History of Cloud Lake

[The video shows a slow aerial fly-around of Cloud Lake and the Southern Boulevard and Interstate 95 interchange, taken from Google Earth, with a search bar reading “history of Cloud Lake, Florida.” One narrator speaks throughout. There is no other text on screen.]

Cloud Lake, Florida, is a small town in Palm Beach County with a rich yet modest history. It was incorporated in 1949, largely through the efforts of twin brothers Karl and Kenyon Riddle. Karl Riddle, who served as the city manager and superintendent of public works for West Palm Beach in the 1920s, played a significant role in its development. The town’s name is derived from Seminole Chief Yaholoochee, meaning “the cloud,” reflecting its cultural ties to the region’s Native American heritage.

Town note: The year the video gives for incorporation, 1949, does not match the Town’s records. The Town seal gives 1948, and Palm Beach County History Online gives 1951. The Riddle brothers platted the land in 1935.

Situated just minutes from Palm Beach International Airport, Cloud Lake covers a mere 0.1 square miles and is bordered by Glen Ridge to the west and south, State Road 80 to the north, and Interstate 95 to the east. Its small size and strategic location have shaped its identity as a quiet, residential enclave amidst the growing bustle of South Florida. As part of the Miami metropolitan area, it benefits from proximity to larger urban centers while maintaining a serene, suburban character.

Town note: State Road 80 is Southern Boulevard. The Census Bureau rounds the Town’s area to 0.1 square miles; the Town covers about 40 acres, or 0.06 square miles.

The population has remained tiny over the decades. In 2000, it had 167 residents, making it the smallest municipality in Palm Beach County at the time. By the 2010 census, this dipped slightly to 135, and the 2020 census recorded 134 residents. The town’s demographic history shows a diverse mix, with a notable Hispanic or Latino population, 30.54% in 2000, alongside a majority white population, and English as the universal first language among residents in 2000.

Cloud Lake’s development was primarily residential, with no major industries or commercial hubs defining its past. Its appeal lies in its simplicity and proximity to natural attractions and larger cities like West Palm Beach. The Riddle brothers’ vision crafted a peaceful retreat, and today, it remains a tight-knit community known for its lush greenery and understated charm, a slice of old Florida amid the modern sprawl.