(Scypre.com) – Florida officials have initiated the process of removing structures on an island notorious for drug use that had been occupied by squatters.
Detective Mike Wallace of the Port Orange Police expressed concerns regarding the safety implications of having such structures present on the island, stating, “There was a significant safety concern about individuals residing on the island with those types of structures.”
The island, commonly referred to as “Meth Island” on social media, features several handcrafted wooden structures, including a complex four-story treehouse and other huts constructed from reclaimed lumber and tree branches. This information was derived from a recently shared video by the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office.
The squatters had also set up a trampoline and were in the process of constructing a pool on the island, which is located near the Dunlawton Bridge in Port Orange. To deter visitors, the squatters had even installed booby traps on nearby islands, although authorities have assured that they will address this issue in due course. Kevin Pedri, a lieutenant with the South Daytona Police, revealed, “There is evidence of drug and alcohol use on that island.”
Last week, the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office collaborated with the Port Orange Police Department, South Daytona Police Department, and Florida Fish and Wildlife to erect no trespassing signs at the squatter camp.
The signs, posted by Florida law enforcement, clearly state, “TRESPASS NOTICE: You are required to leave the island within 48 hours.” Police officials explained that they took this action due to the dangers posed by squatter activities and the makeshift structures, particularly during hurricane season, which poses risks not only to the island’s inhabitants but also to local residents.
Pedri emphasized, “All the debris could be scattered across the Intracoastal, damaging boats and potentially causing harm to other properties.” The structures, believed to be constructed from stolen or scavenged wood, also pose a threat to the island’s mangrove population, which plays a crucial role in shielding the island from storm surges.
Furthermore, law enforcement expressed concern that the presence of a trampoline and an intricate treehouse might attract children to the area. Pedri stated, “These structures only serve to attract young kids to the island. They go there to have fun, and with the introduction of alcohol and trampolines, accidents are bound to happen.”
During the signposting process, no individuals were found on the island. Due to adverse weather conditions, officers have not yet revisited the island but plan to do so in the near future, as reported by The Daytona Beach News Journal.
Meanwhile, the local public works department has already begun dismantling some of the structures with the objective of restoring the island to its natural state. Pedri confirmed that multiple local agencies are monitoring the islands, according to a spokesperson from the Port Orange Police Department.