NORTH FORT MYERS, FL -
Outrage has unfolded over the prospect of renaming the Caloosahatchee Bridge the Henry Ford Bridge.
The state already gave it an OK, and Monday night the Fort Myers City Council was expected to vote on the idea.
But suddenly, the item was removed from the agenda after a backlash from people who described Ford as an anti-Semite and racist.
In the 1920's, Ford published newspaper articles distributed to his car dealerships across America, in which he blamed the Jewish community for strikes, agricultural depression, and financial scandal.
"He really has a very dark history as far as the Jewish community and Jews are concerned," said Alan Isaacs, executive director of the Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties.
Alan Isaacs, executive director of the Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties
Isaacs and others are fighting to keep the bridge from being named after Henry Ford.
Ford's winter home in Fort Myers was turned into a museum and he is well known for the Fort Motor Company and for revolutionizing industry.
"I still think from the perspective of him being one of the most famous men of the 20th century, a resident of Fort Myers, that it would be something we should consider," said State Rep. Matt Caldwell who represents residents in Lehigh Acres and North Fort Myers.
Caldwell had pushed for the designation after a constituent suggested it.
"If a significant number of folks think that it's just not a good idea than ultimately my job is to respect that," Caldwell said.
Asked what would happen if the city doesn't take action, Caldwell said he would let Florida Department of Transportation know to hold off on the signage and he could work on changing the designation during the next legislative session.
http://www.nbc-2.com/story/26538910/out ... BoR9ShiHLF