More information about Loxahatchee, FL

An hour and a half north of Miami and 20 miles inland from West Palm Beach is the rural community of Loxahatchee, Florida. Named after the Loxahatchee River the name means in Seminole “the River for Turtles”. This is appropriate today as well because this is one of two rivers in Florida with the distinction of being a National Wild and Scenic River. It received this designation in 1985. 156 rivers have been selected in the United States and are preserved for possessing somewhat remarkable scenery and have the following values for a river. They possess recreational, geological historical, cultural values as well as having fish and wildlife. These rivers are left in their free-flowing condition.

History of Loxahatchee

The state of Florida approved the rural area of Loxahatchee to become incorporated as part of the town of Loxahatchee Groves in 2006. Being the most rural area in Palm Beach County they wanted it be protected from encroaching growth and urbanization. The rural character of this so called neighborhood happens to be its most value. The lot sizes range from one acre to 20 acres so it is by no means densely populated. The land restrictions remain loose and you will also find native and even some exotic animals present.

Loxahatchee Today

One of the developments in the area is called The Acreage. Lot sizes start at 1.14 acres and increase from there. There are actually over 38,000 residents now in this development. The large spacious sites, woods and dirt roads maintain that rural character. Loxahatchee is under the supervision of the Indian Trail Improvement District. Created in 1957 and having only five full time employees in 1992 the District has now grown to 41 full time employees. Their purpose is to reclaim and maintain the lands within its boundaries. They do so with water control, water supply and the construction of canals, ditches, levees, dikes and pumping stations. They are also responsible for all road paving and maintenance. They are now also responsible for nine parks in the area owned by the District. Another part of the area is Loxahatchee Groves. This rural town has a population of roughly 3,500 residents. Something unique located in Loxahatchee is the Lion Country Safari Park. The original park was in a four mile wildlife preserve and featured a 33 acre Amusement park. You would purchase a ticket, enter the park in your own vehicle and this gave you a chance to observe over 1,000 cage less animals roaming in their natural habitat. Convertibles were not allowed! Visitors that ignored the warnings about opening their car doors and windows did necessitate some fencing in given areas for safety. Once you have slowly wandered through the preserve you ended up at Safari World, a theme park with exhibits and multiple rides. It is a unique destination in Palm Beach County. Loxahatchee is only 15 miles from the beaches of the Atlantic Ocean. Here you can look to the north or south as far as you can see and gaze on beautiful beaches and sparkling blue water. Enjoy!