After nearly half a century guiding visitors through the Everglades, a family-run airboat company claims they have been forced off their land — and out of business.
“It’s the last of it. I guess the last ride,” said Capt. Mitch House, who has operated Everglades Private Airboat Tours with his family since the 1980s.
“It’s supposed to be my lineage. This is my heritage. This is supposed to be my kids’ lineage. I don’t get that chance anymore," said Kaitlyn House, his daughter.
The House family learned just weeks ago that the land they’ve operated on for decades — leased through Collier Corporation — was sold to the South Florida Water Management District. They were given a few weeks to pack up and leave, with a final date set for May 20.
“They don’t care. They just want you gone so they can do whatever they want to do,” House said.
On Friday, Gulf Coast News joined the family for their final ride through the Everglades. Back at the shop, they were dismantling the floating dock, emptying their store, and decommissioning the airboats. A few unaware visitors still pulled in, hoping for a ride.
“It’s all about the money, not about the environment. We’ve been right here on this property for almost 40 years. We preserved it and are taking care of it,” House said.
The South Florida Water Management District has not publicly said what it plans to do with the land, and did not respond to requests for comment. The family says they’ve reached out to state officials, county commissioners, and every agency they can think of — with no clear answers.
“To say goodbye to what’s such a big part of you is so hard to do. When it’s supposed to be your whole life and your whole future," said Kaitlyn House.
DOWNLOAD
the free
Gulf Coast News app
for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more.