Walked across this aqua colored draw bridge several times while visiting Delray Beach. With a swift…read morewalk east on Atlantic Ave, it took us twenty minutes to get from Swinton Ave (restaurant and bar area) to the Atlantic Avenue Crossing. It took over twenty-five years for the bridge to be declared an historic site in Delray Beach. Sadly, the bridge never raised during our visit but still a cool crutch to get us to the other side of the intercoastal waterway.

Took a long walk to the bridge on Atlantic Avenue while in Delray Beach but never saw it open for…read moreboats. It was a good thing i came all this way because Deck84 was next to the bridge and had a bite to eat with a cocktail on the waterfront deck with great views of the bridge. The bridge was officially supposed to open every 15 and 45 minutes each hour but never happened.

Lake Trail is a five and a half mile scenic path that offers some of the most beautiful views of…read morePalm Beach. The trail runs along the Lake Worth Lagoon from South Lake Drive near Peruvian Avenue northward, ending just north of the Sailfish Club. I picked up the trail near Whitehall, Henry Flagler's former home, which is now a museum. Along the way, there are several other historic points of interest, including Sea Gull Cottage, Bethesda-by-the-Sea, and the Sailfish Club. While walking along the trail just past the historic kapok tree, I spotted this marker commemorating the site of the Cocoanut Grove House, once Florida's only hotel on the east coast between Titusville and Key West. The blue marker is part of Florida's Historical Marker Program, one of the Division of Historical Resources' most recognizable public-history initiatives. These markers commemorate significant people, places, and events throughout the state and can be found along roadways, at archaeological sites, battlefields, colleges, historic districts, schools, churches, cemeteries, and locations where historic buildings once stood. Historical Marker F-727 was erected in 2011 by the Seminole Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) and the Florida Department of State. The Cocoanut Grove House was the first hotel on Lake Worth. Elisha Newton "Cap" Dimick, one of the early founders of Palm Beach, built the original structure in 1876 as a private residence for his family. In 1880, Dimick expanded the building by adding eight rooms and converted it into an inn. Two years later, he sold the hotel to Commodore Charles J. Clark, who continued operating it for several years. The hotel became an important stop for visitors arriving in Palm Beach. Approximately 4,500 guests stayed at the Cocoanut Grove House between 1883 and 1895, many arriving aboard the Illinois, a flat bottomed sharpie that traveled between the Indian River and Lake Worth. Guests could dine on local specialties such as fish, green turtle, venison, and vegetables for $1.50 per day or $6 per week. The hotel also played a role in the early development of Palm Beach. In 1893, Henry M. Flagler stayed at the Cocoanut Grove House while planning the extension of the Florida East Coast Railway to Palm Beach. Flagler later leased the Cocoanut Grove House to house his workers while they constructed his Royal Poinciana Hotel.. In 1893 the Cocoanut Grove House was destroyed by fire. Although the hotel is long gone, the original location is marked at the northwest corner of Pendleton Lane and Lake Trail, making it an easy stop to visit while exploring Lake Trail.

I enjoy exploring the architecture of the historic districts of West Palm Beach. There are twelve…read morehistoric districts mar\ked by blue historical markers. These historic districts were created when Henry Flagler brought the railroad to West Palm Beach. The Belair Historic District is between South Flagler Drive and South Dixie Highway. It is bounded by Plymouth Road on the south and Pilgrim Road to the north. Belair was developed from 1925 to 1935 as a neighborhood where the tradesmen and real estate salesmen who helped build and develop Palm Beach County lived. In 1885 South Carolina author James Woods Davidson acquired the area as part of a Homestead Act. He in turn sold the land to early pioneer, Englishman Richard Hone. Hone turned it into a pineapple plantation and he and his wife Mary lived in a frame vernacular home at 211 Plymouth Road. In 1902 Hone was shot to death at the age of 43 during a storm while writing a letter at his dining room table as his wife sat beside him. One of Hone's employees was caught a few days later and charged with the murder. He was hung for the crime in Miami. In 1985 the grave of Richard Hone and his infant sons Edward and Robert were discovered beneath the Norton Museum of Art where they still lay today. After the Hone murder, the property was sold in 1923 to William and Sophie Ohlhaber to grow coconut palms and ferns. George Curie platted the land for a subdivision and sold off in lots. The Ohihaber's owned the first house built, a mission-style home at 205 Pilgrim. In 1947 Hone's house was bought by Max Brombacher, Henry Flagler's chief engineer, and it remains in the Brombacher family today. Homes in this neighborhood were built after WWI during Florida's land boom years in the 1920's and early 1030's. Architectural styles include Mediterranean Revival, Mission Revival, and Wood-Frame and Masonry Vernacular style houses. Belair became West Palm Beach's fourth historic district in August 1993. Historic Marker F-1201 was installed in 2022 by the South End Neighborhood Association and the Florida Department of State. You can find it in the swale next to the lake Worth Lagoon.

While looking for something else in downtown West Palm Beach today, I happened upon this blue…read morehistorical marker behind the original Neoclassical 1916 Palm Beach County Courthouse and stopped to learn more about it. The marker is part of Florida's Historical Marker Program, one of the Florida Department of State's Division of Historical Resources' most recognizable public-history initiatives. These markers commemorate significant people, places, and events throughout the state and can be found along roadways, at archaeological sites, battlefields, colleges, schools, churches, historic cemeteries, historic districts, and historic courthouses like this one. Historical Marker F-712 was erected in 2011 through a partnership involving the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners, the Robert Neff Family, the Historical Society of Palm Beach County, and the Florida Department of State. Palm Beach County was established in 1909, and its first county offices were located in an old schoolhouse in West Palm Beach. As the community grew, the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners approved construction of a new courthouse in 1913. Designed by prominent Florida architect Wilber Burt Talley, the building was constructed by contractor Evert P. Maule, whose winning bid was $122,500. Completed in 1916 and dedicated in 1917, the courthouse was considered one of the finest buildings in Florida at the time and was even described as "the handsomest" courthouse in the state. The four-story courthouse is an example of Neoclassical Revival architecture, featuring three grand columned porticos and brick-veneer exterior walls trimmed with industrial limestone. Inside you will see oak paneling, mosaic-tile hallways, maple floors, and a two-story courtroom with a balcony and skylights. When it opened, the courthouse housed all of the county offices and contained a single courtroom, which served the county for about a decade. Palm Beach County's exploded in growth during the 1920s and again after World War II. The original courthouse quickly became too small. An addition was made in 1927, and in 1969 a massive $5.5 million wraparound addition was constructed that essentially concealed the historic building. By 1972, the original architecture of the courthouse was almost completely lost under additions. When a much larger courthouse opened directly across the street in 1995, preservationists saw an opportunity to save and restore the historic structure. One of the first things removed was the wraparound addition, revealing the original 1916 courthouse once again. After standing vacant for nearly a decade, the county committed $18.5 million to its restoration in 2002. The project was completed in 2007, and the building was repurposed as the home of the Historical Society of Palm Beach County's history museum. I have previously visited the museum and enjoyed seeing the courthouse itself. The historic interior offers a glimpse into Palm Beach County's early years, while exhibits in the courtroom balcony explore the history of Florida law and the state's legal system. This courthouse has more than a century of Palm Beach County history behind its walls.

Nice, interesting little park with a few descriptive signs. If you are riding the Water Taxi, it's…read morea great place to spend time while you are waiting for the next boat.

I've been here several times. I didn't realize it, but the last time was exactly 5 years ago in…read moreJuly 2014. This was shortly after it had been placed on the National Register of Historic Places. At the time it was only the 2nd place in Pompano listed. For some reason, my review wasn't listed in Yelp at the time. Since I was first here, the trees have grown and the lawns have become lush and green. One of the newer plaques lists the various trees planted here in memoriam. They were all donated. It is within view of the intracoastal waterway. This is what I wrote about it before -- all still true: This prehistoric Indian Mound Park honors the ancestors of the Tequesta Indians who used to bury the bones of their ancestors all together in large piles. It is now covered with grass and in the middle of the mound is a small pedestal with a plaque on it saying that it was created as a ceremonial burial place about 1300 AD. Surrounding the green grassy hill and central plaque is a small path and a couple benches. In front of the benches, there are pedestals with more information about the Mound. One embedded plaque (looks original) on the ground indicates it is also a bird sanctuary. The large leafy trees make it a shady spot for reflection and rest. There have never been any other people there when I've visited. Parking is limited nearby. There are a few spaces along the street parallel to the intracoastal.

If you want to experience Revolutionary War history in Florida, there isn't much to see. Most of…read moreFlorida remained loyal to the British during the American Revolution, but as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States, there are a few reminders of the Revolution if you know where to look. Chapters of organizations such as the Florida Society Sons of the American Revolution and local Daughters of the American Revolution chapters have placed memorials and markers throughout the state. One of these Revolutionary War memorials can be found in West palm Beach. While visiting Monceaux Park in West Palm Beach, I discovered this historic marker along the Lake Worth Lagoon. I'm familiar with Florida's blue heritage markers, but this was my first time coming across a Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) marker. The America 250 Patriot Marker was unveiled in October 2025 and honors the Revolutionary War patriots who fought for and secured American independence. The marker was sponsored by the Henry Morrison Flagler Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR), a chapter based in Gulf Stream, Florida. Founded on May 26, 1995, the chapter is named for Henry Morrison Flagler, the industrialist and Florida East Coast Railway pioneer whose railroad played a major role in transforming Florida. The chapter promotes patriotism, historic preservation, and education through activities such as historical lectures, teas, and luncheons featuring authors, local historians, and presentations on American and Florida history. Members also participate in patriotic commemorations and community events, including local Veterans Day celebrations. The marker is part of the nationwide America 250 initiative leading up to the 250th anniversary of the United States and the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026. It was unveiled alongside city officials, including West Palm Beach Mayor Keith A. James, to honor the men and women who fought for liberty and helped establish the nation. I always enjoy coming across historic markers like this one because they offer a chance to learn something new about American history while exploring local parks and communities. This marker is a meaningful reminder of the sacrifices made by the patriots of the Revolutionary era and the importance of preserving their legacy.

A little historic area off Glades Road in East Boca Raton. Established in 1915 by Afican American…read moreand Bahamian farmworkers and is the oldest community in Boca Raton and in 2023 it was added to the National Registry of Historic Places. There are a few parking spaces at the far end near the fire station. There is a nice walking path and benches throughout. There are a few landmarks including the Dr Martin Luther King statue, Fountain House, Macedonia AME Church and Community Garden.

Pearl City is a historic neighborhood just north of downtown Boca Raton. The neighborhood was…read moreplated on May 30, 1915, a decade before Boca Raton was incorporated. The neighborhood was created when Thomas M. Rickards, Henry M. Flagler's agent decided to return to North Carolina and sell his land holdings. Rickards hired his successor George Ashley Long to survey and sell the property. Long created a three block subdivision and began selling lots along the Florida East Coast Railway tracks north of the railroad tracks and it became Pearl City. Alex Hughes was the first person to buy a lot and he became a community leader. Hughes Park in Boca is named in his honor. Other founding family names are the Swansons, Clarks, Johnsons, Alburys, Wrights and Cunninghams. Long went on to become the first mayor of Boca Raton. Eventually the neighborhood spread eight more blocks to the north. Residents of the neighborhood were the blue collar African Americans employed at resorts, farms, and in construction. Many people worked at Butts farm growing green beans or at the Boca Raton Resort once it was built. The last wooden residence in Pearl City is the historic Fountain House at 156 NE Pearl St. It was built in 1929 Alvin and Gladys Fountain. Small wooden houses were once common in the area but now there are very few left. Pearl City was designated a historic district by the decree of the Boca Raton City Council in 2002. At that time the city used 6.2 million dollars they received from Community Development Block Grants from the federal government to improve infra structure in the community. The reason the area was named Pearl City has been lost to time. The prevailing theory behind the name is that it is related to the Hawaii Pearl Pineapple because pineapples were grown in the area and harvested in a shed in the neighborhood. Another theory is that the first baby born in the community was named Pearl. The other two streets in the neighborhood are named after precious gems, Ruby and Sapphire streets. A notable neighborhood landmark is a memorial dedicated to Martin Luther King in front of the Ebeneezer Baptist Church which was organized in 1918.

While exploring in Palm Beach near Henry Flagler's home Whitehall, I came across this Florida…read moreHistorical Marker marking the site where one of the most important buildings in the city's history once stood, the Royal Poinciana Hotel. The Florida Historical Marker Program was established by state legislation in 1960 under the Florida Board of Parks and Historic Memorials, now administered by the Florida Department of State's Division of Historical Resources. The earliest markers used green signs featuring the state seal before transitioning to the familiar blue design with the Florida Heritage emblem. Marker F-19 was installed in 1961 by the Florida Board of Parks and Historic Memorials, making it part of the very first generation of official cast aluminum historical markers produced under the newly established program. Today, these markers are one of Florida's most recognizable public-history initiatives. They commemorate significant people, places, and events throughout the state and can be found at archaeological sites, battlefields, colleges, schools, churches, historic cemeteries, historic districts, courthouses, and locations where important historic buildings once stood, like this one. The marker commemorates the site of the Royal Poinciana Hotel, built by Henry Flagler and opened on February 11, 1894, after he extended his railroad to Palm Beach. This is probably the one historic Palm Beach building I most wish I could see today. The six story, yellow and white Georgian style hotel was built as a winter retreat for wealthy Northerners and overlooked Lake Worth, surrounded by expansive gardens. It cost more than $1 million to build and could accommodate roughly 2,000 guests, while its enormous dining room could seat 1,600 people. At one point, it was considered the largest wooden structure in the world. Looking at old photographs of the Royal Poinciana, I can't help but think of Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. The Grand Floridian was inspired by the Victorian era resort hotels that once lined Florida's east coast, and the Royal Poinciana represents that same grand tradition of Gilded Age Florida resorts. It is difficult to imagine what Palm Beach looked like when Flagler arrived. The Royal Poinciana became a magnet for wealthy winter visitors and played an enormous role in transforming Palm Beach into a fashionable resort destination. During the social season, which typically ran from December into February, the hotel was packed with guests and had to be expanded repeatedly to accommodate the crowds. Unfortunately, the hotel's run eventually came to an end. The collapse of Florida's land boom, the hurricanes of the 1920s, and the Great Depression all contributed to its decline. The Royal Poinciana remained in use through the 1929-1930 season and was eventually demolished in 1936. Today, almost nothing remains of the enormous hotel. The historical marker stands as a reminder of where it once dominated the Palm Beach landscape. The Chapel of the Holy Spirit is one of the few surviving structures connected to the Royal Poinciana, although it is no longer in its original location. The building originally served as the hotel's tea house before being moved and converted into a chapel in 1967. I've also had the opportunity to see some of the Royal Poinciana's china and other surviving artifacts at Whitehall, Henry Flagler's former mansion and now a museum in Palm Beach. Although no longer in existence the Royal Poinciana left a legacy that helped put Palm Beach on the map.