THE FORGOTTEN STORM

Before reading....please note the following:  The Florida Hurricane Season for 2016 begins June 1 and ends November 30. 

Ol' US  - As you may or may not know, both of us are original Floridians.  Every year about this time we get that uneasy feeling if someone brings up hurricanes.  Ask someone who has been through a hurricane and they all have quite a story to tell.  The reason for this blog is to provide a true story that happened in September, 1928, known as the Okeechobee Hurricane (also known as San Felipe Segundo Hurricane), a storm that killed over 2,500 people - most likely many more.

The storm system developed as a tropical depression off the shore of the west coast of Africa.  When the storm intensified and hit Guadalupe on September 12 the storm brought great destruction and 1,200 deaths.  The storm continued to build intensity and on September 13, now a Category 5, peaked with sustained winds of 160 mph, hitting Puerto Rico and was now recorded as a tropical cyclone, the first ever in this part of the world.

Lake Okeechobee, FL

Early on September 17 the less intense storm hit West Palm Beach with 145 mph winds.  The severest damage was around Lake Okeechobee.  The storm surge caused water to pour out of the southern edge of the lake, flooding hundreds of miles as high as 20 feet above ground, somewhat causing a tsunami effect.

Lake Okeechobee, FL

Lake Okeechobee, FL

At least 2,500 people drowned in the cities of Belle Glade, Canal Point, Chosen, Pahokee and South Bay.  Some said several generations of families were gone within hours.  Damage in these areas was estimated to be over $25 million (In today's dollars, the amount would be in excess of $341 million).  In addition, records show 1,278 livestock and 47,389 poultry were killed.  The storm also destroyed what may have been the largest "citrus crop in the history of the industry".  Note this storm happened one year before the stock market crash which even put this area in more economic turmoil.

Port Mayaca Lock - Lake Okeechobee, FL

Most survivors and bodies were washed out into the Everglades and many were never found.  About 75% of the fatalities were migrant workers.  The official death count was revised in the 90's to reflect at least 2,500 deaths.  

Canal Point Lock, Lake Okeechobee, FL

A mass grave and memorial is at Port Mayaca Cemetery east of Port Mayaca and contains the bodies of 1600 victims of the hurricane.  The storm killed half the population of Palm Beach County at that time.  As in most catastrophes of this magnitude there were many changes made afterwards.  There were many victims as a result of this event, not just the storm victims.

Historical Marker commemorating the Hurricane of 1928 - Mass Burial Site -
Port Mayaca Cemetery

Port Mayaca Cemetery Memorial - Port Mayaca, FL

Overall, from the time this storm formed on September 6 and dissipated on September 20, over $100 million in damages and at least 4,079 deaths, probably more.  Today, fishermen still report finding skeletons in Lake Okeechobee.

Just remember, it only takes one storm to change your entire life.  The point is take the warnings seriously and be vigilant about your preparations.

WE DID THE OKEEFENOKEE AND TURNED OURSELVES AROUND

We left the high rise buildings,  multi-million dollar first and second homes, pristine white sand beaches, secured golf course communities, upscale shopping, spectacular views of Southwest Florida, and drove through the interior of the massive Big Cypress National Preserve (720,000 acres) which is adjacent to Everglades National Park (1,508,538 acres).  Upon entering Big Cypress we drove through the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge (26,400 acres) for several miles.  Although we didn't see one of these critically endangered species, a lot is being done to protect the Florida state animal.

Big Cypress National Preserve
Florida 

Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge
Immokalee, Florida

As we left Collier County and began entering some of the small towns as Immokalee and LaBelle it was apparent we had arrived in the area of the land of large cattle ranches and agricultural farms. 

  

Immokalee, Florida

The vastness of the ranches is amazing and when we entered sugar cane country it was a lot like all the cornfields in Iowa and Missouri - as far as the eye could see, on both sides of the road!

Sugar Cane Fields

Sugar Cane Fields

  As we entered Clewiston a sign welcomed us to "America's Sweetest Town".   This area is called "Big Sugar"... after the large corporation known as the  U. S. Sugar Corporation.

Sugar Cane Fields and U.S. Sugar Corporation
Produced over 700,000 tons of sugar cane per year

This was only the beginning of miles and miles of sugar cane, sod farms and the blackest black dirt we've ever seen.  Upon entering Belle Glade a sign welcomed us that said "Her Soil Is Her Fortune".

Belle Glade, FL
HER SOIL IS HER FORTUNE 

Black Dirt in Belle Glade, FL

A few miles further we passed the town of Pahokee, on the south shore of Lake Okeechobee ("Big Water" in Seminole language) in Palm Beach County.  Pahokee (grassy waters) is also known as "The Muck". 

Pahokee, FL
A Farming Community

Pahokee, FL

At this point the only sign of Lake Okeechobee is a tall levee and signs that point to the Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail (a 109 mile path around Lake Okeechobee, the 7th largest lake in the U.S.)  Most of the trail is atop the 35 foot tall Herbert Hoover Dike - not for vehicles. 

Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail
also known as Herbert Hoover Dike

Lake Okeechobee was not visible until we reached a very small area on the eastern side of Highway 441/98 called Port Mayaca.  By this time we have seen bald eagles, osprey nests, and miles of  unspoiled, breathtaking scenery.

Our first view of Lake Okeechobee

One of the Locks that protects the water level of
Lake Okeechobee

   We arrived in Okeechobee to stay for an unforgettable week at Water's Edge RV Campground beside the Rim Canal, in Okeechobee.  Each day brought a greater appreciation of this area, its history, and more respect for the people who take care of our State's priceless natural resources.  

A Bald Eagle on the shore of Lake Okeechobee

This  visit made us aware of the fragile nature of our environmental stewardship in Southwest Florida, and how all of us have a responsibility to let our voices be heard when a move is made to destroy its balance.