Keys Treasures

Hemingway's Hurricane by Phil Scott

The all-but-forgotten story of an infamous tragedy that became the political scandal of its era

When the strongest hurricane of the 20th century slammed into the Florida Keys on Labor Day Weekend, 1935, it was as if its 200-mile-an-hour winds had conspired with politics, the Depression, and petty bureaucracy to turn disaster into tragedy. Among the 423 dead were 259 World War I veterans who had been sent by Roosevelt’s New Deal to live in tent cities and build a highway across the keys.

Arriving from Key West in the aftermath to help rescue his fellow veterans, Ernest Hemingway was outraged to learn that they had been prevented from escaping the storm—first by government stinginess, then by the National Guard. His public censure of the government spurred an investigation that many called a whitewash. Hemingway’s Hurricane tells an all-butforgotten tale of terror, heroism, incompetence, and compassion in the face of the overwhelming power of nature.

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6 p.m. Monday November 27: Tree-lighting at Bayview Park, Truman Avenue and Eisenhower Drive, Key West. Santa and Mrs. Claus are expected. Call Maria Ratcliff at 809-3881.

6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 2: Gala at the Marathon Garden Club. Local artists decorate Christmas trees to celebrate the season. The gala includes hors d'oeuvres, open bar and dancing to live music. Cocktail attire is suggested. A donation of $45 per person is requested. Call 289-0790.

7 to 10 p.m. Dec. 2: Seventh annual D'Asign Source Gala in Marathon benefits Habitat for Humanity of the Middle Keys. A donation of $95 per person is requested. Call 743-7130, Ext. 180.

6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 2: Gala at the Marathon Garden Club. Local artists decorate Christmas trees to celebrate the season. The gala includes hors d'oeuvres, open bar and dancing to live music. Cocktail attire is suggested. A donation of $45 per person is requested. Call 289-0790.

7 p.m. Dec. 2: Key West holiday parade featuring marching groups and motorized and non-motorized floats by churches, civic organizations, businesses, and neighborhood and school groups. Starting at Truman Avenue and White Street, it proceeds down Truman to Duval, where it takes a right and proceeds to Eaton Street. Call Cheri Smith at 809-3835 or Maria Ratcliff at 809-3881

7:30 p.m. Dec. 2: Key West Symphony Orchestra presents “Have a Mariachi Christmas” at the Glynn Archer Jr. Fine Arts Center, Key West High School. Maestra Sebrina Maria Alfonso takes listeners on a musical sleigh ride with traditional mariachi, Christmas, Hanukkah and gospel favorites. Call 292-1774

Noon to 5 p.m. Dec. 3: Children's Holiday Festival, Bayview Park, Key West. Festivities are to feature Santa and Mrs. Claus, food, games and entertainment. Call Cristy Ondrey at 809-3882.

Islamorada Events

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The Marathon Runners Club announces the 26th annual Seven Mile Bridge Run is scheduled for April 21, 2007. Applications are available by mail only. To receive an application you must send a legal size (minimum 4x9 inch) self-addressed, stamped envelope to:

Marathon Runners Club
P.O. Box 500110
Marathon, FL 33050

Applications will be mailed out Monday, Feb. 27.

The run is limited to the first 1,500 correctly completed applications received to the post office box. 100 percent sized copies permitted. All incomplete, reduced or incorrect applications will be refused. For Seven Mile Bridge Run information and updates please call 305-743-8513.

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