Lost Attractions of Florida

By: James C. Clark

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Synopsis: Everybody knows about Disney World, Universal, EPCOT, Sea World and a slew of other Florida attractions. But how about bygone Sunshine State attractions such as Texas Jim's Sarasota Reptile Farm and Zoo, the Skull Kingdom, the House of Mystery or Dixieland Amusement Park. Many were roadside stops started by families as an extension of a fruit stand or market. Oranges and sodas in the front, alligators in the back. Many of the attractions were free, designed to lure customers for the fruit stand or store. Others changed a small fee. Some became nationally known, such as Cypress Gardens, where Johnny Carson not only broadcast, but water-skied. The roadside attractions had their heyday from the 1920s to the coming of Disney in 1971. It was a much simpler time, and a large tree known as The Senator could become a top attraction, along with a St. Petersburg drug store. Revisit these lost attractions with author Jim Clark.