Prepare to tread cautiously as we step into the eerie world of the unknown, where lingering spirits and spectral apparitions lurk. From the historic St. Augustine Lighthouse to the opulent Biltmore Hotel, the iconic Tampa Theatre, the solemn Key West Cemetery, and the forlorn Bellamy Bridge, each location is steeped in legends of lingering souls and inexplicable occurrences. I am excited to tell some of these tales from some of the most haunted places in Florida, I even got to go on a tour of one of these places!
The Biltmore Hotel
Nestled in the heart of Coral Gables, the Biltmore Hotel stands tall as an elegant and luxurious architectural masterpiece with a dark and enigmatic history. This iconic hotel, is a playground for the rich and famous during the roaring 1920s and in present day, now hosts a haunting secret that has fascinated paranormal enthusiasts for years.
The Biltmore Hotel is believed to be haunted by the spirits of those who have met tragic fates within its walls. The most infamous of these spectral residents is Thomas “Fatty” Walsh, a mobster whose life was abruptly cut short in a mysterious shooting during a high-profile gambling dispute in his room. People have reported seeing Fatty roaming the halls of the hotel. Many women with certain characteristics, Fatty had a thing for women with long legs, will end up stopping on the 13th floor in the elevator and unable to close the doors again. Bill Clinton claims that when he stays in Fatty’s room he is unable to watch football.
Though Fatty is the most infamous spirit that haunts the Biltmore Hotel it is not the only one. Briefly during WWII the hotel became a 1200 room hospital renamed The Pratt General Hospital. People have claimed to see soldiers and nurses wandering the halls. Other people have heard the sounds of babies crying, a party that isn’t really happening, and even people disappearing when the hotel clerk comes to help them.
Whether you’re a believer in the supernatural or a skeptic, the Biltmore Hotel’s haunting tales will undoubtedly leave you with an eerie sense of fascination and curiosity. Would you stay a night in this haunting hotel?
Tampa Theatre
The Tampa Theatre, located on North Franklin Street in Tampa, Florida, is rumored to be haunted by a variety of ghostly entities. The theatre, with its rich history and stunning architecture, attracts both cinephiles and paranormal enthusiasts alike. One of the most famous spirits said to reside within the Tampa Theatre is Foster “Fink” Finley, a chain-smoking projectionist who passed away in 1965. Many patrons have reported experiencing the smell of cigarette smoke and hearing laughter and coughing coming from the projection room, even though smoking has been banned in the theatre for many years. There have also been eerie encounters of a thick cloud of cigarette smoke forming into the shape of an old man with a glowing red tip of a cigarette.
Another supernatural presence at the Tampa Theatre is the ghost of organist Rosa Rio. In the early years of the theatre, the Mighty Wurlitzer organ was a prominent feature, but it was retired in the 1930s with the introduction of sound in films. However, in later renovations, Rosa Rio was hired to play the organ once again. After her passing, numerous witnesses have claimed to hear the haunting strains of the organ playing, even when there is no one present near the instrument. One spine-chilling account tells of a woman who entered the theatre to retrieve her purse and heard the organ playing on its own, causing her to hastily flee the building.
Lastly, there is an enigmatic specter known as “fedora man” who often materializes in seat 308. This well-dressed figure, wearing a suit and hat, has been witnessed by long-term employees and patrons. However, when approached or addressed, the apparition mysteriously disappears. Out of respect for this ghostly presence, the theatre keeps seat 308 reserved for special performances.
These eerie encounters and the numerous ghostly inhabitants make the Tampa Theatre a must-visit location for thrill-seekers interested in the paranormal. As patrons enjoy classic films and live performances within the ornately carved walls, they may unknowingly share their experience with the otherworldly residents who choose never to leave the hauntingly beautiful theater. You can also take a spooky tour at the Tampa Theatre, if you dare!
Key West Cemetery
Of all the haunted sites around Key West, the Key West Cemetery is one of the most popular and celebrated spots. It is well-known for its beauty, as well as for the famous spirits that are believed to linger about the site. There are around 100,000 people buried in the 19-acre cemetery, which has been around since 1847. In fact, there are more people buried at the cemetery than there are living in Key West itself. The Key West Cemetery is famous for its unusual tombstones which contain humorous and literary inscriptions. Visitors can find a wide range of amusing messages like, “I told you I was sick”, “I’m Just Resting My Eyes”, and “Devoted Fan of Julio Iglesias” on some of the graves, and the cemetery’s unique features and history attract locals and tourists alike.
Moreover, the Key West Cemetery is home to a few unconventional and spooky tales about hauntings. The cemetery has been associated with ghost sightings, rustling sounds, and even the sound of a little girl calling out, leading curious visitors to an area of the cemetery dedicated to young children who passed away far too early. One area of the cemetery is home to the spirit of a Bahamian woman who is said to get very angry at those who treat the graves or cemetery disrespectfully.
Though it’s hard to confirm whether or not these ghostly encounters are real or simply a figment of some people’s imaginations, those brave or curious enough to visit the cemetery after sunset have reportedly experienced some eerie sights and sounds. The Key West Cemetery offers a unique mix of beauty, historical significance, and spooky ambiance, making it an essential destination for visitors looking for a touch of the paranormal in their trip to Key West.
Bellamy Bridge
The haunting of Bellamy Bridge in Marianna, Florida is one of the most famous ghost stories in the state. The legend revolves around the restless spirit of a young woman named Elizabeth Jane Bellamy, who is said to wander the swamps surrounding the old steel frame bridge that spans the Chipola River. According to the tale, Elizabeth was the wife of Dr. Samuel C. Bellamy, a prominent planter, politician, and bank examiner. The story goes that after a tragic accident on the night of their wedding, Elizabeth ran out of the house, her gown engulfed in flames, and succumbed to her injuries a few days later. She was buried near the bridge, and her grave could not contain her love for her lost husband, as her ghost began to appear along the riverbanks. With the construction of Bellamy Bridge, sightings of her ghost in the surrounding swamps became more prevalent.
While the legend of Elizabeth Jane Bellamy’s ghost is now firmly ingrained in local folklore, the true story behind her tragic death paints a different picture. Elizabeth was a real person, married to Dr. Samuel Bellamy, the son of a wealthy planter. The couple relocated to Florida, where they lived on a plantation with their young son and numerous slaves. Sadly, Elizabeth succumbed to fever at the age of 18, and she was laid to rest in a grove of trees near Bellamy Bridge. Her husband mourned her loss for the remainder of his life.
The haunting of Bellamy Bridge serves as a fascinating example of how real historical events can merge with legend and folklore. Whether the apparition seen by many along the riverbanks and near the bridge is truly Elizabeth’s ghost or simply a product of imagination and storytelling remains a mystery. Nevertheless, the tale of Bellamy Bridge continues to captivate locals and visitors alike, drawing them to this historic site with a chilling reputation. You can still get to this bridge today. You can’t get to it by car, but on foot by going on the 1/2 mile Bellamy
Bridge Heritage Trail on Highway 162 north of Marianna. The trail parking area is 1/10 of a mile west of the current Chipola River bridge. Would you visit?
St Augustine Lighthouse
The St. Augustine Lighthouse is known as one of the most haunted places in Florida, with reports of ghost sightings, strange noises, and unexplainable occurrences. According to legend, the lighthouse is inhabited by the ghosts of two young girls who died in a tragic accident. Eliza and Mary, the daughters of Hezekiah H. Pittee, were playing on a cart when it toppled over and crashed into the nearby coast. The two girls drowned, and their bodies were later found on the shore. Many believe that their playful ghosts still inhabit the lighthouse, causing previously bolted doors to open, music boxes to play by themselves and workers to hear the sound of children’s laughter in the middle of the night.
However, there are also darker entities said to lurk within the lighthouse. Visitors have reported seeing the ghost of a young man, known as “The Man in Blue,” who is said to torment and harass workers. Some believe he is the spirit of Joseph Andreu, a former lighthouse keeper who fell to his death while painting the original tower in 1859. Others believe he is the ghost of a previous keeper who hung himself in the tower and was only discovered when the lighthouse failed to illuminate the coast. Whatever the truth, it is clear that the St. Augustine Lighthouse is home to a variety of spirits and is a must-visit destination for ghost hunters and thrill-seekers alike.
Unlike many of my stories here on this page, I have actually been to this particular spooky place! During my time in Georgia I was able to take a trip down to St Augustine and take the Dark of The Moon Ghost Tour. The tour happens at night, as I am sure you’ve guessed, and a few museum employees take you on a guided tour in/around the lighthouse. The guides tell you about each room and any ghosts that may haunt that area.
At the end of the tour we were allowed to explore on our own and try to find any ghosts that may be lurking about. I did experience an interesting experience. While I was sitting in one of the chairs it felt like someone was moving my hair. When I turned around there was no one behind me. It was definitely a great tour that, if you’re able to, you should take.
Thanks For Reading
The eerie world of these haunted places in Florida is filled with fascinating legends and haunted locations. From the historic St. Augustine Lighthouse to the opulent Biltmore Hotel, the iconic Tampa Theatre, the solemn Key West Cemetery, and the forlorn Bellamy Bridge, each site offers a glimpse into the paranormal realm. Whether you choose to explore these haunting locations yourself or simply listen to the chilling tales of others, one thing is certain: the allure of the unknown and the possibility of encountering lingering spirits and inexplicable occurrences will always leave an indelible mark on those who dare to tread cautiously into this eerie world.
If you would like to learn more of the spooky things that lurk in Florida, keep an eye out for our Florida Cryptids blog. If you’re not into cryptids, check out the other state’s haunted places.