Community

Belle Glade is well known for its winter vegetables, sugar cane, freshwater fishing and the last hand-cranked bridge in Florida.
In 1939, the Department of Transportation built a bridge to give farmers and commercial fishermen better access to Torry Island from Belle Glade's mainland.  Sollie Corbin was the first bridge tender.  His sons, Charles and Gordon Corbin, have operated the Torry Island Bridge and Slim's Fish Camp since 1965.

Each year residents of the Glades come together in April to celebrate another successful harvest season and enjoy each other's company at the annual Black Gold Jubilee. Originated and named in 1978, Black Gold Jubilee was created to celebrate Belle Glade's local culture, talent, and resources. Citizens gather at the Belle Glade Marina for a full day of fun, music and activities for the entire family. Although many changes have been made in the Jubilee since Mayor Thomas Altman spearheaded its inception, it remains one of the best family oriented and entertaining celebrations in the Glades.

Lake Okeechobee comprises a 730 square mile area in the Glades area. Its average depth is 9 feet with a maximum depth of 17 feet. Lake Okeechobee is the second largest freshwater lake in the continental United States, holding more than a trillion gallons of water. It is our main source of fresh water, irrigation for crops, known worldwide for its large mouth bass and fishing, and a beautiful place to see the sun set.


Palm Beach Community College…. Expect more in the Glades. Academic excellence for the first two years of a bachelor's degree, career and technical education, and dual enrollment for high school students are all available at PBCC.  The Partnership Council for the Glades Initiative is guiding our plans to serve you.

Watch us grow.


With over 60 churches here in Belle Glade, we are able to meet the needs of almost any religious denomination.