Atlantic Beach and the Island with No Name

The city of Atlantic Beach is located on a barrier island along the northeastern coast of Florida. It is one of the state’s many charming beach towns with a unique heritage and a vibrant community. You’ll hear residents refer to it as “the island,” because it has no other name.

History of Atlantic Beach

The area that is now Atlantic Beach was originally inhabited by the Timucua Indians, who lived along the coast and thrived on the abundant resources provided by the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding wetlands. Some of the streets are named after the Indians, like Saturiba Dr., which is named after a Timucua Indian chief.

Chief Saturiba was the head of the Saturiwa tribe, part of the larger Timucua people who inhabited the region long before European contact. He played a significant role during the period of early European exploration and colonization in Florida that began in the 16th century.

Chief Saturiba initially formed alliances with the French. He and his people provided the settlers at Fort Caroline with food and local knowledge, which were essential for their survival.

Development and Incorporation

The modern history of Atlantic Beach began in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In 1900, Henry Flagler, a prominent industrialist and railroad magnate, extended his Florida East Coast Railway to the area, facilitating easier access to the coast. This development attracted tourists and settlers, leading to the establishment of a small community.

The first hotel in Atlantic Beach, known as the Continental Hotel, was built in 1901. It was a luxury resort that catered to wealthy tourists seeking a seaside retreat. Over time, more residents and businesses settled in the area, and the community continued to grow.

The hotel later changed its name to the Atlantic Beach Hotel when Flagler sold it in 1913, but unfortunately it burned to the ground in a massive fire on September 20th, 1919. While the hotel no longer stands, you can see the historic marker standing near the hotel’s location that tells the story of the hotel.

Atlantic Beach was officially incorporated as a town in 1926. It became a popular destination for those looking to enjoy the beach, fishing, and the natural beauty of the region.

Atlantic Beach in the Modern Era

Throughout the 20th century, Atlantic Beach evolved into a residential community with a mix of permanent residents and seasonal visitors. The town has maintained its small-town charm while offering a variety of amenities, including several parks, restaurants, and recreational activities. The local government and community organizations have worked to preserve the town’s history and natural environment.

The Unnamed Island

Interestingly, the barrier island on which Atlantic Beach is situated does not have a specific name. This lack of a formal name for the island is not uncommon along the Florida coast, where many barrier islands are often referred to simply by the names of the towns or communities they host.

In this case, the island is typically referred to by the names of the towns located on it, such as Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, and Jacksonville Beach.

The absence of a distinct name for the island likely stems from historical naming practices and the focus on the development of individual communities rather than the island as a whole. This naming convention emphasizes the unique identities and histories of each town, rather than the geographical feature they share.

There has been an effort to name the island from time to time, with the main suggestion being San Pablo Island.

I found an old blog post mentioning the city agreeing to push for the name San Pablo Island, but no further information so it looks like that project may have fizzled!

But whether we have a name or not, Atlantic Beach residents love the island, and most will avoid leaving it when possible!