Fort Pierce Jetty Live Cam

History

The Fort Pierce Jetty, also known as the South Jetty, is a historic site located at the mouth of the Fort Pierce Inlet in St. Lucie County, Florida. The jetty was constructed in the 1920s and has since played an important role in the development of the Fort Pierce area.

The construction of the Fort Pierce Jetty was a response to the need for a safe harbor for ships navigating the treacherous waters of the Fort Pierce Inlet. The inlet was prone to shifting sands and strong currents, which made it difficult for ships to navigate safely. The jetty was built to create a protected harbor for ships, and to stabilize the inlet.

Construction of the jetty began in 1924 and was completed in 1926. The jetty is made of granite boulders and extends approximately 1,200 feet into the Atlantic Ocean. It is 24 feet wide at its base and 8 feet wide at its top. The construction of the jetty required the use of innovative techniques and equipment, including the use of a floating derrick to move the large granite boulders into place.

Over the years, the Fort Pierce Jetty has become an important landmark and recreational site in the Fort Pierce area. It is a popular spot for fishing, surfing, and boating. The jetty has also played a role in protecting the local shoreline from erosion and storm damage.

In 1993, the Fort Pierce Jetty was added to the National Register of Historic Places in recognition of its historical significance and contributions to the local community. Today, the jetty remains an important part of the Fort Pierce landscape and a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of those who built it.

Top Tourist Attractions

The Fort Pierce Jetty is a popular tourist attraction in the Fort Pierce area, offering a range of recreational activities and scenic views. Some of the top tourist attractions at the Fort Pierce Jetty include:

• Fishing: The jetty is a popular spot for fishing, with a variety of fish species available, including snook, tarpon, redfish, and pompano.
• Surfing: The jetty is also a popular spot for surfing, with waves that are well-suited for both beginners and experienced surfers.
• Beaches: The area around the jetty is home to several beautiful beaches, including Jetty Park, Pepper Park Beach, and Frederick Douglass Memorial Park.
• Wildlife Viewing: Visitors to the jetty may also spot a variety of wildlife, including dolphins, sea turtles, and a variety of shorebirds.
• Scenic Views: The jetty offers spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding coastline, with plenty of opportunities for photography and sightseeing.
• Boating: The jetty is also a popular spot for boating, with several nearby marinas and boat ramps providing access to the water.
• Snorkeling and Diving: The jetty is home to a variety of marine life, making it a popular spot for snorkeling and diving.
• Historic Landmark: As mentioned earlier, the Fort Pierce Jetty is a National Register of Historic Places site, providing visitors with an opportunity to learn about its rich history and cultural significance.

Overall, the Fort Pierce Jetty is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to the Fort Pierce area, offering a range of activities and attractions for visitors of all ages and interests.

Geography

The inlet connects the Indian River Lagoon to the Atlantic Ocean, and the jetty was constructed to stabilize the inlet and create a protected harbor for ships.

The jetty is approximately 1,200 feet long and is made of granite boulders. It extends out into the Atlantic Ocean, creating a barrier that helps to protect the local shoreline from erosion and storm damage. The jetty is 24 feet wide at its base and 8 feet wide at its top, and it is built on a foundation of concrete pilings.

The area around the Fort Pierce Jetty is characterized by sandy beaches, rocky shores, and salt marshes. There are several nearby parks and nature preserves, including Jetty Park, Pepper Park Beach, and Frederick Douglass Memorial Park, which offer opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and other outdoor activities.

Overall, the Fort Pierce Jetty is a unique and important geographical feature in the Fort Pierce area, providing both recreational opportunities and important infrastructure for the local community.

Jack Island State Preserve

Jack Island State Preserve is a 121-acre nature preserve located on the Indian River Lagoon in St. Lucie County, Florida. The preserve is home to a variety of unique and endangered plant and animal species, making it an important destination for nature enthusiasts and environmental researchers alike.

The preserve is named after Jack Island, a small island located within its boundaries. Jack Island was originally an undeveloped piece of land, but it was purchased by the state of Florida in the 1980s to protect it from development and preserve its natural beauty.

One of the most notable features of Jack Island State Preserve is its mangrove forests, which provide habitat for a variety of wildlife, including manatees, dolphins, and sea turtles. The preserve is also home to several species of birds, including ospreys, herons, and egrets.

Visitors to Jack Island State Preserve can enjoy a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and kayaking. The preserve has several nature trails that wind through its mangrove forests, offering opportunities for wildlife viewing and birdwatching. Fishing is allowed in designated areas of the preserve, and kayaking is a popular way to explore the Indian River Lagoon and its many waterways.

In addition to its recreational opportunities, Jack Island State Preserve is also an important site for environmental research and education. The preserve hosts a variety of educational programs and workshops for students and visitors, and it is home to several research projects focused on the ecology and conservation of the Indian River Lagoon. Overall, Jack Island State Preserve is a unique and valuable natural resource in the Fort Pierce area, offering visitors a chance to explore and appreciate the rich biodiversity of Florida's coastal ecosystems.