Housed in a Civil War-era fort with eight-foot-thick granite walls, the Fort East Martello Museum & Gardens contains a unique collection of artifacts, including the scrap metal junk sculptures of Stanley Papio, the Key West folk art of Mario Sanchez and, perhaps most famously, Robert the Haunted Doll, which once belonged to Key West artist Robert Eugene Otto (when in doubt, “Blame it on Robert!”). Other highlights of the museum include artifacts from the Florida East Coast Railroad, sponge industry and much more.
Opened in 1965, Ocean World was located on the 17th Street Causeway adjacent to Pier 66 in Fort Lauderdale and featured Davy Jones’ Locker, home to “The Flying Dolphin Show,” as well as a dolphin feeding pool, California sea lions, otters, sea turtles, fish, alligators and tropical birds. However, the small marine mammal park became the target of animal rights activists in the 1980s, which led to legal action from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (resulting in a $20,000 fine) and Ocean World ultimately was closed its doors in 1994. The park’s dolphins were reportedly relocated to a marine park in Honduras. A July 5, 1994, Sun-Sentinel article reported: “Ocean World, one of the city’s oldest and most controversial tourist attractions, will put on its last dolphin and sea lion show Aug. 31. Ocean World President George Boucher cited declining attendance and limited space for expansion as the reasons the 29-year-old marine theme park is closing.”
The International Independent Showmen’s Museum in Riverview (adjacent to Gibsonton) boasts a fascinating collection of artifacts showcasing the history of the American carnival – don’t miss it! Highlights include a Johnny J. Jones Exposition 1948 Twin Diesel Catepillar Generator, Capell Bros Show Trailer, Authentic Antique Ferris Wheel and Merry Go Round, Cast Iron Sunburst Wagon Wheel, Decorated Wooden Wagon Wheel, Big 6 Gaming Wheel, Authentic Banner Art, Rocky Road to Dublin Original Car, 1915 Carousel Horse, Paris Revue Girl Show Exhibit, Carnival Games, Strates Steel Ride Wagon, Antique Bumper Car, Royal American Shows Girl Show Wagon and much more. The International Independent Showmen’s Museum is located at 6938 Riverview Drive. Hours are Saturday and Sunday from 12 PM to 5 PM.
Enjoy a juicy burger and ice-cold beer on an outdoor deck overlooking the Alafia River in the heart of Gibsonton (AKA “Gibtown). What more could you ask for? I recommend the Goat Cheese Burger drizzled with balsamic — absolutely delicious! In addition, AJ’s hosts live music several days a week. AJ’s on the River is located at 9808 Vaughn Street (take Exit 250 off I-75). It is open daily for lunch and dinner.
Wandering Florida 