Lake Talquin 18
Commemoration video
Press Release
Event Photos
Welcome to the Lake Talquin 18 Memorial Page
On August 18, 1962, a tragedy struck the Gadsden County community when 17 children and their Sunday School teacher from Blessed Hope Missionary Baptist Church lost their lives in a boating accident on Lake Talquin. This heartbreaking event left a lasting impact on the families, friends, and all those who were touched by the loss.
The Lake Talquin 18 We Will Never Forget
We invite you to join the Gadsden County Board of County Commissioners in honoring the memory of these 18 lives at the Lake Talquin 18 Memorial Sign Dedication Ceremony.
About the Memorial
The Lake Talquin 18 Memorial Sign Dedication Ceremony will commemorate the lives of those who tragically perished in the capsizing of their boat. The public is invited to attend this moving event to reflect, remember, and honor the victims of this tragedy.
This ceremony also marks the continuing impact of the accident, which led to significant changes in boating safety laws in Florida. In the aftermath of the Lake Talquin 18 tragedy, the Gadsden County Board of County Commissioners worked alongside State Senator Clyde Galloway and State Representative Earl Faircloth to introduce HB 122, a bill that was signed into law in 1963 by Governor Cecil Farris Bryant. This groundbreaking legislation mandated that all boats, regardless of size or propulsion method, carry the necessary safety equipment, including life vests for each passenger. The law was a vital step toward improving safety on Florida’s waters and has saved countless lives since.
Join Us in Honoring Their Legacy
The Lake Talquin 18 Memorial is a place to reflect on the legacy of those we lost that day and to appreciate the profound changes made in the aftermath of their deaths. As we gather to honor their memory, let us continue to advocate for safety, education, and remembrance, ensuring that future generations understand the importance of protecting life on the water.
- Dorothy Baker
- Gloria Battle
- Rosa M. Battle
- Joseph Bouie
- Ruby Green
- Mandy L. Green
- Quilla Green
- Queenie E. Grimes
- Rosa Mary Huntley
- Louis Jordan
- Essie B. Watson
- Jennifer L. Watson
- Ethel L. Watson
- Bernard Watson
- Delores Watson
- Leonard Watson
- Terry Watson
- Annie Yon
For more information about the event or how to participate, please contact the Gadsden County Public Information at 850.875.8671.
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, February 15, 2025
Time:10 a.m.
Location: Robinson Landing, Quincy, FL