Gator Joe was a 15'7" alligator that lived in Lake Weir in the early 1900's. The famous Ma Barker gang of outlaws was staying in a cottage near the current Gator Joe's restaurant. Gang members tried to kill Gator Joe on many occasions. The legend of Gator Joe and the Ma Barker gang led the FBI to the hideout. On January 16, 1935, there was a 4 hour gun battle between the gang and the FBI. At the end of the battle, the gang all lay dead. It wasn't until 1952 that Gator Joe met his end at the hands of gator hunter Vic Skidmore.