1994 – Former Key West Mayor Richard Heyman died at age 59, after a long struggle with AIDS. Heyman, who served two terms from 1983- 85 and 1987-89, was the nation’s first openly gay mayor.

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.

1975 – Robert “Speedy” Neal pitched a perfect game in a Little Major League contest at Key West’s Peter Dopp Field.

1949 – Fausto’s Food Palace, a new, “ultra-modern” store, opened at 522 Fleming Street.

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.