PINECREST
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PINECREST |
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NAME: Pinecrest COUNTY: Monroe ROADS: 2WD GRID: 4 CLIMATE: Warm BEST TIME TO VISIT: Anytime |
COMMENTS:
Few scattered residents in trailers. Six miles west of forty mile bend just off the Tammiami Trail. Take SR 94. REMAINS: Gas Station, ruins of Al Capone Home |
| In the 1920's Pinecrest was a kind of boom town with the opening of the Trail. Pioneers were gator hunters, loggers, farmers, bootleggers, and some just trying to get away from the law. The nearest law was at the county seat in Key West. Pinecrest, just across the county line from Dade county, was a perfect place for Al Capone's home, hotel, and brothel. When the Depression hit it had a devastating affect on Pinecrest. The hurricanes finished the rest off. Gone are many of the homes, school, and the Gator Hook Lodge (The lodge was located at the S curve on Loop Road.) The Gator Hook was a local watering hole and dance club that featured local celebrity Ervin Rouse. Rouse is famous for the musical hit "The Orange Blossom Special". The area was featured along with pictures in the August 1976 issue of National Geographic. The pioneers have their stories of brawls, knifings, and shootings. Today, most of that is history. However, do not trespass. No kidding! Do not trespass. Ask permission to see the ruins of the Al Capone mansion. The Gator Hook Lodge was put up for sale a few years ago and, although there was a dispute, there were no buyers. The State bought the land and bulldozed the landmark hoping the area would return to the natural state. The remains of a former community could be considered a "natural state". Submitted by: Mike Woodfin |
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