Part 6/7:
In the 1920s, during the prohibition era, Everglades City's isolated location became a prime spot for bootlegging operations. The town turned into a crucial hub for the smuggling and distribution of illicit liquor. The now-iconic airboat was created to navigate the area's shallow, swampy waters, which proved nearly impossible for outsiders without extensive local knowledge—a fact exploited by bootleggers. Many residents became entwined in the trade, acting as guides, conveyers, or even middlemen, facilitating the transport of alcohol from Cuba and the Bahamas.