This story, set in 1888, centers on a family living in the shipping port of Fernandina on Amelia Island, Florida. Through this fictional family, many factual events are portrayed in the living conditions in Florida of 1888. Through this journalistic style it depicts the family's fight to save their little town and the nearby city of Jacksonville from the dreaded yellow fever. This engaging story chronicles the harsh environment which led to the development of the Florida Public Health system in place today.