News/Commentary

Florida squatters take over ‘Meth Island’, build ‘impressive’ treehouse, ‘welcome center’ and more

June 20, 2023 | | Print Article

Law enforcement is vigorously working to remove Florida squatters that have set up shop on “Meth Island,” building an elaborate four-story treehouse, numerous huts, a welcome center, and even installing a trampoline.

Police have posted signs on the island in Port Orange that warn, “TRESPASS NOTICE You are ordered to vacate the island within 48 hours.”

The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office posted a video on Facebook showing the handmade structures constructed out of old lumber and tree branches. Even the police thought it was “kind of impressive.”

“Today, deputies were happy to help out the Port Orange Police Department, South Daytona Police Department and MyFWC Florida Fish and Wildlife in posting trespass notices on several islands near the Dunlawton Bridge. 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,” the post states on Facebook.

According to Fox News, “The sheriff’s office was assisting members of the Port Orange Police Department, South Daytona Police Department and Florida Fish and Wildlife on Friday by posting no trespassing signs at the squatter camp. The island is located near the Dunlawton Bridge in Port Orange, with social media commenters dubbing it ‘good ole meth island’ and ‘Gilligan’s Island.'”

When officers arrived on Friday to post the no trespassing signs at the campsite, it appeared deserted.

The video shows how the squatters have gone out of their way to decorate the structures. Hearts were painted on one structure and old license plates adorned the shanties like paintings. There was a sign directing visitors to a “welcome center” and a trampoline for entertainment.

“It’s pretty impressive, honestly. The number of structures has exponentially grown over the past few years,” one officer bluntly noted in the video.

Source: Volusia County Sheriff’s Office
Source: Volusia County Sheriff’s Office
Source: Volusia County Sheriff’s Office
Source: Volusia County Sheriff’s Office

Commenters had a lot to say on Facebook with some calling the island a “great spot to visit” while others insisted that the island should be cleaned up. One person remarked that the area feels unsafe after nightfall.

“Why not let people just have fun!” one person wrote. “Pretty creative and doesn’t seem to be hurting anyone!”

Another contended, “The 4 story tree house by the bridge is a great spot to visit! Don’t tear it down!”

“There’s no sanitation on the island, it’s a garbage pit,” another person wrote.

“Are you going to go back and take them down? I hope so. Thank you,” yet another asked.

This is just one camp out of several that are reportedly located near the Dunlawton Bridge, according to The Daytona Beach News-Journal, which calls it “not your average squatters’ camp.”

Twitter got in on the commentary as well:

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