Most travelers know the Treasure Coast region of Florida as a popular second home destination with beautiful, secluded beaches, yet its history is vast and a true-to-life treasure. Let’s dig into the history of the Treasure Coast name, and how it is still embedded in this beautiful Atlantic coast region.
There’s Gold to Be Found
Three hundred years ago, a fleet of ships filled with treasure made their way along the Atlantic coast to transport gold, jewels, and other valuable metals back to Spain. Just weeks into the journey, a turbulent hurricane stirred the ocean before them. The crew became trapped in the Bahama Channel with no means to free the ships. Eleven of the 12 ships were ripped apart by the high winds and sank to the seafloor. Only one ship survived, and their crew tried to recover the bounty. It is assumed that two-thirds of the treasure remains beneath the sand on the area beaches.
In the 1950s, another ship met its fate along the shoreline near the Sebastian Inlet, exposing parts of the ancient ships. The ships had sunk in relatively shallow water allowing the strong currents to push some of the jewels closer to shore, and soon beachcombers began to find gold coins and other valuable pieces. In fact, along the Vero Beach coastline near Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club, professional salvagers would eventually find over $4.5 million in jewels and treasure.
How Did Treasure Coast Get Its Name?
So how did the name appear? The Treasure Coast was created by writers at the Vero Beach Press Journal newspaper just prior to the recovery of the Spanish treasure. Since the first coin was found in 1961, the area known as the Treasure Coast is known to travelers all over the world, and gold is still occasionally found along the shoreline.
With an amazing history of its own, Orchid Island Golf and Beach Club is a unique treasure to its Members. This private golf and beach club community is filled with Members who feel even more fortunate to call this amazing place home. The West-Indies-style Beach Club serves as a gathering place for families and friends to reunite. Private club events and holidays are held in the dining room, and families enjoy fun in the sun along the Atlantic Ocean. Not to mention the resort-style pool and amenities such as tennis, pickleball, and a fitness center available to members.
The True Treasures Beyond the Beach
Even better, Orchid Island spans from the Atlantic Ocean to the Indian River, where a new community kayak launch brings adventurous homeowners up close and personal with area wildlife. As an Audubon-certified nature preserve, the idyllic setting is highly desired by those seeking a healthy outdoor lifestyle in harmony with its natural surroundings.
Luxury residential properties are in demand and often sell within minutes of becoming available. Custom estate residences, courtyard homes, cottages, or oceanfront condominiums range from the $800s to over $8 million. For an up-to-date list of available properties at Orchid Island, visit OrchidIslandRealty.com.
If you’re just getting started on your quest to find your future community, the inaugural issue of Orchid Island Lifestyles Magazine is a great way to learn more about the Vero Beach area and Orchid Island.
If you are in the area, stop by the oceanfront Orchid Island Sales Center or call 772. 388.3888 to schedule an appointment. For more information visit OrchidIslandFL.com.
