The nearby island of Montserrat lost a great amount of crops during the event, which brought a near starvation situation to the island prior to the arrival of relief. [90] The Glades Hotel was the only building in the city left intact. Some were burned in funeral pyres, while many were placed into mass graves,[24] including about 1,600 in Port Mayaca, 674 at the pauper's cemetery, at least 22 in Miami Locks (now known as Lake Harbor), 28 in Ortona, and 22 in Sebring. Plans for construction of a memorial began. [91] The first floor of the Belle Glade Hotel was also flooded, forcing the occupants up to the second floor. Around midday on September 13, the storm strengthened into a Category 5 hurricane, peaking with maximum sustained winds of 160 mph (268 km/h). At the time, this was the most easterly report of a tropical cyclone ever received through ship's radio. The structure itself was "twisted" and appeared irreparable. [89] At the Glades Hotel, water entered the lobby and rose so rapidly that the last two people to reach the second floor nearly drowned in the stairwell. [126] Winds up to 50 mph (80 km/h) impacted the Jacksonville area, resulting in minor damage at Jacksonville Beach. Storm surge and abnormally high tides inundated portions of coastal roads in the vicinity of Las Olas Boulevard, though little damage occurred to the roadways themselves. [11] In Miami to the south of the center, winds reached 78 mph (126 km/h),[21] and farther south, Key West reported winds of only 39 mph (63 km/h). A reader reports this cat has "moved in" to her office on South Parrott Avenue. Programs established by the New Deal and efforts by Florida governors in mid and late 1930s, particularly David Sholtz, brought relief to the economic slump,[161] but the region remained in an abysmal financial state until the onslaught of American involvement in World War II. Richard W. Gray, chief meteorologist at the Weather Bureau office in Miami, predicted on September 12 that the storm would move westward and eventually dissipate over the Yucatán Channel. [158], The Florida land boom was effectively ended by the hurricane. [27] During the storm, many residents sought refuge in city hall, which was nearly destroyed by the storm. The next day, a ship reported winds of 60 mph (95 km/h), or tropical storm status; on this basis, the Atlantic hurricane reanalysis project estimated that the system attained tropical storm status late on September 6. At Woodlawn Cemetery, 69 bodies were buried, 61 of the white; a marble headstone was added later. [109], Floodwaters persisted for several weeks, greatly impeding attempts to clean up the devastation. A temporary ferry service across the St. Lucie River was established and operated until repairs to the bridge were complete in the summer of 1929. A long term system was designed for the purpose of flood control, water conservation, prevention of saltwater intrusion, and preservation of fish and wildlife populations. The federal and state government would spend approximately $7 million (1929 USD) in eradication efforts. The Southern Bell office in Delray Beach was nearly destroyed, causing workers to move the service center to a nearby building. Houses and buildings would be broken down. September 12 – The Okeechobee hurricane hits Guadeloupe, killing 1,200 people. Media in category "Okeechobee Hurricane of 1928 in Florida" The following 39 files are in this category, out of 39 total. Web. Pp. Weather Bureau. It began crossing through the Bahamas on September 16. Weather Bureau. [101], In South Bay, nearly all houses were destroyed and several buildings were unroofed. Throughout the day, hurricane warnings were also posted for the west coast from Punta Rassa to Apalachicola, and after the storm recurved, hurricane warnings were extended along the east coast to Jacksonville. The 1928 Okeechobee hurricane caused at least 2,500 deaths, most of which were migrant, black farm workers around Lake Okeechobee. [115], In Fort Myers, property damage was slight, limited mostly to scores of small boats and fishing smacks along the waterfront. The effects of the 1928 Okeechobee hurricane in Florida included at least 2,500 fatalities in the state of Florida, making this the second deadliest tropical cyclone in the history of the contiguous United States, behind only the 1900 Galveston hurricane. [17], In Dade County, the Miami Red Cross Citizens Relief Committee was established. [39] In Lantana, all houses were badly damaged,[34] while the Florida East Coast Railway Station was destroyed. Damage totaled around $10 million. [165] Congress approved the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1930, signed into law by President Hoover on July 3, 1930. Nullam nibh neque, consectetur vel, iaculis vitae, volutpat et, mi. [127], In the immediate aftermath of the storm, available cots and blankets were set up in the churches, courthouses, public buildings, schools, warehouses, and other buildings that would be designated as a shelter. Two bridges on State Road 80 were washed out. Total dead on the roadside and not buried and counted but not in plank coffins was one hundred and twenty-six. The Lake Okeechobee Hurricane of the 1928 is also referred to as the Hurricane San Felipe Segundo. [59], In the week leading up to the hurricane, West Palm Beach observed 18.42 in (468 mm) of precipitation, at least 10 in (250 mm) of which fell during the storm. Total damages from the storm amounted to $100 million (1928 USD) across the Caribbean and the US. Red Cross expenditures included about $121,200 for agricultural supplies and equipment, $39,800 for boarding and lodging of storm victims, $157,300 for building and repairs, $137,000 for clothing, $66,800 for grants to local chapters, $115,500 for family aid and service registration, $115,000 for field expensive, $40,000 for food, $83,200 for general tool and equipment expenses, $346,300 for household goods, $5,000 for the junior red cross, $71,800 for medical services, $60,300 for relief camps, $45,900 for rescue work, $11,000 for the transportation of storm victims, and $19,900 for other miscellaneous expenses. The cat is very friendly. The Okeechobee Hurricane struck the Leeward Islands, Puerto Rico, and the Bahamas, before reaching Florida on September 16, 1928. [41] At the Southern Bell office in West Palm Beach, a barometric pressure of 929 mbar (27.4 inHg), the lowest recorded in the history of the United States at the time. The eye at landfall was 25 mi (40 km) wide, and after moving inland crossed Lake Okeechobee, where a calm was reported for 30 minutes. Heavy rainfall damaged some homes and offices and left some streets in southern Miami impassable. [142], In Palm Beach, about fifty men shoveled sand off Ocean Boulevard and cut down damaged palm trees with crosscut saws. Most of the vicitms of the 1928 hurricane near Lake Okeechobee that were buried at all were brought by the truckfull to West Palm Beach. [152] The inequity has caused ongoing racial friction that still exists. The streets were littered were broken lumber. [95] Many of the deaths in the city occurred when the storm surge that had moved up the river retreated. Norcross: “The first recorded category 5 hurricane. In addition to causing damage to homes and businesses, strong winds also toppled telephone poles and overturned cars. Bror G. Dahlberg, Congressmen Herbert J. Drane and William J. Sears of Florida's 1st and 4th congressional districts respectively, Fred Henry Davis, former Congressman Walter F. Lineberger from California, and U.S. It caused over 3,000 people to become deceased and caused $338 Million dollars in damages over the course of it's path. [23] The building formerly used as a Weather Bureau Office was destroyed. Finally, the town was flooded severely during the storm and was subsequently abandoned. After the generator failed to work, they hand-cranked the light's mantle. Throughout the state, 32,000 households were left without telephone service and 400 poles were broken and about 2,500 others leaning. [47] The Oakley Theater was nearly destroyed, with the roof and walls crushed. [42] Eighteen businesses suffered complete destruction, while thirty-four others were damaged. Gainesville: University Press of Florida. At Florida Southern College (FSC), the north side of the gymnasium collapsed while other buildings on campus were damaged to a less degree. Emanuel, Kerry A. Divine Wind. It likely formed four days earlier between Cape Verde and the coast of Senegal. On September 10 word reached the Weather Bureau of a hurricane 1,250 miles east-southeast of Puerto Rico. [134] The city of Miami also donated 2 tanks of chlorine, 20 barrels of disinfectant, 24 lanterns, and 5,000 paper cups. Damage totaled around $10 million. Along the Florida coast, everyone battened down as the storm gathered force. [38] In Delray Beach, four churches suffered severe damage and the Alta Repp and Seacrest hotels both lost a portion of their roof. The actual death toll is thought to be over 2,000, but officials in Florida wished not to deter tourism from the region with such a high figure. [67] Approximately 1,500 houses and 500 businesses were damaged in Palm Beach. Mitigation and Preparation to Response and Recovery, 2013 Hurricane Webinar Series for Educators, The hurricane struck Puerto Rico on 13 September, which is the island’s celebrated feast day of Saint Philip. [13] At South Bay, Frank Schuster made several car trips to save 211 people by transporting them to higher ground. [132] A creamery in West Palm Beach quickly distributed 1,400 gallons of milk. In the summer of 1928, heavy rainfall raised Lake Okeechobee’s water level three feet above normal. [106] Only six people in the town survived. [11], Many donations to the Red Cross in New York came after New York City mayor Jimmy Walker and President Calvin Coolidge bought a full-page advertisement in The New York Times. City Manager A. E. Parker issued a public notice that stated "Because of the grave emergency now existing and the great need for shelter, it has not been deemed wise to insist upon building permits for necessary repairs." Walls and cars were cartwheeling down the streets. Hobe Sound, Florida-Wikipedia. [20] At the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse, the mortar was reportedly "squeezed ... like toothpaste" between the bricks during the storm, swaying the tower 17 in (430 mm) off the base. The second deadliest storm was the Hurricane of Lake Okeechobee in 1928… Blog. A short distance to the north, a warehouse and a building occupied by a restaurant and a store were flattened. Duedall, Iver W. and John M. Williams. The 1928 Lake Okeechobee Hurricane: The Story of the Second Deadliest Hurricane in American History: Charles River Editors: 9781503111370: Books - Amazon.ca [27] The structures not suffering any damage floated away. [27] At the Royal Poinciana, the hotel's botanical garden, which contained hundreds of exotic trees and plants, was almost completely destroyed. [84] Damage in Jupiter totaled approximately $900,000. Glass would shatter everywhere and buildings would collapse due to the hurricane's strong winds. The depression strengthened into a tropical storm later that day, shortly before passing south of the Cape Verde Islands. In Guadeloupe, about 1,200 people were killed, and in Puerto Rico where the storm hit directly at peak strength, three hundred died and hundreds of thousands were left homeless. [51] A temporary city hall was established at the Lauriston building. [138] Later, in collaboration with United States Coast Guard members from Fort Lauderdale, the road between Belle Glade and Pahokee was cleared, where debris was piled as high as 5 ft (1.5 m). There were foreign and domestic bans on the importation of fruits and vegetables from Florida. [27][33] One death occurred after a woman was struck by a falling chimney, while another person died when his house collapsed. That fall, a hurricane smashed the coast of Florida, and the impact flooded Lake Okeechobee. Along with pictures of important people, places, and events, you will learn about the Okeechobee Hurricane like never before, in no time at all. [39] The storm left four fatalities and just over $1 million in damage. The Okeechobee hurricane of 1928, also known as the San Felipe Segundo hurricane, was one of the deadliest hurricanes in the recorded history of the North Atlantic basin; it was the fourth tropical cyclone, third hurricane, and only major hurricane of that year's hurricane … [102] At least 160 fatalities occurred in the city,[27] while the American Red Cross indicated 247 deaths. Additionally, about 11,500 families would need to be "re-established". Windows and roofs were damaged in Hollywood and Fort Lauderdale, but damage was minor overall. Additionally, 77 businesses were damaged and 19 businesses suffered destruction, including an ice plant, a dry cleaner, a mill works plant, and businesses adjacent to the Masonic Temple. [121] In Bartow, business building windows were shattered and signs were knocked down, while several roofs and chimneys also suffered damage. About 150 Fordson tractors were disabled by water damage to their ignitions or other parts. [56] Two deaths occurred in Greenacres. Exaggerated reports unfair and will do Florida great harm and we will appreciate getting in touch with press and in any other way correcting the same. The trees in the citrus grove surrounding FSC lost much of their fruit. 1928 Okeechobee Aftermath 1.jpg 971 × 630; 655 KB Despite this, only one person drowned on the island. “1928 Okeechobee hurricane.” Wikipedia. During the storm, about 100 people ran to a trash incinerator, a concrete-reinforced building. How to increase brand awareness through consistency; Dec. 11, 2020 [37] Winds gusting up to 70 mph (110 km/h) lashed Lakeland. In the background are houses that have been reduced to their most sturdy elements, while debris in the foreground is other destroyed homes. Reports of storm damage greatly exaggerated. Additionally, the Palm Beach County Farm Loan Fund. [63], Banyan Boulevard (then known as First Street), considered the auto row of West Palm Beach, was reduced to "a mass of debris. There were also unconfirmed reports of bodies buried at Loxahatchee. The hurricane still remains one of the most devastating hurricanes to have been witnessed in the world. Buildings with well-constructed frames, and those made of steel, concrete, brick, or stone were largely immune to the winds, and the use of shutters prevented damage to windows and the interior of the buildings. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. [135] Railroad companies provided free fare to storm victims until October 4, a service used by 1,427 people. [6], After the initial completion of the dike, Congress reported in 1943 that total expenditures reached at least $23 million (1943 USD), $19 million of which was for the original construction. These plans were canceled following the 1928 hurricane and subsequent economic collapse. Hurricane-force winds lasting for 18 hours, however, combined with heavy rain, caused disastrous property damage. [87] On Ritta Island, a number of people who successfully climbed to the roof of their houses died after being struck by trees or bit by water moccasins. The Arcade and the Stanley likewise were badly impaired, but the Stanley quickly reopened by October. Book Cover & Preview Text × Bessie spent the morning baking bread and a ham, boiling potatoes, and fixing pudding for the kids. [28] In Miami, sustained winds reached 60 mph (97 km/h),[29] generally confining damage to awnings, plate-glass windows, trees, and vegetation, while interrupting electrical and telegraph services. [62] According to county coroner T. M. Rickards, the streets were "shoulder-deep in debris. Debris such as the remains of custard apple trees, twisted metal roofing, and wood were piled against the bridges. Hurricane Patricia. About 100 businesses were demolished and 50 others suffered losses. [113] Almost all roads were left impassable, while communications were nearly wiped out. A total of 46 dwellings were destroyed, with another 255 impaired. The effects of the 1928 Okeechobee hurricane in Florida included at least 2,500 fatalities in the state of Florida, making this the second deadliest tropical cyclone in the history of the contiguous United States, behind only the 1900 Galveston hurricane. [33] The roadway along the coast to the north of Fort Lauderdale was covered with sand. The cyclone travelled across Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and the Bahamas before finally reaching Florida. [90] The Delray Beach City Council issued a similar order. Damage in the city totaled about $150,000. Additionally, the hurricane demolished 268 businesses and affected 490 others. 56, No. Many other cots and blankets were later transported to the area. The Okeechobee hurricane, also known as San Felipe Segundo hurricane, was the second deadliest tropical cyclone in the history of the United States, behind only the 1900 Galveston hurricane.The fourth tropical cyclone, third hurricane, and only major hurricane of the 1928 season, this system developed just offshore the west coast of Africa on September 6. 15 - 16. On September 20, the West Palm Beach City Commission held a special session that allowed the City Treasurer to authorize an in advance requisition payment of $50,000 to the Red Cross. [159], G. A. Nash, assistant manager of Trade Board of Tampa, The arrival of the Mediterranean fruit flies in 1929 also contributed to the nearly complete destruction of tourism and citrus in South Florida – two vital economic industries in the region. Coastal South Florida saw catastrophic damage as well, the heaviest in Palm Beach County. [27] All of the theaters in the city were damaged. About six hours later, the system made landfall in Puerto Rico; it was the only recorded tropical cyclone to strike the island as a Category 5. The system gradually intensified as it moved westward, attaining Category 3 status near the Caribbean on 12 September. A ceremony held in Clewiston on January 12, 1961, included a speech from former President Herbert Hoover. "[67] Only two buildings remained standing on the north side of the street between Dixie Highway and Olive Avenue, owning to the frail construction of the business buildings in that section of the city. Web. However, lack of observations for several days prevented the system from being classified in real time as it moved generally westward across the Atlantic Ocean. Many trees were uprooted and several buildings were impacted, including the hospital and a number of businesses. In December 2000, the city of West Palm Beach purchased the land back for $180,000. A total of 75 businesses were destroyed and an equal number suffered impact. [139] Dr. Buck also ordered some men to break into the ice house, which would be a source of freshwater.[138]. However, it was later repaired and has been listed as a U.S. National Register of Historic Places since 1981. The hurricane intensified to a category 4 before slamming into the coast of West Palm Beach, making landfall on September 16th, 1928. [27] A total of six businesses were demolished and thirteen others suffered damage. The roof suffered complete destruction. Waves inundated and swept away the foliage and trees at the house of J. Leonard Replogle. 23 Jan. 2009. A warehouse, fish houses, docks, and a bridge across the Indian River were destroyed, while several other buildings were unroofed. [147], Many chapters of the Red Cross in Florida took in refugees, donated goods and supplies, or otherwise provided assistance to storm victims, including the cities of Arcadia, Fort Myers, Haines City, Jacksonville, Sarasota, Sebring, St. Petersburg, Tampa, and Winter Haven, as well as Dade (today Miami-Dade), Indian River, Polk, St. Lucie, and Volusia counties. As the storm neared the Caribbean, it was recorded as a Category 3 Hurricane and evacuation of the Caribbean began. [111] Twenty three people died in Chosen. [24] Agricultural losses in the area surrounding Lake Okeechobee were also significant, with virtually all crops destroyed and over 150 tractors suffering damage. [30] The Florida East Coast Railway Station in Hallandale Beach was nearly destroyed. Overall, the hurricane left at least $25 million in damage. [149] A rumor circulated, which even garnered sympathy from Governor Martin, that a black man named Levi Brown was eating ham in a mess tent and was struck in the head and shoulder with an ax by a Red Cross worker, told him "ham was not for niggers." The Okeechobee Hurricane of 1928 resulted in the deaths of at least a combined 2,500 people in Guadaloupe, Puerto Rico and the Florida Everglades. Late on 16 September, it made another landfall near West Palm Beach, FL, still as a Category 4 hurricane with winds of 241 km/h (150 mph) and generating a 3 m (10 ft) storm surge. Some boathouses were washed off their foundations and then smashed. Additionally, the Flamingo was destroyed, with only walls remaining standing, "and precious little of them. They attempted to evacuate, but the causeway was already inundated, forcing twenty-three people to seek refuge in a packinghouse. "[128] The Red Cross, in collaboration with the Extension Division of the United States Department of Agriculture, provided seeds, fertilizer, feed, and gasoline and oil for farmers suffering severe losses. Older sources usually list 3,411 as the hurricane's total count of fatalities, including the Caribbean. [128] The Florida Department of Health granted the request. "[67] Rodman Wanamaker's house, known as "La Guerida" and later the "Winter White House" during the presidency of John F. Kennedy, suffered heavy damage during the storm. The storm killed 4,000 people, including 2,500 Floridians. [5] Since 1924, the Florida Legislature attempted to secure authorization and funding for flood control around Lake Okeechobee. Nearly every building on the island of Guadeloupe was destroyed and 600-1,200 fatalities were a result of the hurricane. No doubt use of this figure by the NWS dates to Mitchell (1928), who quoted a Red Cross official casualty estimate dated October 28, 1928. The hurricane then moved through the Bahamas as a strong Category 4 hurricane with winds of up to 249 km/h (155 mph). [164], To prevent a recurrence of disasters such as the Okeechobee hurricane and the 1926 Miami hurricane, the Florida Legislature created the Okeechobee Flood Control District during its 1929 session, following a recommendation by U.S. [29] Winds also deroofed some buildings. "[60] A total of 1,711 homes were destroyed and damaged 6,369 others suffered damage, leaving about 2,100 families homeless. [27], In the interior areas of Central and North Florida, impact was mainly confined to agricultural losses, particularly citrus, though wind damage occurred to structures. In the summer of 1928, heavy rainfall raised Lake Okeechobee’s water level three feet above normal. http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/general/lib/lib1/nhclib/mwreviews/1928.pdf, NOAA Hurricane History [131] Then-gubernatorial candidate Doyle E. Carlton contributed $10,000 on September 20 after surveying the damage. “San Felipe Hurricane.” 1870-1879 Atlantic hurricane seasons. Floodwaters entered the building, forcing the occupants into the rafters. The lowest pressure north of Lake Okeechobee was 966 mbar (28.54 inHg) in Bartow, and along the west coast, winds reached 31 mph (50 km/h) in Tampa. Nearby, the Rainbow Pier only received structural damage to its railings, though the pier office was blown away. Many boats and barged in the canal were "resting at all angles.