The Beatles in Florida: Yeah, yeah, yeah!

On Sept. 11, 1964, the Beatles played in concert for the first and only time in Florida.

The 37-minute show at Jacksonville’s old Gator Bowl almost didn’t happen.

To set the stage: “A Hard Day’s Night” had premiered in the United States the previous month, and Beatlemania was in full swing.

The Beatles were scheduled to arrive in Jacksonville on Sept. 9 — two days before their show — but Hurricane Dora swept into town and left Jacksonville without power for several days.

The band’s plane was diverted to Key West, where they relaxed at the Key Wester hotel for a couple of days.

Because of storm damage in Jacksonville, almost 30 percent of ticket holders were unable to reach the stadium.

There was also tension between the band and organizers, who had planned to racially segregate the audience. The Beatles refused to play until their promoter assured them that concertgoers would be mixed.

Seats in front of the stage were $5, and bleacher seats were $4.

By: Staci Sturrock

Source: Palm Beach Post

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