Joe Island

Joe Island is located in the central Gulf of Mexico, about 50 miles off the Louisiana coast. The island has a long and complex history, which includes a time as a capital of the Creek Nation and its role as a major slave-trading port. The present-day town of Joe Island is home to about 1,500 people, many of whom are employed in seafood harvesting or tourism. The town is also the site of a major naval base and a small air base. In this blog, we explore some of the interesting facts about Joe Island!

History

The island first came into prominence as the capital of the Creek Nation in 1811. The town on Joe Island – then known as Tuckabatchee or Tukabatchee Town, after the Creek chief who ruled it – quickly grew into a major slave-trading port, with vessels coming from all over Africa to trade goods for slaves.

The town was briefly seized by US forces during the American Civil War in 1864 , but this was the only time that any military force can be seen on the island. In 1886, a lighthouse was built to guide trade ships in and out of Tuckabatchee Town. The town itself eventually faced economic problems and by 1987 it had no longer come under federal or tribal control.

Climate

The climate on Joe Island is classified as tropical, with a mean temperature of 84 degrees Fahrenheit and year-round humidity. The island receives about 40 inches of rainfall per year. Today, Joe Island is a popular vacation destination for people from the south, who flock to its pristine beaches and colorful fishing pier. An offshore oil rig was built in 1999 as part of an agreement with BP (British Petroleum) – but this caused many concerns about how products taken by submarine would affect their ecosystem!

Population

The population of the island was estimated at 1,300 people in 1987. In 2008 this had dropped to about 860, according to Census Bureau data . One aspect that has contributed greatly to the decline is in fact Hurricane Ivan , which destroyed a large number of homes on Joe Island during 2005. The military base ( Destin navy airport ) manages and maintains housing for active duty family members on the MIR platform and south beach area from about November until March. By 2013, the population had recovered to about 1,000 and is mostly made up of retirees who have come for its year-round mild weather.

Culture

Much of the culture on Joe Island is focused around fishing. The locals have a tradition of swapping stories around the fire about their catches and share recipes for traditional dishes like grouper cooked in rum and peppers. There is also an annual crab fest that attracts many visitors from all over the southeast USA . Be sure to check out local family owned Joe Island Co-op and General Store. These concessions provide a great place to restock your food supply before the big catch in September or October, when it is very difficult for people to make any money off of their catches!

Politics

Joe island is a part of Duval County and is currently represented in the Florida House by Democrat Rep. Dane Eagle . The county seat for Duval County, Jacksonville, lies about 25 miles to the north. Formerly, Joe Island voted independently for president. However in the 2012 Presidential election, Mitt Romney received roughly 70% of the vote here.

The now-vanished Jostin’s Store & Market was a popular hangout with islanders that used to sell many convenience items like ice chests and beer cooler jugs as well as cold soft drink bottles and other groceries such as peanut butter, beans and banana bread.

Government services

On Joe Island there is a clinic operated by the Peace Corps and staffed by volunteers from the United States . The island also has an post office, general store, community hall, library and theatre. The public library, Joe Island Community Library is the only stop for many locals to take out their books. Each July the library hosts a play reading of Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”.

Tourism

Apart from fishing, crabbing and swimming there is also a great deal of bird watching to be had on Joe Island. The island has a few nature trails that make for an enjoyable walk or bike ride. For those who wish to have some company while they enjoy the island, there is a local chapter of “The Publix Task Force” that invites volunteers from around the world to come and stay at this facility.

Transport

The only way to get to Joe Island is by boat. The closest port of call is the Mayport Marine Terminal which can be reached via ferry from St. Augustine, Cape Kennedy and Palm Beach County. Taxis are also available from various locations in Jacksonville.

Housing on Joe Island is among the least expensive because most of the residents own their property and do not rent to others (with few exceptions). There is a mix of year-round and seasonal homes along with community rental properties like rentals that belong to a non profit organization.

Cuisine

There is a great deal of seafood available on Joe Island, both fresh and salt-cured. Local favorites include grouper fish dinners, lobster rolls and crab cakes. There are also many restaurants that offer Italian food, Cuban cuisine and burgers.

Conclusion

Joe Island is a small island located in the Bahamas. It is a popular tourist destination, with beautiful white sand beaches and crystal clear waters. Joe Island is also the site of a decommissioned military base, which is now a private prison.

The prison has been the subject of controversy, with allegations of human rights abuses. The island’s proximity to the US mainland has also raised concerns about its security. In this blog, we take a look at the history and controversy around Joe Island, and explore some possible solutions to improve its current situation.

FAQ

What Is Joe Island’s Official Name?

Joe Island is officially known as the Charlotte Amalie Islands. However, it is commonly called simply Joe Island.

What Are The Main Areas Of Interest On Joe Island?

There are a few main attractions on Joe island. These include Fort Charles, which was built in 1655 as part of the British settlement of North America; Queen Elizabeth II Botanical Gardens; and The Ritz-Carlton Charlotte Harbour Resort.

What Is The History Of Joe Island?

Joe Island is located in the Caribbean just 189 km (117 miles) southeast of San Juan, Puerto Rico. It lies close to the Italian coastline 144km north-west of Foggia and approximately 114 kilometres northwest from Sicily’s capital Catania. When it was initially settled by Europeans around 500 years ago, it was known as La Vela de Piedra or simply ‘The Rock’.

What Is The History Of Joe Island Military Base?

Joe Island is a private prison. It houses inmates from the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP). The BOP operates several compounds in the United States, including one on Barbados and another at Fayetteville Prison Complex in North Carolina. In 2008, US President George W Bush signed an Executive Order which called for expediting plans to close all federal prisons by 2012.

Do The US Navy And Other Military Personnel Use Joe Island As A Base?

No, they don’t. The Navy does not own any islands in Puerto Rico nor do they have bases or facilities on them. It is also worth noting that no American troops are stationed on JP Insular except for those deployed at the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation (WHINSEC).