Community Corner
🌱 Why the Everglades Skunk Ape stop tops Florida roadside attractions.
And on the Everglades Patch calendar - Food Pantry

Greetings Everglades! Your go-to source for what's happening in town is here. Stay in the loop and read on. ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
- Why the Everglades Skunk Ape stop tops Florida roadside attractions.
- What federal investigators uncovered inside 'Alligator Alcatraz' in the Everglades.
- How a lapsed federal fund threatens Everglades roads and boat ramps.
Also on today's calendar: Ladies' Coffee at City Seafood and 5 more events.
Today's riddle: What has a tail, but no body? 🤔 (Answer below!)
- Tuesday: Humid; a p.m. t-storm or two, with a high of 94 and low of 76 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
- Wednesday: A heavy t-storm in the p.m., temps: high: 89, low: 73.
- Thursday: Humid; an afternoon t-storm, with a high of 90 and low of 76 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
• Cryptid Tourism: The Best Museums, Destinations & Festivals Across America (atlasobscura.com) — Everglades cryptid fans get a shout-out in this national guide, which highlights the Skunk Ape Research Headquarters as Florida's top roadside attraction and a quirky local museum, campground, and petting zoo. If you're curious about the Skunk Ape legend or want an offbeat day trip, this piece explains what you'll find there and how it ties into Everglades identity and tourism.
![]()
• 'Alligator Alcatraz' used small metal cages, report says (spectrumlocalnews.com) — Residents near the Everglades should know a DHS watchdog report has condemned conditions at the now-closed 'Alligator Alcatraz' immigrant detention center on an isolated Everglades airstrip, citing tiny metal "calming" cages and cramped housing. The facility shut in June, with detainees moved elsewhere, but the findings raise ongoing questions about oversight, humane treatment, and how Florida manages remote state-run detention sites.
![]()
• National parks face $35 billion repair backlog as federal fund expires (floridastatesman.com) — If you boat, fish, or bird-watch in the Everglades, this piece explains why crumbling roads, ramps, and visitor facilities may worsen: a key federal repair fund has expired, leaving Everglades with Florida's largest $156 million maintenance backlog. Congress is weighing bipartisan bills to renew the program, which could determine how accessible and safe local park infrastructure remains for years.
![]()
📸 Around Everglades
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
🗓 Upcoming Events in Everglades
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
★ Featured events ★
- Food Pantry →
Everglades Community Church, 101 Copeland Ave, Everglades City
9:30 am
Wednesday September 16
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
- Ladies' Coffee at City Seafood →
City Seafood, 702 Begonia St, Everglades City
8:30 am - Third Thursday Talk at the Museum of the Everglades →
Museum of the Everglades, 105 Broadway Ave W, Everglades City
2:00 pm - CCPS No School →
Everglades City School, 415 E School Dr, Everglades City - Holy Family Church Outreach Program →
Holy Family Catholic Church, 200 Datura St E, Everglades City
9:00 am - Food Pantry →
Everglades Community Church, 101 Copeland Ave, Everglades City
9:30 am - Ladies' Coffee at Dulce's →
City Seafood, 702 Begonia St, Everglades City
8:30 am - Food Pantry →
Everglades Community Church, 101 Copeland Ave, Everglades City
9:30 am
Thursday September 17
Monday September 21
Wednesday September 23
Thursday September 24
Wednesday September 30
📣 Everglades Shout Outs!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
🗓 Events Nearby
- Sunrise Rotary of Marco Island
Marco Island Area Chamber of Commerce, 1102 N Collier Blvd, Marco Island
7:00 am - Open Mic Night →
174 Royal Palm Dr, Marco Island
6:00 pm - Marco Island Chamber After Five - Our Daily Bread
Marco Island Area Chamber of Commerce, 1102 N Collier Blvd, Marco Island
1:30 pm - Marco Island Noontime Rotary Club
Marco Island Area Chamber of Commerce, 1102 N Collier Blvd, Marco Island
11:30 am
Tuesday September 15
Wednesday September 16
Thursday September 17
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Marriott International posted a job opening for Front Desk General Runner in Marco Island. Apply here.
- Watermark Retirement Communities, Inc. posted a job opening for Housekeeper in Marco Island. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Everglades here.
🗞 Nearby News
Marco Island
- Marco Island, Goodland to see new hotel, marina, restaurant, spa (marconews.com)
- Marco Island approves Rose Marina expansion after protracted meeting (marconews.com)
- Gardening: Mosquitos, Zika and dengue – An ounce of prevention can save your life (marconews.com)
Golden Gate
- VOTE: 12 up for Sept. 7-12 SW FL Boys Athlete of the Week (naplesnews.com)
Ok Everglades! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Coin (Thank you John W. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
👉 Help make Patch AM better
- Help us grow by suggesting local news sources.
- Shape this newsletter with your feedback.
- List items for sale or services offered
We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what's happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.