Florida History

Ponce de Leon Lighthouse

reweidman50 Florida Attractions, Florida History, Florida Lighthouses, Uncategorized , , , ,


At 175 feet, the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse at Ponce Inlet is the tallest lighthouse in Florida and the third tallest lighthouse in the United States (behind Cape Hatteras Lighthouse in North Carolina and Cape Charles Lighthouse in Virginia). Take the 203 steps to the top of the Ponce de Leon Lighthouse for spectacular views of Ponce Inlet and the surrounding area. Built in 1883, the Ponce de Leon Lighthouse was originally known as the Mosquito Inlet Lighthouse.

Bahia Honda Rail Bridge

reweidman50 Florida History, Florida Keys, Florida Parks, Florida State Parks, Uncategorized , , , , , , ,


Completed in 1912, the Overseas Railroad (aka “Flagler’s Folly” and the “Eighth Wonder of the World”) was partially destroyed by the tragic Labor Day Hurricane in 1935. Today, visitors to the Florida Keys heading down the Overseas Highway toward Key West can view the only remaining segment of the railroad, the Bahia Honda Rail Bridge, between Bahia Honda Key (home to Bahia Honda State Park) and Scout Key (formerly known as West Summerland Key). We pulled off at Scout Key and took a short stroll along a sandy path to an overlook where the road ends abruptly (be careful since there is quite a drop-off and no barriers of any kind). The reward is a great view of the Bahia Honda Rail Bridge itself. On the way back to the car, we noticed a creepy, rusted-out scooter (see image above). For more information about the fascinating history of the Overseas Railroad, I recommend Last Train to Paradise: Henry Flagler and the Spectacular Rise and Fall of the Railroad that Crossed an Ocean (2003) by Lee Standiford.

 

Big Tree Park, Longwood

reweidman50 Florida History, Florida Parks, Uncategorized , , , , , ,


The National Champion Bald Cypress Tree known as “The Senator” stood majestically for 3,500 years (reaching 165 feet at its peak) until it was tragically destroyed by an arsonist in 2012. During a quick stroll up the boardwalk at Big Tree Park in Longwood, you can learn all about the fascinating history of this tree (President Calvin Coolidge visited the tree in 1929), view the burnt remains of the tree and view its huge companion, “Lady Liberty” (2,000 years old and rising 89 feet with a diameter of 10 feet!). Also check out the clone of The Senator (known as “The Phoenix”), which is located adjacent to the playground. Big Tree Park is part of Spring Hammock Preserve.

Ocean World

reweidman50 Florida Attractions, Florida History, Forgotten Florida, Uncategorized , , , ,
Postcards
Postcards
Postcards
Postcards

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.”