1976 – The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service established a protected “critical habitat” for the endangered American crocodile in the Everglades and northern Florida Keys. There were fewer than 10 breeding females known in the U.S., all of which lived in the designated area.
1951 – Monroe County commissioners, supported by the Lower Keys Property Owners Association, unanimously opposed Congressman Bill Lantalf’s bill to create a Key deer protection area on Big Pine Key. “I do not see why hundreds of miles of land is needed for 15-20 deer,” said Commissioner Frank Bentley.
1905 – An appropriation of nearly $500,000 was authorized for improvements at the Key West Naval Station, including new buildings, an extension of the coal sheds, and the construction of a quay wall from the sheds to Fort Taylor.
