April 26

Members of Key West Films, Inc. hold the poster for "Escape from Hell Island" in the 1960s.

1942 – The USS Sturtevant (DD 240), leaving Key West via the Northwest Channel, strayed into the U.S. Navy’s minefield and was sunk with a loss of 17 men.

1961 – A Tavernier shantytown that had been condemned in February was found to still be occupied. The eight shacks lacked sewer systems and did not meet Florida sanitary codes. The owner was fined $100, and additional fines were to be levied until the units were vacated.

1963 – Sam Golan, owner of the Key Ambassador Hotel and the Holiday Inn, was named president of Key West Films, Inc. The company’s mission was to create Keys-based films, and it had recently backed the production of “Man In the Water,” (aka “Escape From Hell Island”) starring Mark Stevens.

1974 – Markers were installed designating the highway from Key West to Florida City the Harry S. Truman Overseas Highway.

1982 – The Monroe County Commission passed, by unanimous vote, a resolution calling for an immediate end the U.S. Border Patrol’s roadblock at Florida City.

Information compiled by Dr. Corey Malcom, Lead Historian, Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.

Image: Members of Key West Films, Inc. hold the poster for "Escape from Hell Island" in the 1960s. Photo by Don Pinder. Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.