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September 21
1948 – A category three hurricane passed over Boca Chica Naval Air Station, where a barometer reading of 28.45 and sustained winds of 122 mph were recorded. In Key West, the storm caused flooding and damage to boats and trees.

Florida Keys History Center
Sep 202 min read


September 15
1956 – James A. Portier of 110 Olivia Street in Key West returned home after playing his third season with the Negro League’s Indianapolis Clowns. Portier was a member of the league’s East-West All Stars, and he hoped to try out with the Kansas City A’s organization.

Florida Keys History Center
Sep 142 min read


August 9
1950 – Thousands of fish were found in Key West streets after a heavy rain. One theory was that a large waterspout carried the fish ashore, an idea supported by the fact that most of the fish were mullet, which swim on the surface. Others insisted it had rained fish. One man even said he saw a full-grown sponge fall from the sky.

Florida Keys History Center
Aug 82 min read


July 29
1960 – Betty Bruce proposed that a collection of pictures, maps, and books telling of the history of old Key West would be a worthy addition to the Monroe County Public Library, and she encouraged local persons to donate such materials “so that a real Key West historical corner could be established.”

Florida Keys History Center
Jul 282 min read


July 12
1919 – The Key West Branch of the Afro-American Independent Insurance Co. held a luncheon reception for ministers of the city at Newman Methodist Episcopal Church. The church was richly decorated with flowers and potted plants, and “the entire affair was one of the greatest events of the season.”

Monroe County Public Library
Jul 112 min read


July 11
1910 – The four-masted schooners Carrie A. Lowe and the Charles A. Dumas came into Key West with supplies for the Florida East Coast Railroad and the Mallory Steamship Lines. With their arrival, there were five four-masted schooners in the harbor.

Florida Keys History Center
Jul 102 min read


June 17
1930 – It was reported that 100 sharks, averaging 7 feet each, were being caught daily near Big Pine Key by boats working for the Hydenoil Company. “Not a particle of the shark is thrown away” was said of Hydenoil’s processing system, which focused on shark leather and liver oil.

Florida Keys History Center
Jun 162 min read


June 13
1936 – The Florida East Coast Railway company inquired to the Mallory Steamship Lines about moving 26,500 tons of rails, ties, and equipment, indicating it was preparing to remove the tracks of the Oversea Railroad.

Florida Keys History Center
Jun 121 min read


June 11
1959 – The Key West High School baseball team won the Class A State High School championship with a 3-to-2 victory over Milton High.

Florida Keys History Center
Jun 102 min read


May 20
1957 – The second mate and an oiler of the Key West-to-Havana ferry SS City of Havana were taken into custody by federal authorities at Key West on charges of smuggling aliens into the United States.

Florida Keys History Center
May 191 min read


March 23
1986 – The last “Blessing of the Shrimp Fleet” took place, with Father Tony Mullane performing the service.

Florida Keys History Center
Mar 222 min read


March 3
2005 – The Monroe County School Board approved the demolition of the existing Poinciana Elementary School and the construction of a new one.

Florida Keys History Center
Mar 32 min read


February 28
1935 – The Key West Art Gallery opened in the renovated Caroline Lowe house at 303 Duval Street.

Florida Keys History Center
Feb 281 min read


February 2
1975 – Key West-based air Sunshine announced that despite rising fuel costs, they would not raise fares.

Florida Keys History Center
Feb 22 min read
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