Vote for Eleuthera Living

I've recently gotten some information about the new French Leave being developed in Governor's Harbour.   From the sounds of it, they're doing the best they can to develop French Leave the right way. Not always the fastest or easiest way, but the right way. There's no guarantee but they sure seem serious about this venture.  Everyone is always cynical about new projects actually completing and being successful.  This one sounds like the old tortoise and hare story... Where the tortoise makes all the noise and fan fare but it's the hare who wins...  French Leave may just be the hare.  The developers at French Leave have already proven a desire to benefit the local community.  Here's some info:

Governor's Harbour Resort and Marina received Investment Authority approval to proceed in late May 2005. Since then, they have closed (acquired) all the Frank Lloyd Properties in Governor's Harbour and Savannah Hill at Savannah Sound. The original Club Med site did not have the adequate land necessary to support the required residential units associated with a new hotel today and the former Club Med only owned two (2) acres at the marina site (not enough to build a legitimate marina and marina village). They acquired over 356 acres in the last 18 months.

Included in the Frank Lloyd acquisition is the land across the street from RBC and the ESSO Station that is presently being cleared and will be made
available for sale to the Government, local Government or Bahamian developers to acquire for the benefit and expansion of the community of Governor's Harbour. The clearing on Queens Highway near the health clinic is for the future marina and marina village site. All the debris and trash, all over the Frank Lloyd Properties is being hauled to the dump in preparation for the future resort. The last buildings at the former Club Med Marina are now scheduled to be demoloshed in the immediate future.

There are many challenges with this project. As an example, it's vital to have a marina to support and drive the economy for Central Eleuthera and the French Leave Resort but, that's "easier said than done". It would be simple to build the marina slips but at Governor's Harbour, a multi million dollar breakwater is required. That takes a little more time to engineer, schedule and build versus a "standard marina".

In addition, while waiting to proceed at French Leave, they have refurbished Hut Pointe on Queens Highway and restored the Methodist Manse on Cupid's Cay for
a Children's Center.  

Tried to make reservations to go to Eleu on Lynx around Christmas time.  All the dates I wanted were booked solid.  A nice note is that Lynx's prices remain the same even with rising fuel costs.  I had to book on Twin Air (and they were almost completely booked).  I got the last 2 seats for my trip over on Boxing Day.  The nice thing about Twin Air is that you can change your departure/arrival dates without the $60 change fee that Lynx charges.  So... it's really a toss up over the 2 airlines for me.  I like Lynx for their price and the extra 20lbs luggage allotment.  I like Twin Air for the ability to change flights (you know, sometimes you just don't want to leave!) and the free parking.

To share my building woes... I won't be getting title to my property for some time, since there was a type-o and the title was sent back and the lawyer informs me that this will take another 6-8 months!  I got my plans from the architect, but discovered that he may have over-built - like a commercial building - too expensive for me.  Having him re-engineer the support of my ground floor above my garage.  He had steel trusses supporting a concrete slab - I was planning on having poured columns and beams supporting the slab... so, back to hurry up and wait.

This is the first full week of school for the children of Eleuthera.  The weather has been hot and still in Eleuthera.  Governor's Harbour has gotten its new fire truck and it's sitting outside the police station.  The road repairs are completed up to Palmetto Point.  Rock Sound Club is still progressing in its renovations.  Seashells at Cotton Bay is still actively being developed.  The old Club Med in Governor's Harbour has been cleared away and construction is beginning on the new French Leave.

In anticipation of all the development going on in Eleuthera and the resurgence of interest in travel to Eleuthera, air service is stepping up.   It looks like Continental Airlines will start offering service into Rock Sound soon - I'll give you the schedule when I get it.  They're talking about upgrading their service into Governor's Harbour by utilizing a a30 seat plane.  Also, there are talks that Lynx may be offering service into North Eleuthera.

As far as upcoming events, Briland's Regatta and Wemsys Bight's "Back to the Roots" festival are approaching soon.  Both will be held October 12-16.