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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


May 1
2000 – The Florida Department of Community Affairs awarded Key West an additional 54 units of affordable housing under the Rate of Growth Ordinance (ROGO) because the city had preserved the Berg property, an unaltered beachfront area and home to many species of indigenous Keys plants and animals.

Florida Keys History Center
Apr 301 min read


April 25
1961 – Charles Helberg, the builder and original proprietor of the Key Wester hotel, resumed control of the resort after it had been under the charge of an absentee hotel management group for four years. Helberg said the absentee model did not serve patrons, employees, or the community very well.

Florida Keys History Center
Apr 242 min read


April 16
2010 – Owners of Key West’s Heritage House Museum announced it would close after the historic mid-19th century building at 410 Caroline St. was sold to Peter Brawn, who had been buying many of the island’s significant properties.

Florida Keys History Center
Apr 151 min read


April 1
1954 – The state Hotel Commission gave notice to the Island City House at 411 William Street that their license had been revoked.

Florida Keys History Center
Mar 312 min read


March 26
1961 – President John F. Kennedy and British Prime Minister Harold Macmillan met in Key West to discuss the situation in Southeast Asia.

Florida Keys History Center
Mar 252 min read


March 11
1925 – A daily silent period for the naval radio station at Key West was authorized, to end interference with local radio stations.

Florida Keys History Center
Mar 101 min read


March 1
1898 - A Naval Court of Inquiry was organized to investigate the sinking of the USS Maine, and it would meet in the Key West Custom House.

Florida Keys History Center
Feb 282 min read


February 22
1926 – A gala dance contest was held at the La Concha Hotel in Key West.

Florida Keys History Center
Feb 211 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 42 min read


January 22
2004 – The City of Key West hired Armando Parra as official chicken catcher to try to control the island’s free-ranging chicken population.

Florida Keys History Center
Jan 212 min read


January 1
1925 – For the second year, a seasonal visitor information bureau was opened at the Key West railroad terminal.

Florida Keys History Center
Jan 12 min read


December 31
1899 - Judge J. Vining Harris held an open house at his new home at the ocean end of Duval Street.

Florida Keys History Center
Dec 30, 20242 min read


December 29
1983 – Fire destroyed the Fountains Restaurant in the landmark Cuban Club building on Duval at the corner of Amelia Street.

Florida Keys History Center
Dec 28, 20241 min read


December 28
1962 – The new Key West City Hall on Angela Street was dedicated. State Senator Elmer Friday of Fort Myers was the keynote speaker.

Florida Keys History Center
Dec 27, 20241 min read


December 27
1934 – The Long Key Fishing Camp opened a week early for its 1935 season, and guests had already arrived.

Florida Keys History Center
Dec 26, 20241 min read


December 26
1954 – The 53-unit Southernmost Motel at the corner of Duval and South streets was nearing completion.

Florida Keys History Center
Dec 25, 20241 min read
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