During the 1926 and 1928 hurricanes, 2500 lives were lost in the Lake Okeechobee area because flood control was inadequate. President Herbert Hoover personally supported and was directly responsible for early federal construction of Lake Okeechobee levees to protect life and property. By Act of Congress on July 14, 1960, the Lake Okeechobee levees were designated the Herbert Hoover Dike in commemoration of President Herbert Hoover's humanitarian efforts and interest in public safety, which permitted the safe development of the region's rich potential.