Just 13 Homes on 13 Acres : Tiny City Offers Privacy, Little Else

This is a city that almost isn’t.

There are no shopping centers here, no office buildings, schools, churches, eating places or gas stations--not even a downtown area.

There is no city hall. Lazy Lake’s official address is a metal rural post box that can be moved to the house of whoever is mayor.

There is a police chief, but no policemen; a fire chief, but no firemen.

What it does have is privacy, 13 homes, a population that varies between 30 and 40 and two streets --one of which is private.

“I lived in Broward County 30 years and never knew it was here,” said Betty Bailey, “until my husband found this house about two years ago.”

Hidden Under Trees

Hidden under a canopy of Australian pine and ficus trees off Andrews Avenue, Lazy Lake measures only 13 acres and is surrounded by another city, Wilton Manors. It is one of dozens of small, little-known municipalities around Florida.

While residents here relish their solitude, Lazy Lake isn’t one of those snobby, protected villages for the rich and famous.

“Drive in 10 feet and you’re in a different world. There isn’t another place like this on the continent,” said Bill Bailey, a chiropractor who serves as a member of the City Council.

“Here, it’s like going into a quiet, sleepy town or visiting the Wizard of Oz. The weight of the world is off your shoulders,” Bailey added.

Entrance is made via Lazy Lane, a dead-end private road where seven houses are located. A canal separates the other six on 24th Street, the city’s northern boundary.

In the middle is Lazy Lake, a former rock pit filled with turtles and bass. Living in thick greenery between the homes are squirrels, raccoons, possums and birds.

Incorporated in 1953

According to the Baileys, Lazy Lake was incorporated in 1953 by the late Charles Lindfors and Clinton Gamble. Fearful that their property would be annexed by Wilton Manors, they created their own municipality.

“We have a charter just like any other city,” said Bailey.

Fulfilling requirements to maintain city status falls on its residents. This includes holding elections for city offices and having a police and fire chief.

Rarely is there opposition for any office since none provides a salary or much power.

In the last elections, held at the home of Dr. Sherwood Moore, David Rushlow was elected mayor while Ave Keller, Tinker Connolly, Kevin Flanagan and Bailey won seats on the City Council.

Moore, a dentist, was elected council chairman and fire chief. Lefty Mayer, a nightclub owner, became the police chief.

Fire protection is provided by Wilton Manors.

Wants Fire Chief’s Hat

“Moore wants a fire chief’s hat so we’re going to buy him one of those hard hats firemen use,” Bailey laughed.

“If something happens that I can’t handle, I call the Broward Sheriff’s Department,” Chief Mayer said.

Lazy Lake’s budget last fiscal year was $12,000, said Betty Bailey, who is city treasurer, clerk and bookkeeper. An extra bedroom at the Bailey home has been converted for her municipal chores.

“Most of our money comes from state revenue sharing of sales, cigarette and gasoline taxes and the county’s ad valorem tax,’ she explained.

The largest expenditures are for tree trimming, garbage collection and road surfacing.

Residents help whenever possible with maintenance.

“We do our own cleaning of the streets and if a street light needs a bulb, one of us will put one in,” Bill Bailey said.

No development or growth is planned for Lazy Lake. Its charter allows for 13 home sites--no more.