Andytown, Florida
Andytown was a town located in
Back when SR-84 and US-27 were each two-lane roads, the intersection was controlled by a simple traffic light. At the southeast corner of that intersection, there was a gas station with a convenience store, restaurant, and a bar.[1] The restaurant was a very popular stopping point, especially for people who ventured into or returned from the Everglades.
Andytown was named after Andrew D. Poulos.[1] A Greek immigrant previously living Philadelphia, Poulos bought the business there in 1946 or 1950, depending on the source.[1][2] After Poulos died in 1972, his nephew Gus and Gus' brother-in-law John maintained the property.[2]
Andytown did not have electricity service until 1953.[1] As of 1954, it did not have any telephones; the nearest telephone was located 15 miles (24 km) away.[1]
The 1960s TV adventure series The Everglades was partially filmed in Andytown.
in 1967, the Florida state government purchased the land for its future use in transportation projects.[2] In 1979, the state announced it would be demolishing the buildings in Andytown in order to build entrance and exit ramps at the intersection of I-75 and US-27.[2] The building was demolished in November 1979.[2]
Further remains of Andytown are located west of US-27 on Griffin Road; across the street from the cemetery is an
Nearby areas
Jomo City was located about 1,000 feet (300 m) away from Andytown, on the west side of U.S. 27.[1] Jomo City had a gas station and a restaurant and nothing else.[1]
Rebel City was located about 12 miles (19 km) west of Andytown and consisted of a two-room cabin.[3] It was built for people with airboats who enjoyed exploring the Everglades on the weekends.[3]
References
- ^ a b c d e f g Rockefeller, Al (April 18, 1954). "Troubled Motorists Find Haven At Andytown". Fort Lauderdale News. p. 3-B.
- ^ a b c d e Hicks, John (September 23, 1979). "Andy's". The Orlando Sentinel. p. 12.
- ^ a b Jones, Duane (October 3, 1954). "Rebel City a Haven in Glades for Airboatmen". The Miami Herald. p. 5-BR.