In addition to a leisurely stroll along Ocean Drive for some evening window shopping, you might want to add in something a little more ethereal. Tom Adams and his partner Rebecca Salinas have begun a new enterprise offering historical ghost tours.
Having gone on walking tours in London, St. Augustine and Key West, Adams decided to bring the concept to Vero Beach, an area rich in interesting history.
“We are going to go on a trip through time tonight,” said Adams, dressed in a Panama hat, khaki pants and suspenders, as he greeted walkers in front of the Driftwood Inn.
Although Vero Beach Historical Ghost Tours is a commercial venture, profits from last weekend’s three tours will benefit the Vero Beach Lifeguard Association (VBLA). In addition to being a storyteller, Adams is also a VBLA lifeguard with a long family history in Vero Beach and Fort Pierce.
“I have always had an interest in history; especially in the local history,” said Adams. “But first and foremost I care about the safety of the community.”
“We are on the beach all the time and we see the wonderful work they do,” said Nancy Robinson, attending with husband Ken to support the lifeguards.
“Our next goal is to build a tower and command station at Humiston Park,” said Erik Toomsoo, VBLA president. “We feel it will improve safety on the beach.”
He estimates the two projects will cost approximately $25,000, which will all be funded by the association.
“Donadio & Associates donated their time pro bono for the design and we will raise the money with fundraisers like this one and others,” Toomsoo added.
The ghost tour featured many more historical aspects of the Treasure Coast than just things going bump in the night.
“We were all born and raised right here,” said Bonnie Reamy, who brought along her mother, sister and brother-in-law. “We were curious because most of us have lived here all our lives and we did not know there were things that were ghostly here. We figured it might be something interesting to do that was different on a Saturday night.”
There were only a few children attending but they seemed interested and certainly eager to see some ghosts.
On Saturday night, Zari Behbeahani, and Alex, Abby and Julia Ingrocaso attended with their mothers. When they saw a white cat darting through Humiston Park in the dark they got excited, pointing and calling it a “ghost cat.”
Although the little ones did not actually see any ghosts, the dark alley behind Blue Star Wine Bar had them fidgeting as they listened to the tale of the Ashley Gang, notorious bank robbers and bootleggers. As Salinas, dressed in a long dark dress, stood before the dimly lit cut-through, shadows casting an eerie glow from the lantern she held, the children began to move closer, holding one another’s arms.
Vero Beach City Council member Pilar Turner attended Friday evening and appreciated the concept of sharing Vero’s past with residents and visitors alike.
“It was folk legend and lots of local history so it was a nice mix,” said Turner. “It was a gentle stroll and even for those that may be disabled it was something they can do, too.”
For information about future tours call 772-559-5966.
