Genetic Algorithms (GAs) and Local Search (LS) Algorithms

Hi all,

I am interested in designing LS and GA algorithms for a real-world scheduling problem which is a reasonably sized problem with about 500 events. I am currently using a tool called JGAP (Java Genetic Algorithm Package) to develop my GA which is not able to effectively solve a problem with 500 events in quick time. Can anyone assist me with
- the software to quickly develop suchs GAs (in JAVA preferrably) and implement many fitness functions (which effectively model the constraints of the problem)
- the software to develop LS algorithms and test them

I would appreciate ANY help in this area.