Palm Beach Island Thoughts

It is an Island

When we first announced to friends from Denver that we were moving to Palm Beach, they would often respond, "Oh, I know West Palm Beach." They didn't know there about the actual island. I'd say, "Actually, it's just Palm Beach. It's an Island." To which I received a puzzled stare.

But it's no wonder that people wouldn't know about it since there are no signs (ANYWHERE) announcing its presence. Plenty of signage for West Palm Beach, Downtown and a few for the scenic A1A. I've even seen a sign for "the beaches"... but no mention of Palm Beach {If you live here, did you ever notice?}
Check out a bit of the A1A in Palm Beach:


 {source}

Geography

Palm Beach Islanders have a variety of sayings. My favorite has to deal with geography: things are either "on island" or "off island". Let me share some examples of how this might be used:

• Nearly all summer, grocery shoppers use any number of Publix grocery stores "off island," but now, we have a bright, shiny new one "on island" to replace an older one. (I love it!)
• There is one Starbucks "on island" {It took me 2 months to find because it is hidden} and probably billions "off island."
• HB goes "on island" to Palm Beach Day Academy. {Called the Day School, if you're old school.}
• There are only a few people who grew up "on island" and still live here. Somehow I've met them all.