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Radioactive Fountain of Youth.

Radioactive Fountain of Youth

Field review by the editors.

Punta Gorda, Florida

In its heyday in the 1920s, the Fountain of Youth in Punta Gorda -- which resembles a public drinking fountain -- was so popular that its tap handle wore out every six months. But in the early 1980s, when the EPA began testing public water sources for radioactivity, it found that the Fountain's water was contaminated with almost double the amount that was considered safe.

Punta Gorda talked about shutting off the Fountain, but youth-crazed locals have successfully blocked that effort ever since.

In addition to the Fountain's anti-aging and radioactive properties, its water is also is high in magnesium, which is good, and sulphur, which makes it smell like rotten eggs. If that hasn't stopped people from drinking it, a little radiation certainly won't.

Also see: Water: Wonder Temples and Miracle Springs

Radioactive Fountain of Youth

Address:
Taylor St., Punta Gorda, FL
Directions:
Downtown, near the river, on the east side of Taylor St. just north of its intersection with W. Marion Ave. Look for the three-foot-tall pedestal faced with green tiles, with a spigot on the side.
Admission:
Free
RA Rates:
Worth a Detour
Save to My Sights

Nearby Offbeat Places

Calostimucu: Toth Indian HeadCalostimucu: Toth Indian Head, Punta Gorda, FL - < 1 mi.
Teddy Roosevelt Catches the Devil FishTeddy Roosevelt Catches the Devil Fish, Punta Gorda, FL - < 1 mi.
Segregated Train StationSegregated Train Station, Punta Gorda, FL - < 1 mi.
In the region:
Shell Factory, Fort Myers, FL - 18 mi.

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