West Palm Beach

The 1928 Okeechobee hurricane was one of the deadliest hurricanes to strike the United States. The hurricane made landfall in Florida near West Palm Beach with winds of 145 mph (230 km/h). The storm surge from Lake Okeechobee breached the dikes, causing massive flooding and resulting in over 2,500 deaths in the region. The devastation was immense, and the storm remains a poignant reminder of the power of nature and the vulnerability of communities near large bodies of water.

The construction of the West Palm Beach Veterans Administration Hospital in 1960 marked a significant development for the area, providing much-needed medical services to veterans in the region. The facility's opening was a major step forward in improving healthcare services for those who served in the military, reflecting the country's commitment to caring for its veterans. The hospital has since been a cornerstone of medical care in the community, offering a wide range of services to former service members and their families.

David Kennedy, the fourth child of Robert F. Kennedy, died in the Brazilian Court Hotel in Palm Beach, near West Palm Beach. He was found dead in his hotel room at age 28 due to a drug overdose, which included cocaine and other substances. This event highlighted the ongoing struggles with drug addiction within the Kennedy family and attracted significant media attention, underscoring the public's fascination with the Kennedy dynasty and the tragic events surrounding its members.

The 2000 United States presidential election was one of the closest in history and highly controversial, with the state of Florida, and in particular Palm Beach County, at the center of the dispute. The use of punch card ballots and the 'butterfly ballot' design led to confusion and numerous contested votes. The election results in Florida were ultimately decided by a Supreme Court ruling in Bush v. Gore, awarding Florida's electoral votes to George W. Bush, thereby securing his presidency. The events led to reforms in voting systems and ballot designs across the nation.

Hurricane Frances was a major hurricane that made landfall in Florida near Sewall's Point, impacting West Palm Beach with strong winds and heavy rains. The slow-moving storm caused significant property damage, widespread power outages, and forced evacuations throughout the region. Frances was part of a particularly active 2004 hurricane season, which included other major storms like Hurricane Charley, Ivan, and Jeanne. The hurricane underscored the importance of hurricane preparedness and reinforced the vulnerability of coastal and low-lying areas in Florida.

Hurricane Wilma was a powerful tropical cyclone that hit Florida as a Category 3 hurricane. It was the most intense storm in terms of pressure in the Atlantic basin at the time. Wilma made landfall on Florida's southwest coast but caused significant damage in Palm Beach County and West Palm Beach, where it knocked out power and damaged infrastructure. It was part of the record-breaking 2005 Atlantic hurricane season, which included Hurricane Katrina. The storm caused billions in damage and resulted in numerous federal disaster declarations.

While the shooting of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords did not occur directly in West Palm Beach, she was in town several months before for a family engagement. The infamous event took place in Tucson, Arizona, where Giffords was shot during a constituent meeting and severely injured. This act of violence shocked the nation and led to widespread discussions on gun violence and political rhetoric. Giffords’ recovery was closely followed by many, showcasing her resilience and determination.

The Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland, Florida, had ripple effects throughout the state, including in West Palm Beach where students and residents took part in protests and memorials. In the wake of the tragic shooting, which resulted in 17 deaths, the national conversation on gun control intensified. West Palm Beach, like many other communities, joined the demand for legislative changes and increased safety in schools. This event marked a significant moment in the ongoing debate over gun rights and school safety in the United States.

Although the collapse did not occur in West Palm Beach, the disaster at Champlain Towers South in nearby Surfside, Florida, had a significant impact on the region. The tragic collapse killed 98 people and led to increased scrutiny of building codes and safety protocols across the state, including in West Palm Beach. It spurred discussions on condominium management, maintenance requirements, and aging infrastructure, highlighting the need for increased vigilance and regulatory oversight to prevent future tragedies.

The United States Supreme Court decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, which overturned the landmark Roe v. Wade ruling, sparked waves of protest and support throughout the nation, including in West Palm Beach. A diverse array of groups gathered to express their views on the decision, with some supporting the ruling as a return to moral values and others decrying it as a removal of women's rights. The event highlighted the deep divisions in American society regarding reproductive rights and the role of the judiciary.