Post #229812 by Tangaroa on Mon, May 1, 2006 2:32 PM

Well - since according to Humu, today is "T" - I guess it's my turn!

Some time ago, Sabu posted about how he tried to win this postcard on Ebay - but the bidding just got too out of hand, so he made do with saving the image from the auction. He wondered if there was any other information out there on it?

Luckily, my good friend Tim Hollis happens to know Val Valentine, who designed and created this awesome (now long gone) attraction from Miracle Beach glory days...I also suggest Tim’s definitive book on Miracle Beach – ‘Florida’s Miracle Strip – from Redneck Riviera to Emerald Coast’. It comes highly recommended. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1578066271/102-2851131-5800152

I have a two page article in Tiki Magazine Issue #4 detailing the history of Jungle Land, and excerpts from my interview with Valentine - so I'm not going to reproduce that here (go buy the issue if you aren't a subscriber - it's a very good one)! But what I will do is post some photos for you that didn't make it into the article... Enjoy!

The Jungle Land entrance and Pet Shop...

Val sculpted this - and had it made out of fiberglass...

A family in awe... That "smoke pot" he used got Florida environmentalists up in arms!

The seething mountain denies rest...

Yet another "Photo Face Poke-through" (Thanks Sven!)

Night time view of the strip...

I'd give my eye-teeth to go back and visit this place!

Val Valentine (on the left) and employee stamp envelopes at Jungle Land.

White-hot model, Melody May beckons us into the caves...

Melody with one of Val's custom sculpted skulls... (I originally thought Melody was one of the hostesses, that would lead you on a tour of the caves - unfortunately Val informed me that it was a self-guided tour. But can you imagine?)

Val did hire a P.R. firm that used models to showcase his new creation - these are some really great shots!

The sad demise of Jungle Land...

Around 1980, Alvin's bought the property and turned it into "Alvin's Magic Mountain" - a retail mall...

Anyway - buy Issue #4 of Tiki Magazine for the article if you want to learn more!

I wonder what happened to Melody May?