Did you know the world's smallest police station is a repurposed phone booth in Carrabelle, Florida? This roadside stop on US 98 has a story that goes back to 1963, and it's been on Johnny Carson's "Tonight Show," Ripley's Believe It or Not, and more.
World's Smallest Police Station Carrabelle
The World's Smallest Police Station started out as an ordinary phone booth. In 1953 the phone company installed a call box for Carrabelle's small police force so officers could answer calls while walking the beat, but the box kept getting vandalized and people kept sneaking unauthorized long-distance calls on it.
In 1963, local phone company employee Johnnie Mirabella solved both problems at once: when his company retired an old phone booth in town, he had it moved to a shady spot on US 98 and turned it into a booth-sized police station, complete with hand-lettered signage.
It worked so well the two-man force could park the patrol car in the shade, do paperwork, and watch for speeders all from inside the booth. The dial was eventually removed from the phone to stop the long-distance calls for good.
The original booth has been vandalized and replaced more than once over the decades; today's roadside booth is a replica, and the original is preserved on display at the Chamber Office across the street.
It is worth stopping along US 98 as you drive through Carrabelle for a fun photo and to check out the history of the police phone booth.
Why you will love visiting the World's Smallest Police Station
- Quirky road trip stop on the side of the road
- Fun photo op
- Free and easy to visit
- Kids will love taking photos in a "police station"
Things to know when planning a visit to
Address - US Highway 98, Carrabelle, FL 32322
On the north side of the road just west of County Road 67, directly across from the Carrabelle Chamber of Commerce/Franklin County Visitor Center at 105 St. James Avenue
Hours - The booth sits outdoors along the highway and is viewable any time, day or night.
Accessibility - There is a bench next to the police phone booth.
Plus Size Seating - There is a park bench
Dress Code/Suggestions - Casual
Pets - This is an outdoor roadside stop, so leashed pets are welcome to join for photos.
Parking - There is parking in a small lot behind the telephone booth
Carrabelle Restaurants and Attractions nearby
Crooked River Lighthouse - Built in 1895, this 103-foot iron lighthouse sits about three miles west of downtown Carrabelle on US 98. It was decommissioned in 1995 and saved from demolition
Carrabelle Beach Park - Family-friendly public beach on Highway 98 W with white sand, calm surf protected by offshore barrier islands, and picnic pavilions
St. George Island State Park - Gorgeous white sand beaches and a great campground, about 30 minutes away
St. George Island Lighthouse - Climb this historic lighthouse for epic Gulf views
Additional Florida Gulf Coast Articles
Florida Gulf Coast Lighthouses - Historic Florida Gulf Coast lighthouses, from Pensacola down to Sanibel Island, including Carrabelle's own Crooked River Lighthouse.
St. George Island State Park - Miles of undeveloped white sand beach, camping, and some of the best stargazing on the Florida Gulf Coast, about 30 minutes from Carrabelle.
St. George Island Lighthouse - A climbable historic lighthouse on St. George Island with panoramic Gulf views from the top.
Weber's Little Donut Shop - St. George Island - A local favorite for fresh cake donuts, open only a few hours each morning, so get there early.
Mango Mike's Sports Bar & Grill - St. George Island - An island-vibe sports bar with a laid-back atmosphere, good for a casual lunch or dinner while exploring the Forgotten Coast.
Blue Parrot Oceanfront Cafe - St. George Island - Beachside dining right on the Gulf with fresh seafood, burgers, and a good shot at spotting dolphins from your table.
Cape San Blas Lighthouse - Port St. Joe - A 130-year-old lighthouse relocated in 2014 to save it from erosion, with a spiral staircase, restored keeper's quarters, and a visitor center.
Dagwoods Sandwich Shop - Port St. Joe - A local go-to on Reid Avenue for chef-inspired sandwiches, wraps, and salads made with local ingredients.
Sugar Shack - Port St. Joe - A cozy ice cream and dessert stop known for its famous nacho sundae and fun seasonal decor.
Constitution Convention Museum State Park - Port St. Joe - A small history museum on the site where Florida's first state constitution was drafted in 1838.
St George Island Tours and Rentals
Hourly Kayak Rental - Rent a kayak by the hour and hit the water!
6 Person Golf Cart Rental - Rent a 6 person kayak to move around St. George Island. Gas powered, with cooler storage on back.
4 Person Golf Card Rental - Rent a 4 person kayak to move around St. George Island. Gas powered, with cooler storage on back.
Daily Kayak and SUP rentals - Rental kayaks and paddleboards come with paddles and life vests. Free delivery on multi-day rentals.
Beach Wheel Chair Rental - Rent a beach wheelchair to make it easier to get out on the beach and everyone have a great.
St. George Island Lodging
If you are visiting St George Island and need to book accommodations, here are our recommendations.
Buccaneer Inn - Beachfront hotel with outdoor pool, near St George Lighthouse. Check out our review of the Buccaneer Inn.
St. George Inn - Pet-friendly hotel on St. George Island.
The map below shows the current hotels and vacation rentals available in the area. You can select the dates you are visiting to see current availability.
We also have articles on the Emerald Coast of Florida, including Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Pensacola Beach, Navarre Beach, Panama City Beach, Perdido Key, Pensacola, Sanibel and Captiva Island, and more.
Don't miss our other Gulf Coast destinations, including Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Dauphin Island, Fairhope, Fort Morgan, Foley, Mobile, Bayou La Batre, Alabama, and so many more!
Keep an eye out for articles on the Gulf Coast of Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, and Florida!
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