Square Grouper Are Biting Off The Florida Keys
This isn’t your average fishing report, as square grouper isn’t really a fish. It’s a slang term for drugs, in this case – cocaine.
The term ‘square grouper’ came about in the 1970’s as a term for a bale of marijuana that washed up on the Florida shore. As drug runners encountered authorities out in the open waters, they would dump their cargo overboard. Bales of tightly wrapped weed. These bales would sometimes (and still do) wash up on shore leaving the person finding them to make a decision – call the cops, or take them with you. Obviously calling the police was the safest (albeit less profitable) option.
When cocaine took off in popularity in the 80’s, the square grouper term came to used for either drug. Sometimes it was both, as a kilo of cocaine was sometimes packed within a bundle of marijuana. That’s kind of the Columbian version of a ‘turducken‘.
Square Grouper Find Off Key Largo
On Wednesday, scuba divers at the Rainbow Reef Dive Center in Key Largo, Florida were picking up some trash off the Atlantic ocean floor at depth of about 100 feet. At around noontime, they picked up a bag they thought was trash. That’s when they made the discovery of 25 individually wrapped kilograms of cocaine.
Monroe County Sherriff’s office was notified and they then turned the packages over to the U.S. Border Patrol. We’re not really sure why the smugglers put a Nike logo on the product. Maybe a reference to the slogan “Just Do It”? No idea, just spitballin’ here.
A Busy Week
A beachgoer picking up trash on Coral Road in Islamorada, Florida found several packages of suspected drugs at approximately 10:45 a.m. Saturday. They too, called to the sheriff’s office who turned it over to Border Patrol.
These finds are actually a little too common on our Florida beaches. So much so that they really don’t grab headlines unless it’s a lot of drugs. But a word of advice, if you do stumble upon a square grouper, calling the cops is the safest move. Drug traffickers may have placed a tracking device within the bales and if they track it back to your house, things probably won’t end well.
Free Or Cheap Beach Parking In Tampa Bay
Fort Desoto Beach
Fort Desoto Beach is absolutely beautiful peaceful beach that’s a great option. Last time we went it was anywhere between $5-$8 per car for parking. Either way that’s a steal compared to other areas that are charging an arm and a leg.
Sand Key Park
Entrance to the park is free and parking only costs $5 per day. However, they are closed on certain holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. They open daily at 7 a.m. and close at sunset. Great option for families.
Honeymoon Island
Another option you might like is Honeymoon Island. Last time we went it was only $8 for per car and very relaxing. That is way more affordable than $70 at other beaches. Definitely worth the drive to check it out.
St Pete Beach
Life hack for you! Park behind the shops, where residents live, there’s always parking, and no one tows. Yes, it’s slightly further of a walk, but it’s really not that far, maybe extra 5 minutes of walking, but it’s free parking.
Clearwater Beach
There’s several areas there that are hourly and it only costs $2 an hour. You can find the location on the Parkmobile app. Check before you go are on your way there. Again, get there early.
