Eminent Domain Traditional Cache

This cache has been archived.

succotash: Just like in the late 1960s, something has gone missing on this property. Thank you for all of your visits, kind words and great photographs. We hope you enjoyed the story and the cache.

Succotash

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Hidden : 1/16/2009
Difficulty:
1.5 out of 5
Terrain:
2 out of 5

Size: Size: regular (regular)

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Geocache Description:

Eminent Domain is the power of the federal or state government to take private property for a public purpose, even if the property owner objects. Public use includes almost anything sanctioned by a federal or state legislative body, and is sometimes referred to as condemnation, taking or expropriation. The “Takings Clause” in the Fifth Amendment to the Constitution requires that “just compensation” be paid if private property is taken for public use.

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The land on which this cache sits was once one of two lots owned by our family. In 1968, the State of Florida condemned the properties using the power of eminent domain and took ownership of the land, for what they considered to be “just compensation” of $300 for the unimproved land. The basis for the condemnation was the planned Cross Florida Barge Canal. The land on which the cache sits was to be flooded to a depth of 20 feet, to form the Eureka Pool which would supply water for the Eureka Locks.

Before the land was condemned, our family had improved one of the properties with electrical power, water, and a cabin.

Newly Constructed Cabin (1958)


Parking Out Back


Dad on the Front Porch (1958)


The Finished Cabin (Painted Red)

This cabin was used as a hunting and fishing camp by family and friends. The state offered $2500 for the cabin. Our family protested the low value assigned to the properties. Our family was willing to take nearby land as a replacement rather than receive any money, but the State of Florida refused any land swap offer and instead appointed a lawyer and an appraiser to represent our family. The court-appointed attorney was Buddy McKay (who was later the Governor of Florida for a brief period). Condemnation hearings were held in Ocala Florida and lasted three days. The attorney, appraiser and property owners were all required to be present for the entire period (we believe the cost to the State for the attorney and appraiser certainly exceeded the value they were willing to assign to the property). The court declared the State as the victor and condemned the properties at the state's offered price.

Moving ahead with the condemnation plans, a contract was issued to clear the land. Almost all traces of the improvements to the land were removed. All of the old growth cypress in the area were cut and removed.

Then, the Barge Project was cancelled. The land was never flooded. The land was not returned to the original owners. Twenty years after work was stopped, the lands became the Cross Florida Greenway State Recreation and Conservation Area, later renamed the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway.

The road to the cache can be slick after wet weather. It is just a short walk from the paved road if you park at the parking coordinates. If you look around the area near the cache site, you may still find a few remnants of the former cabin - a few concrete blocks, a front porch step. (The CITO opportunities in the area are from much more recent activity.) The large live oak near the cache was a prominent feature decades ago when the hunting cabin existed. Squirrel tails were nailed in multiple rings encircling the tree (you can still see evidence at eye level).

Although we would have preferred to still own this wonderful property, we are glad that we can now share it with you. The public Greenway is a worthwhile alternative purpose for this land today, and we are glad the land remains in its natural state. If you continue down the road past the cache you will discover beautiful woods and swamps even without the old growth cypress.

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Nzzb pna yvir bnx

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)


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