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by Randy Jaye (Author)
Beaches & Bootlegging: The true stories of Prohibition Era Florida
Prohibition is recognized as one of the most unpopular laws in US history. It was so unpopular at the time that some Floridians weren't all too keen on obeying it. Learn how it was instigated by small town Protestants who believed that newer immigrants living in big cities were immoral because of their emphatic use of alcohol. Prohibition bred corruption, defiance of the law, and hypocrisy as illegal bootlegging, moonshining and rum running replaced legitimate taxpaying industries. Florida actually voted state-wide Prohibition into law before the dreaded 18th amendment and was the only state to elect a governor from the Prohibition Party. Florida's Bill McCoy "The Real McCoy" founded Rum Row and became an international celebrity as he made a mockery of the U.S. Coast Guard's inability to squelch his innovative rum running operations. Al Capone, the infamous gangster, vacationed in Florida while his henchmen perpetrated the St. Valentine's Day Massacre. Many virtually unknown stories of tragic killings in Florida during Prohibition are also recounted as author Randy Jaye guides readers through Florida's Prohibition Era.
Author Biography
Randy Jaye has had a lifelong interest and passion for history. He believes that studying history helps people understand how past events have shaped the present. He recently researched and nominated four properties that have been successfully added into the National Register of Historic Places. He is the author of three recent history books; writes articles for historical journals, local newspapers and magazines; and has appeared on several radio shows and PBS documentaries. He earned both a master's degree and a bachelor's degree from California State University.
