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Stiltsville Republic
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Where nature thrives and man exist S T I L T S V I L L E Is located in Biscayne Bay, Florida. These stilt houses can be seen from Bill Baggs State Park at Cape Florida, which is at the south tip of Key Biscayne. Each of these unique structures are anchored in shallow waters and are surrounded by precious lush grassy beds along-side man-made channels. They are 2 miles south of Key Biscayne. After Hurricane Andrew only seven stilt houses remained. These 7 magnificent structures are all that is left of Miami's famous landmark "Stiltsville." History In the early 30's, channels were dredged across the pristine shoals of Biscayne Bay to create "safety" valves so hurricane tides would have a way to drain. These channels and shallow shoals now made the area accessable and thus very desirable. Crawfish Eddie anchored the first barge and soon others followed. Eventually, there was 27. In 1965, Stiltsville was hit by Hurricane Besty with winds of 120 m.p.h. and a storm surge of 11 feet, only 17 remained. In the aftermath of Hurricane Betsy these structures now had to comply with local building codes and only those with less than 50% damage are allow to rebuild. No new construction is allowed. In 1974, "Bay Bottom" leases were issued by the State of Florida and transfered to Biscayne National Park after they extended their boundary north then re-drew it to include Stiltsville. In 1992, Hurricane Andrews most powerful furry came directly over Stiltsville. These seven houses remained while thousands of homes onshore vanished. In July of 1999, the "Bay Bottom" leases were up and Biscayne National Park wanted these structures removed. Due to the tremenous amount of public support and interest and the home owner's continious battles to "save" Stiltsville these structures still exist. BOATING TO STILTSVILLE If you boat to the Stiltsville area please Be Aware. These channels are not well marked. DO NOT RUN A GROUND! These precious grass beds help sustain the ecosystem of Biscayne Bay. There are local navgational maps and boating courses available. Help save this precious environment. |
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