It was the mid-1970s and Ruth Swayze was taking a stroll on Manasota Key. A successful
writer of the hit television show “Taxi” and later the movie “Sister Act,” Ruth made the move
to Florida from Ontario and was enjoying an informal writers retreat on Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Exploring the terrain of sea grapes and amidst the Australian pines and Florida coastal
scrub brush, she happened upon an old home which was abandoned. Upon a closer
inspection, she discovered a community of squatters and homeless, making a fi re in the
living room to stay warm during the cool evenings as the Gulf breeze settled in for the night.
56 GASPARILLA MAGAZINE • July/August • 2021