Being raised in west Palm Beach from the age of 1 Peanut Island was a great place to hang out after school, weekends and during the summer.
We would camp, fish, dive and torment the coasties who were stationed on the island with our youthful antics. This would include engaging them in dirtbomb fights and then have them chase us all over the island. They were always great fun and good sports. The island was originally formed in 1925 from the dredging of Lake Worth Inlet. It's name came from the planned installation of a peanut factory that never came into fruition. During the 60's a bomb shelter was built behind the Coast Guard station, both the station and shelter still exist as the Palm Beach Maritime Museum. The island is going through a re-development stage by the Army Corps of Engineers, FIND and Palm Beach County. These plans include an artificial snorkling reef, nature trails, camping sites and many other planned amenities. While part of the island is closed due to construction the Northwest and east quadrants are open to camping and daily activites. The only way to Peanut Island is by boat and I happen to own one the 3 water taxi's available to transport visitors to the island. The Aqua Shuttle 561-723-0404 is an ex-navy troop transporter previously attached to the USS Trenton. She transported marines ashore during the Gulf War during combat assaults. We are located at the Riviera Beach Municipal Marina in Riviera Beach Florida. This is just minutes away from Peanut Island with the fare being $5.00 for a round trip ticket.

Back in 1977, before the bomb shelter was opened to the public, my high school friends and i snuck under neath the fence to the hatch to the bomb shelter. At this time, the bomb shelter was not being used for anything at all. This held a particulare thrill for us as teenagers, because the fence we snuck under bore a sign,"GOVERNMENT PROPERTY" "KEEP OUT". As we crawled down the hatch into a bit of history, we enjoyed seeing what little was there. An old generator, bunk beds, and what looked like a bin for de-contamination possibly. As i roamed onto this website, i was happy to see that peanut island once again holds an attraction for a little adventure!!!

During WW2 I was in the Coast Guard. I was stationed on Peanut Island for for a few months. Our bunks were on the second floor and one of the most beautiful things I remember about the "house" was the large brass railing on the stairs. I must have polished that thing 200 or more times. I wonder if the house is still there.

We had life saving classes in a Coast Guard Boat that was docked there.

One incident stands out in my mind: One day the small crew decided to cut down a dead tree behind the house. There a friendly bet on who could cut through the trunk of the tree after it was felled. Only 5 or 6 participated. (I not being one of the). Most of the city guys went after it like they were killing snakes. BUT a guy from Arkansaw took slow easy stirkes and won much quicker.

Thanks for allowing me to reminiece.

Louie