02/21 - Brunswick sees more protests

The Florida Times-Union
February 21, 2008
The Times-Union

BRUNSWICK - From protecting sea turtle nests from a big oceanfront development to protecting Brunswick from a big jail, protesters are busy this week.

Dressed as a loggerhead turtle, Bonnie Newell stalked the sidewalk Wednesday in front of City Hall to argue against the City Commission's consideration of a resolution favoring plans to build condominiums and shops overlooking the beach on Jekyll Island.

The proposed commercial, hotel and residential center is intended to draw more visitors to the island while replacing an aging convention center and shopping center. Mayor Bryan Thompson said he liked the proposal as drawn by Linger Longer Communities, the Jekyll Island State Park Authority's chosen developer, because it is friendly to the environment. The commissioners were to consider the resolution Wednesday night.

Defend Downtown Brunswick, a citizens group, has promised to stage its third protest at 5:30 tonight at a Glynn County Commission meeting. The group wants the commission to abandon its plans to expand the Glynn County Detention Center downtown and instead relocate it.

The county already has bought up property across the street from the jail and torn down houses in preparation for the expansion. More than 300 people protested before and during the Feb. 7 meeting, in which the County Commission adopted a resolution confirming its plans to expand the jail.

This story can be found on Jacksonville.com at http://www.jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/022108/geo_249051883.shtml.