure.

'With its dramatic revitalization and new tourism amenities, Jekyll Island has given us many new reasons to come back to this coastal paradise, for an experience that will last a lifetime,' said Kevin Langston, Deputy Commissioner of Tourism at the Georgia Department of Economic Development.

Celebratory events started Sunday afternoon and ensued  through the night. The island came to life with live entertainment, food trucks and historical and wildlife a attractions unique to Jekyll Island's rich culture. Pre-festivities concluded with a dedication ceremony for the new Beach Village Sunday evening.

On Monday, Governor Nathan Deal officially rededicated the state park to the people of Georgia. The ceremony was held near the Jekyll Island Wharf on the riverfront lawn, outside the Jekyll Island Club Hotel. Members of the board of the Jekyll Island Authority and other state and local leaders also participated in the rededication, which included a special performance by the renowned Georgia Mass Choir.

[caption id="attachment_30676" align="alignright" width="363"] Governor Nathan Deal and First Lady Sandra Deal greet attendees at the rededication ceremony.
Photo by Jekyll Island Authority[/caption]

'We have come a long way,' said Deal. 'The island has a new look but maintains its original charm. Thanks to public and private revitalization efforts and the careful stewardship of the island's natural resources, this is a wonderful place that all Georgians can enjoy and share now and in the future.'

State legislators of the 1940s wanted Jekyll Island to be a destination for people throughout Georgia and beyond, and the island, 'through careful stewardship,'' continues to live up to that mandate, said Deal.