When Casa Loca was built in 1949, it was one of just a few newer buildings in Wilbur by the Sea, a fishing community founded in 1913 by Jacob Wilbur, who saw the value of a limited access, beach to river community just four streets wide. Casa Loca is in the geographic center of Wilbur, and has a colorful history as a duplex, vacation rental and now single family home and venue where locals can hav
e a beer and hear some music on occasion. Casa Loca is not a bar, just a place where folks gather. When a rental, it was the home to local short-order cooks, fishing boat captains and surfers. For a time the extra space on the lot was used to store the fishing boat and motor home of local Sheriff Longo, who also owned the little house across the street on the beach, itself once a small hotel. Surrounded by various types of properties over the years, Casa Loca supports the recently enacted zoning overlay which dictates that property in Wilbur should be single family and maintained not as short term or multi-unit rentals, but as what Wilbur was intended, a single family fishing community. A rarity on the coast by Daytona, there are no condos in Wilbur, just homes and lots that allow excellent views of the ocean and river not overshadowed by large multi-story structures. The Wilbur Improvement Association works to maintain the character and integrity of the community by working with elected officials to preserve the historic boathouse, maintain common areas, and ensure access to the ocean and river by those who wish to visit and park in county maintained parking areas. For the past decade Casa Loca has been an impromptu gathering spot during Bikeweek. As the owners will tell you, upon hanging an American flag one Bikeweek, 10 motorcycles pulled into the property and asked if it was open. Not one to turn away thirsty bikers, the owners offered a beer and a seat on the porch to catch the breeze and relax before continuing the ride to the lighthouse. A tradition was born. No money changed hands, but ever since there have been many who stopped by Casa Loca during event weeks, and often leave a license plate or sticker to commemorate their visit. Many more have mailed license plates, t-shirts and stickers once home as a thank you to Casa Loca. The number of flags, license plates and stickers has grown over the years, and neon signs are turned on to let folks know when passers-by are welcome on the Casa Loca porch. We appreciate the support of our friends, neighbors, and local vendors who have provided Bikeweek and Raceweek banners to give Casa Loca the look and feel of the popular Daytona Beach events that draw visitors from around the world.