Why I know the true origin?
I worked for the Florida Game And Freshwater Fish Commission from early 1981 through 1984 As a Wildlife Officer (Game Warden). My major patrol area was from US29 on the west, the Dade/Collier County line on the east (Dade County is where Miami is), Alligator Alley (US84) on the north and Tamiami Trail (US41 or “Bloody 41” as we called it because of all the fatal car accidents). Here is a map and satellite photo of my patrol area.
As you will notice, there are no roads. This is the heart of the Big Cypress Swamp National Park. Any type of off-road equipment there was that could be used in this swampy environment was at my disposal…from helicopters to halftracks. I patrolled mostly on a 110 Honda Three Wheeler then later got a 185S (same wheelbase as a 110 but smaller than the 185 and much faster than the 110). Small enough to go anywhere in water 2’ deep or less and fast enough to catch most other conveyances that ventured into this area (remember, this is 1980 and I am not trying to get into "I could be outrun discussion - just sharing experiences with you all).
Page 1:
Ever heard the saying “I’ve got some swampland for you in south Florida” (or some variation on a theme) before? Here is the true story of where it originated. The area criss-crossed with roads is the southern part of “Gulf America Corporation” a large purveyor of land in south Florida that were active in the 60s and 70s. For orientation, see map above. This area is west of my patrol area about 10 miles.
They would bring Northerners or anyone not familiar with south Florida and its seasons to the resort shown on the bottom of the above picture, wine and dine them until late at night, then early the next morning take them and show them the property. Problem was, they would show the property in the dry season. There is a lot of cypress there. Most of this land is under 2 feet of water during the wet season. For cypress to grow, the roots (called cypress knees) have to be inundated with water, and are during the wet season. I have patrolled this area in a ramcharger with 31.5” tires and a lift kit and had water up to the hood…(about 4’ feet). The roads were of course built up above the average level of the land. This area is between 10 and 20 feet above sea level. And another problem they had was they sold 150% of the land. So there were three people owning every two lots there. Probably 50% of the people that bought this land never came down to see it before buying (or dying).
Page 2:
Gulf American Corporation went under and this area became a hotbed for drug smugglers back in the 70s and early 80s before George H. Bush sent the "South Florida Taskforce" down. The task force was made up of Customs, Department of Law Enforcement, Florida Deplarment of Law Enforcement, and a couple of others. (another story for another time) This area is about 10 miles long by 3 miles wide.
The middle road is named DeSoto Bouldvard and was used as a clandestine runway for smugglers. DeSoto Boulevard is always above the water level, even in the wet season. Why? DeSoto Boulevard was built 5 feet higher in elevation than the other roads. Bordered on the south by a canal and swamp on the east by a cypress swamp and a canal, same thing on the west. The street that crosses close to the top is Stewart Boulevard...DeSota Boulevarde dead ends on the north side into cypress swamp and is totally invisible to the outside world at ground level. To the south of this area is a canal that has been cut from the Gulf of Mexico all the way to the southern cross canal….a literal beacon and easily identifiable land mark that said “this way to the landing area, a pickup crew is awaiting you”. Anything from twin engine Piper Aztecs (1300 lb payload) to DC3s (BIG payload) were used for dropping “product” in. This is the area I would patrol on the way to and back from my major patrol area.
Now you know, “The Rest of the Story” (and a whole lot more about AJ's past life).
I worked for the Florida Game And Freshwater Fish Commission from early 1981 through 1984 As a Wildlife Officer (Game Warden). My major patrol area was from US29 on the west, the Dade/Collier County line on the east (Dade County is where Miami is), Alligator Alley (US84) on the north and Tamiami Trail (US41 or “Bloody 41” as we called it because of all the fatal car accidents). Here is a map and satellite photo of my patrol area.
As you will notice, there are no roads. This is the heart of the Big Cypress Swamp National Park. Any type of off-road equipment there was that could be used in this swampy environment was at my disposal…from helicopters to halftracks. I patrolled mostly on a 110 Honda Three Wheeler then later got a 185S (same wheelbase as a 110 but smaller than the 185 and much faster than the 110). Small enough to go anywhere in water 2’ deep or less and fast enough to catch most other conveyances that ventured into this area (remember, this is 1980 and I am not trying to get into "I could be outrun discussion - just sharing experiences with you all).
Page 1:
Ever heard the saying “I’ve got some swampland for you in south Florida” (or some variation on a theme) before? Here is the true story of where it originated. The area criss-crossed with roads is the southern part of “Gulf America Corporation” a large purveyor of land in south Florida that were active in the 60s and 70s. For orientation, see map above. This area is west of my patrol area about 10 miles.
They would bring Northerners or anyone not familiar with south Florida and its seasons to the resort shown on the bottom of the above picture, wine and dine them until late at night, then early the next morning take them and show them the property. Problem was, they would show the property in the dry season. There is a lot of cypress there. Most of this land is under 2 feet of water during the wet season. For cypress to grow, the roots (called cypress knees) have to be inundated with water, and are during the wet season. I have patrolled this area in a ramcharger with 31.5” tires and a lift kit and had water up to the hood…(about 4’ feet). The roads were of course built up above the average level of the land. This area is between 10 and 20 feet above sea level. And another problem they had was they sold 150% of the land. So there were three people owning every two lots there. Probably 50% of the people that bought this land never came down to see it before buying (or dying).
Page 2:
Gulf American Corporation went under and this area became a hotbed for drug smugglers back in the 70s and early 80s before George H. Bush sent the "South Florida Taskforce" down. The task force was made up of Customs, Department of Law Enforcement, Florida Deplarment of Law Enforcement, and a couple of others. (another story for another time) This area is about 10 miles long by 3 miles wide.
The middle road is named DeSoto Bouldvard and was used as a clandestine runway for smugglers. DeSoto Boulevard is always above the water level, even in the wet season. Why? DeSoto Boulevard was built 5 feet higher in elevation than the other roads. Bordered on the south by a canal and swamp on the east by a cypress swamp and a canal, same thing on the west. The street that crosses close to the top is Stewart Boulevard...DeSota Boulevarde dead ends on the north side into cypress swamp and is totally invisible to the outside world at ground level. To the south of this area is a canal that has been cut from the Gulf of Mexico all the way to the southern cross canal….a literal beacon and easily identifiable land mark that said “this way to the landing area, a pickup crew is awaiting you”. Anything from twin engine Piper Aztecs (1300 lb payload) to DC3s (BIG payload) were used for dropping “product” in. This is the area I would patrol on the way to and back from my major patrol area.
Now you know, “The Rest of the Story” (and a whole lot more about AJ's past life).
common sense is you dont build under water.