In the sun-drenched shores of Singer Island, Florida, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the golden sands of Riviera Beach, lies a tale as enduring as the tides themselves—the legend of Johnny Longboats. Born from the resilient spirit of early 20th-century Florida, Johnny Longboat was no ordinary fisherman. Hailing from the humble community of Pleasant City—now part of West Palm Beach—he navigated the treacherous waters of Lake Worth Lagoon with a modest vessel, eking out a living from the sea’s bounty.

The year 1928 brought devastation in the form of a ferocious hurricane that ravaged the region, severing the bridge connecting Palm Beach Island to the mainland and isolating countless families in peril. Amid the chaos of howling winds and surging floods, Johnny emerged as a beacon of hope. Undeterred by the storm’s fury, he embarked on relentless missions across the battered waters, ferrying stranded residents to safety on the mainland. With each return voyage, he carried essential supplies—fresh water, food, and provisions—to sustain those left behind. His unwavering determination not only saved lives but forged a legacy of compassion and community in the face of nature’s wrath.

Decades later, this heroic figure inspired the creation of Johnny Longboats, a vibrant beachside restaurant that opened its doors on Singer Island’s Municipal Beach. Nestled at 2401 N Ocean Drive in Riviera Beach, the establishment embodies the tropical, laid-back essence of Florida’s coastal life. After a temporary closure and a resilient reopening in a new pastel-blue building in December 2010, Johnny Longboats has become a staple for locals and visitors alike. Its menu, featuring fresh seafood like the signature Grouper in a Bag, oysters, pastas, and juicy burgers, pays homage to the fisherman’s heritage, while live music from Thursday to Sunday echoes the rhythmic waves that once carried Johnny’s boat.

Today, as patrons gather under the flip-flop-friendly ambiance, overlooking the very waters Johnny once traversed, his story lives on—not just in legend, but in the enduring spirit of hospitality that defines Singer Island. Johnny Longboats stands as a testament to resilience, reminding us that even in the stormiest seas, acts of kindness can anchor a community for generations.