By Lori Griffith

Thursday, August 1, 2013

With the paving of Double Roads in the 1990s, access and use of this little slice of paradise changed forever. To some, it was an end of an era, to others it was the beginning of new way of life.

Double Roads was primarily home to the surf community, locals and a high school party zone. Virtually untouched and unknown to the world outside of the Jupiter/Juno/Tequesta corridor, many preferred it this way and the locals all have a million funny, growing up around bonfires, partying and playing stories to share.

Change is inevitable and most of those high school party stories are being reminisced among the Boomer Generation, who themselves now have kids surfing and hanging out on the same beach. The Next Gen can’t possibly comprehend the 60s, 70s and 80s beach culture. They have only known a two-lane paved road with cyclists whizzing by, people and pets of all ages, shapes and sizes walking and jogging and Double Roads is as foreign to them as a rotary phone.

For those who remember what it was like and struggle to maintain the essence of what Double Roads was, this corridor is fiercely guarded and protected to ensure it retains the pristine beauty by all who live and play here.

Clubs have formed to ensure this, such as the Friends of Jupiter Beach who do monthly beach clean-ups, and the Jupiter Beach Walkers, Runners, Bikers Club that meets regularly and is responsible for the new recycle bins at the stairwells.

For long-time resident Bill Baggett, he recalls raising his family here and has subsequently passed along his love of Jupiter Beach to them. Bill’s son Bob Baggett is a talented local photographer known for his surf and ocean photography.

Bill remembers having barbeques on the old wooden pier purchased by Wally and Penny Sheltz in 1977. That pier later was destroyed by a nor’easter in November 1984. Just one of the many memories of what life was like along Double Roads years ago.

Still cruising the beach road, Bill is easily recognizable in his 2010 modified Mustang (Black Beauty).

Regarding the growth of the area, Bill says, “The natural beauty and recreational activities along the Jupiter/Juno beaches makes it inevitable that, as our population grows more and more people will want to come to the beach.

“But, beach access may be restricted on busy days by not enough available parking. Also, much of the land on the west side of A1A in Jupiter is conservation area. Hopefully these areas won’t be developed.” A sentiment expressed by many.

MORE THAN JUST A ROAD

John Teeter grew up in this area when it was untouched, surfing and hanging out. He recalls fun times and being able to get away with just about anything … “literally” he laughs.

“It was just a cool place to hang out and enjoy the Florida lifestyle.”

Having moved away for several years, when he returned, Double Roads were no more. But, that’s the past and although it was great, it now has “it’s own allure, as the amenities are nice: showers, parks, etc.” Teeter says. “Living in the Bluffs, I frequently travel this corridor of Juno Beach and Jupiter multiple times a day.

“This is where I walk my dog to the beach, ride my beach cruiser or road bike, and park my Jeep loaded up with surfboards or paddleboards. On any given day I will run into old friends or meet new ones. It is more than just a road running next to the beach, it is also a place where people gather to enjoy similar hobbies, activities or to just take in the scenery.”

The scenery and lifestyle really are what draw so many here.

Sherri D’Amico and daughter Lori exercise along this stretch of road daily and only have good things to say about it. “We have been walking this beach for eight years, and have met wonderful friends during our exercise routine,” says Sherri.

At one point, those friends decided they should all start getting together more frequently and began meeting informally at one of their homes. The group eventually grew to where they started meeting at Carlin Park and this has morphed into the Jupiter Beach Walkers, Runners, Bikers Club (on Facebook) with 118 members.

They keep everyone up to date on the beach happenings, weather reports and local interests.

Sherri and Lori rave about how this little slice of paradise is so unique in the friendliness of the people, and the still unspoiled beauty of the beach.

NOTHING BUT PRAISE

Many along the beach road recognize Lester Schoenemann.

He is the tall, friendly man with “Sergio” the stunning Macaw Parrot on his shoulder.

People continually stop him and ask to take their picture with Sergio and Schoenemann readily agrees.

He has nothing but praise for this area, and says the sidewalk helped, and continues to help, him through the grief process. His wife Linda died almost two years ago from Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. “She died exactly 20 years to the day we met from 9/15/1991 to 9/15/2011,” he sighs.

Sergio went through a time of depression and wouldn’t speak.

“He used to talk all of the time when my wife was alive, saying things like “mom, dad, hello; and he just stopped when she died,” Schoenemann recalls.

But Sergio has begun talking again and occasionally will say “hello.”

So, they walk … and walk. For Schoenemann and Sergio, and others, they’ve found some peace and pleasure among the friendly locals and tranquil surroundings.

The roads may be paved now, but this little seaside oasis remains the social mecca it always has been.

And promises to remain for future generations, who one day may pass along the history of Double Roads as told to them by their parents.

 

Original Story Here: Double Roads: ‘Double Roads: Slice of paradise’ lives on as social mecca