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June 27
1994 – The number of Cuban refugees who successfully crossed the Florida Straits in 1994 surpassed the 3,656 who completed the journey in 1993. Authorities estimated that only 4 out of 10 who attempted the crossing were successful.

Florida Keys History Center
Jun 262 min read


May 13
2011 – Concerned divers and the city of Key West began crafting a plan to stabilize two massive dish-type antennae on the wreck of the Hoyt S. Vandenberg. The 22-foot-tall, 80-ton structures were beginning to come loose, and it was feared they would fall in a storm.

Florida Keys History Center
May 122 min read


February 18
1872 – A correspondent wrote of Key West, “At the wharves you see the ugly hulls of wrecked vessels, which were formerly the main objects of trade in Key West. But this gloomy business is falling off every day. The few years of ocean steam navigation is curtailing that of sailing vessels, and the wreckers complain of dull times.”

Florida Keys History Center
Feb 182 min read


February 10
1986 – Monroe County Commissioners approved the construction of a new 150-seat restaurant at the site of the existing Driftwood Luncheonette on Higgs Beach in Key West. Local architects were asked to submit plans for the new eatery.

Florida Keys History Center
Feb 102 min read


August 30
1994 – More than 17,000 Cuban refugees had crossed the Florida Straits during the month. It was the largest Cuban exodus since the 1980 Mariel boatlift.

Florida Keys History Center
Aug 29, 20252 min read


August 4
1960 – Key West police officer Cpl. Harry Sawyer was chosen “most outstanding law enforcement officer of the year” by the Key West Junior Chamber of Commerce. It was the first time in six years that a Key West officer had won the coveted county-wide honor.

Florida Keys History Center
Aug 3, 20252 min read
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