Florida offers an ideal destination for Halloween fun – enjoy its beaches without crowds of tourists while visiting some of its creepiest sites such as Tampa Theatre where the ghost of projectionist Fink can often be spotted!
At Fort Lauderdale’s Stranahan House, guests often report seeing Frank Stranahan ghost photobomb their selfies with Ivy the female ghost present.
1. Tampa Theatre
When the Tampa Theatre first opened its doors in 1926, it was considered an extravagant movie palace offering guests an escape from reality. Decorated with statues and gargoyles, adorned ushers greeted patrons.
Locals report the theatre is haunted by two spirits; one inhabiting the balcony and gazing upon the stage; while another spirit roams backstage. According to staff members, they still smell cigarette smoke from chain-smoking projectionist Foster “Fink” Finley who died in 1965.
East Martello Fort is not only an historic landmark, but is also one of Florida’s most haunted places. Paranormal experts have identified an object known as Robert the Doll that once belonged to an artist living nearby and now appears possessed.
2. Stranahan House
Florida is best known for its sunny skies, stunning beaches and world-famous attractions – but it also has a mysterious side characterized by ghostly encounters and strange events that cannot be explained away.
Built by Frank Stranahan, who ran a flourishing trading business with the local Seminole tribe, his spirit still haunts this home – often appearing in photos taken of guests and knocking at doors when homeless people try to sleep outside.
One of the more prominent spirits who haunt this house is Ivy, Frank’s wife who can often be found helping visitors up the stairs. Other notable hauntings are a small child crying for help and Robert the Doll (formerly owned by one of Frank’s servants).
3. Blue Anchor Pub
Most people associate Florida with beautiful beaches and thrilling theme parks, but this state also holds many fascinating stories which often manifest into paranormal activity.
Mark and Peggy Snyder purchased this Delray Beach pub in 1996 knowing its past would come with it. It had originally been built during Jack the Ripper times in London; when it was torn down it was stored for years in New York before finally coming to Florida for permanent relocation.
As soon as they moved in, however, they realized the pub came with its own ghost: Bertha Starkey is said to haunt the bar area by shaking pots and knocking items over, sometimes even staff members have reported hearing her footsteps in spite of it only being one story!
4. Hollywood Beach Resort
Florida may be known for its tropical paradise, but the Sunshine State hides an unspeakable darkness: ghosts and paranormal activity are not rare here! From haunted bridges to mansions with unnerving paranormal activity – Florida offers up plenty of scary locales guaranteed to leave visitors shaken!
The Bellamy Bridge in Jackson County, Florida, is not only one of Florida’s oldest landmarks but is also thought to be haunted. Elizabeth Jane Bellamy may still haunt both its surroundings – bridge and swamp alike – rumor has it!
Visitors have reported encountering strange happenings such as lights turning on and off on their own, elevators traveling to incorrect floors and mysterious scrawled messages in mirrors. Once used as a house of refuge during the Civil War, it now serves as a museum.
5. East Martello Fort
Built to defend Key West against Confederate sea attacks during the American Civil War, East Martello Fort was abandoned once the war ended and now houses a museum where visitors have reported seeing shadowy figures and hearing strange voices. Legend has it that Robert the Doll may even haunt this museum as she belonged to local artist and eccentric figure Robert Eugene Otto who worked here during childhood.
Many of Florida’s most well-known haunted sites can be traced to its long and colorful history of pirates, shipwrecks and Civil War battles. From lighthouses where ghostly figures have been reported to spiritualist communities like Cassadaga – this chaotic state offers something for paranormal enthusiasts of all kinds!
