INDIAN SHORES, Fla. - Before Walt Disney World and big theme parks dominated Florida tourism, a roadside attraction called Tiki Gardens drew guests to the Indian Shores beaches.

The backstory:

This once-popular Polynesian paradise opened in 1964. It was created by Frank and Jo Byers, who turned a small souvenir shop into a 12-acre Polynesian-themed destination. Tiki Gardens was filled with plant life, Tiki torches, animals, and hand-carved statues.

Local historian Bill DeYoung says the Byers captured a national craze at the time, and monetized the fascination with South Pacific culture. The Byers dedicated much of their lives to the project. They successfully designed, built and ran the park themselves.

"Frank and Jo were crazy about Tiki culture," DeYoung explained. "In Pinella

See Full Page