Ghostly Happenings in Florida

Ghostly Spirit of Murdered Woman

In Rockledge Ashley’s, a cafe has become home to a tragic spirit. A young woman who had been seen at the restaurant was later found gruesomely murdered. After death, she decided to remain here. Diners report seeing a woman wearing 1930s clothing at a table or sitting at the end of the bar. Perhaps she is still looking for her murderer or just enjoys the atmosphere.

Gangster Ghost

In Coral Gables, the Biltmore Hotel has hosted such guests as the notorious gangster Al Capone and US President Franklin D. Roosevelt. During its time, the hotel became a military hospital during WW II and a VA hospital before becoming a luxury hotel again. Today it not only hosts human guests but also guests of the ghostly kind.

Gangster Thomas Walsh was murdered on the 13th floor, and now he plays spooky games like turning lights on and off, elevators take guests to wrong floors, and messages appear on mirrors.

Ghostly Spirit of a Latvian Emigrant

In the southern part of Miami-Dade County is a well-known landmark called Coral Castle. Over 1000 tons of coral rock were quarried, transported, and constructed here by an emigrant from Latvia, Edward Leedskalnins. During his lifetime, he built his castle along with art, furniture, and many other objects. Now after passing on, his ghostly apparition has been seen during tours. He was proud of his handiwork in life and continues to be so after death. It could also be that he wants to be sure no one breaks or destroys anything.

Several Ghostly Apparitions

Located in Tampa’s historic Ybor City, the Cuban Club hosts special events. It is also home to several ghosts, among them an actor who killed himself onstage, a board member who was murdered during an argument, a lady in a misty dress, and a young boy who enjoys playing ball on the theater steps.

Theater Spirits

In Jacksonville, the Florida Theater once had an organist in the 1920s who took his own life and seems to have never left the theater. Now his ghostly spirit likes to be entertained and will watch a show from preserved balcony seats E1 and E2, so he must bring along a ghostly friend.

Ghosts of a Sea Captain, Theater Manager, and a Young Girl

In Clearwater, the Bilheimer Capitol Theater opened in 1921 and is one of the oldest operating theaters in Florida. Supposedly three ghostly spirits haunt the theater. There are the spirits of an old sea captain; a former theater manager who was murdered in the balcony; and the spirit of a young girl. These spooky spirits are known to play tricks on guests as they walk through the theater to their seats.

Ghostly Apparitions

In Estero, the Koreshan State Park was the place where two hundred people followed Cyrus R. Teed from Chicago in 1894. They followed him to this tract of land in Lee County believing Teed to be the messiah of a new religion known as Koreshanity. After Teed met his demise, his followers stored him in a bathtub to await his resurrection. It never happened, and now, this area is haunted by the spirit of Teed and ghostly followers, perhaps still thinking resurrection might be at hand. Today, visitors report various paranormal activities, making it a popular spot for ghost enthusiasts. Many visitors have reported sightings of shadowy figures and unexplained voices throughout the park. The park features 11 preserved historic structures from the Koreshan settlement, showcasing their unique beliefs, including the concept of a hollow Earth.

Meet the Ghost of Charlie

Fernandina Beach is home to the oldest bar in Florida, The Palace Saloon, dating from 1878. At the back of the place a longtime employee named Charlie made his home. His spirit after death decided to remain here, and patrons have seen the back room door opening and closing. When a fire broke out, every room burned except for Charlie’s room. There is a photo of Charlie at the entrance, so have a drink, and if you see a guy who looks like him, just raise your glass and toast to this famous spirit.

Spirits of Three Girls

The St. Augustine Lighthouse turned into a haunted site when the lighthouse keeper’s two daughters and a friend drowned and their bodies were never recovered. Now their ghostly spirits haunt the lighthouse, and disembodied laughter can be heard and the sounds of footsteps. Many visitors report experiencing unexplained phenomena, such as cold spots and apparitions.