Historical Events tagged with "florida"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Natural Disasters

Hurricane Devastates Naval Air Station Richmond

September 15th, 1945 79 years ago

A powerful hurricane struck southern Florida and the Bahamas, resulting in the destruction of 366 airplanes and 25 blimps stationed at Naval Air Station Richmond. The storm created chaos and significant loss for the Navy, which had accumulated a considerable inventory of aircraft for post-war operations. The hurricane highlighted the vulnerability of military infrastructure to natural disasters.

Continue Reading
Social Movements & Civil Rights

MS St. Louis Denied Landing for Jewish Refugees

June 4th, 1939 85 years ago

The MS St. Louis, a German transatlantic liner, departed from Hamburg in May 1939 carrying 963 Jewish refugees fleeing the Nazi regime. After being denied entry to Cuba due to visa issues, the ship sailed to the United States, only to be turned away from Florida. The US refused to accept the passengers despite numerous pleas for asylum. Ultimately, the MS St. Louis returned to Europe, and tragically, more than 200 of the voyagers would later die in Nazi concentration camps.

Continue Reading
Sports & Recreation

Inaugural Oval Stock Car Race at Daytona

March 8th, 1936 89 years ago

The Daytona Beach and Road Course hosted its first oval stock car race, marking a significant development in American auto racing. This inaugural event attracted numerous spectators eager to witness the thrilling competition. Various prominent drivers participated, testing their skills on the newly established oval layout that was well-suited for stock cars. The race was crucial for establishing Daytona Beach as a premier racing destination and showcased the growing popularity of stock car racing.

Continue Reading
Natural Disasters

Labor Day Hurricane Strikes Florida Keys

September 2nd, 1935 89 years ago

The Labor Day Hurricane of 1935 was the most intense hurricane to ever hit the United States, making landfall at Long Key, Florida. With maximum sustained winds reaching 185 mph, it devastated the Florida Keys, causing severe destruction and resulting in at least 400 fatalities. The hurricane's rapid intensification and the subsequent storm surge led to catastrophic flooding, and debris ravaged homes and infrastructure. Its impact was felt across the region, profoundly affecting the communities of the Keys.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Attempted Assassination of FDR in Miami

February 15th, 1933 92 years ago

On February 15, 1933, Giuseppe Zangara attempted to assassinate President-elect Franklin D. Roosevelt while he was speaking in Miami, Florida. Zangara fired multiple shots at Roosevelt but missed, instead hitting Chicago Mayor Anton J. Cermak, who was seated near Roosevelt. Cermak succumbed to his injuries several weeks later, raising questions about political safety during a time of national transition.

Continue Reading
Natural Disasters

Okeechobee Hurricane Devastates Florida

September 17th, 1928 96 years ago

The Okeechobee hurricane struck southeastern Florida, creating catastrophic damage as winds reached 120 miles per hour. Flooding inundated the area, most severely impacting the towns surrounding Lake Okeechobee. The storm was particularly devastating to a migrant worker community. The aftermath saw over 2,500 fatalities and massive destruction across the region.

Continue Reading
Sports & Recreation

Sunbeam 1000hp Breaks Land Speed Record

March 29th, 1927 97 years ago

Revving into history, the Sunbeam 1000hp, driven by Major Henry Segrave, shattered the land speed record at Daytona Beach, Florida. With a blistering speed of 203.79 mph, this engineering marvel demonstrated the peak of automotive technology of its time. The sleek design and powerful engine captivated the audience and left a lasting impact on motorsports. Segrave's daring attempt not only showcases human ingenuity but also symbolizes the fearless spirit of the roaring twenties in America.

Continue Reading
Transportation & Infrastructure

First Scheduled Airline to Use Winged Aircraft

January 1st, 1914 111 years ago

The St. Petersburg-Tampa Airboat Line launched its operations, becoming the world’s first scheduled airline to utilize a winged aircraft. Initially established in Florida, the service featured a Benoist XIV biplane, which transported passengers across Tampa Bay. The airline aimed to offer regular air travel for both business and leisure, setting the stage for future commercial aviation.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Establishment of Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge

March 14th, 1903 122 years ago

Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge was established by President Theodore Roosevelt as the first national wildlife refuge in the United States. Located in Florida, Pelican Island served as a sanctuary for migratory birds and other wildlife, reflecting Roosevelt's commitment to conservation and environmental preservation. The establishment marked a significant step in the development of federal protection for wildlife habitats and highlighted the need for conservation amid growing industrialization.

Continue Reading