Florida is well known for its Disney, Ricky Martin and Pitbull concerts and beautiful beaches; but it also has an unnerving dark side – from haunted houses to old bridges, here are some of the eeriest spots in florida that could surprise you!
The Stranahan House in Fort Lauderdale is the oldest house and is said to be haunted. Tour guides warn visitors of Frank Stranahan’s ghost being present and often photobombing selfies taken by visitors.
1. Tampa Theater
Florida boasts many attractions beyond Ricky Martin and Pitbull; beautiful beaches; its turbulent past; mobsters; movie stars; haunted theatres; ghosts still present and more!
Jill Witecki, marketing director of the theater, claims one of the most evocative spirits is “Fink”, a short and quiet projectionist known by everyone at the cinema as one who would come early to read newspapers and shave in the bathroom before films began playing.
Guests have reported hearing chains rattling and footsteps walking down the halls, along with cold spots on their shoulders and unexplained taps. A woman dressed entirely in white has also been reported floating through the balcony seating and looking towards the stage.
2. East Martello Fort
East Martello Fort in Key West is said to be haunted by ghostly spirits from its past as a Union war fort that protected Key West during a Civil War sea assault. Now a museum, it displays shipwreck and cigar manufacturing relics; Robert the Doll, known for moving, laughing, grabbing visitors by their clothing or even touching them occasionally, also haunts this location.
Fort Jefferson was constructed during the Civil War, becoming one of the Florida Keys’ most significant historic sites. Death outnumbered life on its walls four to one and many died from yellow fever outbreaks and other diseases prevalent at that time.
Today, Fort Fort is a popular museum and art gallery, boasting vaulted brick ceilings and curved walls to showcase an eclectic collection of local history and culture. Robert stands out as an impressive attraction; but you’ll also see gardens with 80-year-old playhouses and the junkyard art of Papio Stanley as other highlights.
3. Bellamy Bridge
For an immersive Halloween experience in Florida, visit Marianna and cross this skeletal bridge over Chipola River. According to local legend, Marianna’s bridge may be haunted by a young bride killed tragically on her wedding day whose spirit may still reside here.
Elizabeth Jane Croom Bellamy was betrothed to renowned antebellum planter and political figure Samuel Bellamy on their wedding night in their gorgeous mansion, when the lace of her dress caught fire while dancing together with Samuel. As it spread rapidly through their home, Elizabeth ran screaming through screaming through it before setting most of it ablaze before leaping off a bridge into Chipola River to make her escape.
Samuel never remarried and became overwhelmed by grief, drinking heavily to cope. This downward spiral ultimately resulted in him cutting himself with a razor. Her restless spirit can still be seen roaming around and can often be found during dark and foggy evenings.
4. St. Augustine Lighthouse
During the 19th century, this lighthouse on Anastasia Island served as an invaluable navigational aid. Unfortunately, many lives were lost near or in and around this landmark – leading many people to speculate that their bodies never really left here after they died here.
Lighthouse workers and visitors have reported many instances of paranormal activity at this haunted spot, with doors bolted shut being found wide open, items that should have been wet often being dry instead, as well as odd noises all the time.
One of the more intriguing ghosts at this location is a former lighthouse keeper who committed suicide by hanging himself on a staircase, who can still be seen roaming the area. Furthermore, guests have reported encountering a female spirit dressed all in white that has passed without looking or responding when approached; she passes without looking and can often be heard moaning throughout the lighthouse; many feel oppressed when she appears as she can leave people feeling powerless against her presence. This spirit can make people feel oppressed.
