About Jupiter Island, Florida

History

Jupiter Island, Florida is located on a barrier island just off of the mainland coast of Florida. The island sits just to the north of the town of Jupiter. The region has a rich history that dates back centuries. Local Seminole tribes originally inhabited it. It is not known however if these tribes actually used the island or just the mainland. The name Jupiter comes from the Spanish name given to the region, Jobe (pronounced Hoe-bay). The Spanish named this region after the Seminole village located in the vicinity. When the English took control of Florida, they misinterpreted the name. They thought that the name of the region was Jove, who they believed was the Spanish name for the mythological god Jupiter. As the new colonizers of the area, they tried to get rid of as much Spanish influence as possible and subsequently renamed the area to Jupiter.

The island began as a land grant from the King and Queen of Spain in 1815. The grant was given to Don Eusebio Gomez. Over the years, the land changed hands several times as the colony of Florida changed hands and eventually ended up as a state in 1845. The islands first hotel was built in 1916 and was called the Island Inn. This inn quickly became a winter vacation home for northerners.

The Great Depression hit the area hard. The land boom that was happening in Southeastern Florida, crashed and all of the budding towns with it. The area would remain in bad shape until the outbreak of World War II. During this time, the United States began funneling money into the region to build up coastal defenses. This money turned the economy around and ushered in another population boom. It was during this time that the Jupiter Island Residents Committee was formed and the island got its first police and fire stations. In the years that followed, Southeastern Florida would become one of the country’s premier tourist destinations.

Today

Jupiter Island is home to some of the wealthiest individuals in the entire United States. The population is around 800 people. The island has become known for its huge mansions and famous residents. In 1999 it was rated by Worth magazine as the highest per capita income of any place in the entire United States.

Things to do

The island is mostly residential and small. Most residents of the island have their own access to beaches and waterfront. For all other activities, residents have to cross over to the mainland. Jupiter is a bustling community with lots to do. The beaches in the community are pristine. They benefit from the warm water ushered in by the Gulf Stream and the perfect weather that comes with it. In addition to beaches, the region is known for golfing. There are over 100 golf courses and country clubs in the surrounding area. Residents and visitors are sure to find a course that suits their abilities and budget. The region is also becoming a mecca for the culinary arts. As the tourism industry continues to grow, the region continues to find itself at the cutting edge of new restaurants and chefs looking to make a name for themselves.