FROM 1926-1951 THE TOURIST INDUSTRY THRIVED AT THE DOCKS AS CHARTER BOAT CAPTAINS ATTRACTED FISHING ENTHUSIASTS FROM THE UNITED STATES AND FOREIGN COUNTRIES (GIVING IT INTERNATIONAL IMPORTANCE) TO FISH FOR MARLIN, SAILFISH, KINGFISH, DOLPHIN, AND OTHER GAME FISH IN THE GULF STREAM WATERS BY WAY OF THE HAULOVER INLET. THEIR CUSTOMERS CONTINUED COMING YEAR AFTER YEAR.

THESE PIONEER CAPTAINS BRAVED THE SEA, SUN, MOSQUITOES, ALL KINDS OF WEATHER (INCLUDING HURRICANES), DANGEROUS CURRENTS, RIPTIDES, CROSS WINDS AND WAVES BENEATH THE HAZARDOUS HAULOVER BRIDGE (THE ONLY OUTLET TO THE GULFSTREAM FROM THE DOCKS AT THE TIME).

CAPTAINS ALSO CONTENDED WITH THE THREAT OF DEADLY GERMAN SUBMARINES FROM 1942-1943 (U-BOATS WERE AS CLOSE AS 1,000 FEET OFFSHORE; THEY SANK MANY MERCHANT SHIPS).

IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO THESE DOCKS WERE ALSO LOCATED THE OLD HAULOVER BRIDGE, THE LIGHTHOUSE RESTAURANT, THE OCEAN BAY TRAILER PARK, BROUSSARDS RESTAURANT, HAULOVER PIER, THE FIRST A1A ROAD, AND A BAIT AND TACKLE SHOP. ALL ARE GONE NOW! THIS HISTORIC MARKER FOR THE DOCKS IS AN ATTEMPT TO SAVE SOME OF THOSE EARLY MEMORIES. PRESENTING THIS EARLY HISTORY OF THIS AREA WOULD INCREASE INTEREST AND ENRICH ANY PERSON'S VISIT TO HAULOVER BEACH PARK.

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