September 13th, 2010
Stiltsville, Biscayne Bay, Florida, Key Biscayne, Miami, South Florida, An Afternoon on the Water
Arriving in South Florida on Thursday and staying only until Sunday. It seems that when you only have a few days to visit then you try to pack it all in. Shelley and I did just that. Shelley is one of my friends that is also a partner in crime when writing posts for my blog.
We stayed in Delray; you know that Village by the Sea that I talk so much about. I will be talking more about it because as the winter sets in; well, what can I say but that my visits will be more frequent. A fun little beach town!
Scott is a friend and has a boat in Miami and being that it was beautiful and a little hotter than hot, we decided to take advantage of such a nice day. Let me tell you that I have been on other boating outings with Scott and have complete trust in his ability to handle any situation on the water.
We took off and on Biscayne Bay we were. A tour on the water no less!! Scott was pointing out different spots. We did have a target in mind and that was Stiltsville, but to get there we enjoyed the water scenery.
Leaving Miami on one side, the clusters of buildings looked amazing; that vibrant city that defines South Florida.
Scott pointed out Fisher Island as the Fisher Island Ferry was going by. This island was named for automotive parts pioneer/developer Carl G. Fisher and is 3 miles off shore of Miami; only accessible by private boat or ferry. In 2000 and according to the U.S. Census Bureau, it had the highest per capita income of any place in the United States.
Leaving Fisher Island behind we went around Key Biscayne and there we spotted the Cape Florida Lighthouse. It is located at the south end of Key Biscayne. Built in 1825, it still marks the Florida Channel, the deepest natural channel into Biscayne Bay.
And at the distance I saw Stiltsville. We are used to building houses on stilts in the Delmarva Peninsula, but this was unreal; right in the middle of the Bay. I sort of remembered seeing pictures of these unique houses. Shelley thought there is a book available with their history.
Stiltsville is located on Biscayne Bay, about one mile south of Cape Florida which is at the tip of Key Biscayne. They are built on pilings and the mud flats under them are covered with grass. Some portions of the structures are built in foot deep water and the other portions built in between 6 – 20 feet deep; giving you access to dock your boat right under it.
In 1998 the Florida National Register Review Board voted to recommend Stiltsville to the National Register of Historic Places. Seven months later this recommendation was denied because the 7 house are under 50 years old.
The National Park Service is the owner of the land lease since 1980 and will not renew the bay bottom leases.
Stiltsville has captured the imagination and has really become part of the folklore of South Florida. A movement, “Save Old Stiltsville” is on-going.
Before hurricane Andrew in 1993 there were over 20 structures and now only 7 remain. The structures cannot be repaired, by law, so they are standing until they simply fall down. Some of them are in great shape and their owners use them all the time.
Stiltsville came upon during the days of prohibition and gambling. Gambling was allowed a mile offshore. Stiltsville is located just over a mile offshore. Eventually, the law changed to 3 miles offshore.
Then during the 1980’s during the Miami Vice days, this area was used for seaplane dropoffs of contraband.
They are beautiful and I could only imagined what it would be like to wake up in the morning surrounded by water on all sides. A storm was at a distance but we did not have trouble.
We kept on going to get some gas at Scottie’s and something to quench our thirst.
I loved looking at some of the boats anchored at Scottie’s Marina; the lobster boat. A few 4 legged friends were there, as well.
It was now early evening; just waiting for the traffic to die down in order to go back to Delray Beach. The night was young and music was on our minds.
What a great afternoon! The highlight was, definitely, Stiltsville, but the company was not far behind….talk to you later…
Tags: Activities, Biscayne Bay, Boating in South Florida, Florida, Key Biscayne, Miami, Scottie's, South Florida, Stiltsville, Things to do at the beach, What to do at the beaches
