Floating the Historic

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This morning was a very exciting one for Transition Watersports' small community on Lake Weir. History was made as the 1930's "Ma Barker House" was relocated from it's waterfront lot over to Carney Island Park.

The home became semi-famous back in 1935 when the "Ma Barker Gang" rented it as a hideout from the FBI. Their secret location was eventually found and the longest known FBI shootout took place inside the historic home. Thousands of bullets were fired in and out of the home and at the end of the four-hour shootout, Kate "Ma" Barker and her son Fred were found dead inside.

The home will now serve as a public museum dedicated to preserving the history of Lake Weir - not just the history of the fugitives that put the house on the map. The reason behind floating Ma Barker's home across Lake Weir to it's final resting place of Carney Island Park, was the result of the property sale of the highly sought-after waterfront land that the home was built on. Once the property sold, the seller's decided to donate the home to Marion County so that it's legacy would be preserved.

Thousands watched this morning from their docks, boats, planes, and the public restaurant next door, Gator Joes. Some even stood on the side of the road to catch a glimpse of the two-story home floating across the lake. Multiple news channels were also present with reporters stationed on the ground and photographers in helicopters hovering over the entire event.

I think most everyone watching this morning had to say to one another, "Well, we'll never see that happen again!"

Photos Courtesy of Scott Biddle.