Flamingo, Florida: The Aftermath
Fast forward eight years and only three homes and families still lived in the community. Ten years later it was abandoned save the moonshiners that took over some of the area. Finally, in 1940, the federal government purchased the land to make it part of a national park.
Now, the area is larger than ever due to the park constructing a hotel, cabins, a marina, store, campground, gas station, gift shop and cafe. But, as is the common threat in each story, Hurricane Wilma struck in 2005 leaving only the marina and store to reopen. Plans are underway to restore the other buildings, so if you want to see it in a less than perfect state, now is the time to visit.