Crossing the "Ditch" - From Moonshine to Mimosas

I cannot tell you the number of times that I drove by the impressive locomotive at Beach Boulevard and 3^rd Street in Jacksonville Beach, FL.  The Beaches Museum and History Park always seemed like it was just for locals and maybe Elementary school field trips. I stopped in one Friday, had a personal guided tour by one of their knowledgeable Docents and learned that the beaches are literally rich in history.

San Pablo Locomotive

It’s a given that many of us know St. Augustine is known as the oldest city.  But what if we cross East over the Intracoastal Waterway (as locals call it the “ditch”) and discover the island consisting of Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, Jacksonville Beach and Ponte Vedra Beach. 

Personally, I like that these beach communities are not overcome with tourists. In fact, tourists are sometimes agitated with the lack of parking here at our picturesque beaches. Many of our beach goers actually live on the beach or just a short bike ride from the beach. Local bars and restaurants include bike racks inviting the sandy guests in after a day on the beach.

But the beaches have not always been like this. In fact, Jacksonville Beach had two other names in its history. Its original name was Ruby Beach, named after William and Eleanor Skull’s eldest daughter around 1884. This dated back when the area was a just tent city and the Skulls were known for opening the first general store and post office. The Ruby Settlement sold thirty-five lots in one day for a total of $7,514! How is that for a real estate investment?  In 1907, Ruby Beach became known as Pablo Beach - named after the San Pablo River.  However, we have been referring to our soft sand beach as Jacksonville Beach (aka “Jax “Beach) since 1925.

Back in the day, the Atlantic Beach hotel was the place to be seen before it burned to the ground in 1919.  Now, Atlantic Beach is sprinkled with a combination of local, trendy and upscale shops and restaurants. The residents of Neptune Beach still take pride in maintaining their small town lifestyle.

Ponte Vedra Beach

Ponte Vedra Beach had more moonshine than mimosas back then.  The sand there is rich in minerals - specifically, titanium, quartz, zircon. ilmenite, and rutile. Miners ruled the land that golfers and country club members now occupy.  The sand still holds its minerals, but the prestige can be found on the greens. What was once an area for miniature and baby links golf, is now home to renowned courses that attract top golfers from around the globe.

The Florida East Coast Railway that ran up and down the beaches was the only form of transportation – which explains the encased locomotive on Beach Boulevard. That is until the “Electric Road” was created with a white-ish lit path road as crushed seashells literally paved the way to the beach. Now known as Atlantic Boulevard, the road was completed in 1910 and life at the beaches took off. Luxury tents for visitors and transportation to the beach by train became a thing of the past.

Back then, beach life on and along the sand consisted of car races, penny arcades, pinball machines, beauty pageants, wrestling matches, circus acts, shooting galleries, a dance hall, a roller coaster, a ferris wheel and even a boardwalk.

I believe that it still holds that small beach town flair, but a little more modern.  An event of some kind takes place just about every week.  Concerts, recitals, moonlight movies, car shows, running races and fund raising events are often held at or near the outdoor pavilion in Jacksonville Beach right along the ocean. The annual opening of the beaches parade, weekly arts market and fishing off the pier are favorites to the locals.

Jacksonville Beach

Automobiles driving on the beach is a memory from the past. Only the Red Cross and Turtle Patrol can be seen driving on the sand.  I learned that back when driving was permissible, a tourist would always stick out when their “parked” car would be seen sailing off with the tide. Learning the tide schedule is highly recommended…especially if you are attempting to look like a local.

So maybe one day you will cross the ditch, rent a bike and enjoy a mimosa on any one of our beaches. Don’t forget that hard to find parking is an intentional design as we tend to live here and not just visit.  And once you take up residence here, you too will become an “islander” here in Northeast Florida. In the meantime, “Love Where You Live.”

To learn more or visit the Beaches Museum, click HERE.

Tara Belanger, Real Estate Professional

Re/Max Unlimited

904.501.9037
Tara@NortheastFLLiving.com

www.NortheastFLLiving.com

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