In the Sunshine State on this day in:


1896 Cuban patriot leaders L. Figueredo and Martin Herrera spoke at a benefit ball for Cuban refugees in Cespedes Hall in Tampa.  The Cuban population in Tampa’s Ybor City and West Tampa were strong supporters of “Cuba Libre.”


1905 President Theodore Roosevelt designated Passage Key in Tampa Bay as a protected breeding reservation for water birds.


1963 Emory Bennett Causeway (State Road 528 across the Indian River) was opened today.  It was formally dedicated on the 17th by Governor Farris Bryant.  Emory Bennett was a native of Volusia County, but a resident of Cocoa when he entered service, who earned the Congressional Medal of Honor in the Korean War.  Bennett’s mother cut the ribbon at the dedication ceremonies. 

Here is the official citation for the Medal of Honor Award:

Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army, Company B, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Sobangsan, Korea, 24 June 1951. Entered service at: Cocoa, Fla. Born: 20 December 1929, New Smyrna Beach, Fla. G.O. No.: 11, 1 February 1952. Citation: Pfc. Bennett a member of Company B, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty in action against an armed enemy of the United Nations. At approximately 0200 hours, 2 enemy battalions swarmed up the ridge line in a ferocious banzai charge in an attempt to dislodge Pfc. Bennett's company from its defensive positions. Meeting the challenge, the gallant defenders delivered destructive retaliation, but the enemy pressed the assault with fanatical determination and the integrity of the perimeter was imperiled. Fully aware of the odds against him, Pfc. Bennett unhesitatingly left his foxhole, moved through withering fire, stood within full view of the enemy, and, employing his automatic rifle, poured crippling fire into the ranks of the onrushing assailants, inflicting numerous casualties. Although wounded, Pfc. Bennett gallantly maintained his l-man defense and the attack was momentarily halted. During this lull in battle, the company regrouped for counterattack, but the numerically superior foe soon infiltrated into the position. Upon orders to move back, Pfc. Bennett voluntarily remained to provide covering fire for the withdrawing elements, and, defying the enemy, continued to sweep the charging foe with devastating fire until mortally wounded. His willing self-sacrifice and intrepid actions saved the position from being overrun and enabled the company to effect an orderly withdrawal. Pfc. Bennett's unflinching courage and consummate devotion to duty reflect lasting glory on himself and the military service.