A Migrant Labor Crisis in Immokalee

Abstract

SHORTLY BEFORE Christmas in 1957, temperatures in many parts of Florida fell below freeze level, lowest they had been in 40 years. The freeze damaged citrus crop and wiped out vegetable plantings. When growers planted new vegetable crops, these were flooded and rotted by unseasonable rains. The weather not only cost growers a fortune but brought destitution to thousands of migrant laborers who came to work crops. Their plight was especially pressing in area of Immokalee, an unincorporated town with about 3,000 permanent residents. Immokalee lies removed from opulent Florida Gold Coast, below Lake Okeechobee, in Collier County, which is twice size of Rhode Island, with a total population of about 14,000. Spoken of as the last frontier in Florida, Immokalee is little more than a row of buildings briefly flanking a broad highway, hemmed in by large landholdings and waters of Everglades. Ponds or puddles covered much of town. Of its 1,200 houses, only 5 percent are in good condition. About 85 percent are best described as shacks. In season, this town typically is called on to accommodate 8,000 migrant farm laborers and their families. Most of so-called labor camps in district are in deplorable condition. Shallow wells provide water supply. There are a few septic tanks and many privies, but many dwellings lack toilets of any kind. There are no garbage collections. A single health department serves both Collier and adjoining Lee County (population 38,000). The health department operates a fairly well-equipped clinic in Immokalee in a building about 25 by 50 feet. (A new modern health center is being constructed under Hill-Burton program.) Normally this clinic receives about 25 patients daily and sees about 20 expectant mothers weekly. The usual staff of health department, numbering 11 in Collier County, was augmented by special funds obtained from Children's Bureau and State for health work with migrants. In addition, one nurse, a physician, and a sanitarian were recruited for period of crisis. The staff included an interpreter to speak with migrants of Spanish culture, from Puerto Rico, Mexico, or Texas, at least a fourth of total. Late in December editor of town weekly was asked by several hungry migrants for something to eat. He found more than 60 families in desperate need of warm clothing and food. On December 27 he telegraphed Governor of State to ask for assistance. Pursuant to this appeal, on January 2, Red Cross declared Immokalee a disaster area. In absence of a welfare office, health department was asked to certify needy residents to be eligible for supplies of Federal surplus food. The clinic was swamped with applicants, and clerks were recruited from office of county commissioners to free health department staff for normal duties. Meanwhile, Miami and Tampa newspapers and national broadcasts stimulated donations of tons of food and clothing and several thouDr. Sowder is State health officer of Florida State Board of Health and Dr. Lawrence, health officer of Lee and Collier Counties. This article is based on a paper presented by Dr. Sowder and Dr. Lawrence before Southern Branch, American Public Health Association meeting on May 8, 1958, at Little Rock, Ark.