In a world of digital landscapes and technology-driven virtual realities, the open-air adventure that awaits in the Florida Everglades is an escape back to nature and the great outdoors.
From late-season ski trips to theme parks to sandy beaches, many Americans are enjoying time off work and school for spring break this time of year, with millions flocking to the temperate state of Florida. Tucked into the vast Florida Everglades is an adventure that takes visitors deep into the swampy ecosystem where wildlife still rules.
Owned and operated by Elina Weisberg, Gator Park is an entertainment and recreational park located in the Miami Everglades. The park has been offering airboat rides and wildlife shows since 1991, when Weisberg and her late husband, Jon, began delighting guests with aquatic adventures.
Where it All Began
“I met Jon, a bartender and part owner at a small bar on Espanola Way, in the early 1990s. He shared that he was looking to start his own business,” Weisberg recalled. “One day, he found a for lease sign along US-41 and despite its state he envisioned starting an airboat business there. Eager to help him make his dream a reality, I said I wanted to be involved.”
Jon Weisberg worked on the boats, while Elina Weisberg served as cashier.
Our teamwork transformed the neglected bar into a popular tourist attraction, offering visitors a unique way to experience the Everglades.
Elina Weisberg, owner and operator of Gator Park
The Weisbergs business and family were growing.
In 2014 Jon Weisberg purchased Gilbert’s Resort, a 37-room hotel with tiki bar and boat slips in Key Largo, Florida. With this new venture, Elina Weisberg took over full operation of Gator Park. Just a few years later, tragedy struck.
“In February 2017, I faced the heart-wrenching loss of my husband Jon to cancer, leaving me to navigate life with two young children and the challenge of managing two businesses alone,” shared Weisberg. “The same year Hurricane Irma devastated Gilbert’s Resort before turning its destructive path towards Gator Park, adding to the trials our family faced.”
Rebuilding a Legacy
Resilient to the core, Weisberg was determined to continue her husband’s legacy and rebuild.
“In March of 2017 I was given an opportunity to become a concessioner with the Everglades National Park,” Weisberg shared. “I rebuilt and transformed Gilbert’s Resort into a serene oasis, designed for both families and employees to enjoy.”
Running two businesses on her own hasn’t been without its challenges.
“It was challenging in the beginning to manage so many people who didn’t take me seriously, balancing the art of being assertive without being labeled as bossy,” Weisberg reflected. “Navigating the stereotypes about women leading construction projects presents its own set of challenges and I’ve had my share of learning experiences.”
Weisberg vowed to create an employee-centric feel within her businesses, which employ almost 150 team members.
“My vision is to create a welcoming and relaxed workplace environment, steering away from a corporate atmosphere,” shared Weisberg. “It’s important to me that my employees at both businesses feel positive in their work setting.
“I am focusing on developing a team that empowers employees, especially those who began in entry-level positions, to step into leadership roles. The best ideas often emerge from these team members. Additionally, I encourage them to embrace curiosity and not fear the unknown.”
A Cornerstone of Support
A Regions client since 2010, Weisberg has been working with Eric Moreno, Commercial Banking relationship manager in Coral Gables, Florida, for nearly a decade.
“Regions has been a cornerstone of support in numerous ways,” said Weisberg, noting her most significant challenge came during COVID-19, when finding funds to save the business and its employees seemed almost impossible.
“That’s when Eric and his team at Regions stepped in, providing the crucial assistance we needed. Beyond this, the staff across various branches have been incredibly helpful, assisting with the everyday aspects of business banking. I’ve gotten to the point where I’m on a first-name basis with so many Regions Bank employees. They’re fantastic!”
Visiting Gator Park
Visitors come from all over the world book directly through the Gator Park website or through vacation travel and tour companies. Several international cruise lines offer adventure tours at Gator Park in shore excursions.
With a fleet of 17 boats, Gator Park provides tours for between 500 and 3,000 visitors a day, depending on the time of year with peak season in the summer.
Learn more at: https://gatorpark.com/.