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October 17
1975 – City of Key West officials met with members of the Old Island Restoration Commission, and all agreed to an ordinance that would give the OIRC jurisdiction over the construction, repair, or alteration of structures in the city’s historic district.

Keys History Center
6d2 min read


July 20
1985 - Mel Fisher and his team at Treasure Salvors, Inc., found the “mother lode” of the 1622 Spanish galleon Nuestra Señora de Atocha after having searched for it for more than 15 years.

Florida Keys History Center
Jul 202 min read


July 14
1955 – Work was underway on the new County Beach at the foot of White Street. A wall was being built into the water around the West Martello Tower, and sand would be placed on the inside to cover a rocky area. Steps would lead to the ocean from the wall for the convenience of bathers.

Florida Keys History Center
Jul 132 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


May 11
1980 – A one-day record of 5,117 refugees arrived at Key West during the boatlift from Mariel, Cuba.

Florida Keys History Center
May 102 min read


May 8
1975 – A new turbine for the FKAA desalination plant on Stock Island arrived at Key West via an emergency Air Sunshine flight. A severe drought had caused Lower Keys water levels to drop very low, and desalinated seawater was crucial to getting through the dry spell.

Florida Keys History Center
May 72 min read


February 25
1935 – Pete “Kid Indian” Nebo defeated Orlando’s Jimmy Wade by decision in a bout held at Key West High School.

Florida Keys History Center
Feb 251 min read
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