1960s: Space Race – Jet Age – Disco
Miami Springs population in 1960: 11,229
September 1960s: Hurricane Donna
Hurricane Donna was a Category 4 storm that hit the Florida Keys before scraping the west and crossing the peninsula. While not a direct hit on Miami-Dade County, records show that Miami International Airport received wind gusts of up to 97 M.P.H. In other words, Miami Springs would have seen hurricane force winds and the accompanying tree damage and wind damage associated with a category 1-2 hurricane.
June 1961: Palmetto Expressway Opens
The opening of the Palmetto Expressway gave Miami Springs residents easy access to move north and south and reach destinations like the University of Miami.
Today, the Palmetto Expressway continues to provide residents with high speed access to areas in Hialeah, Miami-Lakes, Westchester, South Miami, and Pinecrest.
December, 1961: State Road 112 Completed
Airport Expressway (SR-112) opened, linking NW 36th St/I-95/I-195 and giving Miami Springs/MIA a high-speed east–west spine. This highway allows residents from Miami Springs to reach Miami Beach or downtown Miami in as little as 10-15 minutes during light traffic. This highway is a major factor in the convenience of living in Miami Springs.
December 4, 1962:
Town of Miami Springs becomes the City of Miami Springs
As a reminder, Miami Springs was originally incorporated as “Country Club Estates.” In 1930, the Town Council officially changed the name of the City from Country Club Estates to the Town of Miami Springs. Then in 1962, the city changed its name to what it is today: The City of Miami Springs…