Nixon's Florida White House facts for kids

The Florida White House was a special name for a group of buildings in Key Biscayne, Florida. It was used by U.S. President Richard Nixon as a getaway from 1969 to 1974. People also sometimes called it the Winter White House.

The Florida White House: A Presidential Retreat

President Richard Nixon bought his first home in Key Biscayne, Florida, in 1969. It was located at 500 Bay Lane. He bought it from George Smathers, who had also been a Senator. While he was president, Nixon visited this Florida home more than 50 times. It was a place where he could relax and work away from Washington, D.C.

History of the Key Biscayne Home

The Florida White House was more than just one house. It was a group of homes that President Nixon used. It became an important spot for presidential activities and meetings during his time in office.

Neighbors and Connections

President Nixon's compound was close to the homes of some of his friends. One friend was Charles "Bebe" Rebozo, who lived nearby. Another neighbor was Robert Abplanalp, who invented the modern aerosol spray can valve. There were some questions raised about how some of the properties were acquired and about certain financial dealings involving people connected to the president.

Important Meetings and Events

An interesting historical moment happened at Key Biscayne. President John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon met there for the first time after the 1960 presidential election. They met in a villa at the old Key Biscayne Hotel.

Later, when President Nixon faced a difficult political time known as the Watergate scandal, he spent more time in seclusion at his Florida home. It was a place where he could think and work privately.

Changes to the Property

The United States Department of Defense spent about $400,000 to build a helicopter landing pad in Biscayne Bay. This pad was right next to President Nixon's property. When Nixon later sold his property, including the helicopter pad, some people questioned if the public's money was used fairly.

Years later, a famous movie called Scarface was filmed at the property in 1983. The original main building of the Florida White House was eventually torn down in July 2004 by its owner, Edgardo Defortuna.