The Georgia State Legislature's Energy, Utilities & Telecommunications meeting on March 6, 2025, featured a significant presentation focused on economic development in Coastal Georgia. The meeting highlighted a collaborative project aimed at boosting tourism and local economic growth in Camden County.

James Coughlin, head of the Camden County Joint Development Authority, along with Bill Gross from WH Gross Construction, presented their initiative called the Georgia Florida Sports Park. This project is strategically located between Exit 3 and Exit 1 on the west side of Interstate 95, designed to attract visitors who typically pass through the area on their way to Florida.

Coughlin emphasized the importance of drawing tourists to Camden County, stating that the goal is to encourage visitors to spend more time in the area rather than just stopping for gas. The initiative aims to increase hotel occupancy, retail sales, and job creation, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for local residents.

The project is a public-private partnership, with both local government and private stakeholders working together to create a vibrant tourism market. Coughlin noted that Camden County currently loses retail dollars to neighboring Florida, and this initiative seeks to reverse that trend by providing attractions that will keep visitors in Georgia.

The presentation included data from a retail leakage study conducted by Georgia Power, illustrating the financial impact of out-of-state spending. Coughlin highlighted the need for Camden County to capture more of the retail sales that currently flow to Florida, positioning the Georgia Florida Sports Park as a catalyst for local economic development.

The meeting concluded with a call for support from the legislature to help realize this vision for Camden County, which aims to leverage its proximity to the Florida border to enhance its economic prospects.