The Key West Citizen Newspaper, April 5, 1934, Page 5

THE KEY WEST CITIZEN PAGE FIVE WEST---A FREE PORT SURVEY AND REPORT INTRODUCTION In preparing the following report to the Port-Industrial Committee of Key West, Florida, I have included much general in- formation with which the citizens are more or less familiar. This information is, however, considered necessary in order to summarize the advantages of Key West ‘and to present accurately its future pos- The following report is general in nature covering a broad field. In the body of the report many different subjects are touch- ed upon. In a report of this character it is entirely impracticable to include all of the data upon which my conclusions are based and to develop each subject to its final conclusion. Such development must as a result of general interest in the lities of Key West and of an active lar interest in one or more of the Pp mentioned. While much of the information contain- ed in this report was obtained during a recent visit to Key West made at the re- ; st of the Port Industrial Committee, yet interest in Key West dates back a num- ber of years. This interest was aroused through intensive study of world com- erce and consideration of the causes of in world commerce and their ef- fects upon ports similarly situated. _lam gratified with the interest display- oe cordial reception tendered. by of Key West during my recent and particularly gratified. with the endorsements of my preliminary report an” ‘prominent organizations of the ;ENERAL LOCATION West lies at the southeastern point the south of North America. It lies he rout ae ges Laccabre Europe te : of No merica on the py cere the Panama and Nicaragua Canals on the other, and also on the trade = between all of North America on one and all of South America on the other. , y two other cities in the world are situated with respect to conti- nents, The one is Gibraltar at the south- point-of Europe lying on the trade ites between Europe and the Suez Ca- and between Europe and Africa. The is Singapore lying at the southeast- point of Asia and on the trade routes b> the Suez Canal and eastern Asia and also between eastern Asia and Aus- tralasia. This similarity in. position with relation to continents and major trade routes should focus upon Key West the at- tention of all those who pretend to the broader view of world affairs and pro- gress. Keys West lies on one of the chain of keys extending in a southwesterly direction from Florida. Cape Sable and Miami lie’ directly northeast of Key West at dis- tances of 60 and 130 miles respectively while Havana lies to the south-southwest ata e of 90 nautical miles. HISTORICAL SKETCH The harbor of Key West was probably discovered by some of those hardy adven- turers who extended the limited geogra- phical knowledge of the time by adding that area lying between North and South America. The vicinity of Key West was visited frequently by those pioneers who made the Spanish Main famous in fact and legend. It was not until early in the nine- teenth century; however, that Key West was permanently settled. At the time many people from along the Atlantic coast and from the Bahamas came to make their homes and it is largely the de- scendants of these people with a consider- able proportion of Cuban families that now make up the population of Key West. As the years passed, much commerce flowed through the Florida Straits. Ow- ing to the physical conditions and the dif- ficulties of navigation at that time, a por- tion of this commerce met with disaster and in consequence a tremendous salvage business centered in Key West and flour- ished for many years. During these times and before the days of modern means of communication Key West was isolated and the people accordingly were not brought se frequently into close contact with other communities. Their livelihood has al- ways come directly or indirectly from the sea and under the conditions the people have lived as one large family. With this very brief historical back- gzeund, it is not difficult to understand the many worthy characteristics of the By WILLIAM T. DONNELLY, M. people of Key West. Their hospitality, courage, and independence are unsur- passed. STRATEGICAL LOCATION The importance of Gibraltar from the strategical standpoint is-so well known as to require no comment. The British Gov- ernment recognized its importance many years ago and has developed this point to such an extent that the name itself is now a synonym for strength. The British Government considered the strategic importance of Singapore so high- ly that it excepted that location from the Zones mentioned in the Five-Power Trea- ty as being free from further construction of fortifications. In spite of the tendency toward reduction of armament. the British Government is proceeding with the forti- fication of Singapore and with its develop- ment into a tremendous base for the pro- tection of its commerce. The United States Government has never considered preparedness as of so much importance as has the British Gov- ernment.’ Consequently Key West has not been developed into a strong defensive area to be compared with either Gibraltar or Singapore. The fact that Key West has not been extensively developed does: not alter its strategic location. The nation that controls Key West controls all ship- ping through the Florida Straits and con- sequently the entire traffic of the Gulf. Key West lies only.231 miles from the Yucatan Channel and 507 miles from the Windward Passage and therefore practi- cally controls the Caribbean Sea and the approaches to the Panama and Nicara- guan Canals. The military development of Key West has not been neglected by the Federal Government. The harbor is protected by modern batteries, a submarine base cap- able of berthing at least thirty-six submar- i and their tend a ; construct- ed and the Government OS Saget has plans for aeronautical es. ‘ The defense of Key West and the de- pendent trade routes obviously must be based upon the use of ‘submarines and planes. Even though at this time the thoughts of the entire world are turned to- ward peace and disarmament, yet it is as well to mention the advantages of Key West asa location for submarines and aeronautical work. The climate is such that these activities may be carried out in comfort. Fogs are practically unknown. The water is as clear as any in the world making the finding of submarines simple. Practice grounds of any required depths are available within a few miles of a devel- oped base. Shelter is always available from the effects of prevailing winds. The loss of torpedoes is insignificant. Hun- dreds of square’miles with no interference from surface traffic are available for maneuvering. Practice with submarines and planes can be carried on continuously as there are practically no days during the ees when weather conditions are unsuit- able, CLIMATE AND HEALTH The latitude of Key West is 24 1-2 de- grees North and the climate is semi-tropi- cal, The table which follows shows the normal average temperature for each month of the year, the highest and lowest temperatures for last year and the normal rainfall: Normal Average Normal Temperature Highest Lowest Rainfall January ... 69.5 48 February. . 70.5 51 March .- 72. 55 62 68 70 3 74 73 k 70 November . 3 58 December .......70. 53 A careful study of the above table con- firms the claim of Key West to the most delightful climate in the United States. The winter months are particularly de- lightful and the normal heat of summer is tempered by almost continuous breezes from over the water. The official Weather Bureau reports covering a period of fifty- eight years show that the temperature has never risen above 100 degrees, nor fallen below 41 degrees. Key West is the only city in the United States that has never had frost.and probably the only city that has never suffered heat above 100 degrees. As a consequence of these ideal climatic conditions, the health of the residents is excellent. There is no condition as to climate or Month health that would seriously handicap any industry in the world for the reason that modern progress has made it entirely prac- tieable to produce artificially and inexpen- sively any condition as to temperature and humidity that may be desired. Conse- quently, if such special conditions are re- quired, they can be obtained readily at Key West and the total cost of securing ideal conditions for any particular indus- try will be less in Key West than in most locations. In general, conditions are nat- urally much more favorable. than in other locations for practically any industry. A great deal of publicity has been given to the storms of Florida and it is best to treat the subject frankly. Florida occu- pies an area which is about 450 miles in each direction. This is equivalent to an area bounded by New York, Cleveland, Asheville, and Cape Hatteras. In any area of this size there must be storms but all of these near Florida are for various reasons given extensive publicity: as “Florida storms.” When it comes to facts it is found that in fifty-eight years there have been but seven occasions in which the wind has risen above sixty miles in Key West, no lives have ever been lost on this island as a result of storms, and all dam- age due to storms has been confined to trees and shrubbery and light structures. The period of storms is practically con- fined to the months of September and October. Their presence need not adversely influence the establishment of any indus- try or business or the investment of funds. LAND AREA The island of Key West is about three and one half miles long by one mile in width. This limited area need be of no great concern as the island is surrounded on the north and west by extensive area of shoal water which can be filled as the necessity arises at a cost that will be less than would be the ease if this area now ex- isted as solid land. Therefore the present limited extent of Key West is no handicap but rather offers a means of development along most scientific and economical lines. Any development of Key West must nec- essarily increase the salability of existing real estate and due to the fact that the de- velopment can be proceeded with system- atically the present area will obviously in- crease in value. OVER-SEA HIGHWAY No better example of the courage and enterprise of the people of Key West can be found than in the construction of the Over-Sea Highway connecting Key West with the Mainland of Florida. The financ- ing of this road was undertaken by Key West without State or Federal aid and the project has been carried through to com- pletion with the exception of two short geps which are covered by ferry service. The Over-Sea Highway forms an impor- tant part of the Atlantic Coastal Highway extending from Key West to Calais, Maine, and soon will become a part of an Atlantic International Highway which is no longer a dream but is now taking defi- nite form. The importance of constructing the bridges spanning the two gaps in the Over-Sea Highway cannot be over stated. It is only with their completion that full benefit will be derived from the heavy in- vestment in the road. The construction of the bridges is of interest to several organi- zations and it is noted that the coopera- tion of all activities is rapidly being secur- ed. The military value of the bridges is a feature that deserves specal consideration. Ne more important work can now be done than to proceed with all dispatch with the preliminary work looking toward this con- struction work. WATER SUPPLY The importance of water supply in Key West warrants a special discussion. Prac- tically all of the water used in Key West is that which is collected from roofs and stored in adjacent reservoirs. In many sections of the island this supply is supple- mented for irrigating and flushing purpos- es by water from shallow wells. In addi- tion the Government and the ice manufac- turing plant operate distilling plants and in case of shortage water is hauled in by tank cars from the mainland. These sources are fairly satisfactory un- der existing conditions but no city in Flor- ida can develop into a tourist resort, an in- dustrial center or a major port without an adequate supply of fresh water. In the bill which authorizes the establishment of the proposed Free Ports there is a provi- sion that stipulates that the supply of wa- ter must be adequate. It may be said that if a Free Port were established in Key West through the interest and consequent E., of New York investments of financiers, the provision of an adequate water supply would become incidental. However, I would point out that if a water supply were available in advance, it would not only be easier to se- cure the designation of Key West as a Free Port but it would enable Key West to make much more rapid progress as a tourist and commercial center. It is a well known fact that water can be secured on the Mainland and piped te Key West. Necessarily this is an expen- sive proposition and should be adopted only after an extensive engineering investiga- tion to secure the facts necessary to arrive at a correct conclusion. The matter is too important for quick decisions based upon inadequate information. Any contract which may be entered into should provide for the lowest possible rate for large con- sumers as in some industries the price of water may become the determining factor as to location. TOURISTS The tourist business should by no means be neglected in Key West. With the best climate in Florida, surrounded by the most beautiful waters in the United States and lying in the best fishing area available, Key West should appeal most strongly to a large class of substantial citizens. The neighboring resorts of Havana and Miami need not be in competition with Key West. Each has its advantages and to the end that the tourist should find in this section that which he wants, all three should co- operate to the fullest extent. At the moment Key West has sufficient hotel accommodations and they are excel- lent. The lack of dust, noise and confu- sion are features that appeal most strong- ly. Consideration of the subject of tourists would be incomplete without specific men- tion of the ideal conditions for yachtsmen at Key West. Ideal winter weather: condi- tions, interesting cruising grounds, the most beautiful waters in the world and most famous game fishing should make Key West a yachting center. The people of Key West should cooperate in the exten- sion of the Inland Waterway and plan up- on every encouragement for yacht owners. The repair facilities now available are sufficient for the moment but plans for a suitably located and adequate yacht har- bor should be given careful consideration, Owing to the importance of this matter ] have shown on the accompanying sketch a plan for a harbor devoted particularly to yachts of various classes. This is located on the south shore which in general should be developed for pleasure and residential purposes being kept free from the noise of commercial and transportation activities. The exact location shown is not exclusive as the entire southeastern shore is ideal for this purpose. In this connection, it is to be noted that many communities with far less attraction for yachtsmen than Key West have noted the decided increase in the interest in this pleasure and are planning large expendi- tures for yacht harbors, Those communi- ties which have already completed such work report an unexpectedly large return on their investment. FISHING INDUSTRY A farmer growing wheat at a value of roughly two cents per pound first has a capital charge for the cost of the land from which his crop is raised. Fertilizing and preparing the land is expensive and gradually becoming more so. The plant- ing and care of the crop takes time and adds expense. With good luck the farmer finally finds his crop ready to harvest. Compare the farmer with the fisherman. Without capital expense, without fertiliz- ing, planting, or weeding, the fisherman finds his crop ready for the harvest mere- ly for the taking. The value of his product is roughly three times the value of the crop of the farmer. Continuing the comparison, the value to the consumer of the finished product of the fisherman is also about three times that of the farmer. And yet whereas mil- lions of dollars are spent in the many grain centers for the storage of the farmers’ product yet practically nothing has been spent in the fishing center of Key West for the storage of the fisherman's product. Fishing can be carried on with the crud- est methods and yet in view of the fact that the process is still carried on it is apparent that the industry pays. What could be more obvious than to say that if modern methods were employed in sec- tions where fish are plentiful the profit and the size of the industry can be increas- ed immensely? It is only within the last few years that methods have been developed for ade- quately preserving fish and similar pro- ducts. Consequently the market for sea foods has scarcely been touched. The time is far distant when markets must actually be sought. Today it is a case of the mar- ket seeking the product. It is well known that Key West is the center of a region that abounds in fish. Over six hundred varieties are found in the immediate vicinity. Aquariums all over the United States are stocked from Key West and the large aquariums obtain their water from the vicinity. A great deal of fishing has been done in these wa- ters and shipments amounting to five mil- lion pounds annually are being made, with- out any influence upon the supply. The se- curing and handling of sea foods is the greatest potential industry immediately availabie to Key West. The supply is more than adequate, the means of securing the products are available on a small scale and can readily be developed. What is required is a modern cold storage plant for handling and storing sea products in order that they may not be forced upon the market suddenly but can be released as the market absorbs them. In addition there is requ ‘red a plant for the packing of sea foods according to modern methods, If these facilities could be secured on a scale corresponding to the amount of the supply of raw material there would be no ques- tion of the prosperity of the community. My advice is to develop the present indus- try in Key West to the greatest possible extent. AQUARIUM It is a well known fact that nearly every first class city in America is now provided with a marine aquarium and that these exhibitions of marine life are universally recognized as one of the most attractive features that cities may offer to their citi- zens and their guests—the general travel- ling public. Not only are the various cities interested in mavine life but the Federal Government through its Bureau of Fish- eries, a branch of the Department of Com- merce, is doing everything possible to en- couregve and develop this branch of indus- try. It is unfortunate that Key West, the cen- ter of tropical aquatic life in the United States, is not equipped with a_ suitable aquarium. At present the sources of sup- ply for some of the priacipal aquariums in the country are the waters surrounding Key West, whereas Key West itself should be the source of all such supplies. It would become so if there were establish- ed an aquarium and sea garden commen- surate with the value of the activity. Anyone at a!! familiar with sea life in our aquariums is certain to be impressed with information as to the natural habitat of the various specimens. Constant ref- erence to Key West, not only iff aquariums in the United States but throughout the world, would be of infinite advertising value. On the chart accompanying this report, I have outlined an inclosure on the south- ern waterfront for a sea garden and aquar- ium which could and should be provided by the city at a fraction of the cost that would be necessary in any other location. Without going into detail, such an aquar- ium should be so constructed as to offer every possible opportunity for observation of marine life by tourists and visitors. It should also afford special opportunities for photographic work of all kinds and for scientific study of marine life. A feature of special value would be a space in which fishing could be enjoyed by those who have not the opportunity to fish from boats. Probably the most important part of such an institution would be the propa- gation feature. This part should be a source of direct revenue for the aquarium, a feature not common to other exhibits. The construction and operation of an aquarium as outlined is so obviously ad- vantageous as to recaire no explanation. It would provide profitable and pleasiug entertainm ~< for visitors, opportunities for scientific advancement, revenue for its owners, sport for the anglers, and most ex- tensive advertising for Key West. The possibilities of this project are #0 great that * is believed that both State and Federal support could be readily ob- tained were the projects scriously under- taken. MISCELLANEOUS ACTIVITIES The cigar industry is an old established business in Key West and needs no com- ment. The climate is particularly well suited to the handing and curing of to- bacro. Tie comment upon the fishing industry covers all of its vnrious branches including turtles, crabs and crawfish. The success