Peanut Island To Get Facelift
 
    Peanut Island, one of South Florida's favorite and most productive
shelling locales is in for some major changes.  According to an article in
the April 13th Fort Lauderdale Sun Sentinel, work could begin as early as
the end of May on a $4.5 million, estimated five year project to add
facilities to this pristine island just inside Palm Beach Inlet.  Work will
begin on the northeast corner of the island.
    The first phase, which will take at least a year, includes taking down
the undesirable exotic trees (Australian Pines) and replacing them with
native  tropical flora.  Workers will also build campsites, bathrooms, docks
and a 10-foot wide lighted path around the island.
    For years, plans have been in the works to upgrade the 79-acre island,
which was built from dredge spoil from the Intracoastal Waterway in the
1920's.  It took years to resolve government issues in order to make the
project possible.  The county will be working with the Port of Palm Beach
and the Florida Inland Navigation District on the facelift.  The work will
be paid for with federal grants, impact fees and boater improvement funds.
*Based on an article in The Broward Shell Club News, Vol. 33, No. 5, May
1998.
Editors Note: A study of the marine molluscan fauna of the island and
adjacent waters, begun in 1963, has thus far identified some 331 species
from the area (see http://home.sprynet.com/sprynet/wfrank/peanut.htm)
 
PS:  This is from the Jacksonville Shell Club Newsletter, July-August, 1998.
The species
list has significantly increased since that time -- thanks to all (B. Lipe,
M. Krisbert, etc.).
 
Bill Frank
1865 Debutante Dr.
Jacksonville, FL 32246-8645
Phone/FAX: (904) 724-5326
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