Ocean Plaza Beach Resort's Publications

• Mercer University November, 2010 Harry Spirides, CEO of the luxurious Ocean Plaza Beach Resort on Tybee Island, obtained his MBA from Mercer University, which was founded in 1833. Consistently ranked among the leading schools in the South, Mercer University has established a distinguished reputation by maintaining rigorous academics, a distinguished faculty, and cutting-edge facilities. Founded in 1984, Mercer’s business school was named for Eugene W. Stetson, a prominent businessman noted for his success in the corporate world. The Stetson School is accredited by both the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the elite Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. The latter is a distinction enjoyed by fewer than a third of business schools in the country. Moreover, Mercer MBA students recently ranked it among the top 15 in two categories in The Princeton Review, noting the superiority of its education in the areas of marketing and accounting. The noteworthy recognition places The Stetson School of Business in the company of Harvard, Duke, Indiana University, Northwestern, and the University of Michigan. The Princeton Review also gave the school its number-three spot in the category of “Greatest Opportunity for Women.” Graduates of the school’s MBA program include executives in Fortune 500 companies, leading entrepreneurs, and heads of nonprofits throughout the country. The school is noted for its innovative, student-centered approach to education. Working closely with an adviser, students are encouraged to identify personal interests and are fully supported as they map out a program that is appropriate to their needs and goals. All students receive a solid foundation in business principles and ethics. With a focus on the realities of today’s business world, the school prepares its students to thrive, grow, and succeed after leaving the academic world. Testimonials from graduates speak to the excellence of the curriculum, the exceptional quality of the faculty, and the supportive, yet challenging, environment. The Stetson School’s former students include individuals employed in top positions in a wide variety of endeavors, ranging from health sciences and environmental safety to international commerce.

• Rewarding Activities to do on Tybee Island, Harry Spirides, Ocean Plaza Beach Resort December, 2010 Ocean Plaza Beach Resort As owner of Ocean Plaza Beach Resort, located on Tybee Island near Savannah, Georgia, I often assist guests in finding rewarding activities to do on this uniquely historical resort island. Tybee Island has a long history as a seaside resort, first finding favor with tourists visiting by steamboat from Savannah in the years after the Civil War. However, it was not until the completion of the Central of Georgia Railroad line to Tybee Island in 1887 that tourism really took off. At that time Tybee was marketed as a premier South Atlantic resort. The Tybrisa Pavilion was completed by the railroad company in 1891, and its open dance floor made it a legendary entertainment stop for more than seven decades. Gutted by fire in 1967, the pavilion was sorely missed until the mid 1990s, when then-Mayor Walter Parker spearheaded an effort to build a new pavilion. The Walter Parker Pier and Pavilion at Tybee Island was opened in 1996, and since then has become an iconic entertainment venue on the island. One very popular event on the island is the annual Tybee Island Pirate Fest, which takes place each Columbus Day weekend in October. The three-day celebration features a costume parade; the Buccaneer’s Ball, featuring a costume contest and crowning of the Pirate Fest King and Queen; and musical entertainment. The 2010 Pirate Fest offered performances by Drivin’ N’ Cryin’ and Eddie Money. There are also many activities to accommodate children, including costume contests and a petting zoo. I highly recommend that Pirate Fest attendees book accommodation well in advance, as beds become scarce on the island. Beyond the big events, Tybee Island offers recreational activities for the entire family, including fishing, kayaking in the salt marshes, jet-skiing, and parasailing. There is also ample bird-watching for nature enthusiasts, and boats can be chartered to go dolphin watching or deep-sea fishing. There are many reasons to put a stay at the Ocean Plaza Beach Resort on your family’s travel itinerary.

• Fun and Educational Opportunities for the Whole Family on Tybee Island December, 2010 by Ocean Plaza Beach Resort Tybee Island Marine Science Center – Founded in 1987 by the University of Georgia Marine Extension Service (MAREX) as a marine education program for the general public, the Tybee Island Marine Science Center sponsored original events including a summer beach walk as well as seining program, in which participants could observe myriad species of fish. Current programs include the annual Turtle Trot, a fundraiser to protect nesting sea turtles on the local beach, and Sea Camp, a children’s program with a variety of aquatic educational opportunities for young people ages four and up. Oatland Island Education Center of Savannah – With a mission to provide a safe and caring environment for all resident animals and offer exceptional learning opportunities to guests, the Oatland Island Education Center of Savannah occupies more than 100 acres of maritime forest land near Savannah, Georgia. Featuring more than 50 species of animals, the Oatland Island Education Center divides its exhibits into seven primary areas: the Wolf Wilderness, which contains the Gray Wolf, Peregrine Falcon, Eastern Indigo Snake, Seba’s Short-tailed Bat, and the Gopher Tortoise; the Alligator Wetlands, which features the American Alligator, Sandhill Crane, Brown Pelican, White Ibis, and Black-crowned Night Heron; the Pollination Station, which also hosts the Gopher Tortoise; the Hoofed Animals exhibit, which includes American Bison and White-tailed Deer; the Predators of Georgia area, which holds cougars, bobcats, and Red Foxes; the Birds of Prey exhibit, which features the Barn Owl, Bald Eagle, Red-tailed Hawk, Cooper’s Hawk, Barred Owl, Great Horned Owl, and Red-shouldered Hawk; and the Georgia Farm, which hosts a wide variety of common farm animals, including goats, rabbits, cows, and sheep. Sundial Fishing and Nature Tours – Through Sundial Fishing and Nature Tours, visitors of Tybee Island, Georgia, receive the rare opportunity to view an array of indigenous wild animals in their native habitats. Children and adults of all ages can go dolphin watching on a boat tour or venture out on guided hikes that will reveal dozens of native shorebirds, including the rare Oystercatcher. Visitors can also participate in fossil hunts, crabbing and cast netting adventures, and beach combing trips. American Oystercatcher, photograph taken by Alan D. Wilson, www.naturespicsonline.com.

• Dining Options at Ocean Plaza Beach Resort January, 2011 Dining Options at Ocean Plaza Beach Resort Guests at by Ocean Plaza Beach Resort primarily dine at the Dolphin Reef Oceanfront Restaurant & Sports Bar, which offers a breakfast buffet, lunch and dinner entrees, and a seafood buffet on Friday and Saturday nights. Every day, Dolphin Reef grants diners an inspiring view of the Atlantic Ocean while enjoying an endless supply of eggs, grits, hash browns, pastries, croissants, fresh fruit, eggs, sausage, juice, and other delicious options. Ocean Plaza Beach Resort guests eat breakfast free of charge. Lunches and dinners blend flavors from American, Southern, and Caribbean cuisines, providing fresh steak, seafood, chicken, and pasta. Dolphin Reef strives to bring only the freshest foods to its patrons, serving local, seasonal meats and vegetables as well as delicacies shipped from around the world. The restaurant’s specialties include Shrimp and Crab Pasta, Crab Meat-Stuffed Flounder, Cajun Scallops, Surf and Turf, Hawaiian Chicken, and Tybee Style Fish of the Day, which means the filet is smothered with a white wine cream sauce, mushrooms, and crab meat. A popular attraction for kids and adults alike, Dolphin Reef’s seafood buffet grants access to all-you-can-eat shrimp, crab legs, crab soup, baked fish fillets, clams, and mussels. Those who don’t like seafood can enjoy chicken dishes, as well as extensive salad and dessert bars. The buffet has become beloved tradition for many Tybee Island regulars. The Dolphin Reef Sports Bar serves domestic and local brews while patrons watch their choice of sporting events on the establishment’s seven large flat-screen, high-definition televisions. With an NFL Sunday Ticket subscription, the bar ensures that no one misses any game while staying at Ocean Plaza Beach Resort. Those at the bar have access to the full Dolphin Reef menu as well as pub classics like hot wings and burgers. Crabs on Ice

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