Nature, fishing and conservation shape life in Juno Beach
The sea turtle displayed on Juno Beach’s town flag holds deeper significance than mere decoration. These endangered creatures are considered part of the local community, just like the roughly 3,500 human residents. With the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Intracoastal Waterway to the west, this seaside enclave’s strength lies in a shared mission to foster a partnership of residents, businesses and town staff to protect its natural preserves and educate both tourists and residents.
The nonprofit Loggerhead Marinelife Center at Juno Beach, which is dedicated to the rehabilitation and conservation of sea turtles, welcomes thousands of guests yearly who are taught what to do if they come across an injured sea turtle or lost hatchlings. A half-mile north of the marine center and just east of Juno Dunes Natural Area, the Juno Beach Pier juts out into the ocean, giving the illusion that it never ends. This is the hub of activity in this laid-back community – where fishers cast their reels, tourists snap selfies and residents come to see the sunrise. Those wanting to get in on the fishing can rent poles and buy bait and snacks at the Pier House shop, where they also can get advice on the best methods of angling.
High-rise living and beach homes define the housing mix
Since most of Juno Beach’s community is centered around the waterfront, it’s not surprising that most of the housing – high-rise apartments and condos – is on or close to the coast. There are homes on the beach, and a little further inland lie midcentury residences and contemporary new builds.
The Juno Beach area is within a flood hazard zone. It maintains a balmy feel throughout a typical year, with temperatures falling below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, an average of three times a year. Annual precipitation is high, and humidity is also persistant.
Pier area offers water sports, dining and scenic views
Juno Beach has an extensive Juno Beach Pier, which serves as a center for many outdoor and water-based activities. Nearby coastal restaurants offer stunning views of the Jupiter Lighthouse. The area around the pier is popular among kite-boarders and swimmers. There is a cluster of restaurants, convenience stores and shops at the intersection of U.S. Highway 1 and Donald Ross Road, an area that serves as a pseudo-downtown. The 12-acre Pelican Lake beckons visitors to enjoy the vegetation and gazebos and feed the turtles and fish.
Parks offer everything from boat ramps to bocce courts
Bert Winters Park and Kagan Park have amenities such as athletic fields, swing sets, picnic tables, boat launching ramps, bocce courts and exercise equipment. In addition to that, outdoor recreation, Loggerhead and Juno Dunes parks offer a more nature-intensive experience. Juno Beach Park, which has free parking, is a popular dog-friendly beach with serene waters, a fishing pier and places to go shelling. The beach is close to Juno Dunes Natural Area, where visitors explore trails through preserved wetlands and scrub forests.
Nearby attractions include gardens, theaters and snorkeling tours
Juno Beach offers easy access to many of South Florida’s biggest attractions, such as Mounts Botanical Gardens in West Palm Beach and Palm Beach. Five miles north of Juno Beach is Maltz Jupiter Theatre, shopping centers, art galleries and dozens of county parks. Numerous snorkeling tours give the curious a close-up look at the marine life, while guided tours offer insight into the area’s natural preserve areas.
Families choose from strong public schools and private academies
Nationally, Juno Beach public schools are ranked above average. Niche Western Academy Charter School, Beacon Cove Intermediate School and Morikami Park Elementary School are among the six top-rated public elementary schools in the district. Students living in Juno Beach can attend the highly acclaimed North Palm Beach Conservatory School, a public elementary school that focuses on music education. The school is known for its project-based setting where students develop their musical creativity using technology, innovation and entrepreneurship. For middle and high school, Juno Beach students can attend Howell L. Watkins Middle and Dwyer High School, which are both located in nearby Palm Beach Gardens. Private school choices include The Benjamin School, Jupiter Christian, St. Mark’s Episcopal, the Weiss School and Trinity Christian School.
Juno Beach has low traffic but no public transportation
Longtime power utility company Florida Power & Light Company has its headquarters and is a major employer. While there is no direct public transportation, on average, traffic on the highways and roads in Juno Beach is low. Just 18 miles away, the West Palm Beach/Palm Beach Airport is the closest airport to Juno Beach.
