top of page


October 26
1999 – Key West Police planned to crack down on nudity during the weekend’s Fantasy Fest celebrations, noting that “even opaque body paint is not a substitute for clothing.” They planned to use a “firm tolerance” technique and ask nude revelers to cover up before arresting them.

Florida Keys History Center
Oct 252 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 292 min read


July 4
1962 – The U.S. flag was raised over Mallory Square to mark the 140 years since Lt. Matthew C. Perry had first flown it over Key West in 1822. Two boy scouts from Key West’s Troop 258 raised the colors while the Fleet Sonar School band played and Navy and civilian dignitaries looked on.

Florida Keys History Center
Jul 32 min read


June 28
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.

Florida Keys History Center
Jun 271 min read


May 22
1956 – Democratic Presidential candidate Tennessee Senator Estes Kefauver was campaigning in Key West. He promised Mayor C.B. Harvey that if he was elected, he would make Key West his vacation headquarters.

Florida Keys History Center
May 212 min read


February 1
1917 – The first long-distance telephone connection from Key West was made to Miami at 1:47 p.m.

Florida Keys History Center
Jan 311 min read
News
bottom of page

