Pinecrest, Monroe County, Florida

Pinecrest is a ghost town^[1] in Monroe County, Florida, United States, located in the Big Cypress National Preserve, on Loop Road, approximately 6 miles (9.7 km) west of Fortymile Bend.

Pinecrest, Florida
Ghost town
Pinecrest Show map of Florida Pinecrest Show map of the United States
Coordinates: 25.747°N 80.94°W / 25.747; -80.94
Country	United States
State	Florida
County	Monroe
Elevation	7 ft (2.1 m)
Time zone	UTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
• Summer (DST)	UTC-4 (EDT)

History

Due to the geographic disparity between Pinecrest and the county seat in Key West, Pinecrest attracted lawless elements, as well as a population involved in pursuits related to the Everglades, such as alligator hunting, fishing, and frogging.^[2] Al Capone also allegedly owned a mansion and brothel here. The area was largely abandoned as a result of hurricane destruction and the Great Depression, but a saloon, the Gator Hook, sustained until 1977, when the National Park Service began making efforts to remove private facilities in Big Cypress.

Geography

It is located at 25.747°N 80.94°W / 25.747; -80.94, with an elevation of 7 feet (2.1 m).^[3]