Skunk Ape Headquarters Fuels Commerce in Ochopee Amid Tower Debate

By Jim Cessna

OCHOPEE, Fla. — Building on our earlier report, Inside the Skunk Ape Headquarters in Ochopee, new data and community feedback show that this quirky roadside attraction has become a major economic engine for the tiny Everglades outpost, and a flashpoint in a debate over development.

Infographic created using Canva by Jim Cessna

Recently ranked No. 2 among U.S. roadside attractions by USA Today, the Skunk Ape Research Headquarters draws thousands of visitors annually. Tourists flock to see owner Dave Shealy’s reptile exhibits, cryptid memorabilia, and guided swamp tours, often extending their stay to camp or “glamp” on-site. That steady flow of traffic is delivering a tangible boost to surrounding businesses in Collier County.

According to research from the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, cryptid tourism, including Bigfoot- and Loch Ness-style attractions, injects millions into local economies nationwide, with Bigfoot-related events alone generating over $140 million annually. In Ochopee, local restaurants, gas stations, and outfitters report noticeable upticks in sales tied to Skunk Ape visitors.

“It’s not just about selling tickets,” Shealy said in an interview. “People stop for food, buy gas, rent kayaks, and book airboat rides. It all adds up for our community.”

The headquarters has steadily expanded over the years, adding an expanded gift shop, a reptile encounter area, and guided swamp hikes. The Shealy family has also embraced online marketing, leveraging the Skunk Ape’s cult following to attract a younger, social-media-savvy audience.

“Every time someone posts a selfie with the statue out front, it’s free advertising for Ochopee,” said Susan Holzinger who runs a nearby café. “We see people from Europe, Asia — they’re spending money here because of that place.”

But not all developments are welcome. A proposed 350-foot communications tower less than a mile from the headquarters has stirred concern among locals. Shealy warns the tower could disrupt bird migration routes and damage the “Old Florida” aesthetic that is part of the attraction’s draw.

“People don’t come out here to look at cell towers,” Shealy said. “They come for the wild, untouched Everglades experience.”

Infographic created using Canva by Jim Cessna

The Collier County Commission is set to review the proposal in the coming months. Supporters argue the tower will improve emergency communications and internet access for residents and tourists, while opponents fear it could erode the area’s unique charm, and tourism revenue.

With national attention and consistent visitor numbers, the Skunk Ape Headquarters seems poised to remain an economic driver for Ochopee. Whether its rustic, swamp-side appeal survives may depend on the outcome of the tower debate, a decision that could shape both commerce and conservation in this corner of the Everglades.