| Jennifer Factor, Dresher, PA |
| "Compared to most of the East, Miami has very little of what some may consider historical landmarks. Why take away one of the few remaining structures? I have spent 10 years living in Miami off and on. The most notable, consistent problem is the politics and the lack of consideration by the City for residents and what they want." |
| Andrea Bonaita, Miami, FL |
| "Stiltsville is such a characteristic area of Miami, why should we get rid of it?" |
| Maurice R. Harrison IV, Mckinney, TX |
| "To destroy one of the greatest landmarks in the state of Florida would be an enormous mistake. Don't let one of the few original pieces of a wonderful city be forgotten!!" |
| Megan Terry, New York, NY |
| "I grew up in Coconut Grove and sailed the waters of Biscayne Bay my whole life. My favorite place to take visitors to show off the attractions of South Florida is Stiltsville. Wiping it out will be another example of the local government "missing the boat" on recognizing what is valuable to the area and to the local residents- (that is, unless of course they have plans for a elaborate, well-designed tourist center with jet ski rentals etc- that would definitely be worth losing these "useless" houses for!! " |
| Timothy Crowe, Miami, FL |
| "Stiltsville is a colorful and unique part of Miami-Dade's history and should be preserved." |
| Elizabeth Michael, Montgomery, AL |
| "Keep a little piece of the old Florida. SAVE STILTVILLE!" |
| Jamie McAlister, Georgetown, South Carolina |
| "I remember sailing by the Stiltsville structures when I was a kid crossing over to the Bahamas. It's hard to believe they are still there and harder still to understand why anyone would want to do away with them. What would be the point of destroying them and who would benefit from it? I've seen my hometown ripped into by hurricanes and then taken over by developers who find plenty of reasons why to build multi-million dollar homes in pristine waterfront areas. What's the point of removing something that has withstood the elements while not harming or detracting from the environment. I work in a historical city where structures have been spared the bureaucratic axe for over two hundred years. Only natural elements and civil war have taken away certain landmarks and made them fading memories. It would have made no sense to destroy any one of those structures, be it an outhouse or a church now considered historical treasures, just because they weren't old enough at the time to be deemed historical. Maybe the State of Florida should look into preserving what it has left instead of erasing any trace of character and reinventing itself to please those who favor political agendas over the sentiments and values of its local people." |
| Michael J. Davis, Powder Springs, GA |
| "I grew up in S. FLA until 1979. My Great Grandmother told stories of Stiltsville (she frequented them in the 40'-50's). I fished with my father around those houses in the 70's. Although I live in Georgia now, I tell stories to my friends here about Stiltsville (Diving, fishing etc.) and when I meet someone from MIA we always seem to speak of Stiltsville." |
| James Howe, Atlanta, GA |
| "I have always loved the image of Stiltsville. For those of us not fortunate to live in the Graet State of Florida (yet), they represent to ultimate ideal of what we work for. The perfect place on the waters of Sunny South Florida." |
| Doug Lozel, Jonesboro, GA |
| "I think it would be terrible for the government to raze Stiltsville. It's an "endangered Species" and will become "extinct" if it destroyed. Preservation is the only answer!" |
| Jeffrey P Weigant, Alpharetta, GA |
| "Having lived in Miami for over 18 years and as a avid bay sailor and as an aquatic biological mitigation contractor, there was nothing more enjoyable than passing by Stiltsville and realizing this was a unique gift to the area. I believe the park system could easily change their view and find Stiltsville should be considered an asset for now and the future." |
| Nancy Wallace, Kennesaw, GA |
| "I'm shocked! I read the article in the Atlanta Journal Constitution. I have several relatives living on Key Biscayne today. I have many memories of riding around in my Uncle's boat with my cousins, Bobby and Suzy Christensen, and visiting their friends on the stilts, swimming in and out of the pylons, and jumping off their front porch. I've have spent many a day in anticipation of visiting the stilts again. Why is it that progress always seems to mean destruction? Best of Luck, let me know if there is anything I can do." |
| William L. Adams, Miami, FL |
| "Save it. It’s as much a part of historic Miami as Chauks, The Freedom Tower, The Biltmore, Viscaya etc...." |
| Renato Palazio, Key Biscayne, FL |
| "Stiltsville is worth saving, not only as a landmark but a unique touristic experience. A neighborhood in the ocean. The homes should be renovated and opened for the public to admire." |
| Anthony Smith, Duluth, GA |
| "Was a resident of Dade County for several years and enjoyed all of Biscayne Bay, including Stiltsville. Please preserve this as a historic landmark!" |
| Jonathan T. Wiley, Atlanta, GA |
| "As a Florida native, I have seen the same type of thing happen to the beaches of the Gulf Coast. Too much emphasis on tourism, "bullsh__ politics" and the almighty dollar and far too little emphasis on nostalgia, history, and preservation. I will gladly put my name to this cause and would welcome any further information you could provide on Saving Stiltsville! Continue the efforts." |
| Dick Hennenfent, Marietta, GA |
| "Save old Stiltsville, yes yes yes. I lived on Key Biscayne & Coconut Grove from 1947 to 1974, need I say more?????????" |
| C. Dawn O'Dell, Atlanta, GA |
| "History doesn't have to be 100. I grew up in Florida, and these houses are a big part of my fondness for the state. Someone should keep them up, either the present owners or their heirs or the government. What would be the point of tearing them down when people worldwide find them charming. There should be more things like that. We can't lose them." |
| Malinda G. Pope, Suwanee, GA |
| "Community leaders all over are fixed on 'rules' and soon there will be no unique place such as this. What will life be like when all the rules have taken away all the character?" |
| Robert Marks, Atlanta, GA |
| "As former residents of S. Florida. We support your efforts to keep Stiltsville a landmark on Biscayne Bay. It is such an historical attribute to the area." |
| Cheryl Marks, Atlanta, GA |
| "Biscayne Bay would not be the same without the stilts. I grew up in S. Florida and as a youngster always dreamed of living upon the bay, up on the stilts, communing with the ocean." |
| Linda Brumagin, Key Biscayne, FL |
| "I see no reason to destroy Stiltsville. The removal would harm the reef much more than leaving the houses stand. They are a refuge for the fish and sea animals, and a beacon to sailors. Plus they are an intriguing tourist attraction. Hurricanes, winds, and storms have taken some of the houses. Man does NOT have to add to the destruction! Please save our history." |
| Robert M. Slayden, M.D., Atlanta, GA |
| "I grew up an owner/family member of Stiltsville "The A House." How can such a beautiful and meaningful thing as Stiltsville be forcibly torn down in a time of our society needing objects that represent ties to history, family, and non-violent themes?" |
| Marion H. Wahl, Washington Crossing, PA |
| "A beautiful historical site. Please allow the remaining structures to stay." |
| Pete Betancourt, Gainesville, FL |
| "I grew up on Key Biscayne and feel that Stiltsville is a part of our island's character and history. Destroying Stiltsville would be a terrible loss." |
| Carl M. Meyer, Decatur, GA |
| "I was born
in Miami some 50 years ago. Some of my fondest
childhood memories are of boating on Biscayne
Bay. My father bought a small outboard boat in
1956, and we would go fishing near Fowl Rock
Light or anchor off the beach just north of the
Old Cape Florida Lighthouse and grill hamburgers
on the beach (years before the creation of the
state park). Since we followed the channel inside Key Biscayne, we saw the houses out in Stiltsville every time we went past Cape Florida, or out to Soldier's Key. I saw the old Quarterdeck Club from a distance when I was a kid. It was an imposing structure to be located on the water. I have learned that the Federal Government wants the remaining seven structures destroyed. What a shame. The houses in Stiltsville were there before the Biscayne National Park was created. It is quite striking the first time (and everytime) one sees a house on pilings sitting far out in Biscayne Bay, accessible only by boat. The houses in Stiltsville are something of an engineering marvel and capture the feeling of Miami's earlier days (certainly my earlier days). They should be preserved, not destroyed." |
| Tiffany Blackman, Alicante, Spain |
| "One of my most memorable excursions in Florida was to Stiltsville. I'd hate to think such a impressive place was torn down!" |
| Kym Willman, Lake Worth, FL |
| "I grew up admiring these homes in Stiltsville since I was a little kid. I think it would be a tragedy to demolish them. I also think that they should be rebuilt/fixed up. They remind me something out of a Jimmy Buffett song." |
| Jim Glass, Odessa, FL |
| "I am a native "Miami". I would hate to see a part of this unique landscape and character of Miami destroyed." |
| Lucie Cogswell Jones, Johns Island, South Carolina |
| "Please save this unusual and historic site. It is one of the most tranquil places in our busy world of today." |
| Gladys Reyna, Miami, FL |
| "Save Stiltsville. It's a unique part of Miami which holds beautiful memories for many of the residents." |
| Michael J. Glackin, Cooper City, FL |
| "Please save old Stiltsville for my children and grandchildren to remember as I do" |
| Lisa Hale, Lake Worth, FL |
| "Its time Florida start appreciating its surroundings more. Soon enough this state will be nothing more then theme parks and homes. Preserve the sites which truly make this state so unique!" |
| Edna S. Mitchell, Pensacola, FL |
| "Lived in South Florida for several years and vacationed there since I was a child. Always remember seeing these houses and thinking they were wonderful." |
| Dan Beldy, San Francisco, CA |
| "Please allow the historic Stiltsville structures to remain intact and protected." |
| Elisa Curtis, Tallahassee, FL |
| "I was born and raise on Key Biscayne and I don't think that the people should be required to remove these houses. I also think that removing these than good will do more damage. The structures have provided refuge for me and friends many times in sudden storms." |
| Paul Hardy, Cape Coral, FL |
| "Just in case someone wonders why I am signing this petition from SW FL. Be assured, I grew up fishing Biscayne Bay and surrounding areas, Stiltsville is a landmark not an eyesore. It is one of the last maritime reminders of the good old days." |
| Thomas C. Doherty, Miami Beach, FL |
| "Stiltsville, along with the Biltmore Hotel, are the last reminders of the beautiful area we all chose to raise our families in the 1960's. Please don't destroy Stiltsville." |
| Kevin Brennan, Orlando, FL |
| "Growing up in my Miami hold the fondest memories for me. Stiltsville is the major one!" |
| MARTIN AND DONNA QUEEN, POWDER SPRINGS, GA |
| "AS FORMER RESIDENTS OF MIAMI, WE BELIEVE THE UNIQUENESS OF STILTSVILLE SHOULD QUALIFY IT FOR HISTORIC STATUS. BESIDES IT WAS THERE BEFORE THE PARK WAS CREATED.WE DON'T SEE THAT IT AFFECTSTHE PARK IN ANY WAY............S.O.S." |
| Jason Gagnon, Smyrna, GA |
| "I will try to make this as brief as possible, although I feel my good memories of Stiltsville are far too numerous to merely write in a letter. I am 23 years old, and the son of local Dade County firefighter Lt. Brian Gagnon. Ever since I was born I have gone to Stiltsville with my father, my uncle, the Miami Beach chief of police, Richard Barretto, and many of their friends and other family members. We have gone to Stiltsville for holidays, work parties, and even memorial services for members of my family. The fact that members of my family hold Stiltsville so dear that they would make it that much a part of their lives must covey to you the significance this place holds for me and my family and, hopefully, with my family to come. All of my fondest memories, both as a child, and as an adult, are from Miami Springs Power Boat Club, one of the few remaining structures in Stiltsville. I have always looked forward to sharing this place with my children and their children: I beg you, do not deny me this opportunity. I have never been in to signing petitions, but Stiltsville is so important to me, my family, and other families, that I feel there is nothing I wouldn't do to save it. Please do not take away something that so many people hold, and will always hold so dear." |
| Karen M. Moody, Tallahassee, FL |
| "As an employee of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, and someone who works extensively with aquatic environments and marine life, I wish that you would reconsider your decision to destroy something so precious to people who share my interests. Although I have never been to Stiltsville myself, I know how important it is to other people I work and interact with and hope you will reconsider a decision that seems to be a grave mistake." |
| Stan Pennington, Port Royal, SC |
| "These landmarks are few and far between in our society, and need to be kept in place to ensure our history is not re-written by more government intrusion into our freedoms and lives. I wish the people of Stiltsville the best of luck, and hope on my next visit to south Florida I could have the privilege of viewing such a magical place." |
| Micheal McClard, New York, NY |
| "Please allow some of the old time, funky flavor of Florida to live on. Otherwise all we'll have left is one big dismal Disney World." |
| Susanne Gross, Austin, TX |
| "Tearing down Stiltsville is a crime. Anyone who cares about Key Biscayne, history and culture would never do this." |
| Sarah S. Dowling, Miami, FL |
| "Please allow owners of these houses to continue their leases. Over the years they have provided thousands and thousands of Miamians a unique experience. Also, they have donated much of their time, $, and energies to many charitable causes through the donated use of their Stiltsville houses." |
| Matthew Middelthon, Atlanta, GA |
| "I was born and raised in Miami and my father, William R. Middelthon, Jr. once was a part-owner in one of the remaining seven houses. I strongly support the on-going life of Stiltsville." |
| Lourdes Menendez, Coral Gables, FL |
| "I love Stiltsville...it has so many memories for me & my family passing by this cool landmark on our boat...I personally will do whatever it takes to keep Stiltsville alive!" |
| HECTOR GUTIERREZ, CORAL GABLES, FL |
| "IT'S A SHAME THAT WE STILL CONSIDER DISTROYING PART OF WHAT MAKES MIAMI, MIAMI. LET’S LOOK AT WAYS TO MAINTAIN THE THINGS THAT MAKE US DIFFERENT FROM THE REST OF THE COUNTRY." |
| Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Thompson, Sun City Center, FL |
| "As a resident of Key Biscayne for 34 years, many of our best days were spent boating and enjoying the Bay and the wonderful Stiltsville. Don't want to see it go." |
| Terry and Sarah Snowday, Williamsburg, Michigan |
| "Stiltsville is unique to the Fla. area. Too many government agencies try to take the fun out of life. These structures personify that lifestyle and leave a lasting impression." |
| Sydney E. Wisenbaker, Sun City Center, FL |
| "As a resident of Key Biscayne from 1953 through 1979, Stiltsville was a great attraction to all boaters. Lets not lose a part of the fun of boating in our Miami waters!" |
| Hilda Bertram, Miami, FL |
| "Please extend the lease to the existing homes...they do not harm anyone! I always loved going out there to see the homes, take my elderly Cuban parents and now my children. SAVE THEM!" |
| TIMOTHY C. WESSEL, Roswell, |
| "I recently moved to Atlanta, GA. after growing up in Miami for the last 35 years. I would like to move back one day and take my kids to Stiltsville and see it as I did as a kid. It will not harm anyone to leave the existing 7 structures intact." |
| Keith Kleppinger, Miami, FL |
| "Keep South Florida unique. Save our history. They should go find some real problems to deal with!" |
| JORGE RODRIGUEZ, M.D., HIALEAH, FL |
| "GROWING UP AND BOATING IN S. FL., STILTSVILLE HAS BEEN A PART OF MY EXPERIENCE, WE SHOULD NOT LET IT PASS INTO A MEMORY." |
| Brian Moure, Marietta, GA |
| "I am a South Florida native. I support many environmental causes, but as a history enthusiast also believe that Stiltsville is a treasure. From what I know a good balance has already been struck ... ensuring no additions to Stiltsville yet encouraging responsible standards from existing owners so that people may enjoy this unique "village" in the future." |
| John A. Rodgers, III, Charlotte, NC |
| "We always loved Stiltsville for the three wonderful years we lived in Miami. I’ve always been a supporter of South Florida Historical Assn. - great group helping a fine city!" |
| Elizabeth W. Rodgers, Atlanta, GA |
| "As a child I used to wade in the Bay at low tide when visiting friends in Stiltsville. Great place." |
| Kathy Denardo, Andover, MN |
| "I used to live in Miami and one of my fondest memories is that of Stiltsville. I would hate to see anything happen to such a historical and beautiful part of Miami." |
| Gina Sauber, Loxahatchee, FL |
| "I've spent many a day at Stiltsville and my son Billy continues to spend time there with his father and I know it will just break his heart to see it end. He has learned so much about marine life, as well as just being in touch with nature…" |
| Evelyn Taylor, Santee, CA |
| "I have personally visited one of the Stiltsville houses and found it to be very picturesque and enjoyable. It is also of historical significance." |
| William S. Holderby Jr, Miramar, FL |
| "I have vivid memories as a child coasting through this unique City with my Father on our boat and I am proud to say that I have continued this by bringing my children through - it is an amazing, truly Florida experience. As a Florida native (rare these days!) - I demand that this historic area be preserved at least until Mother Nature decides it is time to close its' history." |
| Jane M. Lanahan, Pembroke Pines, FL |
| "Stiltsville has become an icon of serenity sitting in the bay...let the 21st century experience the pleasure of the beginning of Florida's history." |
| Juan R. Pollo, Coral Gables, FL |
| "We don't have much to show for our history. Let's change that and preserve what little we have." |
| Angela Azar, Strongsville, Oh |
| "Stiltsville is a wonderful childhood memory for me & I would love my children to see it one day." |
| Susana Barcimanto, Charlottesville, VA |
| "When you have something as distinctive as this, you try to conserve it, not to send it as a past, into memories. Learn from Europe and show concern for the "real thing", and not only for the recreated plaster and paint make believe "historic trash"." |
| Terry Lee Vance, Crestview, FL |
| "I've known Stiltsville all my life and now that I have children, it will be a horrible shame that my children will have no idea what Stiltsville is unless it shows up in the History Books at school." |
| Robert Vance Sr., Crestview, FL |
| "The only reason for destroying such a unique community is because you've never seen or been to Stiltsville. It's time to take a visit and see what you have been missing." |
| David H Fetter, Speingfield, Oh |
| "No place has ever existed before that is Stiltsville. It is unlikely that any will ever again." |
| Richard Favilli, Fort Lauderdale, FL |
| "Stiltsville is a beautiful land mark, that presents no danger to the environment. The architecture and style is unique. It also brings character to the area and I do respect its owners for keeping it so well preserved." |
| Kathleen K Ross, Gray, GA |
| "Stiltsville has been a "landmark" in Biscayne Bay since the days when Key Biscayne was a Coconut Plantation. This bit of Old Miami should be cherished, not demolished!" |
| Traci Zee, Cumming, GA |
| "I spent many weekends at Stiltsville when I was a child. I was shocked and dismayed that ANYONE would think tearing down Stiltsville would be an "improvement" to the bay. I remember many boaters who were in distress stop by and ask for assistance. Since many of the clubhouse members were City of Miami Fire/Rescue they were uniquely qualified to render aid when NO OTHER RESOURCES were easily attainable. It didn't matter whether you needed a tow, fuel, or had a minor or major medical emergency the members of the Miami Springs Power Boat Club were able and willing to assist! If Stiltsville gets torn down, where will boaters go who get caught in a pop-up thunderstorm or need some sort of assistance far from shore?" |
| Frank & Vera Foulke, North Ft. Myers, FL |
| "Aren't we rushing into socialism by insisting that everyone live in the same kind of house that everyone else does? We enjoy seeing those stilt houses when we are boating in the area and love showing them to our guests aboard. LEAVE THEM BE!" |
| Caren Rabbino, Brooklyn, NY |
| Stiltsville is an essential and irreplaceable part of the landscape and cultural legacy of South Florida. To demolish it, is to erase our collective history. There are too few sites or experiences that unite so many communities in South Florida. Preserve Stiltsville and the happy co-existence of citizens and the environment!" |
| Brian O'Connell, Coral Springs, FL |
| "Please save a little part of history, its just a small part, let's not say in 20 or 30 years we should have save it and it is now lost." |
| Addison Burns, Miami, FL |
| "why do we manage to always destroy the things which make us happy ?" |
| Jacqueline J. Mcdemott, Miami, FL |
| "Why does the park srv want to take down the structures? Is the only reason the lease expires? They are not hurting anything so let them be." |
| Christopher A. Moffett, Haleiwa, Hawaii |
| "Stiltsville was there long before the place was made into a National Park! How arrogant of the National Park Service to act this way." |
| Dennis Garrard, Homestead, FL |
| Stiltsville should be preserved for its uniqueness. It was here long before Biscayne N.P. It's part of South Florida's heritage." |
| Peter V. Burke, Orlando, FL |
| I feel these house in no way detract from the character of the property, but add a priceless value to it. The structures, as well as the history behind hind them, will never be duplicated. To remove them, or let them become unusable would be the true crime. |
| Robert M. Alders, Jupiter, FL: |
| "There is alot of Florida history you can only see through pictures. How about leaving this historical place standing so history can be viewed in person." |
| Kelley Finnegan, Coconut Creek, FL |
| "Stiltsville is an important part of Florida’s history. If Stiltsville is not preserved as a Historic Landmark, it’ll be just another case of politicians destroying everything that makes Florida so unique." |
| Adam Mishcon, Coconut Grove, FL |
| "these may be held by private individuals that accept responsibility for their care and upkeep, but they are enjoyed by the public in general throughout the year. The private nature of the leases does not accurately reflect the public nature of the enjoyment." |
| Jason Stamm, Ft. Lauderdale, FL |
| "In my entire life, out of every place I've been, Stiltsville is the most serene. If you ever need someone to chain themselves to one of the supporting posts, let me know." |
| Juan Pablo Salazar, Miami, FL: |
| "I believe there is no harm if we let Stiltsville be. I agree with the Governor, we can co-exist together." |
| Barbara Lagoa, Coral Gables, FL |
| "Stillsville must be saved. It is a one of a kind landmark and part of the history of South Florida." |
| Victor Lundstrom, Miami, FL |
| "I lived on Key Biscayne from 1955 to 1980 and have many a good time at Mr. Smalley's stilt house. Often something that I think is cool gets replaced by something I don't give a crap about." |
| Angela M. Rosacker, Boynton Beach, FL |
| "Stiltsville is very special place and I consider it a treasure that would be missed." |
| Peter Rabbino, Miami, FL |
| "It seems that just about everyone wants Stiltsville to stay! It seems Dick and the rest say that they are caught in a ‘policy’ straight-jacket and can’t do anything about it. It is a shame that the people forcing the destruction of these homes don’t have a little vision for what the homes could be for the future of Miami…" |
| Karen L. Meyer, Walton, KY |
| "This is a beautiful and unique landmark in the US. Somewhat of our own Venice. (Venice has been around over 2000 years!)" |
| Marietta Bitter, Atlanta, GA |
| "Why destroy it? Does it cause anyone any harm? It truly is historical even if it's not relatively |