Like much of the United States, Port Salerno endured difficult years during the Great Depression of the 1930s. The fishing industry, though essential, could not shield families from the broader economic downturn. Prices for fish dropped, markets shrank, and many fishermen struggled to sustain their operations. Nevertheless, the resilience of the

Fishing defined Port Salerno’s economy for decades. Families operated fleets of commercial vessels that harvested snapper, grouper, mullet, and shrimp. Fish houses lined the waterfront, where catches were cleaned, packed, and shipped to markets across Florida and beyond. The community developed a cooperative spirit around its maritime industry

During the 1500s and 1600s, Spanish explorers sailed along Florida’s coastlines, claiming the land as part of their empire. While there is no evidence of permanent Spanish settlements in Port Salerno itself, the broader region was under Spain’s control for over two centuries. Treasure-laden ships frequently passed through nearby waters, and

Introduction Port Salerno, an unincorporated community in Martin County on Florida’s Treasure Coast, is a place where history and identity are profoundly tied to the sea. Once a quiet fishing village, Port Salerno today embodies a blend of maritime tradition, multicultural heritage, and small-town resilience. While not as large as neighboring St