Business Insurance

Login  |  Register Subscribe



Squatters take over Florida ‘meth island,’ build elaborate treehouse and install trampoline

Florida law enforcement officials posted no trespassing signs on an island where squatters have built a handful of structures and installed a trampoline.

Florida law enforcement officials are working to remove squatters from an island they outfitted with an elaborate treehouse, a "welcome center" and a trampoline. 

"TRESPASS NOTICE You are ordered to vacate the island within 48 hours," signs posted by Florida law enforcement on an island in Port Orange. 

The island, according to video posted by the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, is dotted with various handmade wooden structures, including an elaborate four-story treehouse and other huts made out of what appears to be old lumber and tree branches.

The sheriff’s office was assisting members of the Port Orange Police Department, South Daytona Police Department and Florida Fish and Wildlife on Friday by posting no trespassing signs at the squatter camp. The island is located near the Dunlawton Bridge in Port Orange, with social media commenters dubbing it "good ole meth island" and "Gilligan's Island."

ARMED FLORIDA MAN CONFRONTS SQUATTER WHO TOOK OVER HOUSE WHILE HE WAS OVERSEAS: POLICE

"Parts of these islands have become overrun with campsites, trash, wooden structures, towers, even a trampoline. For everyone who enjoys the beauty of this area, this is one step toward bringing it back to nature," the Volusia Sheriff’s Office posted to Facebook. 

SQUATTERS TORMENT HOMEOWNERS ACROSS US WITH NO RESOLUTION IN SIGHT: 'IT'S A PROBLEM'

The campsite appeared vacant when law enforcement posted the no trespassing signs on Friday.

The video shows the squatters have attempted to decorate the island, including by painting hearts on beams of one structure, hanging old license plates on structures like paintings, installing a trampoline and a sign directing visitors to the island’s "welcome center." 

CHICAGO HOMEOWNER TELLS 'FOX & FRIENDS' SHE CAN'T REMOVE SQUATTER FROM HER HOUSE: 'REALLY INFURIATING'

"It's pretty impressive, honestly. The number of structures has exponentially grown over the past few years," one law enforcement official is heard saying in the video. 

SQUATTERS, BE GONE! HOW TO KEEP YOUR PROPERTY SAFE AND SECURE FROM UNWANTED OCCUPANTS

Commenters on Facebook debated about the trespassing signs, with some arguing the island is a "great spot to visit" while others called for the island to be cleaned up. One commenter said the area feels unsafe after nightfall. 

"There's no sanitation on the island, it's a garbage pit," one commenter wrote. 

The camp is one of several located near the Dunlawton Bridge, according to The Daytona Beach News-Journal.

Data & News supplied by www.cloudquote.io
Stock quotes supplied by Barchart
Quotes delayed at least 20 minutes.
By accessing this page, you agree to the following
Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions.

Business Insurance Webinars & Webcasts

August 12: "Get Retrofit: Insurance Savings from Property Upgrades"

August 7: "Friends & Foes: Best Practices for Social Media Risk Management"

August 17: "Supply Chain Crisis?Navigating Business Interruption Coverage and Claims After the Japanese Earthquakes"

September 8: "Dormant Dangers: Protecting Key Corporate Assets from Cyber Attacks"

View all webcasts & webinars


Business Insurance Upcoming Issues

Aug. 22/29: Industry Financials: First-Half Results
Health Care Reform: Impact on Firms

September 5: Special Report: Alternative Risks

September 12: Workers Comp & Safety Management

View editorial calendar
Subscribe to Business Insurance