Andytown, Florida, is a fascinating piece of Broward County history, primarily known as a "town that isn't really a town" anymore. It was a small, well-known outpost that served as a vital rest stop in the middle of the Everglades before its demolition. There was never a Masonic Lodge in Andytown. Here's a look at its history: |
• Origins as a Truck Stop: Andytown began as a truck stop and wayside complex. In 1946, Andreas D. Poulos, a Greek immigrant, bought the existing business at the intersection of U.S. 27 and State Road 84 (which would later become part of Alligator Alley). Poulos expanded the establishment, adding a gas station, convenience store, restaurant, bar (Andy’s Lounge), motel, and a bait shop. It quickly became a crucial stop for travelers, truck drivers, hunters, and fishermen venturing across or into the Everglades.
• Named After Its Owner: The place became known as “Andytown” after Andreas “Andy” Poulos. Despite its informal name, it was never officially incorporated as a municipality.
• Remote Location and Basic Amenities: For much of its existence, Andytown was truly in the middle of nowhere. It didn’t get electricity until 1953, and as late as 1954, the nearest telephone was 15 miles away.
• Cultural Significance: Andytown gained a reputation as a colorful, often rough-and-tumble spot frequented by those who lived and worked in the Everglades. It was even partially filmed for the 1960s TV adventure series “The Everglades.” There’s also unverified talk that its bar was a model for the one in the film “Porky’s.”
• Acquisition by the State and Demolition: In 1967, the Florida state government began the process of acquiring the land through eminent domain for the expansion of transportation projects. The need arose for a major interchange for the newly planned Interstate 75 (Alligator Alley) to connect South Florida to Naples on the Gulf Coast.
• Demolition in 1979: The buildings of Andytown were finally demolished in November 1979 to make way for the I-75 and US-27 interchange. This effectively erased the physical presence of the “town.”
• Legacy: Even though it’s gone, Andytown lives on in the memory of many South Floridians. A sign honoring Andytown was displayed at Andy’s Lounge and Package in Davie (run by Poulos’s nephew after Poulos’s death in 1972), which itself has since been demolished. There’s also a tribute inscribed on the Interstate 75 (eastbound) bridge abutment spanning U.S. Route 27. The name “Andytown” still appears on some maps as a historical marker or a point of interest, leading to occasional confusion for those who don’t know its history as a ghost town. -- Just thought you would like to know. |
