Dekle Beach, Florida facts for kids
Dekle Beach is a small community located right on the Gulf of Mexico in southern Taylor County, Florida, United States. It's about 21.8 miles south of Perry, which is the main town in the county. Dekle Beach is known for its beautiful coastal views and quiet atmosphere.
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History of Dekle Beach
How Dekle Beach Started
Dekle Beach was developed in the mid-1940s by a businessman and politician named Gus J. Dekle. He was from Perry, Florida. Mr. Dekle owned a car dealership called Dekle Motor Company. He also served on the City Council of Perry and was a member of the Florida House of Representatives during the 1940s and 1950s. This means he helped make laws for Florida.
Early Uses of the Land
Before Mr. Dekle developed it, the land had an interesting past. During the American Civil War, it was used by the Confederacy to make salt. Salt was very important back then for preserving food. There are also some stories that the United States Air Force might have used the area for training during World War II, but this hasn't been fully confirmed.
Developing the Community
Mr. Dekle worked hard to turn the area into a place where people could live. He dug channels and canals to make the area more accessible. During this time, he traded a part of the beach to his friend, Jimmy Archer. Mr. Archer owned a salvage yard and wrecker service. This trade helped develop the beach, and Mr. Archer's family still lives on some of that land today.
Other people also helped Dekle Beach grow. Mr. Lewis Hamilton and his wife, Janie, along with their friends Willie Joe and Ann Moody, bought a lot of land there. They put in a lot of effort to develop it into the residential area we see today.
The Great Storm of 1993
When the Storm Hit
Dekle Beach faced a huge challenge on March 13, 1993. A powerful storm, known as the "Storm of the Century", hit the beach very early on a Saturday morning. The storm arrived without much warning and caused a lot of damage.
After the Storm
The storm changed the look of Dekle Beach. Many homes were damaged or destroyed. Despite the devastation, the people who lived there worked together to rebuild their community. Their hard work helped Dekle Beach recover and continue to be a special place.
