One group of Florida residents found a way around skyrocketing housing prices and created their own village. Some locals referred to it as ‘Meth Island’ and others simply deemed it at nuisance. This outpost is located on one of the islands near the Dunlawton Bridge in Port Orange, Florida. Just south of Daytona. Here’s the map, there’s actually several “officially” uninhabited islands in that area.
It’s actually pretty impressive, but when you don’t sleep for days you have lots of time to do things. This make shift village had it’s own Welcome Center. There was a 4 story treehouse with living quarters. I’m not sure how they got it there, but someone had set up a trampoline. They even had their own AIR BNB with a room for rent at $10 a night.
This is way beyond any squatter camp we’ve ever seen in Southwest Florida. This looks to be well over a year’s worth of crafting. But last weekend, the South Daytona Police Department shut it down.
Today, deputies were happy to help out @PortOrange_PD, @South_DaytonaPD & @MyFWC in posting trespass notices on several islands near the Dunlawton Bridge. For everyone who enjoys the beauty of this area, this is one step toward bringing it back to nature. pic.twitter.com/OuXXPNp7VX — Volusia Sheriff (@VolusiaSheriff) June 16, 2023
In the video, we saw a lot of extra lumber on Meth Island.
Looks like they were planning an expansion to the island. Maybe a 5th floor on the tree house or a remodel of the Welcome Center. Unfortunately the cops came and shut down Meth Island, so we’ll never know.
The idea of a homeless camp on an island is nothing new. Miami has been toying with the idea of doing just that. Last summer there was talk of building 50 to 100 “tiny homes” on Virginia Key, an 863-acre barrier island. Not sure if Miami is moving forward with this, haven’t heard anything about it in the past year.
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_DOA_ on June 21st, 2023 at 17:48 UTC »
I read the entire article, and don't see any evidence of meth shenanigans. Looks like people can't afford to live in conventional housing (shocking), and chose this over sleeping under a bridge somewhere. I appreciate their effort to make a livable space, likely under difficult circumstances.
someguyprobably on June 21st, 2023 at 17:24 UTC »
The article is pretty insulting
teeter1984 on June 21st, 2023 at 17:02 UTC »
Not gonna lie, the kid in me wants to build a giant meth fort too