In many ways Oyster Lake Preservation Society is the current iteration of the now defunct Oyster Lake Association. It was a similar organization to OLPS from the 1980’s which took issue with the State’s installation of a culvert under 30A. Due to the efforts of Oyster Lake Association, and continued efforts by concerned citizens, the culvert was finally removed in 2014. Now the lake is more brackish, routinely testing around 20% salinity. Much of the invasive vegetation which was thriving in fresher water, has receded. The lake has Redfish, Trout, Flounder, even Tarpon, and of course Blue Crab.

The Allens, founders of Dune Allen Subdivision, were long time residents of the lake. Over the years they did much for the lake and the neighborhood, not the least of which was donating the property for the old Girl Scout camp on the West side of the lake. The pilings still stand today from the old dock.

The causeway bridge was built in 2000, eliminating the road that ran between 30A and Allen Loop Drive, allowing the smaller lake that was then East of the causeway to again become part of Oyster Lake. A similar project occurred with the bridge on Seahorse circle about the same time, connecting
the Western portion of the lake with the marsh beyond.

Believe it or not, Oyster Lake was a popular place to water ski well into the 70’s, and several members of OLPS skied on the lake in their youth.

As late as 2000, the outfall was the default neighborhood location for surf fishing. When the lake drained, the fresh water and its various organisms attracted the fish, and it was possible then to park on 30A and walk by the outfall to the beach.

Even though there was a culvert under 30A in those days, the lake dwellers and others still made their way to the Gulf. Members Arthur and Deborah Jones were raised on Oyster Lake. Arthur spent his teenage years pulling his Jon boat through the culvert and fishing the Gulf. Deb had a Sunfish, and by lowering it’s mast she was able to get through the culvert as well.