Florida is known for its sunny beaches, theme parks, and natural beauty. But the Sunshine State also has a darker side, with many abandoned places that are haunted by the ghosts of the past. Here are seven spooky abandoned places in Florida that you can explore at your own risk.
1. The Dome Houses of Cape Romano
These futuristic-looking dome structures were built in the 1980s by a retired oil magnate as a vacation home for his family. They were originally located on the shore of Cape Romano, but due to erosion and hurricanes, they are now partially submerged in the Gulf of Mexico. The dome houses are rumored to be haunted by the spirits of the former owners, who died in mysterious circumstances.
2. The Old Diplomat Hotel
This hotel was once a glamorous destination for celebrities and politicians in the 1950s and 1960s. It was also the site of a notorious murder-suicide, when a jealous husband shot his wife and her lover in one of the rooms. The hotel closed in the 1990s and has been left to decay ever since. Some say that you can still hear the screams of the victims and see their blood stains on the walls.
3. The Howey Mansion
This mansion was built in 1925 by William J. Howey, a wealthy citrus tycoon and politician. It was designed in the Mediterranean Revival style and featured lavish amenities such as a ballroom, a library, and a wine cellar. However, after Howey’s death in 1938, the mansion fell into disrepair and was abandoned for decades. It is said that Howey’s ghost still roams the halls, along with the spirits of his servants, who were mistreated and abused.
4. The Sunland Hospital
This hospital was opened in 1952 as a tuberculosis sanatorium for children. It later became a mental institution and a home for the disabled. The hospital was notorious for its poor conditions, overcrowding, and abuse of patients. It was closed in 1983 and demolished in 2014, but not before urban explorers and ghost hunters visited the site. They reported seeing apparitions, hearing voices, and feeling cold spots.
5. The Riddle House
This house was built in 1905 by Karl Riddle, a prominent businessman and city manager of West Palm Beach. It was originally located downtown, but was moved to Yesteryear Village, a historical park, in 1995. The house is haunted by the ghost of Joseph, a former employee of Riddle, who hanged himself in the attic after being accused of theft. Joseph is said to be angry and violent, and has been known to throw objects and attack visitors.
6. The Old Jail of St. Augustine
This jail was built in 1891 and operated until 1953. It housed some of the most notorious criminals in Florida’s history, such as serial killer Ted Bundy. The jail was also the site of many executions, hangings, and torture. The jail is now a museum and a popular tourist attraction, but it is also haunted by the restless souls of the inmates and guards. Some of the paranormal activity reported include hearing screams, seeing shadows, and feeling touches.
7. The Devil’s Tree of Port St. Lucie
This oak tree is located in Oak Hammock Park, a former orange grove. It is believed to be cursed by the devil, and has a dark history of murder, rape, and suicide. In 1971, a serial killer named Gerard Schaefer hanged two teenage girls from the tree and mutilated their bodies. In 1976, a deputy sheriff killed himself near the tree. In 1992, a group of Satanists performed a ritual under the tree. The tree is said to be immune to fire, axes, and chainsaws, and anyone who tries to harm it will suffer bad luck or death.
Conclusion
These are just some of the spooky abandoned places in Florida that you can visit if you dare. But be warned, you might not like what you find. These places are not for the faint of heart, and you might encounter something that will haunt you forever.