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July 28
1964 – The Monroe County Commission, in a secret meeting, approved plans to raze the 11-year-old county jail in Key West and replace it with a three-story structure housing a new jail and courtroom facilities.

Florida Keys History Center
Jul 272 min read


June 12
1942 – The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Thetis sank the German submarine U-157 22 miles south of the Marquesas Keys by dropping seven depth charges around it. The kill was confirmed when clothing and other debris from the sub floated to the surface. The U-157 was the only U-Boat sunk in South Florida during World War II.

Florida Keys History Center
Jun 112 min read


June 7
1960 – Monroe County commissioners ordered staff to develop regulations for the development of new Keys subdivisions. Commissioner A. Maitland Adams noted, “Subdivision developers are providing only one foot of elevation in many cases; miles of canals are being dug without regard to general development.”

Florida Keys History Center
Jun 62 min read


April 21
1980 – The Key West fishing boats Dos Hermanos and Blanche III arrived in Key West with 48 Cuban refugees, which began the Mariel Boatlift.

Florida Keys History Center
Apr 202 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


January 4
1989 – Monroe County Commissioners voted to purchase Key West’s Truman School for $937,000 for use as county offices.

Florida Keys History Center
Jan 42 min read
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