Top Ghost Stories in the Sunshine State

Haunted Florida Hotspots

By Annie Tisdale
QuailBellMagazine.com

The state of Florida is known for many things, like sunny weather, beautiful beaches, and amusement parks. But, there is a darker side to Florida that has lured tourists for decades. Stories of ghosts, spirits, and haunted buildings are as much a part of this state’s culture as the Orange Blossom.

One central Florida town has a peculiar claim to fame in Spook Hill, which has been attracting the attention of tourists who come to test the hill with their cars. If you park at the bottom of the hill with your car in neutral, it will drift uphill. This has baffled people for many years.

The legend goes that the area was formerly a Seminole Indian campsite that was repeatedly attacked by a spirit in the form of a bull alligator. Chief Cufcowellax fought the spirit and killed it in a battle that created Lake Ticowa. Later, Europeans settled the area and orange groves were planted. It was then that the area received its name, as Pioneer mail carriers using the trail would have a hard time getting their horses and wagons down the hill, but had no trouble at all going up hill. As time went on, the groves were removed and roads were paved.

Visitors are greeted to Spook Hill by a sign that recounts the old legend and gives insight into what the may be the reason for the anti-gravity hill.

“Is this the gator seeking revenge, or the chief still trying to protect his land?”

Spook Hill received national attention when it appeared on the front page of the Wall Street Journal in 1990. Even Spook Hill Elementary School was named for the unexplained occurrence. Geologists claim that Spook Hill is merely an optical illusion. But whatever the cause, it would make an interesting destination if you wind up in Florida.

Another haunted tale comes from Miami’s Coral Gables community. In the '20s and '30s, the historic Biltmore Hotel was a famously host to royalty, dignitaries, and celebrities—and more infamous characters, too. Two incidents are reportedly responsible for the hotel’s dark reputation—the murder of gangster Thomas “Fatty” Walsh on the 13th floor and the temporary re-purposing of the building during World War II to be used as a military hospital.

After several years, the Biltmore was reinstated as a hotel. But, not without repercussions from all that took place before. There are stories of hearing voices through the wall or the sound of parties that aren’t actually taking place. There are also reports of ghostly figures appearing and then vanishing by employees. At one point, the Biltmore would hold ghost tours. But, that was soon ended for fear of driving away visitors.

The 13th floor is now out of commission. However, if you’re in South Florida (and brave enough) you might consider booking a room.

Finally, I take you to Tampa, Florida for the historic Ybor City Cuban Club, also known as Circulo Cubano de Tampa. In the early 1900s this building was a hotspot for Cuban immigrants. It was used as a place for ballroom dancing with an outdoor band and cantina.

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Today it’s used for hosting concerts and special events. Although, the people who hang out here believe that this is one of the most haunted buildings around. The Cuban Club spooky origins come from such horrific occurrences as an actor who committed suicide right on the stage in the theater and a board member that was shot in the face during a nasty argument. But, these aren't the only restless spirits roaming the halls of Circulo Cubano.

Photo: Burgert Brothers from State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory

Many witnesses also claimed to have seen the ghosts of a little boy playing with a ball or a woman in a long, flowing white dress and red heels climbing up and down the stairs. Some are said to experience an eerie sensation or hear strange sounds. There are guests who claim to have captured photographic evidence of glowing orbs as well.

The Cuban Club showed up in an episode of “The Ghost Hunters” (“Club Dead”) and was declared haunted by the team that went to investigate whether the phenomenon was true. So, if you’re spending some time at Busch Gardens, take a detour to the Cuban Club. You may get a glimpse of the lady in the white dress!