Mosquitoes are a very big deal in Florida. In fact, if you can invent a way to rid a region of these tiny demons, you will be a legend and a hero. Richter Perky thought he was on his way to heroic status when he put up his bat tower in 1929. He thought this Sugarloaf Key louvered tower would attract a city of mostquito-eating bats to the region and solve the insect problem forever. Alas, the bats never arrived, and the plan didn't work. However, the tower is somewhat of a legend anyway, since it has survived numerous hurricanes over the decades and decades it has stood, waiting for the bats to arrive and save the day.

tko get there, look for signs for the Sugarloaf Airport on the bayside. Bear right at the fork. Perky Bat Tower has no admission charge.