1989 – Members of the Monroe County Citizens Jail Advisory Committee were shocked when a project report said building a new jail on Stock Island would cost $95 million. Monroe County Mayor Pro-tem Gene Lytton said, “For a $95 million jail, I’ll never get reelected.”

1992 – Key West’s El Salvador United Methodist Church disbanded after 115 years.

1964 – “Escape From Hell Island,” a Key West-made and locally backed movie, had its world premiere at the San Carlos. The film received less than glowing reviews..

1926 – The shipment of Cuban pineapples from Key West by train was stymied when 150 men who transferred the fruit from the steamships to the rails walked off the job, demanding 60 cents an hour instead of 50 cents. The pineapple season was at its peak, and 160 railcar loads had shipped the day before.

1937 – One hundred and sixty-seven residents living between Card Sound and the Matecumbe Keys petitioned the Monroe County Commission for protection against trespassers and vagrants who were frequenting the lime groves and other areas of the Upper Keys.

1946 – In preparation of its new Key West distribution center, the Gulf Oil Company began construction of four 15,000-gallon tanks at its 0 Duval Street docks along the harbor front.

1942 – The USS Sturtevant (DD 240) strayed into the U.S. Navy’s anti-submarine minefield while leaving Key West via the Northwest Channel and was sunk with a loss of 17 men.

1986 – An 18½-foot, five-ton steel sculpture of a conch shell was installed at the entrance to Key West High School. The massive artwork was created by the school’s welding teacher George Carey and his 36 students. Dubbed the “largest conch shell in the world,” it took eight months to complete.

2006 – Islamorada’s Holiday Isle Resort was purchased by the Ceebraid Signal Corp. of West Palm Beach for $98.25 million. The popular 151-room resort had a 57-slip marina, six bars, three restaurants, and a suite of shops. The new owners promised there would be no changes for several months.

1926 – Key West society came out for the opening of the new Key West Country Club. The building was decorated with flags and flowers; draperies and chandeliers adorned the interior. Irene Reynolds and Miss R.T. Vertuen sang, and dancer Little Miss Hansen performed some “unusual steps.”

1988 – The Key West City Commission, sitting as the Board of Adjustment, approved plans to rebuild the Cuban Club at 1102 and 1108 Duval Street. The original building had been destroyed by fire in 1983.

1955 – Albert Bosa revived the Key West Comparsa dancers. They held rehearsals at the Cuban Club.

1976 – A new cupola for a community clock was placed atop the restored tower at Key West’s Old City Hall on Greene St. The design was faithful to the building’s original 1892 construction.

1976 – Keys government and military leaders were in shock after the Pentagon announced that it planned to downsize and redesignate the Naval Air Station at Boca Chica. It was possible that of the 3,227 Navy personnel based there, only 650 would remain.

1976 – A committee of 15 gathered for the organizational meeting of Key West’s upcoming Bicentennial celebration, a three-day birthday party for the nation they termed the “Big Bang.” Planned events included a big fireworks display, a “super” parade, and various contests and tournaments.

1946 – Two hundred eighty automobiles were inspected by Key West City Mechanic Horace Averette, who tested their brakes, horns, and lights as mandated by city ordinance.

2006 – Prompted by blows from Hurricane Wilma and changing Medicare rules, the owners of Dennis Pharmacy at 1229 Simonton St. in Key West announced they were leasing the building to Marine Bank. The pharmacy would be consolidated with another branch, but the business’ popular diner needed a new home.

1911 – Curtiss Aircraft test pilot J.A.W. McCurdy attempted to fly from Key West to Havana but crashed in the water shortly before reaching Cuba. He was rescued by a U.S. Navy destroyer.

1925 – A train with six water cars derailed overnight at Spanish Harbor near Big Pine Key. A wrecking train was dispatched immediately to clear the tracks, and traffic was restored by dawn.

1985 – After months of delay and debate, Key West city commissioners approved development of “The Village at Key West” on 112 acres adjacent to the Stock Island landfill. The project was to include a 339-room hotel and convention center, 192 condominiums, a marina and a beach, a restaurant, and 10 retail shops.