Palm City is a gorgeous place to work, play, and live, but were you aware of its history? It holds over 100 years of it. So much has happened here to make this vibrant community what it is today, which includes…

The fact that Palm City was bought for $1.91 and ¼ cents per acre.

Lawyer and real estate developer Charles Chillingsworth bought the land that would later be Palm City from George Beckwith for the stated price on August 10th, 1910. He then advertised it to Americans, Canadians, and a few Europeans, advertising that it was “healthful” land.

The fact that Chillingsworth used some interesting promotions.

Among his sales tactics, Chillingsworth offered a free acre of town parcel to anyone who bought land. He also planted pineapples, oranges, and grapefruit on the side of what would later be Martin Highway, to show how healthy and fertile the land was.

The fact that it hosted the Palm Villa Hotel.

The crown jewel of Palm City, it was three stories high and owned by George and Alice Jane (Sartain) Coffrin, who established it as a cultural, civic, and social center. It was open from 1913 to 1928. Many local groups would gather to meet under its castle-styled roof and chic gathering areas. Where it once stood is now where the bridge joins Martin Downs Boulevard.

The fact that a wooden bridge connected Palm City and Stuart.

It was first erected in February 1919 and cost over $60,000 to make. It was a draw bridge that helped prevent people from having to use the ferry or ford the river. In 1970, it was replaced with a concrete bridge.

The fact that Palm City’s first baseball team was called ‘The Palm City Swamp Angels.

It was organized by Charles Leighton (who served as Palm City’s first mail carrier) in 1922. They played on Leighton’s property, where he grew potatoes, citrus, and pineapples, among others, on twenty acres of land.

Palm City is a city with a storied history that helped firmly establish it as a part of Martin County. From the establishment of a wooden bridge to the creation of the Veteran Memorial Highway, and everything that happened in between, so much of Palm City’s history is Martin County’s history, and Florida’s history, by extension. Harbour Ridge has been a part of Palm City’s history as well, being one of Florida’s first waterfront golf communities. Located on the shoreline of the St. Lucie River in Palm City, Harbour Ridge is Florida’s premier waterfront golf community. Receiving the Outstanding Florida Community Award from Audubon International ensures that Harbour Ridge is protecting their natural history as well as their human history. The opportunities are endless with world-class amenities and the perfect South Florida location. And you’re just minutes from all of the fun and events in the area. Request a free digital brochure today to learn more about the community and the Florida lifestyle it offers, or visit us at harbourridge.com.

Interactive map shows holiday lights to see around the Treasure Coast

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Especially for homeowners and businesses alike to create impressive outdoor light displays. Where are the best places to get yourself, family, and friends into the holiday spirit.

Where are the best light displays on the Treasure Coast? For a scenic “light-seeing” drive to check out bright homes on the Treasure Coast check out this holiday lights map and be sure to add yours to the list if you want to show off your work and Christmas spirit. Click on the map symbols below to get more information on each location.

Happy Holiday!

 

Harbour Ridge, located in Palm City on the Florida’s Treasure Coast, will be hosting this year’s Society of Seniors Ralph Bogart Golf Tournament at the Harbour Ridge Clubhouse on December 4-7.

The Ralph Bogart Tournament will be a 54-hole stroke play event open to the members of the Society of Seniors Golf Association.

The Society of Seniors is home to the finest senior amateur golfers in the world. Its 967 members provide strong competition on the finest courses. This 55+ society has won 49 National Championships since 1983 and 60 Master Tournaments.

Located on the St. Lucie River, Harbour Ridge is perfectly positioned to take full advantage of its breathtaking views. The River Ridge Course, designed by Pete and P.B. Dye, boasts one of the highest ratings in all of Florida. The Joe Lee-designed Golden Marsh course is still considered one of Mr. Lee’s top ten of all time and offers players tropical charm with swaying palms and sweeping vistas at every turn. Both courses boast the Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Status. The newly renovated 45-000 sq. ft. waterfront clubhouse is the heart of Harbour Ridge; where golfers and tennis players mingle with yachters and nature enthusiasts to create a buzzing, active neighborhood of residents, each one of whom is proud to call Harbour Ridge home. Sports and cards, activities and events, and a shared love for our Club brings members together and gives Harbour Ridge its unique appeal.

Lakeside Spa Fitness and Tennis recently opened last year. The 22,000-square foot state-of-the-art complex, hosts a full-service salon and barber shop, signature spa services, a large spacious cardio, free weight and stretch area, TRX classes, spin room, physical therapy, private or group Pilates, along with a juice and smoothie bar. It also features eight Har-Tru tennis courts and a stadium exhibition court along with lap swimming and water aerobics.

Harbour Ridge is a private, 885-acre community with 695 residences that overlook its two picturesque golf courses, acres of Audubon-certified nature preserve and is perfectly situated on the North Fork of the St. Lucie River. The Board of Directors, management and staff, along with members, are all dedicated to maintaining their commitment to financial soundness and stability in an environment which enables them to enrich their quality of life.

For more information on Harbour Ridge visit harbourridge.com to request a Digital Brochure and to learn about the Be Our Guest program or call the Membership Office at (772) 873-6013.

For more information on the Society of Seniors Ralph Bogart Tournament please contact James Popa at 614.487.1207 or email help@societyofseniors.com.