Central Florida UrbEx Society

Central Florida UrbEx Society We are a group of Explorers, Adventurers, and historical enthusiasts that wish to uncover the secret

Pictures from Bobby and Draven from the abandoned Oil Town of Lomax
06/28/2012

Pictures from Bobby and Draven from the abandoned Oil Town of Lomax

06/28/2012

Anyone done any exploring lately? We need some pictures if ya got any. Post them here

The idea for Splendid China here in Florida was the park would be a great means for cultural exchange between China and ...
04/26/2012

The idea for Splendid China here in Florida was the park would be a great means for cultural exchange between China and the United States.

In the first three years since it’s opening, the park took many blows, hurting them financially and their public appearance. The protests attracted media attention, which helped keep the attendance low as well as around 42 Chinese performers requested political asylum in the U.S., claiming they were being held against their will. On December 31, 2003, Splendid China closed due to the low attendance during the post-Sept. 11th depression.

According to their official website:
“Florida Splendid China Theme Park will discontinue operations in Central Florida as of the close of business on December 31, 2003. This determination was reached primarily due to the continued downturn in the tourism economy, as evidenced by the closing of other tourism-dependent businesses in the area. Despite several years of attempting to achieve successful theme park operations, the company has concluded that it could not longer continue to incur significant losses. To our friends and supporters, we express extreme regret that this action has become necessary.”

A year later, between December 9-11, 2004, many of the park’s assets were auctioned off including many of the miniature figurines and statues. The property was sold to redevelopment firm in May 2005. Since then, the park has sat in a state of disrepair as vandals have made it their playground. Though there is a security presence on site, Osceola County deputy sheriffs have responded to nearly 100 times for calls about trespassers, suspicious persons and juveniles jumping over the fences.

In April 2009, deputies arrested six teens on felony charges after they were accused of setting the theater and amphitheater on fire. A nearby resident claims you can see smoke coming from park every once in a while, with Sheriff’s records claiming that there have been other acts of arson on the site. The park continues to be a favorite spot for vandals to this day and frequently used as a skate park.

Originally named Riverside Park School, it was built in 1891 and was a small wooden school house. Due to a population in...
04/26/2012

Originally named Riverside Park School, it was built in 1891 and was a small wooden school house. Due to a population increase in the area, wings and extensions were added to the building until it was considered a fire hazard.Built by Florida Engineering and Construction Company, construction started in 1917 and was designed by architect Rutledge Holmes, one of many architects who moved to Jacksonville after the Great Fire of 1901 and who’s work can still be seen today throughout the city, such as the Professional Building and the Holmes Block.It was completed in 1918 and cost over $250,000 to construct. Overlooking Riverside Park, the grand brick building had many beautiful features such as columns at the school entrance, a very large auditorium, high ceiling classrooms, large windows, and a large fireplace in the cafeteria. The classrooms were located on the second floor, while the administrative rooms, library, lunch room and auditorium were located on the first floor.In the 1950s, the construction of I-95 and I-10 isolated the school, leading it to it’s closure in 1960. Sometime after, the building was used as office space and storage for the for the Duval County Public School System before it was condemned in 1971. On October 29, 1999, Foundation Holding Incorporated purchased the property in order to build “Lytle Place Condominiums” in its place, but due to public outcry and pressure from multiple historic societies, Jacksonville approved historic landmark designation in 2000, halting any plans for demolition for the time being.Abandoned over 40 years ago, time has taken it’s toll on the old school house. Signs of vandalism can be seen throughout, as almost every inch of the interior walls are covered in graffiti and garbage is littered about. The school is frequented by many teens and is known to the many residents of Jacksonville as the local haunt, famous for the rumors and legends that surround it. Of the many legends associated with the school, my favorite would be the story of the janitor who took kids down into the boiler room and burned them alive.

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Lomax, IN

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