Florida's 'meth island' is 'pretty impressive' say police evicting squatters
Squatters have built a number of structures on the island - including a four-story treehouse. However, they have been ordered to leave
Efforts are being made by Florida law enforcement officials to remove squatters who have built a four-storey treehouse and 'welcome center' at a site dubbed 'meth island' by local residents.
In a video of the eviction effort, one police officer can be heard saying: "It's pretty impressive, honestly. The number of structures has exponentially grown over the past few years."
Signs posted on the island, which is in Port Orange, read: “TRESPASS NOTICE You are ordered to vacate the island within 48 hours. According to a video posted by the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, the island is strewn with a variety of handmade wooden structures, featuring a detailed four-story treehouse, a trampoline - and numerous other huts built with old lumber and tree branches.
Read more: Heroes fight waves to rescue three people trapped in capsized houseboat
Members of the Port Orange Police department were also assisted by members of the South Daytona Police Department and Florida Fish and Wildlife on Friday by putting up no trespassing signs at the squatter camp. Social media commentators have nicknamed the island, which is located near the Dunlawton Bridge, “good ole meth island” and “Gilligan’s Island”.
The Volusia Sheriff’s Office posted to facebook: “Parts of these islands have become overrun with campsites, trash, wooden structures, towers, even a trampoline. For everyone who enjoys the beauty of this area, this is one step toward bringing it back to nature.”
When law enforcement posted the no trespassing signs on Friday (June 17) the campsite appeared to be empty, Fox News reports.
Don't miss...
Woman accused of killing boyfriend claims 'gap in memory' [LATEST]
Sub crew 'may already be dead from lack of oxygen and could take months to find' [LATEST]
Squatters have tried to decorate the island. The videos shows hearts painted on the beams of one structure, old license plates being hung on structures like paintings. They have also installed a trampoline - and a sign pointing in the direction of the islands “welcome center.”
The trespassing signs were a point of debate for Facebook users, with some commenting that the island is a “great spot to visit”, while others contrarily said the island was in need of a clean. One user said the area feels unsafe once the sun has gone down. Another wrote: "There's no sanitation on the island, it's a garbage pit.”
The Daytona Beach News-Journal report that the camp is one of numerous located near the Dunlawton Bridge.