Georgia Boy Scout troops arrive on empty lots, not Airbnb rentals in Florida Keys – KIRO 7 news Seattle

MIAMI – Two Georgia Boy Scout troops must have relied on their ingenuity when they booked a trip to a Florida Keys Airbnb that didn’t exist.

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Scott Mulkey with Northeast Georgia Troops 5506 and 506, planned to take scouts snorkeling, fishing and camping in the Florida Keys, WSVN reported.

“It’s more of a once in a lifetime thing than most scouts do,” Mulkey said. “It’s just a good time to make memories with our scouts while we can.”

They booked two Airbnb listings on Big Pine Key. The rentals were large enough to accommodate the group of 24 people.

Before leaving for Florida, they became skeptical that the two locations used the same photos, despite having had different hosts. Mulkey checked and Airbnb said the ads were legitimate.

However, when they arrived this week all they found was a wasteland filled with mangroves and swamps.

“There is no mailbox. There is nothing at all there, ”Mulkey said.

The scouts regrouped and got rooms in a hotel.

Airbnb apologized, reimbursed the troops, and offered them credit on a future booking.

“This type of situation is extremely rare, but when it does occur, we take steps to protect the integrity of our platform,” Airbnb spokesperson Ben Breit told WSVN. “To that end, these lists have been removed and all associated hosts have been suspended pending further investigation. “

The scouts weren’t going to let the setback spoil their stay.

“(We’re going to) take the water and try to leave it all behind, at least for now,” Mulkey said.

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