Eastcove, Florida

# Eastcove City

## Overview

Eastcove, Florida is a small town located 55 miles southwest of Miami near the Southern Glades, and is the main location of Purple Skies: Bayshore. The population before the war was approximately 17,190.

## Origins and the Depression

The Eastcove Hotel that the city is named after was built in 1932 as a resort. Upon completion, many people flocked to the site and settled in anticipation of a large migration of tourists. The Florida East Coast Railroad also expected a large influx of traffic to the area, so they constructed a Beaux-arts style passenger depot and large freight yard. Unfortunately, this was during the height of the great depression so barely anyone came. It wasn't until 1939 that the city finally began reaping the rewards of their efforts as the post-depression boom brought in many people but this was not to last...

## World War II and the Postwar Period

Just two years after Eastcove got itself sorted out, World War II began which helped the city grow exponentially. A new port was constructed in 1943 as a rest point for oil tankers from Texas for their long journeys across the Atlantic. The Florida East Coast Railroad also built a brand-new switching yard to serve this new harbor. These new facilities attracted many workers, and what used to be a town of 2,500 grew to 17,000 (Give or take a few). The population stayed that way until the bombs hit. The postwar period brought new economic reform to Eastcove as the extra facilities and people brought down during the war became a staple of life. A ramp to Interstate 1 was built which attracted even more tourists than before, as there were no major roads to the city before 1952. As the city became more and more car-centric, the Florida East Coast abandoned their passenger services entirely for it became unprofitable, though the harbor lines were used up until the bombs hit. Even so, the tourist industry only grew larger and larger, making Eastcove one of the top vacation destinations of all time. The port however, started to lose a large chunk of it's traffic.

## 1983 to the Present

The year was 1983 when the bombs hit. Following this was the Nuclear Winter, which impacted Eastcove heavily. Many were forced to barricade themselves in their homes to prevent being irradiated. One particular location was the local high school, where hundreds of children were trapped for an undisclosed period of time. By the time the fallout had dissipated, most of Eastcove had either died or fled, leaving behind a small group of people to fend for themselves. The New Texas Oil Co. eyed the city shortly afterward due to its strategic position as a major port for oil transportation during the war, so they settled down and utilized the disused Florida East Coast right-of-way to further increase their profits. To their credit, this has worked as the city has become a major shipping location once again, all the way up until 2009 when the events of Purple Skies: Bayshore occur.

By the time that the Southern Front bought a small amount of land off of the New Texas Oil Company, they took a small part of the city near New Miami, forming it into a "highly developed" Settlement that is known to be "10 generations more developed than Bogtown." Although New Miami is still more developed. Nonetheless, the Southern Front rules it with an iron fist as well, and will also kill mutants and criminals on sight. Due to the lack of true settlements for non-infective Mutants, many of them have taken refuge in the outskirts, while others also hid in the sewers or subway. Others who could pass off as human even disguised themselves to be able to survive. As for the abandoned parts, they are used by all people, from survivors to mutants.

## Notable Locations

**EASTCOVE HOTEL:** This glamorous and tall structure built in 1932 is perhaps the only reason the city exists today. Although now in a sorry state, this hotel used to be a major revenue-earner, serving the thousands of tourists flocking to the beaches before the war. It recieved many accolades and praise during its time due to the exquisite service and styling.

**FLORIDA EAST COAST DEPOT:** Built shortly after the hotel, this baroque-style train station was constructed by the Florida East Coast railroad to serve the hotel. Although all passenger services ceased in 1953, the infrastructure still remained well until and after the bombs hit. It is currently in use as a New Texas Oil Company office to organize their shipping operations in the harbor next to the city.

**EASTCOVE HIGH SCHOOL:** This structure was built in 1939, shortly before the war although it was originally an office building. It became a school after the founding of the Eastcove Unified School District in 1952. When the bombs hit, it was occupied for a time but eventually abandoned after supplies ran out. Now, it's just a rotting husk of its former self, withering away in the salty air.

**EASTCOVE PARK:** It's supposed to be a park, but is quite literally just a field with trees, a fountain and some benches. Not the most glamorous part of the city, but it remained a popular place to relax with the locals (aside from the bar, where most of the adults went), especially younger people. When the bombs hit, all the foliage burned up so it's just an empty plot with some shanties on it.

**EASTCOVE BOARDWALK:** Nowadays, it's a mini-settlement for New Texas Oil Company employees working at the harbor, but used to be a major tourist attraction. The pier was built in 1933 to compliment the hotel and further boost tourism. Before and even after the bombing, the ferris wheel on the boardwalk is a highly-recognizable sight, being the second-tallest structure in the entire city.

**THE NIGHTCLUB:** This flashy hangout spot was built in 1972 as a Disco club (don't roll your eyes at me, it was a 70's thing!) but was eventually converted in 1981 into the nightclub we know it as today. Too bad the upgrades only lasted for two years though, it was a rad hangout spot for the locals. After the bombs hit, the poor neon lights and glass walls didn't stand a chance.

**THE BAR:** Compared to the drinking facilities of the Eastcove Hotel, the city's only other alcohol-serving establishment has always been a dingy place. It always has been full of deadbeats or stressed workers chugging their life away, which in turn makes it quite the dangerous location. Now, it's a shady crime-ridden business free from the grips of the New Texas Oil Company's authority.

**POLICE STATION:** This building valiantly protected and served the town for over fifty years. When the bombs hit, the police helped to defend the city from the ensuing riots and chaos. Now, it's being used by the New Texas Oil Company as a military outpost due to its fortifications and easy access to weapons. Several small tents and barracks have been erected near the station to supplement the structure.

**HIGHWAY 34:** Formerly a ramp to access U.S. Route 1, this road is a highly-valuable gateway to the New Texas Oil Company's operations. It hasn't been maintained all that much because reliable road vehicles were scarce after the bombing, so they didn't see the need to patch it up. Even so, it's a highly important access point so security is quite tight. Good luck trying to sneak into the city via the highway, you'll never make it!