Sunday Favorites: High Seas Havoc

During the era in the United States (1920-1933), there were bootlegging vessels that ventured beyond maritime boundaries to avoid persecution and law enforcement. Some of these vessels, often referred to as "rumrunners," were used to transport illegal alcohol from countries where it was still legal to the United States, where the sale and consumption of alcohol were prohibited.

The boats sailed to locations beyond the three-mile limit of U.S. jurisdiction in international waters, making it difficult for authorities to apprehend them. They loaded up with alcohol in places like the Bahamas, Cuba, or Canada, and then returned to the U.S. coastline to distribute the alcohol to speakeasies and other illicit establishments.

Sarasota and Manatee counties saw the influx of Cuban rum, often bartered for provisions like chickens and hogs. Alongside this, various liquors were transported from Tampa aboard schooners and steamers. A lack of options wasn't the issue, as long as you were willing to pay an inflated price. Folks that found that too expensive, preferred locally produced "spirits," carrying a lower cost yet packing a mightier punch, according to the article “Prohibition in Sarasota,” by Mark Smith.

Rumrunners being chased by U.S. patrol boat. 1927. State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory. Accessed 26 Aug. 2023.

Photo: Rumrunners being chased by U.S. patrol boat. 1927. State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory. Accessed 26 Aug. 2023.

Rumrunners navigated the coastline regularly, making deliveries every week. Despite their efforts, law enforcement grappled with scarce resources. The coastal jurisdiction lay beyond the reach of the local sheriff, and certain private yachts would venture into international waters, anchoring for extended periods. Rumors began spreading that these boats hosted gatherings and gambling parties. Two names frequently linked with these prohibited activities were the Black Cat and the Blue Lantern, both rumored to host covert "wet" operations, according to Smith.

These boats essentially created a floating haven for individuals seeking to indulge in activities that were otherwise prohibited on American soil. On wet boats, alcohol flowed freely, and patrons enjoyed drinks without the fear of legal repercussions. This created a party atmosphere, with lively celebrations, dancing, and merriment. Many of these vessels had onboard casinos where passengers could try their luck at various games such as poker and roulette. This combination of legal gambling and alcohol made wet boats popular destinations for those looking for entertainment and excitement.

The Coast Guard and other law enforcement agencies tried to crack down on these activities, leading to high-speed chases, shootouts, and various forms of evasion tactics by bootleggers. The smugglers often used fast boats that were modified for speed and stealth to outrun or outmaneuver authorities.

While these activities were illegal and dangerous, they also contributed to the development of more advanced law enforcement techniques and technologies, as authorities worked to combat the widespread illegal alcohol trade.

Sarasota County's law enforcement continued to go after bootleggers throughout the 1920s and early 1930s. By 1933, the movement to repeal the 18th Amendment was up for vote throughout the nation. Yet, voters in Sarasota County showed little interest. The Sarasota Herald reported on October 10, 1933, that "Sarasota County voters were not taking the repeal election seriously today, as a quick check of the various precincts in the city showed that few voters were taking the trouble to mark all 67 names necessary for a full vote on the repeal question." However, despite the light turnout, 76 percent of the voters voted for the repeal of the 18th Amendment, with only the Miakka (today spelled Myakka) district voting against it."

Locally prohibition was a failed experiment. Rather than the promised decrease, crime in the county surged, underscoring the failure of this initiative. Despite facing an arduous challenge, the law enforcement entities in Sarasota County persisted in their campaign against bootlegging until it was officially repealed.