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One Serious House Boat Across Tampa Bay
By Mitch Traphagen mitch@observernews.net
Oct 5, 2006, 18:10

With the Sunshine Skyway Bridge in the background, the house crosses Tampa Bay Towards Ruskin. Mitch Traphagen Photo

A large three-story Victorian mansion made a voyage aboard a barge from Palmetto, up the Manatee River to Tampa Bay and across towards the Little Manatee River in Ruskin. 

The house had been in Palmetto for nearly a century.  On Tuesday, it was moved from its original location to make room for condominiums and commercial development.  The house is reported to be approximately 7,000 square feet.  The barge also held a smaller out-building.

The house, at an estimated 220 tons, was pushed by a single barge until anchoring just off the Bahia Beach area.  When the tide increased, the house continued its voyage into the Little Manatee River.

The new owners of the historic Victorian home reportedly plan to use it as a retreat for pastors and missionaries.

By late evening, the house was making its way up the Little Manatee River in Ruskin. It apparently had a rainbow to guide the way home. Mitch Traphagen Photo

The new location for the house will be along Shell Point Road in Ruskin.

-- Mitch Traphagen, Observer News


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