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Don Boyd | all galleries >> Memories of Old Hialeah, Old Miami and Old South Florida Photo Galleries - largest non-Facebook collection on the internet >> 1970 to 1999 Miami Area Historical Photos Gallery - click on image to view > 1970s - Sunny Isles with the Castaways, Newport Beach Hotel and Sunny Isles fishing pier
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Early 1970s Florida State Archives

1970s - Sunny Isles with the Castaways, Newport Beach Hotel and Sunny Isles fishing pier

Sunny Isles, Florida


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Scott 18-Jul-2025 13:21
I used to work for a company called “ Pool boys of America “ it was a company that supplied lifeguards to the hotels & we also sold “ Beach Buff “ tanning oils. I worked at the Dunes & the Castaways in the 70’s. Great bunch that worked there that came from all over. I’m from Boston & they used to make fun of my accent. What a great experience! Great memories.
Rich 09-May-2024 17:55
Does anyone remember the name of the arcade near the Castaways in the 1970s? Thanks
FRIDA KALLER 06-Oct-2022 07:04
IIF ANYONE CAN REMEMBER THE LIFEGUARDS NAME WHO WORKED IN THE CASTAWAYS MAIN POOL AREA AS A LIFEGUARD AND BRINGING LOUNGE CHAIRS TO GUESTS, PLEASE LET ME KNOW BETWEEN 1974 AND 1975 AND HE ALSO WORKED WITH BOAT RENTALS ACROSS THE CASTAWAY HOTEL HE WAS TALL WITH A DARK TAN IF ANYONE REMEMBERS PLEASE LET ME KNOW

THANK YOU
FRIDA KALLER 06-Oct-2022 06:41
CAN ANY ONE REMEMBER THE LIFEGUARDS NAMR AT THE CASTATAWAYS 1974 /1975
WORKING IN THE MAIN POOL AS LIFEGUARD
Sam Hamory 03-Mar-2022 21:40
I grew up in NMB and lived in Eastern Shores from 1973-1979 ages 11-17 and Sunny Isles was my world. First I would skateboard over the bridge and straight to the Pro skate shop on the south side of the Blvd, then right to Mike's Subs for a meal and into the arcade to play pinball and the first game of PONG we'd ever seen. Then we might pool hop for a while to cool off and chase girls (caught a few) or we'd take the "H" bus ($0.15) down to Haulover to skateboard under the overpass. One night riding our bikes around the Wreck Bar, each time the door would open I could hear Sly Stone jammin' hard. I stayed so long, my friends all left me there and went to the pier. As a keyboard player I performed at the Newport lounge once, the Diplomat, the Deauville, the Eden Roc, Fountainebleu and many others. The 70's was a great time to grow up in NMB!
Mike 14-Jun-2021 10:18
My cousin Carl and myself (then 17 years of age, back in 1972) Were shacked up with a couple of run-aways from Sunrise, FL. (Tina Johns and Brenda Landry) There was this little run down, rat infested, apt. building behind the sundries store on the NW corner there but we just called it home. There we were, all going at it like a bunch of little Jack-Rabbits. When we weren't in bed, we'd be out hustling up a few bucks (mainly pan-handling) in order to eat (at Neba's Roast Beef (so delicious) then play a little pinball at the arcade, both on the SW corner, of Sunny Isles and Collins, and get high, (Quuadludes). My Dad, then staying at the Castaways (Room 241. Ocean-side) would come in to our room and preach about how we needed to be smart enough, that if someone offered us a funny looking cigarette, how we shouldn't take it. I'd be laying there, partially rubberized, Tina under my arm and thinking, Yeah Dad, where can I find these guys That are giving this stuff away? I wouldn't have be spending all of my easy earned money on the stuff. Back in Jan-24-2015, Guest mad the comment about Buddy whom live in a Houseboat on a canal (no longer there). The canal was on the NW corner of Sunny Isles Blvd and Collins Ave. Well, Buddy had long hair and a long beard. He looked every bit a homeless, hippy type man. One day we were hanging out at work (pan-handling) on the corner, when walking east on Sunny Isles Blvd comes walking Buddy. But something was very different this time. Buddy was absolutely bald as a bean and completely clean shaven. "Buddy", I said, "what the hell happened"? Buddy's response, in his normal, very slow cadence, says something that has stuck with me. This coming Jan. will be 50 years that this has stuck with me. "My razor took a bad trip man". well. We all had a good laugh, walked back upstairs and proceeded to do the Jack-Rabbit thing again. Seems we could never get enough of the Jack- Rabbit thing. Tina, Brenda, Call Me. Mike. LOL!
dc mike20-Apr-2021 13:57
As a musician back then I played both The Castaways, and was in the house band at Newport's huge Seven Seas Lounge. We played regularly opposite Wayne Cochran and the C C Riders when they were in town, and opposite other legacy acts like The Shirrels, Bobby Rydel, etc.

One night Stephen Stills came in and jammed a set with us! At the Castaways we played opposite "The Rising Sun" - their motto was "The sun rises in the east and sets in the west, we ain't the best but we 'mongst the rest".

Miami was a 24 hour operation. One gig - Big Daddy's "8600 Club", first set was 12:30 AM. We played till sunup.
Jon 25-Aug-2020 12:04
I worked with Victor El Khal at Mike's Subs in Sunny Isles many a night. Victor's memory is correct-- where 163rd St met A1A was the most happening corner in the county. On weekend nights it was taken over by throngs of local teens and college-age kids, most were stoned, all were docile. Violence was unheard of. That was 1970-1971. Neba, Mike's, the arcade, and the Castaways are all now gone. Gathering places like these are all gone, too. Now we meet on our smart phones. Pity.
Victor El Khal 18-Jan-2020 04:35
I worked at Mike Subs in Sunny Isles in the late seventies. Michael Williams was the owner, he was a nice and kind man. I still think of those days all the time, it was unbelievable the energy around that corner during those days, the draw of Neba, Mike Subs, and the arcade, also being next door to the world famous Castaways and wreck bar was extremely powerful, I never wanted to go home, and would stay up for many days at a time just having the time of my life. I remember how on New Years Eve everyone would shut down traffic for hours in front of Neba's to celebrate. I remember the Howard Johnson's restaurant on the corner (ocean side , next to pier) I had the happiest of times then, and met the coolest people from all over the world. Victor E
Paul Jensen 26-Sep-2017 15:19
Does anybody know someone who danced at ZORBAS Lounge also known as Port Said 150 Sunny isle Blvd in February,1968. I was informed that it was also called Funky Broadway in 1969.
This is very important had could help greatly for an ongoing Cold Case.
Jeffie 08-Jul-2017 20:51
I was at the 7 Seas doing lights and sound from 1971-1973, then went to the Swinger (Marco Polo) after that. I'm fairly certain the statutes of limitation have run out by now, but I'll just keep some of the better stories to myself!

Now pretty much retired but had a great career as a result of my time in those clubs. So many memories. A lot of my old friends have since passed but I still stay in contact with others.

Other posters mentioned the Newport restaurant... The Pub! and the lobby lounge..Rum Bar! Don Stella was the jazz guitarist there for quite some time .
ruthie starr 04-Jan-2017 21:34
I was a drummer in georgie porgies crybabys at the wreak bar if anyone has pics please post
Dave Palanker 01-Oct-2016 00:04
My mother's uncle was Joe Hart. I would hear so many stories when I was a kid about uncle Joe and the Castaways. I lived in Jersey. I never met him and one day after I graduated high school I called him up when I was 18 and told him I was coming down. Went right to his office, he was this 65 year old tanned hippie! Had a great 2 hour talk. He said just sign for everything, stay as long as you want he said. I stayed for 3 weeks. Loved the Wreck Bar, had the best time of my life! Well, it was time to leave and the bill had 0 Balance, I was thrilled. I'll never forget that time in my life. Joe was the best...
Guest 25-Sep-2016 15:47
Joe Grimes 05-Jun-2016 16:42
I was a 16 year old kid parking cars at the Newport in 1970. Sunny Isles was the hot place to be with all the partying going on. Little Richard played there very often. I recently went back and only one or two of the old motels still exist. Sad, but great memories.
Guest 25-May-2016 03:25
I was a guest at the Castaways in the early 60s - an amazing vacation with Jack Theodore - I just read that Jack passed away. I am heart broken. Diane T from NY
Guest 27-Mar-2016 19:19
I knew tito in the late 70s who was the owners son of the magic mushroom head shop he was a great drummer
Robert Marcus 27-Nov-2015 16:27
I had the pleasure of working in a house band as bassist in the exact band that later gave rise to Jaco Pastorius. This was Peter Graves and the club operators, genuine smooth operators, named us "Gangplank." This was, after all, the 7 Seas Lounge. I saw some of the biggest acts of the day come to play for a weekend, two shows a night for a good year or so. It was a real education because Graves and the late Larry Warilow arranged our charts to perfection. Blood Sweat and Tears were the trend for bands in those days. On breaks we'd walk up to the Macro Polo, drink at the Ouzo Lounge, over to the Castaways to see Vetro or other acts -- three bands a night? Castaways promoted "continuous live music" which means the musicians would literally have to climb over each others in the previous band to keep the groove going. The music never stopped ... if that event could be called music. It was silly but it was a great time never to be seen again.
joe sorvillo 24-Oct-2015 06:48
I played at the castaways, and the seven seas lounge, I think it was Tom Callie , and some Cuban band at the castaways what great memories
Don Boyd08-Oct-2015 15:39
Maralyn, thank you for posting those memories of your dad at the Newport. It would be hard to calculate how many families enjoyed their stay at the Newport over the years and it's still in operation. I just wonder how many years it will be there because some developer may just buy the property to tear it down and erect yet another giant condo building that Sunny Isles Beach seems to thrive on.

Don
Maralyn Mace Grosswald 06-Oct-2015 13:50
When the Newport Hotel opened Mr. Kaplan hired my dad to open the upstairs bar, dad was then brought down stairs to the Seven Seas. Mac Mace (also known as the singing bartender), was one of the top bartenders of all times back in the day. Dad was also, an entertainer in his younger days, he could sing up a storm and new a lot of performers, some of which performed in the Seven Seas. I have very fond memories of these times.
Maralyn Mace Grosswald (Little Mace)
Guest 17-Sep-2015 00:55
What was the name of the restaurant at the Newport Hotel??
Guest 12-Aug-2015 02:57
I'm looking for a friend who used to go to the castaway in the 1970s to the 80s / Jeffrey feld / my names is Patricia Masone / email me at Pskiba77@yahoo.com / Thank you used to go to the swingers lounge at the Marco Polo hotel in the 70s - 80s
Guest 12-Aug-2015 02:48
I Remember The Castaways Very Well , Wish They Never Closed
Don Boyd05-Aug-2015 03:55
Deborah, thank you for posting your memories. Do you have any photos from back then? I'd love to add them to the site and I'll give you credit for the photos. Send them to OldMiamiMemories@gmail.com if you have any. Thank you.

Don
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Deborah 04-Aug-2015 21:55
I was the head dancer Treasure Chest girl at the Newport. My x was the band leader for Mike Vetro show. Still live in the same place 50 years later.
miamicrg09-Jul-2015 20:43
My late cousin Al Bertolami ran the light booth at the 7 Seas Lounge during the late 60's to the early 70's. Mike Vetro was the house band there. Another cousin Ron Bertolami played bass for him. I was just in high school but I was able to sneak in and see so many great acts from that light booth....Little Richard-Ray Charles-The Ink Spots-etc.
Guest 05-Jul-2015 16:22
anyone remember a guy called "Billy Bad", what happened to him? he was a friend, at Sunny Isles.
Sharon Browne 20-Jun-2015 03:55
My mom, Pat or Trish Browne worked there in the early 60's as a waitress. Trying to locate an old friend of hers, first name was Ken. He was a bellhop and a Canadian who worked the season. Does anyone remember him?
michael williams 14-May-2015 21:35
remember in early 70's spring break, so crowded people filling the streets and my restaurants. Mike's Subs and Neba had to have security on the property, remember that a city bus was overturned. This was where the action was on Collins ave and 163rd st corner. M iss those days, anyone remember?
Guest 26-Jan-2015 17:57
Hi its Mike from Mikes subs, you are right Don, southwest corner with the arcade . We were so busy at spring break with all of the college students. We were open till 4 am every day 365 days. I spent a lot of time at the Newport hotel, there was a bar at the front door to the left, lots of fun. Miss all of those great times
Don Boyd26-Jan-2015 08:10
Guest from 11-Dec-2014: thank you for posting. I hope someone remember tall Al (Albert) from the Shell station and/or "Buddie" from the little house boat and responds here in the comments.

Guest (Mike) from 24-Jan-2015: thank you also for posting, especially about Little Richard visiting your business after his shows at the Newport. Was the sub shop in the southwest corner of the intersection? Was that the place that also had the arcade with games and pinball machines or not? It's hard to believe that everything is gone now after so many years of good times over there.

Don
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Guest 24-Jan-2015 21:27
great memories back in late 60's and 70's. Im Mike from Mikes Subs on the corner of Sunny Isles and Collins ave. The Castaways was so busy, lots of business from them in the area. The Newport had little Richard, he visited my two restaurants at night after his performance. Miss those great times
Guest 11-Dec-2014 23:03
Does anybody remember tall Al (Albert) that worked at the Shell station across from the Newport. How about "Buddie" who use to live behind the head-shop in his lil' house boat.
Don Boyd27-Oct-2014 03:41
Thank you Guest, Ben, Eddie and Bonnie for taking the time to post here. Bonnie, thanks for remembering names of folks you worked with. And for where the girls went to go dancing after getting off from working.

Don
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Guest 26-Oct-2014 00:28
This is great, I also was a dancer in the Wreck Bar at the Castaways. Iworked also at theNewport, Fountainbleu, and 007 at the Shelborne Hotel. I loved working with Johnny Pachivas, what a outstanding man.He was a great friend. Joanne Monaco was in charge of the dancers at the Wreck Bar She was adorable. She would love this site.Thanks so much for this site.Brings back wonderful memories.All the girls would get off work and go dance more at Rum Bottoms on Us1 and pembroke Rd. Then to Sambos for breakfast. Bonnie
eddie rovner 06-Oct-2014 18:59
i work at newport in 1970s was poolboy my name fasteddie
Ben 24-Sep-2014 17:16
I just saw the post...Herman..now I remember..I was about 5 years old when I first met Herman Schwartz..
Guest 24-Sep-2014 17:14
Does anyone remember the Bird when you walked into the Castaways?
He was a huge parrot name "Harvey Schwartz"
Don Boyd12-Jul-2013 05:23
Harriet, I used to ride a bike or walk past your home all the time from 1957 until 1965 when I got a car. I was enroute to my friends' homes on W. 11th and 55th Place (the five Sullivan brothers and Bob Zimmerman next door to them). I'm glad you love the site and there's a zillion more photos yet to add. : )

Don
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harriet12-Jul-2013 04:19
I love this site and I hate it too. I stay up til all hours of the night and then hate myself in the morning. I just can't get enough of this. Don, you're the best!!
Miamiman26-Jun-2013 19:45
Oh my gosh! The stories here I love it, but I have got one that is amazing! I worked at the Castaways as a bartender, in December of 1976 the guitarist known as Tommy Bolin was in town as he was performing in a concert with Jeff Beck. He had been hanging around for days at the CASTAWAYS, why I have no idea. WoW! What a monster, the guy was tall handsome and looked like a rock star, he was dating a girl named Bree, who worked there who also dated the guitarist for the house band called SOS his name was Billy Yeager whos aunt is Bunny Yeager.
Somehow Billy and Tommy Bolin became friends and both were dating this girl. One night in fact it was the night right before Tommy Bolin died, both him and Yeager jammed together on the Wreck Bar Stage, it was unbelievable, Tommy was blittzed drunk and making a lot of loud noise, and people were going crazy. We all went to breakfast at 3:00 a.m. in the morning at the corner resturant there, what was the name , right on the corner of the Newport Lounge.
Sambos? Pancake house? Anyways Tommy had a whole bottle of Jack Daniels passing it around, him and Yeager were drinking away and Tommy said he would pay the bill, s we all ordered up. When the bill came Tommy had no money on him, we all looked puzzled, he said his manager wouldn't give him money because he would spend it all and disappear sometimes not appearing at his own concerts, so we all had to run and skip out on the bill.
He and Yeager jammed all night back at the club, it was about 5:00 a.m. in the morning, one day later Tommy was found dead, Bree woke me up she was with him when she died, wow, I look back now and think was I really there when all that happened?
The CASTAWAYS LOUNGE, WHAT A PLACE THANKS FOR ALL THESE POSTS.
Hope you enjoy mine. Greg
Guest 29-Apr-2013 04:49
Sorry Guest.....but was at the Castaways for a lot of years. The parrots name was Herman. He was named after the owner......Joe Hart or his full name Herman Josephart, a.k.a. The Old Man. His favorite song was Yellow River. Came to work there right out of college. The Old Man pulled me aside and told me, you see all these people working here. I want you to remember one lesson, "Even animals don't shit where they eat", meaning that it was not a good idea to hang out and drink at the Castaways when you were working there. The only execptions to his rule were the beach boys as he wanted them to entertain the female guests, which they loved doing. Jimmy Styron, Jack Theodore, Jimmy Theodore, Howie, Peter, Bobby and I could go on and on. So many good times. I still see some of those people.
Guest 01-Feb-2013 13:31
Spent my days here, 69 to 82, best memories of my life, i sure do miss those days, steve preston
Guest 05-Jun-2012 17:57
My dad used to fish off the pier back when daily admission was $1.25.
Guest 31-May-2012 01:25
Does anyone remember a go go dancer named Dee Dee Barbados? She danced in the seven seas lounge around 1972
Guest 19-May-2012 21:58
THERE WAS A PARROT IN THE LOBBY OF THE CASTAWAYS NAMED SCHWARTZ--THIS IN THE LATE SIXTIES--WHEN YOU WALKED BY HIS CAGE HE WOULD SHOUT --'HI-IM SCHWARTZ-ASK ME A QUESTION--IT WAS CLAIMED HE COULD ANSWER ANY QUESTION--HIS USUAL ANSWER WAS 'THATS A STUPID QUESTION--ASK ME ANOTHER--SCHWARTZ HAD ABOUT SIX OR SEVEN SIMILAR ANSWERS--BUT HE ENTERTAINED ALL THE GUESTS I TOOK THERE--I SAW THE POINTER SISTERS THERE IN THE EARLY SEVENTIES--THEY ARE STILL PERFORMING-- OUT OF TOWN GUESTS WENT AGOG OVER THE GO GO DANCERS--AND THE SODA CANS WITH RATTLES FOR APPLAUSE---J MUDD
John 13-May-2012 21:39
Does anyone remember a band that used to play at the wreck bar called "People" in the early 70's. Like 1972. I am looking for a long lost friend "Bill Ellis" who used to play bass guitar in the band.
Ed 06-May-2012 15:21
I remember Bobbie a waiter who served by "twin Burgers" at an outside seating area by the parrot. The indoor pool had lounge chairs with a stainless steel drain hole built into them.
Guest 16-Apr-2012 10:30
I worked at the Castaways from 1973-76, right out of college. Spent many spring breaks there. Still know, James D from the Big C and Jack Theodore, the two guys who ran the pools and beach concessions. Was the beverage controller so I knew all the bartenders and bar maids. Wild times during Super Bowls. Great job to have right out of college but I got lectured all the time by Joe Hart, aka The Old Man about handing out with the beachboys. I remember he would show up at all hours of the night just to check on his business. Know Judy at the Go Go Bar, the Pool Bar, Ginza, Wreck Bar....Gaby and Ace, the main bartender. Anyone that worked there remember Annita? She stills lives in Hallandale as does Viola. Lotta fun times there!
manny18-Sep-2011 08:24
I knew Johnny Pachivas very well he was the head bouncer at the Wreck Bar 8in the sixties and seventies, when me and my dad worked there above at the Fountain room and there were others too many too name but i will later, it is a life changing experience to have been part of such a dynamic and entertaining resort motel, The Castaways, kind regards, Manny
manny18-Sep-2011 08:17
Mr Alex Wortheim was The General Manager when my dad was there in the sixties and seventies if you all want to know I also knew him because I was a busboy at the Fiountain Room Restaurant between 1968-73 Mr Wortheims Daughter passed away of sudden death and then I didn't think but not too sure he came back to work after the loss! He was a Hungarian immigrant and a very nice man to work for! Never gave me any trouble, regards, Manny
manny18-Sep-2011 08:05
My Dad was a Busboy and room Service waiter for over 20 years until one year before the Castaways shutdown his name was Manny like me I used to work with him at the Fountain room as a Busboy between 1968-73 it's a shame they destroyed The CASTAWAYS to build some high end condos! it was a Landmark and I feel it was a Historical Site! Too Bad The Germans who bought it had other plans and didn't care it was worth 40 million as I remember! Oceania Condos is never going to be the same as The Castaways Motel! "I Miss it, and miss my Dad" regards, Manny
Guest 21-Jun-2011 21:19
Worked as a lifeguard at the Island pool from 77-79. Busy during the winter season, with unbeleivable crowds during holiday weekends. Like clockwork, the Wreck Bar bartender would come up at least once a day to have me fish out someone who was mooning the bar patrons. As an aviation student, the orange roofed Castaways was an easy visual reporting point for ATC. After work, there was always time for a greasy burger and a cold beer or two over at the bar on the Newport pier. Great place - great memories.
sandy13-Jun-2011 05:39
so many memories ! I remember Howie - actually lived down the street from him in North Miami Beach. He lived with Danielle as I recall. Anyone remember infamous beach boy, Jimmy? How about Judy at Ginza bar I worked part-time (was a grad student at FAU} Those were the days! Loved working the beach bars but wreck bar was way too fast=paced for this bar maid ! How about the well endowed Miami Dolphins in their speedos at the ocean side bars?
sandy13-Jun-2011 05:29
so many memories ! I remember Howie - actually lived down the street from him in North Miami Beach. He lived with Danielle as I recall. Anyone remember infamous beach boy, Jimmy? How about Judy at Ginza bar I worked part-time (was a grad student at FAU} Those were the days! Loved working the beach bars but wreck bar was way too fast=paced for this bar maid ! How about the well endowed Miami Dolphins in their speedos at the ocean side bars?
RANDI 29-May-2011 03:45
DOES ANYONE REMEMBER THE NAME OF THE GUY WHO WOULD TEACH SCUBA DIVING AT THE CASTAWAYS POOL ON COLLINS IN MIAMI IN THE DAYTIME AND SING AT NIGHT AT THE CLUB IN THE CASTAWAYS HE WAS ALSO A DJ WHO HAD MOVED BACK TO N.J. FOR A WHILE AND ALSO A MALE MODEL BLONDE VERY GOOD LOOKING I THINK HIS FIRST NAME WAS RICK IT WAS AROUND 1973, 74 . HE WAS MY FIRST LOVE I WAS ONLY 17 AND AFTER HE FINISHED HIS SHOW HE WALKED OVER TO MY TABLE AND ASKED IF HE COULD JOIN ME. IF ANYONE OUT THERE REMEBERS POST IT FOR ME PLEASE . THANKS RANDI.
Guest 27-Mar-2011 03:49
I worked as a beach boy in 1968 at the small pool on the south end of the complex. The name of the Parrot was Herman. The owner of the bar, I think his name was Stan had an amazing memory for people and could remember names for years and years...My name is Clyde Swanson and would love to hear from anyone who has fond memories of the Castaways...I remember the stewardesses from different
Airlines used to stay there on "layovers".
Everett 04-Feb-2011 12:06
I was a pool attendant at the Castaways from 1970-1973. Wonderful days and nights.
Guest 15-Jan-2011 20:00
The late Philip Carlo's last book before his passing last year detailed one of the contract murders by notorious hitman Richard "Ice" Kuklinski, and since I grew up in Miami I found it interesting that this one hit by Kuklinksi was to exact revenge on some maintenance worker from the Castaways hotel who had allegely raped the daughter of one of the owners. It was a pretty graphic, if not gross, description of what Kuklinski did to this alleged rapist. But he did mention Neba and a parking lot across the street from the hotel. Anyways, what a coincidence as I had just came across that passage in Carlo's book yesterday and now just came across this site.
For what it's worth, name of the book is "The Killer Within.." by Philip Carlo.
Guest 04-Jan-2011 17:44
Does anyone remember the name of the General Manager at Castaways or the Wreck manager in the 60's - around '65???
Don Boyd30-Nov-2010 04:43
Great posts, Guest and Pat! Thank you for doing so and I'm sure many will enjoy reading your comments. And thanks for helping to preserve some history of good times too! : )

Don
Pat Dowling 29-Nov-2010 21:05
I just found this site! Wow! Nice to know there are many out there that remember the Castaways. I worked there in the restaurant called the Fountain Room from 1965-67. Not absolultely positive about the years. Anyone remember "Big Patty" and Mary with all the kids, and Gay who went with the wrestler!? My friend whom I still see worked there for 20 years, her name is Garnett. The room hostess was Alice Jamison who is still living. My very good friend, to this day, was Danielle from Canada also worked as a hostess in the Fountain Room. Her boyfriend was "Dan the Coconut Man". Anyone remember him he was always selling coconuts on the beach and had a "coconut shed" as a truck? My friend also dated Howie, a beach boy at the Castaways! Does anyone remember "Stan the Man" who was a bartender on the ocean side who did trick while serving drinks? We went to his funeral about 4 or 5 years ago. I sometimes worked in the Wreck Bar as a cocktail waitress and knew alot of the bartenders and waitresses. Does anyone remember Gabby or George Carlton from the Fountain Room?I was at the Castaways when many of the bartenders were arrested for stealing. Anyone remember that big stink? Does anyone remember Joe Hart's big parrot? How about Mr. Worthheim and "Big Mike" who was General Manager at one time and hired me?
As far as the Newport....we drank after work at "The Blue Heron" which later became a part of the Newport complex. Lots, and lots of memories!
Guest 21-Oct-2010 04:45
WOW, GUYS! WHAT MEMORIES! I, LIKE SOME OF YOU, HAPPENED TO CATCH BILL O'REILLY MAKING A COMMENT ABOUT WORKING AT THE WRECK BAR AT THE CASTAWAYS AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE WHEELS STARTED SPINNING IN MY HEAD. ALL OF A SUDDEN IT DAWNED ON ME! THAT IS WHY I FELT LIKE I SOMEHOW KNEW O'REILLY FROM THE TIME I FIRST SAW HIM ON TELEVISION! I WAS DANCING AT THE WRECK BAR AT NIGHT WHILE BREAKING INTO MY MODELING CAREER DURING DAYTIME HOURS. THESE ARE A FEW OF MY MEMORIES FROM THE CASTAWAYS AND THE AREA:

1. TOMMY STRAND AND THE UPPER HAND WERE PLAYING AT THE CASTAWAYS ALONG WITH SOME OTHER BANDS (SEEMS LIKE THE BAND THAT USED TO WORK AT THE DREAM BAR STARTED WORKING THERE AT SOME POINT)
2. JOE HART, THE FATHER OF TELEVISION PERSONALITY JEANNIE HART, OWNED THE CASTAWAYS
3. ANOTHER BAND BY THE NAME OF GEORGIE PORGIE AND THE CRYBABIES PLAYED AT THE CASTAWAYS AS WELL (I BELIEVE THAT THE SISTER OF THE LEAD SINGER WAS IN THE BAND AND, I THINK, PLAYED THE KEYBOARD)
4. CAL ROBERTS SANG THERE AS WELL AND SO DID HELEN GLOVER
5. ONE NIGHT I WENT TO WORK AT THE CASTAWAYS AND LEARNED THAT THE SAX PLAYER IN ONE OF THE BANDS, A GUY NAMED " DIZZY" HAD MYSTERIOUSLY DIED
6. JOHNNY PACHIVAS, THE GREAT KARATE TEACHER AND CHAMP, WAS A REGULAR AT THE DOOR FOR MANY YEARS
7. A GUY NAMED "LARRY" WAS A GREAT GUY WHO WARNED ME,JUST A KID FROM MISSISSIPPI AT THE TIME, TO STAY AWAY FROM THE MOBSTERS, AS HE HAD BEEN MARRIED TO A GIRL WHOSE FATHER WAS IN THE MOB AND IT WAS NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO BREAK AWAY
8. A FEW OF THE DANCERS WHO WORKED WITH ME WERE EARNESTINE, TRUDY(LOLITA) SUZANNE, JOANN, AND LINDA
9. I ALSO FREQUENTED THE NEWPORT WHEN MIKE VETRO PLAYED THERE. MIKE WAS GOOD LOOKING AND EXTREMELY PERSONABLE. HE WAS DATING ONE OF THE DANCERS WHO WORKED WITH HIM AT THE TIME. SHE WAS VERY CUTE, A GREAT DANCER AND HAD SHORT BROWN HAIR.
10. I SAW FATS DOMINO THERE AT THE NEWPORT AND WAYNE COCHRAN ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS.COCHRAN HAD A HABIT OF JUMPING OFF STAGE AND BUSTING UP BOTTLES OF BOOZE. HE WAS QUITE AN ENTERTAINER. ( COUNTLESS YEARS LATER I SAW WAYNE SHOW UP AT MY FORMER CHURCH IN MARGATE AS A PASTOR.)
11. I ALWAYS REALLY, REALLY LOVED THE FOOD AT THE NEWPORT PUB!!!!!! GREAT STUFFED SHRIMP, LITTLE LOAVES OF BREAD AND FOUR GREAT DRESSINGS SERVED AT EACH TABLE....LOVED THE THOUSAND ISLAND!
12. I ALSO FREQUENTED A PLACE CALLED "THEE IMAGE" WHICH WAS OWNED BY THE COLLINS BOYS AT THE TIME. A GUY I LATER DATED, CARMINE APPICE, APPEARED THERE AS A DRUMMER IN AN OLD BAND CALLED THE VANILLA FUDGE.
13. BY THE WAY, FUN THING ABOUT THE CASTAWAYS....YOU COULD SIT AT THE BAR THERE AND SEE PEOPLE SWIMMING THROUGH WINDOWS BEHIND THE BAR....LOTSA' FUN!
14. I ALSO DANCED AT THE MARCO POLO BRIEFLY WHEN A BAND LED BY "JUSTIN" (CAN'T REMEMBER REST OF NAME) WAS THERE. WILSON PICKETT WAS A GUEST PERFORMER IN OUR SHOWS AS WELL AS A LEANER AND MEANER "CHUBBY" CHECKER. I THINK THAT THE GREAT PETER MARSHALL BAND WAS THERE AS WELL.

I COULD GO ON AND ON AND ON BUT WON'T.................I THANK BILL O'REILLY FOR JARRING MY MEMORY AND CAUSING ME TO REMEMBER THOSE DAYS AS WELL AS REMEMBERING HIM STANDING THERE AT THE DOOR OF THE CASTAWAYS WITH THAT RED, WHITE AND BLACK PIRATE'S OUTFIT ON .....IF MY MEMORY SERVES ME CORRECTLY. BY THE WAY I ENDED UP BECOMING A MODEL, A KEYBOARDIST/SINGER, AN ATTORNEY , AND A COLLEGE PROFESSOR AMONGST OTHER THINGS................I AM EXTREMELY HAPPY AND STILL LIVING IN SOUTH FLORIDA. I ONLY HOPE FOR THE REST OF YOU THAT THINGS ARE GREAT AND THAT LIFE IS GOOD! THANKS SO MUCH FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO JOIN THE CHAT AND REHASH ALL THOSE GREAT MEMORIES!
TreyS21-Oct-2010 03:56
My Dad was Cal, the caricature artist at the Castaways and then later the Newport Hotel, from probably 1970-74. I drew caricatures at the Castaways and Newport also (as a young lad) from 1974-76. Miami was a happenin' place back then, a very memorable time. I remember Mr. Hart (the owner), nice old guy (with supposed mob ties, from what I heard) and (through my Dad) he gave me my start drawing caricatures at the (I believe it was called) the Beach Bar. Noisy little bar beachside at the Castaways that was open from 11am til 6. What a great time of life that was. What got me thinking about it was Bill O'Reilly said on his show the other day, that he was a "bouncer at the Wreck Bar in Miami in the '70's", so I Googled it. Great info here, thanks everyone.
Guest 27-Aug-2010 19:50
Loved the trampolines in the ground in the mid-60's.
Don Boyd02-Jul-2010 03:18
Thanks for posting those great memories, Mike! (You too, Bob and Linda) I'm sure others will enjoy reading them and I did, and undoubtedly you will help jog some memory cells in a lot of people. Feel free to post more memories any time you like.

Don
Mike01-Jul-2010 06:29
I remember the trampolines circa 1967. I used to also go pool hopping from Haulover Beach all the way to Golden Beach about 1971. I moved permanently to Sunny Isles in Jan. 1972 at age 17. My 1st job was at the pinball machine joint behind the Neba on the SW corner of Collins and Sunny Isles Blvd. I used to load the BB-machine gun, used to shoot out the red star in order to win a stuffed animal. Across 163th st. to the north was a clothing store/head shop call The Magic Mushroom. Not long after I got a job in The Swinger Lounger in the Marco Polo Hotel where I had worked for the next 8 years. The place had opened about 10 weeks before, Dec 1971 with Wayne Cochran as the opening act. I had later become friends with Wayne. I knew Mike Vetro well and I had worked for him at G-WIZZ on about 170th and Biscayne around 1983 or 4. The Castaways had another bird named Tippy. Poor Tippy had been the victim of a shooting when some idiot decided to prove he was serious by shooting Tippy during a stick-up. Tippy's favorite phrase was Herby Swartz is in town. The Restaurant in the Newport sat above the 7 seas was named The Newport Pub. I remember Cal and my dad still has those mini-portraits that were done by him. The hotel you refer to was named The Green Heron. It did not sit on The Newport property. It was the first hotel built on Sunny Isles. It sat on the property between The Newport and The Magis Isles. I stayed there in 1967 and It was infamous for being very anti-Semitic and a restricted motel. Last but not least, Rita was my bartender in The 7 Seas Lounge. Every one of these places reminds me of many very funny stories too numerous to mention here. If this seems to jump around it's because I had read through and jotted down items in order to clarify a few issues I had read here. Thanks and I hope you enjoy this. Mike. Mikeycop@hotmail.com
bob barian 02-Jun-2010 14:10
worked the newport in the early seventies with a group called FUN AND GAMES ..mike vetro was the agent who booked us...we opend for JAMES DARREN....''RED'' something was in charge of entertainment.
Linda 25-Apr-2010 09:28
I worked at the Newport Hotel from around 1971 or '72 through the eary 80's. Would love to hear from others who worked there in the "glory days"....lots of great memories at the 7 Seas.
Wally 28-Mar-2010 23:26
Heard someone talking about the Image that used to be a bowling alley before they converted it to the Image around 180th and collins. I didn't go there as much as I used to hang out at the World at 142nd and Biscayne. I think Rick Shaw owned a piece of that place it was going from 1967 to 71. There was a guy named Wayne Cochran (the white James Brown) who performed there a lot saw Wilson Picket, James Brown, The Association, Sam and Dave, Iron Butterfly, Canned Heat, and many more there in 67 - 68 Before I went in the Army. We would leave there and eat at the Snackery at 163rd and biscayne before heading home .Had a 1955 Ford Crown Vic back then . Oh and one of my first jobs was at Dagwoods in the strip mall near the theatre at 170th and collins.
Don Boyd27-Mar-2010 05:14
Great memories, Wally. I never knew about the former hotel at the Newport site. Greynolds used to be great in the 60's and 70's but I don't know about now. Once a year they have a Love-In there sponsored by the county and it's great. I went last year but haven't gotten the photos up yet - a great selection of old hippies were there. I'll go again this year.

Don
Wally Roberts 27-Mar-2010 04:38
Their was an old 30's hotel called the Blue Harren that they tore down to build the Newport. My later to be sister in law worked at the purple scallion in the early 70's sat and ate a sandwich with Chuck Berry one night there in late 71 as he was playing at the Newport that week. Man that corner (163rd and collins) was a hang out for years first it was a cruising strip and later Nebas and the castaways. Every now and then at night someone would jump in the pool at the wreck bar skinny dipping not knowing that everyone in the bar was watching LOL . Driving cab there in 71 and 72 was an experience in itself. Did my honeymoon on the 11th floor of the marco polo hotel. Met Mark Lindsay of paul revere and the raders at the newspaper machine in front of the marco polo. Met Eric Clapton walking on the beach behind his house one day wow seemed everyone was in Miami in those days. Anyone do Greynolds park on the weekends ?
Tom 09-Nov-2009 03:16
Does any one rember Cal the cariture artest at the wreck bar I worked a the marco polo hotel swinger and gold coin Cals son was my room mate and I can not spell his last name Oh Jd are you the jd that worked at the wreck bar
Darlene 28-Aug-2009 19:44
Just kind of stubled on this. My husband & I stayed at the Castaways in July 1974 for our honeymoon. I have lots of souvenirs & pictures packed away somewhere. I'm going to have to dig them out and have a look at them after 35 years. Yep, we're still married. Live in Pennsylvania.
Don Boyd23-Mar-2009 23:29
Well I think that's great, Moishe. You're two years younger than me so I know the 'worn around the edges' bit but I swear that I'm 18 and wondering what the hell happened! Stay young, stay happy and again congrats on finding your Debbie. Don
Guest 22-Mar-2009 22:17
Don, Debbie and I have been together for about one year now! She admits that she most definitely married the wrong man but thought we were too young to even think about a future...not me! At 18 I knew she was 'the gal for me'! :-) A book could be written about her life....yes we are both a little worn around the edges as they say, but that is to be expected..........59ish is most assuredly not 18ish! She is still a beautifully striking woman.....we laugh about the days back then at the Wreck Bar and Funky Broadway on 163rd Street! If we only could build a time machine!!!
Don Boyd22-Mar-2009 14:49
Moishe, congrats on reuniting with Debbie! I'm glad to hear it and wish you the best. Don
Moishe 22-Mar-2009 06:31
As posted on 7/20/08 I looked back fondly to those events/days, life sometimes turns on a dime as they say.......Debbie Rosen married, became Debbie Nesse had a wonderful son who will soon be a father, ended her 35 year marriage due to a physically abusive husband.... And through the miracle of the INTERNET we both found each other after almost 40 years. Yes folks like is grand, and to think it's beginnings started in Miami!
Don Boyd13-Mar-2009 03:05
Helen, those were the days, weren't they? Someone is going to send me a bunch of shots from the Castaways in the near future and I'll get them up on the site for everyone's enjoyment. Thanks for writing in.

Don
Helen 12-Mar-2009 23:52
In 1970 when I was 14 I used to skip 9th grade (JFK jr high) with my best friend Beverly and we would go swimming at The Castaways indoor pool which was on beach side. In 1971 the beach was filled with kids hanging out at Nebas and Collins. I think 163rd turned into 167th and on 167th there was a place called The Purple Scallion where you could listen to Janis, Jimi and so on. I can't remember what kind of business it was. Those days are pretty blurry.
Guest 09-Dec-2008 01:16
Great site , in jan . or feb 69 just out of high school from "up north" was living on a house boat in Bahia Mar in Ft. Lauderdale, met aBritish girl on the beach (of course) who told us about this great band that would be playing in miami the next week, the club was this converted bowling aalley called "thee Image' and the band was called Led Zepplin Isat about 10 feet from the stage on the floor, what a trip!!!
James Monday 25-Oct-2008 05:12
I can still see the sign in front of the Newport...Sat. night Shecky Green..comedian. I used to eat at that restaurant that was inside the lighthouse at the Newport. Great food. I was underage so couldn't go inside the Wreck bar at the Castaway's . I heard a story of a woman who lost her top when she dove into the pool there. Everyone down in the Wreckbar could see everything as there was a huge underwater window behind the bar for the drinkers amusement! Remember that?
heidi g. 23-Jul-2008 22:35
thought that i would give my name...didnt see that i could ...re~the image!
Guest 23-Jul-2008 22:34
I got into The Image with an older guy. i was about 15. It was 1969 or '70. I wore a black sheer blouse with a white bra underneath, (don't call the fashion police)
when the black lights came on I looked like a walking bra which was probably "stuffed" to boot! I was sooo embarrassed, that I couldn't enjoy Jefferson Airplane!! my second fav group Frank Zappa and the Mothers being my #1 fav!!
Moishe 20-Jul-2008 10:19
Fond memories indeed! At the time dating the 'hottest' woman in Miami....Debbie Rosen, we went to the Wreck Bar shortly before I had to return to NYC for the summer. The group playing was Georgie Porgy And The Crybabies. As mentioned elsewhere around the corner was Funky Broadway....back then there was also the Hump disco in the Diplomat Hotel.....Ah, the greatest memories of that time!
dice22815-May-2008 05:26
WOW this is soooo cool
found a slew of vintage postcards and misc on ebay
...search > CASTAWAYS's
there is a drink token for sale !

was thinking bout the great year 1969 ! - as well
it was wildly outrageous !

though underage, I made way as a stowaway at the castaway !
..ok so I passed for being older than my age, (14) what can I say.
I just had to check things out, It was excitingly happening.
(parents thought I was at the trampolines ! )
what a year! Woodstock /Jim Morrison arrested at coconut grove
check out Club27
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/27_Club
The greatest week in rock history DEC (19) 1969
http://dir.salon.com/story/ent/feature/2003/12/19/rock/

Guest 30-Mar-2008 19:43
Wow...great memories here. I was trained by Albert to take over his job at the Newport 7 Seas back in 1973. It turned out to be alot more then being the light man there. I pretty much did everything there with the entertainers except book the acts. Mike Vetro just told me Albert passed away a few years ago. I was saddened to hear that. For more on the old gang from the Newport check out Limestone Lounge on the web and then look for either Newport 7 Seas or Mike Vetro's post to hear about and talk to others that worked there.
Ken Dixon 29-Jan-2008 05:35
Cool site.
I played with The Brass Dimension in The Wreck Bar in 1969. We were, by default, the house band and backed up singers Dorian, Cal Roberts, Helen Glover and The Fabulettes. Even got to meet Frank Zappa and Jimmy Carl Black there. That was the greatest summer of my life. Thanks for dusting off some old memories.
BTW, best bar in the area was one block west of the strip on 163rd. street, "The Funky Broadway". Tommy Strand and The Upper Hand played there. Great band.
Mo27-Jan-2008 01:12
Would love to see any photos of the Castaways hotel, I may have some, will have to ask my mom...my dad worked there in late 50s, early 60s...he was Mr. Hart's (the owner) right hand"gopher"...we loved to tag along on any outings the boss sent him on...we always had great Eaqster egg hunts there, and we got to help decorate the largest christmas tree I had ever seen. I remember the 2 pet birds that lived there....Joe a Mynah and Cassy a Macaw....lived in s. Fla untill 1965, moved to Pa, for 8 years and moved back down for my senior year of high school in 1973.....I love this STUFF! Thanks D.B.
Chuck Garbett 04-Oct-2007 20:21
My cousin Ron Bertolami played bass for Mike Vetro in the mid to late 60's. Another cousin Al Bertolami was the lightman at The Seven Seas in the late 60's to early 70's and was very close to Mike. I was able to see and hear so many famous people and groups--Little Richard--Ray Charles--The Drifters--etc.
Guest 21-Sep-2007 20:31
Loved going to the two night clubs in the Castaways Hotel in the mid 1970s. They were called the Inner Circle and the Wreck Bar. Minimum age was 18 back then. I was underage but usually was lucky to get in. There was a house band at the Wreck Bar called Funky and Tough. I remember one night the band was going through some problems, huddled together outside the club and aired out their issues. One of my buddies snuck in their meeting and the band actually paid attention to him. How hilarious. I just discovered your site and it is fantastic. As a long time Miamian, I also have fond memories which I hope to share from time to time.

SAPerez
JohnO 19-Sep-2007 21:21
Does anyone remember Mike Vetro and "The Treasure Chests" at the Seven Seas Lounge in the Newport? We were good friends and fans in those glorious days of '69 through '76. EVERYONE starred at the Seven Seas. Mike called my wife and I down for a special Saturday night in '73/'74. The lead singer from "The Association" of the '60's was starring. He told the audience that his career was on the rocks. After three fantastic sets, I patted him on the back, said "Right on superstar". Kenny Rogers said back, "Superstar, I wish!!! I'm going to disappear into country music now." Later that month, he came out with "You picked a Fine Time to Leave Me Lucille"!
JD 12-Sep-2007 02:47
Wasn't there a "Mikes Sub Shop" in this area? I use to drive all the way from Hialeah to get a sub, they were the best. I remember a game room also, pinball etc.
Ned 16-Aug-2007 21:57
There used to be a Pirate Ship right next to the Castaways that we all loved to see as kids! And the trampolines that someone mentioned was adjacent to the 173rd St movie theater. Close by!
CliffB 02-Aug-2007 20:38
The Sunny Isles strip was where it was happening in the late 60's. Everyone used to cruise it.

We used to go pool hopping in all the motel pools along the strip at night in the summer and try to meet some out of town girls. Our flips and twists off of the diving boards tended to attract attention.

Remember "The Image?" I never went in cause I was to young, but I definitely related to that scene.

There was an arcade on the west side of Collins Avenue about a 1/2 mile north of Sunny Isles Blvd. with pinball machines and trampolines set into the ground. We used to jump from one trampoline to the next till the manager kicked us out.