1964 – The Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce voted unanimously to support construction of a road from mainland Florida to Big Pine Key. The group planned to enact a “sales program” to encourage support for the idea in other parts of the county, especially the Upper Keys where many business owners opposed the plan.

1971 – Florida Secretary of State Richard Stone announced that Fort Taylor and the Key West Armory had been placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

1976 – A committee of 15 gathered for the organizational meeting of Key West’s upcoming Bicentennial celebration, a three-day birthday party for the nation they termed the “Big Bang.” Planned events included a big fireworks display, a “super” parade, and various contests and tournaments.

1946 – After being re-tested, the waters of South Beach in Key West were declared safe and free of all disease germs. Staff from the Navy Hospital had issued a warning earlier in the week saying the beach was contaminated, unsafe for bathing, and off-limits to Navy personnel.

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.