The Labor Day Hurricane of 1935 is notable for its unprecedented intensity and the catastrophic damage it caused in the Florida Keys. This hurricane developed from a tropical depression and strengthened rapidly as it approached the Florida coast. Initially, it formed in the Caribbean before moving northward towards Florida. On September 2, the hurricane made landfall at Long Key, bringing with it maximum sustained winds recorded at 185 mph, which remains one of the highest wind speeds ever associated with a hurricane in the United States. The storm surge created by these ferocious winds led to devastating flooding along the Keys, particularly impacting the islands of Long Key and Islamorada. The force of the storm was such that it obliterated communities, destroyed homes, and uprooted trees. The hurricane's nature was compounded by the lack of advanced meteorological technology at the time, which limited early warnings and evacuation efforts for those in its path.

As the hurricane wreaked havoc, rescue efforts were hampered due to the level of destruction. Many residents and travelers became trapped, unable to escape the rising waters. Subsequently, the aftermath saw an overwhelming national response, with government agencies and charities mobilizing to assist the survivors. The human toll was significant with at least 400 lives lost, marking it as one of the deadliest hurricanes in U.S. history. The inundation and devastation prompted new discussions about meteorological research and disaster preparedness. It served as a grim reminder of nature's power and the vulnerability of coastal communities.