Hutchinson Island (Florida) facts for kids
Storm approaching Stuart Beach on Hutchinson Island
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 Hutchinson Island
Location in Florida
Hutchinson Island
Location in North Atlantic
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| Geography | |
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| Location | North Atlantic |
| Coordinates | 27°17′46″N 80°12′58″W / 27.29611°N 80.21611°W |
| Administration | |
| State | Florida |
| County | St. Lucie |
Hutchinson Island is a cool place in Florida, USA! It's actually two long, narrow islands called "barrier islands" that sit right off the coast. These islands are in three different counties: Martin, St. Lucie, and Indian River. A waterway called the Fort Pierce Inlet separates the two main parts, which are known as North Hutchinson Island and South Hutchinson Island.
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Exploring North Hutchinson Island
North Hutchinson Island is split between two counties: Indian River County and St. Lucie County. Sometimes, the part of North Hutchinson Island that is in Indian River County is called "Orchid Island." This area stretches all the way to the Sebastian Inlet.
Discovering South Hutchinson Island
The part of Hutchinson Island in Martin County is not part of any city. The southern tip is sometimes called "Stuart Beach." This area has a rule that limits buildings to four stories high. This means you won't see any super tall buildings here. The towns closest to this part of the island are Ocean Breeze and Sewall's Point. The city of Stuart is just west of Sewall's Point.
Fun Places to Visit
There are some interesting spots to check out on South Hutchinson Island:
- The House of Refuge is a historic building. It's listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which means it's an important landmark. You can find it near the southern end of the island.
- The Elliott Museum is another cool place. It's located on N.E. Ocean Boulevard.
- Right across the road from the Elliott Museum is the Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center. Here you can learn all about the ocean and marine life.
- You can also take a boat trip with Island Princess Cruises from nearby.
Amazing Beaches on South Hutchinson Island
South Hutchinson Island has some fantastic public beaches:
- Jensen Sea Turtle Beach and Stuart Beach are two big, popular beaches in Martin County. They both have lifeguards to keep you safe, pavilions for shade, places to buy snacks, restrooms, outdoor showers, and plenty of parking. Jensen Sea Turtle Beach is near the Jensen Beach Causeway, and Stuart Beach is east of the Elliott Museum.
- There are also smaller beach areas along the oceanfront. Bathtub Beach is a favorite for families with kids. It has calm, shallow pools of water that are warmed by the sun. Large rock formations offshore protect these pools from big waves, making it a safe place for younger children to play. The smallest beach strip is called Park-N-Fish, located just north of the House of Refuge.
Hurricanes in 2004
In 2004, Hutchinson Island was hit by two strong hurricanes. Both storms made landfall right on the Martin County part of the island.
- On September 5, 2004, Hurricane Frances arrived with winds of about 105 miles per hour (169 km/h).
- Then, on September 25, 2004, Hurricane Jeanne hit with even stronger winds, reaching about 120 miles per hour (193 km/h).
St. Lucie County's Part of the Island
The St. Lucie County section of Hutchinson Island has a few different areas.
- The southern part is officially called the Hutchinson Island South census-designated place. However, most people who live there just call it Hutchinson Beach.
- Along the oceanfront, especially north of the Martin County line, you'll see many mid-rise condominium buildings. Remember, Martin County limits buildings to four stories, so these taller buildings are mostly in St. Lucie County.
- There are also several resorts and a mix of communities on the side facing the Indian River. One of the biggest communities there is Nettles Island. You can also find popular restaurants and shops on this part of the island.
Island Weather
Hutchinson Island has a warm, sunny climate, typical of Florida. Here's a quick look at the average temperatures:
- In winter (January), the average temperature is around 65°F (18°C).
- In summer (August), the average temperature is around 83°F (28°C).
- The island gets a good amount of rain, especially in the summer months. The average yearly rainfall is about 59 inches (150 cm).
Getting Around the Island
The main road that runs north and south on Hutchinson Island is State Road A1A.
- In Martin County, A1A is known as N.E. Ocean Boulevard. It comes onto the island from Sewall's Point over the Ernest Lyons Bridge.
- In St. Lucie County, A1A is called S. Ocean Drive. It continues north until it reaches the Fort Pierce Inlet. From there, A1A turns west onto Seaway Drive to cross the South Bridge and connect to US 1.
Another way to get to the island in Martin County is via State Road 732, also known as N.E. Causeway Boulevard. This road crosses the Indian River from Jensen Beach on the mainland over the Frank A. Wacha Bridge and Causeway. It ends at a traffic circle where it meets A1A and the entrance to Jensen Sea Turtle Public Beach.
Most other roads on the island are private. They are controlled by homeowner associations or condominiums.
Images for kids
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Summer storm approaching the beach at Hutchinson Island
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Storm approaching the beach
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View of sea oats on the beach before an approaching storm
