May 10, 2020

Mobsters From Al Capone's Chicago Outfit Were Guests at the Jungle Hotel

In a letter to the St. Petersburg Evening Independent, Walter P. Fuller recalled meeting Public Enemy #1 Johnny Torrio, the first of the gang lords. Torrio built the criminal organization known as the Chicago Outfit, which he turned over to Al Capone in 1925. Members of Capone's mob were guests at the Jungle Hotel in 1926 while attempting to set up a gambling operation outside the three mile limit in the Gulf of Mexico.

Wait a minute, isn't that legal? The off-shore gambling operation failed and Capone's henchmen checked out having learned a valuable lesson about venturing into legitimate enterprises.

Thanks to our friends at Discover Florida Tours for directing our attention to the historic document.

For further information on Al Capone's gang in St. Petersburg visit
https://www.tampabay.com/florida/2019/05/07/st-pete-hotels-swear-babe-ruth-and-al-capone-were-once-guests-we-settle-the-legends/
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The Chicago Outfit. Al Capone center, Johnny "The Fox" Torrio right. (colorized)