Did Ponce de Leon really land at Jupiter Inlet?

Juan Ponce de Leon turned into the Jupiter Inlet and met the fierce and hostile Jobe Indians. At first the Indians appeared to be friendly and called the Spanish sailors to shore. When Juan Ponce de Leon went ashore, the Jobe Indians immediately “tried to take his boat, the oars, and their weapons.” (Source: Town of Jupiter)

TCPalm’s Eve Samples details the “Viva Florida 500″ arguments for several different landing sites: Jupiter Island almost was omitted from the debate about Ponce de Leon’s arrival — until longtime island resident John Payson spoke up. “I said, ‘I’m here to make a claim for the town of Jupiter Island and the Jupiter Inlet,’” recalled Payson, an art dealer who is planning a daylong celebration on Jupiter Island for April 2. … Click here to read more

December 18, 2012 at 12:00 am | Tags: , , , , , , | Section: Events, Humor, Lifestyle, Local Government, State

AgTec, Extreme Water Sports, Patrick Hayes: big losers with Martin residents

Patrick Hayes: "a lying, ineffectual commissioner"

Stuart News columnist Eve Samples interviews Jupiter Island resident John Payson, conservationist and famed art dealer, who has little respect or sympathy left for Martin County Commissioner Patrick Hayes, who cast one of three votes in support of the Extreme Sports park. The park is planned for 111 acres on Bridge Road between I-95 and Florida’s Turnpike — what is now a largely agricultural parcel. … Click here to read more

May 15, 2012 at 12:49 pm | Tags: , , , , , , | Section: Development, Local Government, Transparency