Storm Damage Restoration in Briny Breezes, FL

In the 1920s, the land housed a strawberry farm owned by Michigan lumberman Ward Miller. Around the time of the Great Depression, he allowed tourists, who brought their trailers down from the North, to camp on his land. He began advertising the land by placing flyers in Northern newspapers, such as the Chicago Tribune, that touted Briny’s “$3 a week rent.” In 1958, Miller wanted to retire and made an offer to the campers to buy the land: $2,000 per lot and $2,500 for those near the water. The campers brought their assets together and the town was incorporated on March 19, 1963, complete with its own mayor and post office.

The town’s first mayor was Hugh David, who held office until his death in 1997 and was never opposed in an election. His successor, Robert Conkey, also died in office only months into his second term in 2000. Conkey’s second term was notable as he won the election by only five votes. The town’s current mayor is Roger Bennett.

In its beginnings, the town was mainly made up of families that came to live during the winter. Now, the residents are senior citizens that live there either year round or just in the winter.