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June 10
1962 – The Isaak Walton League passed a resolution at its annual convention requesting the Monroe County Commission make Pigeon Key a visitors’ center and marine nature park with facilities for educating children.

Florida Keys History Center
Jun 9, 20251 min read


May 17
1989 – Shorty’s Diner, an institution on Key West’s Duval Street since 1942, closed. A.J. Galloway, son of the founder, announced he was moving to central Florida and taking a long rest.

Florida Keys History Center
May 16, 20251 min read


May 12
1975 – The City of Key West was awarded a federal grant of $201,000 for its “Downtown ’76” restoration and redevelopment project. The funds would be used to make improvements along Duval Street in time for the nation’s Bicentennial observance.

Florida Keys History Center
May 11, 20251 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 10, 20252 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 7, 20252 min read


April 24
2010 – Nearly 200 Key West residents met with city staff to offer ideas for the development of 6.6 acres of land in Truman Waterfront Park. Creating an open green space and turning a former Navy mess hall into a community center were the leading choices.

Florida Keys History Center
Apr 23, 20251 min read


April 13
2010 – After having had the lowest census participation rate in Florida in 2000, Monroe County had the highest for 2010.

Florida Keys History Center
Apr 12, 20252 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 24, 20251 min read


February 21
1935 – The Havana Madrid Club in Key West celebrated its grand opening.

Florida Keys History Center
Feb 20, 20252 min read


February 11
1954 – After completing structural surveys, the Florida Road Department greenlighted 2,000 feet of fishing catwalks on bridges.

Florida Keys History Center
Feb 10, 20251 min read


February 6
1907 – The City of Key West was striving to make Fleming Street on either side of Duval the “Broadway” of the city.

Florida Keys History Center
Feb 4, 20252 min read


January 5
1925 – The Key West sponge fleet left port for their second trip of the season to the sponging grounds near Bahia Honda.

Florida Keys History Center
Jan 4, 20252 min read
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