A 4-story treehouse and a trampoline? Squatters camp on island hit with trespass notices

John Dunbar, The Daytona Beach News-Journal
Updated ·2 min read
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This is not your average squatters' camp.

Located on an island near the Dunlawton Bridge, it includes numerous wooden structures, including a four-level treehouse, a "welcome center" and even a trampoline.

The campsite was shown in a Volusia Sheriff's Office video released on social media. Law enforcement officers on Friday were posting trespass notices on the structures.

Law enforcement officers boat out Friday to post trespassing notices on islands near the Dunlawton Bridge in Port Orange.
Law enforcement officers boat out Friday to post trespassing notices on islands near the Dunlawton Bridge in Port Orange.

One Facebook poster called it "good ole meth island." Another called it "Gilligan's Island."

The outpost, which appeared to be deserted at the time of the visit, is one of several that are located on islands near the bridge in Port Orange.

"It's pretty impressive, honestly. The number of structures has exponentially grown over the past few years," noted one member of law enforcement.

Law enforcement officer posts trespassing notice on makeshit structure on island near the Dunlawton Bridge.
Law enforcement officer posts trespassing notice on makeshit structure on island near the Dunlawton Bridge.

Posting the notices were members of the Volusia Sheriff's Office, the Port Orange Police Department, the South Daytona Police Department, and Florida Fish and Wildlife.

They read: "TRESPASS NOTICE You are ordered to vacate the island within 48 hours."

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"Parts of these islands have become overrun with campsites, trash, wooden structures, towers, even a trampoline," reads the post accompanying the video. "For everyone who enjoys the beauty of this area, this is one step toward bringing it back to nature."

One of the structures discovered on the island was a four-level treehouse.
One of the structures discovered on the island was a four-level treehouse.

The video sparked a spirited debate on Facebook.

"Why not let people just have fun!" wrote one poster. "Pretty creative and doesn’t seem to be hurting anyone!" Another wrote: "The 4 story tree house by the bridge is a great spot to visit! Don’t tear it down!"

Others weren't so impressed.

"There's no sanitation on the island, it's a garbage pit." Another asked the police if they would be coming back to take the structures down.

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Squatter camps near Dunlawton Bridge papered with trespass notices