Florida Residents Think Radioactive Water Is Fountain Of Youth

There's something in the water in Florida, and it's not just alligator whiz. Since the 19th century, Punta Gorda residents have claimed that a dirty spigot on a street corner possesses the supernatural power of granting eternal youth—or at least extended health. Or at least it doesn't immediately kill you, despite the warnings plastered on it.

The spout in question connects to a natural well underneath the town, unfiltered through the usual industrial means, but smelling faintly of eggs and polluted with low levels of radiation. Fortunately for residents, the water emerging from the depths has been tested and it's not explicitly toxic; it even contains a bit of magnesium, which is something most people are lacking in their diets anyhow. While it's not exactly a fountain of youth in the most mythological sense, it squirts at least one thing that might make you a little healthier amid these toxins. Really, though, if you want magnesium that badly, pop a Centrum and call it a day.

Older Floridians, undeterred by pesky things like "science," still swear by the swill. The spigot has been encased in a monument since 1926, decorated with images of Ponce de Leon's ship, which was used in his legendary search for the Fountain of Youth. While traffic to the landmark has dwindled in recent years, the legend lives on in the faintly-glowing kidneys of enthusiastic Punta Gordians. If you're truly interested in living forever, there are many other locations that make similar claims; head north to St. Augustine, Florida and you'll find an entire state park dedicated to the idea, or head out into the ocean and you'll find the island of Bimini, which also has its place in legend, and far fewer Walmarts filled with people in camo spandex.

Or you can just get out of Florida, which is the ninth most dangerous state in America, and never, ever look back.

[Source: RoadTrippers, National Geographic]