History

Fort Pierce Inlet State Park is a half-mile stretch of white sand on a sunny Florida beach.

During World War II, it was the birthplace and training ground for U.S. Navy Frogmen, forerunners of today's Navy Seals. It was here that many of the 140,000 personnel stationed in the area practiced for the D-Day invasion of Europe. 'Dynamite Point' earned its name from the activities of the Navy Underwater Demolition Team.

Fort Pierce Inlet

This inlet was built in the early 1900s when a storm closed in the natural inlet about one mile north of this location.

During WWII, the Navy used the inlet and the surrounding land to train their landing craft crews. Later, the area became a county park and has been popular with surfers ever since.

Navy UDT Teams

The Navy Underwater Demolition Team (UDT) used the beaches and trained on the property that would become Fort Pierce Inlet State Park. The inlet side of the park is still called Dynamite Point, as it was named by the Navy UDTs who exploded ammunition there.

Jack Island

Jack Island State Preserve is located approximately one-and-a-half miles from the main park. This island in the Indian River Lagoon has always welcomed hikers and birding enthusiasts.

Navy Veterans

Navy Veterans who trained in Fort Pierce during World War II met at Fort Pierce Inlet State Park for annual reunions.

The former sailors camped along the inlet and explained the naval history of the area to park visitors. Thousands of sailors trained on these beaches during World War II.