Whatever happened to…Jungle Golf in Va. Beach?

By Jennifer Mason The Virginian-Pilot February 16, 2015

VIRGINIA BEACH

It's been a little more than a year since a fire at Jungle Golf, a family-owned fixture at the city's resort area for more than 40 years.

The accidental electrical blaze damaged the snack bar, game room and office on Jan. 2, 2014, The Virginian-Pilot reported. But the fire spared the miniature golf course known for its tropical landscaping and large faux animals on Pacific Avenue.

Owner Preston Midgett said he and his family were touched by the response from the community and the many offers to help. Locals make up about 40 percent of their customers, Midgett said. The snack bar and game room have been popular places for birthday parties.

The fire came on top of another family crisis.

Midgett's mother's heart stopped 20 minutes before midnight New Year's Eve, just days before the fire. She died Jan. 5, 2014. Six months later, in July, lightning struck her Great Neck Point home, causing extensive damage.

It's been quite a journey for the family - wading through paperwork, making decisions and dealing with construction and insurance companies, Midgett said.

The 18-hole course has remained open, but progress has been slow in rebuilding the rest of the business. A generator kept the lights on and computers running until June.

One positive emerged from the fire: a remodel of a dated space.

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Whatever happened to...Jungle Golf in Va. Beach?