Florida Oddities
Visiting our state’s strange attractions, some remain unexplained
While some Florida attractions are huge theme parks, alligator sideshows or scenic waterways, there’s plenty of quirky going on in the Sunshine State― even magical or mystical. Here are few suggestions for your travel planning: The Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp, known as the Psychic Capital of the World in north central Florida, is a 120-year-old community of 55 residences, nearly half of which are spiritual mediums. Historical tours and workshops are offered.
The Oviedo Lights northeast of Orlando could be considered magical, as they are known to suddenly show up and then just as quickly disappear. The lights, which appear on a stretch of Snow Hill Road east of Oviedo at the bridge crossing the Econlockhatchee River, look like glowing balls of fog. The likely cause is swamp gas. Others argue the orbs are ghosts.
Also rising up out of a swamp is Solomon’s Castle, located in Ona, about half way between Bradenton and Sebring. This unusual structure was built on what was swampland by Howard Solomon, an internationally known sculptor who began constructing the castle in 1972. It features a tower, stained-glass windows and a moat. There’s also a car museum and a chocolate house.
Myri Del Leon, a recreation specialist for the Lake Kennedy Senior Center in Cape Coral, has visited Solomon’s Castle. “What I found particularly fascinating,” Del Leon says, “was that the castle itself―and all of the artwork―was made from recycled materials.” Del Leon and her group met Solomon and were fascinated to learn that he carved his first piece of art with a razor blade at age 4, she says. “It was remarkable,” adds Del Leon.
Another unique spot in Florida is the Coral Castle in Homestead near Miami. The castle was built entirely (and secretly) by Edward Leedskalnin, who from 1923 to 1951 carved more than 1,100 tons of coral rock. Behind the walls are a variety of shapes, such as chairs, tables, a crescent moon and a sundial. Mr. Leedskalnin stood 5 feet tall and weighed some 100 pounds, yet somehow he moved every rock and carved them by himself. Heartbroken, Leedskalnin began the project after his 16-year-old girlfriend, Agnes Scuffs, canceled their wedding day. His work is a monument to Scuffs. Engineers remain puzzled by his accomplishments.
While these castles and their structures are impressive in size, the Ochopee Post Office is not. At roughly 8 feet by 7 feet, this fully functional post office near Big Cypress National Preserve has the distinct title of being the country’s smallest. It was originally a pipeshed created for a tomato farm.
Check the 1.4-acre Saint Augustine National Cemetery, whose Dade Monument is three pyramids covering vaults holding the remains of 1,468 soldiers from the Florida War, 1835-1842, or the Second Seminole War. “The pyramids are roughly 12 feet for each side of the base with a height of about 10 feet,” says Alphaeus L. Richburg, director of the Jacksonville and Saint. Augustine National cemeteries. Richburg explains that there are no detectable inscriptions and no apparent reason for the pyramid shape.
Standing about 6 to 7 feet and weighing some 450 pounds, the Florida Skunk Ape is ingrained in popular culture. They are large and hairy creatures reportedly in the Florida Everglades, first cousins to Big Foot or Sasquatch. The Skunk Ape Research Headquarters in Ochopee, oddly near the tiny post office, offers artifacts and a gift store. Dave Shealy is considered an expert on Florida Skunk Apes and during select times offers Skunk Ape expeditions. The Shealy family also owns the Everglades Adventure Tours, where guests can take an eco-tour, or stay in a Native American chickee hut, located right near a swamp where all sorts of things could be spotted.
Ann Marie O’Phelan is a Southwest Florida resident and frequent contributor to TOTI Media.