Posted on 11/06/2006 6:32:12 AM PST by Rb ver. 2.0
ORLANDO, Fla. -- A massive fire at one of Central Florida's oldest attractions, Gatorland, engulfed the park's gift shop and damaged other surrounding offices and structures, including the well-known alligator mouth entrance Monday, according to Local 6 News.
"A fire of this magnitude would be dangerous to fight in any situation but now you have to throw in the fact that there are dangerous animals inside -- alligators that are more than likely spooked by the commotion," Local 6's Jessica Sanchez said.
Park official, Heather Goodwin, said firefighters were able to keep the fire contained to the gift shop area and apparently flames were not able to spread to areas where alligators and other larger animals were being held at the park.
"The fire is in the gift shop, predominately, and no one has been injured," Goodwin said. "We are not aware of any animals that have been injured at this point but we did have some small salamanders in the gift shop that, of course, we imagine are gone."
Goodwin said the gift shop was not being renovated and she had no idea how the fire could have started.
She said the large mouth entrance apparently was destroyed by flames.
"I can't see through the smoke right now but it doesn't look very promising for the mouth," Goodwin said. "It is a tragedy with these historical structures. I'm sure we can get that mouth reconstructed. Granted, it won't be exactly the same but we will have the mouth back."
Firefighters closed all lanes on Orange Blossom Trail between Gatorland Drive and Hunter's Creek Boulevard.
"Heads up if you are driving to Reedy Creek Elementary School this morning because visibility may be affected by it -- the thick smoke," Local 6's Secily Wilson said.
The investigation into the cause of the fire continues.
About 75 firefighters were trying to extinguish flames in the building at the front of the park.
Gatorland is a 110-acre theme park. It opened as a roadside attraction in 1949.
4 To 6 Lbs Gator Tail
Lemon wedges
Cajun Seasoning Mix:
12 T Paprika
6 T Garlic powder
3 T Salt
3 T White pepper
3 T Oregano, crushed
3 T Black pepper
2 1/2 T Thyme
1 T Cayenne pepper
To make seasoning mix, combine paprika, garlic powder, salt, white pepper, oregano, black pepper, thyme and cayenne pepper in jar with tight fitting lid. Shake well to combine. Mixture may be stored for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, cut gator tail meat into 1/2" cubes. Roll each cube in 1 tablespoon of the mixture. Cook over high heat on an outdoor barbecue grill or under the oven broiler for 4 to 6 minutes, or until gator tail meat is white and firm to the touch. Serve warm with lemon wedges. The seasoning mixture will coat up to 24 (4 oz.) servings of gator tail.
"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." -Manuel II Paleologus
Gator on a stick! get your Gator on a stick, right here!........
"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." -Manuel II Paleologus
The fire may have been caused by friction: two mortgages rubbing together.
That's too bad. It screamed "back roads Florida tourist trap" even though it's in the city. It's one of the weirdest tourist places I've ever been. I especially remember the gators jumping straight up out of the water around 4 feet to snare a tasty whole chicken hand-dangled by a worker -- pre-Steve Irwin days.
"The fire may have been caused by friction: two mortgages rubbing together."
Insurance is the primary cause of unexplained after hours fires in commercial/industrial buildings.
Truly a classic in the world of tourist traps. I still have a can of gator chowder I got in their gift shop.
LOL. You read my mind. I was gonna do a search for a good gator tail recipe but you beat me to it.
Now about some hushpuppies to go with that dinner?
When all is said and done, it tastes like cajun chicken.
I guess they are what they eat.
The Real "Gatorland."
Well, once upon a time it was in the sticks. That overhead photo reminded me how much Florida has grown. The first time I saw that entrance, around '71 or '72, there were 2 poorly paved lanes running past each way, with a wide grass patch in the middle and pine and palmetto scrub to the horizon, broken by the occasional farm or road side sea shells and citrus stand.
The Swamp!
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