“ DELTONA FLORIDA COMMUNITY BUILDERS ” 1960’S HOMER GROENIG REAL ESTATE DEVELOPER FILM XD50714

Join this channel to get access to perks: Want to learn more about Periscope Film and get access to exclusive swag? Join us on Patreon. Visit Visit our website This promotional film was created by Homer Groening, the creator of the Simpson’s -- Matt Groening’s -- father. It promotes the home building company formerly known as Deltona Corporation. Deltona was founded by the Mackle Brothers; Elliot, Robert and Frank Jr. The brothers also founded General Development Corporation prior to developing Marco Island. In the early 90’s the top executives were convicted of swindling home buyers on houses worth thousands less than their sales price. GDC reorganized and changed its name to Atlantic Gulf Communities Inc. The film opens with a plane flying over some of the planned communities they had constructed (:27). Frank Mackle Jr. speaks on the design of the operation as they sought to plan a decade in advance (:41). An aerial shot of Marco Island follows (1:03). Deltona was seeking to expand their business of selling manufactured homes outside the state of Florida (1:41). The Mackle brother’s father had built Camp Gordon, Fort McPherson and numerous commercial buildings throughout the south during WW1 (2:08). Deltona was eight years old here (2:39) and had grown to a population of 10,000. The area pulled in retirees seeking active lifestyles. Golf courses (3:01), agriculture opportunities, fishing, and an adult education school was made available to residents. Dan McNeil was a part of the project since the start (4:17). Spring Hill began four years later (4:41). Some of the homes of Citrus Springs are viewed (5:14). Another community is St. Augustine Shores (5:48). The area’s were self maintained; residents paid a fee for maintenance (5:59). The homes were built on concrete foundations (6:23). Sunny Hills was the newest addition (6:29). This community was known for having a ‘green-belt’ installed of nature trails (7:02). Sunbathers enjoy the beaches near Gap Lake (7:37). Marco Island catered to a different market as is was comprised mainly of waterfront property (8:56). A woman plays golf with a luxury hotel in the background (9:19). Rookery Bay (10:39) and the Everglades follow (10:54). Fishermen drag up their catches (11:09). A team of marine biologists were deployed to keep records on fish habitats (11:28). Various species of birds inhabit the Mangrove Islands (12:23). Pelicans disappeared in California and Greece, although many stayed in Marco Island (12:37). The quantity of Snook fish are evaluated as well (12:54). Joe Garagiola Sr; an American baseball catcher is seen (13:12) playing golf. The American golfer Gene Sarazaan, is also pictured (13:44). A new project was to be Pine Ridge Estates (13:55). This area was comprised of lots no less than an acre with the ability to hold horses (14:12). The Citrus Springs Recreational Center follows (14:20). Two new manufacturing plants were set up (15:07). The insurance policy of the homes is explained (16:56). Workers work on the frame for the recreational area in St. Augustine Shores (19:10). The company established the St. Augustine Sewer and Water Department out of necessity (20:19). Jim Ventzel acted as Vice President in charge of engineering and architecture (20:42). A breakdown of the company’s employee structure follows (21:55). Robert Mackle discusses Disney (23:10) and the effect it would have on Florida and their communities. The film wraps up with the company’s plans for the future (23:43). We encourage viewers to add comments and, especially, to provide additional information about our videos by adding a comment! See something interesting? Tell people what it is and what they can see by writing something for example: “01:00:12:00 -- President Roosevelt is seen meeting with Winston Churchill at the Quebec Conference.“ This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD, 2k and 4k. For more information visit
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