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chickee talk

I just want you to believe
in our local cultures
enough to place value in
their stories. David Shealy is holding a cast of a footprint that he found around the camp.

Do you Believe?

by Tina Marie Osceola

often write about my father’s memories I recently took the folks from my office on a field trip to
and life in Ochopee and Everglades Ochopee and we stopped in to visit the Shealys. The welcome is
I City. The Seminole story is deep and always warm and the conversation is always captivating. Before
colorful to write about. The options seem our visit, David had just spent a few nights out on our Big Cypress
endless… and during many of my stories, Reservation. He had been invited by one of our tribal members
I think of many other side trips to take who had some suspicious experiences around his camp and he
everyone on and I lose my place and have to wanted David to check it out. He showed our group castings he
start over. I promise to start on one of those detours and stay “off took of footprints found around the camp. I know there are many
course” this time. of you who consider the Skunkape local lore or legend and I
Travel writers like to write about the roads less traveled and the understand. Many Seminoles, like me, have grown up with stories
roadside attractions locals conveniently drive past. They become about the Skunkape. Many indigenous cultures have a deep respect
local landmarks and used as directional signs when we tell others for these beings and believe that we coexist as part of the natural
how far something is or when to turn. Travelers on Tamiami environment and maybe even part of the supernatural world.
Trail between Naples and Miami easily recall Port of the Islands, My grandpa, Cory Osceola, born in 1893, spoke of the
Carnestown, Wooten’s and the Miccosukee Airboat Rides. Almost Skunkape and told us that if we ever smelled something stronger
every tourist also remembers one hard to miss stop in remote than a skunk and a bit like garbage to be aware and leave the area
Ochopee… Trail Lakes Campground. Not ringing any bells? because a Skunkape was nearby. Now, for those of you who have
How about Skunkape Headquarters? Do I have your attention canoed or hiked through the Everglades, you know the feeling of
now? Of course I do! How can you not notice the statue of the knowing that you aren’t alone. It is that human instinct, maybe fear,
Bigfoot, Yeti, Sasquatch-like creature on the south side of the road that tells us when to be alert and danger may be present. I would
as you approach Turner River?! That’s rhetorical… like to think that this keeps the Skunkape safe from humans.
The Skunkape Headquarters is more than a roadside attraction. We have a tendency to ruin things…
It is home to a local family, the Shealys, who have called the The next time you are driving down Tamiami Trail, I urge you
Everglades home for generations. Representatives of a local to stop at the Skunkape Headquarters and say hi to the Shealys.
pioneer culture called “The Gladesmen,” Jack and David Shealy, Talk to them about their preservation efforts and what it’s like to
brothers, have worked tirelessly to keep what is left of life in be a Gladesman. I’m not asking you to believe in the Skunkape.
Ochopee alive and authentic. David’s son, Jack C. Shealy, is You don’t have to… I just want you to believe in our local cultures
that next generation of entrepreneur, preservationist, historian, enough to place value in their stories.
musician, and activist to help keep the legacy moving forward.

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16 16 Life in Naples | February 2024