Florida’s booming pedophile community Miracle Village leaves residents of neighboring Pahokee too terrified to let their children walk alone

Florida parents are too scared to let their kids go out alone as a nearby town whose population is largely made up of sex offenders continues to expand.

Residents of Pahokee, near Lake Okeechobee, shared their fears about Miracle Village – whose population is 80% sex offenders, including pedophiles.

While the 24-acre community keeps sex offenders indoors with restricted home options, residents of neighboring Pahokee, a few miles away, have expressed concern about being near the sex offender village, according to a Fox News report.

A woman who lives in Pahokee said it was ‘scary’ when sex offenders started moving into Miracle Village, which was recently renamed Restoration Destination.

“I used to babysit little kids in daycare…and they sent me a paper saying they were moving in.”

Florida law states that sex offenders are subject to community notification and authorities notify communities when a sexual predator moves into their county.

“That’s why I don’t let my daughter walk anywhere,” said a concerned father when asked what he thought of his neighbours.

Miracle Village, near Lake Okeechobee, is home to approximately 200 registered sex offenders, or 80% of its population. A resident talks to reporter Tyler Oliveira

The 24-acre community serves as a haven for sex offenders with limited housing options

“That’s why I don’t let my daughter walk anywhere,” said a concerned father who lives in the nearby community of Pahokee

Miracle Village was established in the 1960s to house sugarcane workers.

In 2009, the late Dick Witherow, pastor of Christian group Matthew 25 Ministries, began making housing available to sex offenders.

Witherow came up with the idea for the village largely because of a Florida state law that prevents offenders from living within 1,000 feet of a school, park, daycare or of a playground.

In some cities, including Miami, and other suburban areas, this distance is increased to 2,500 feet, which means it is almost impossible for a convict to reside in a normal community, which is most often full of schools and public playgrounds.

“I came out after 21 years, it’s the only place that would give me a chance,” said one of the sex offenders who lives in Miracle Village and admitted to being guilty of having sex with a minor.

Forced out of densely populated areas, Miracle Village offers sex offenders a place to live away from these restrictions.

The Christian ministry that provides housing for offenders is now led by Ted Rodarm, who is himself a former sex offender.

The organization says residents are vetted before moving in and violent offenders or those with a criminal history are generally turned away.

Although the community changed its name to Restoration Destination, most still know it as Miracle Village.

It offers three- to six-bedroom homes as well as two- and three-bedroom duplex apartments.

“Restoration Destination is a residential prison reintegration campus that provides essential services to people transitioning from incarceration into society,” their website states.

“It’s a place where they can learn valuable skills, receive support and advice and prepare for life outside prison. Reintegration can be a difficult experience for those who have been incarcerated, and our residential community is a great resource to help them through this difficult transition.

“For the past 34 years, we have provided a safe and supportive environment that helps men and women successfully transition into society.”