Residents and historians recall life on Jupiter waters and warn of shrinking public access

Summary

At a public program at the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Museum, historians and longtime boaters described the river’s rich maritime past, recounted a Spanish‑era shipwreck discovery and warned that development, rising dockage and recent bridge work have reduced public access and hurt local businesses.

Stephanie Thorburn, assistant director of planning and zoning, opened a public program at the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Museum and introduced a panel of historians, longtime boaters and business owners to discuss the history and current condition of the Loxahatchee River and Jupiter Inlet. The event combined a museum historical overview with first‑hand recollections from residents who have worked and lived on the water for decades.

Josh Litter, historian and collections manager for the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Museum and the Loxahatchee River Historical Society, traced human use of the river from thousands of years of Native American occupation to 19th‑century steamboat and charter activity. Litter said archaeological finds at Sunny Sands, Boys Park and other shoreline sites show long continuity of river use and that “the journey, to…

Residents and historians recall life on Jupiter waters and warn of shrinking public access

Summary

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