The Key West Citizen

HIGHEST WIND IS REPORTED AS 70 MILES: LITTLE DAMAGE TO CITRUS CROP

(By Associated Press)

JACKSONVILLE, Oct. 8.-The hurricane lost much of its reported velocity when it passed through the central part of Florida during the early morning.

Highest winds reported were at 70 miles an hour, and, before the storm had passed through the state, its velocity fell to 40 miles.

Full reports have not yet been tabulated of the damage to citrus crops, but it was said to be very light.

Only a small percentage of the devastation caused by the October, 1944, hurricane resulted from the storm that entered the state in the Tampa Bay area shortly after 1 o'clock this morning.

Two years ago 30 per cent of the citrus crop was destroyed but this morning's damage was slight to oranges, grapefruit and tangerines. It was said it will have little affect on Florida's expected crop this season of 102,000,000 boxes.

Heavy rains from the hurricane drenched the greater part of the state. High tides were reported, but the thousands who were evacuated from the beaches on the west coast and east coast of the state yesterday, returned this morning.

More than 2,000 persons who were at the four beaches near this city were brought here yesterday, but returned today, with the exception of 15 families whose houseboats either were sunk or blown away. Of the persons who came to town from the beaches, 700 of them were taken care of by the Red Cross.