Singer Island

Singer Island Florida: It may surprise many that their daydream of the picture postcard South Florida resort surrounded by spacious sandy beaches and warm turquoise waters will be found on Singer Island, and not in adjacent Palm Beach. Founded by sewing machine magnate Paris Singer, stunning Singer Island is the #1 destination for those desiring a first-class beachfront local. Here you will the pristine beaches, sunny weather, world class fishing, crystal clear snorkeling and SCUBA diving that out-of-state visitors can only daydream about.

The warm Gulfstream waters and balmy Atlantic Ocean breezes combine to provide an ideal year round climate. Singer Island's long sandy beaches are considered by many to be the best in Florida. Simply relax in the sun, or enjoy boating, cycling, snorkeling, sailing, scuba diving, and blue water fishing. Minutes away are the world famous golf courses at PGA. Singer Island is also close to shopping and entertainment at historic Clematis Street, CityPlace, Worth Avenue and the Palm Beach Gardens Mall. The History of Singer Island

Singer Island is actually a peninsula and not an island. Before the Palm Beach inlet was created, it was connected to island of Palm Beach to the south. It is said that Singer Island was originally purchased by its Paris Singer as a gift for his mistress, who reportedly did not like it. Today it is a picturesque, upscale and pristine living place for thousands.

The first record of a settlement on Singer Island dates back to 1906 with Inlet City. Inlet City was a spontaneous community of fishermen and squatters, most of whom came from nearby Riviera Beach and the Bahamas. Fishermen were attracted to the island as a place to dry the cotton nets that they used in those days, and for its proximity to the fertile Gulf Stream (the waters of the Gulf Stream are closer to land on Singer Island than any other place in North America!).

In 1940, the City of Riviera purchased 1,000 feet of beach on the Island for $40,000. This led to the growth of tourism in Riviera and eventual incorporation of the island north of Palm Beach Shores. In 1941, the city of Riviera changed its name to Riviera Beach. The Town of Palm Beach Shores was developed in 1947 when A. O. Edwards, a railroad and hotel tycoon, bought 240 acres on Singer Island for $240,000 and invested $500,000 in improvements. He laid out a city plan with parks, walkways and roadways (Palm Beach Shores' northern boundary originally extended 300 ft. north of Blue Heron Boulevard). In 1948 Edwards built the Inlet Court Hotel which was later renamed The Colonnades. A year later the wooden Sherman's Point Bridge was replaced with a steel and concrete two lane structure with a drawbridge which permitted passage through the Intracoastal Waterway. The first Sebring style race was held on the island in 1950 and ended at the Colonnades. Edwards became the Singer Island's first mayor in 1952. When he died in 1960, his estate sold the Colonnades Hotel to John D. MacArthur in 1963.

By purchasing over 100,000 acres in this part of Palm Beach County, MacArthur became the largest landowner in the area. He owned many acres on the north end of Singer Island and he donated a large section of that land for a state park. The MacArthur Beach State Park opened in 1989 and his foundation provides funds to improve the facilities. At John D. MacArthur State Park, visitors can hike nature trails, snorkel along the beach or explore mangrove forests.

In the 1950's Palm Beach County enjoyed tremendous growth and Singer Island evolved into a resort area of hotels and condominiums for winter residents. In 1952, Phil Foster Park was opened, named after one of Riviera Beach's pioneer citizens. In 1976, to accommodate this growth and ease the access to the island, the two lane draw bridge was replaced with the current four lane Blue Heron Bridge.

Notable Residents

Michelle McGann, professional golfer

Clarence Clemons. rocker and E Street band member