August 1
- Florida Keys History Center
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
1887 – A new Spanish-language daily newspaper named “El Pueblo” began publication at Key West.
1926 – More than 100 parcels of land and other property were listed for sale at the regular auction of tax-delinquent properties by the Monroe County Tax Collector, but as there were no bidders, the lots were sold to the state in one group.
1935 – A Blackfish (pilot whale) weighing more than 2,500 pounds was towed ashore by bridge workers at Bahia Honda.
1956 – A ban on spearfishing in the Upper Keys, from Greyhound Key to the Monroe-Dade line, went into effect. The Florida Board of Conservation declared it was the first step in a long-range program to protect fish life, which had been declining in recent years. The ban did not affect general skindiving.
1963 – The new Marathon Post Office was opened.
1966 – A glut of frozen stock left over from the previous season’s catch drove down the price of Florida Keys spiny lobster to 37 cents per pound on the opening day of the new season. Many crawfishermen threatened to hold off fishing until prices rose.
1977 – The Marine Barracks, located on the Truman Annex of the Naval Air Station, was destroyed by fire. Eight people were injured, but all were treated and released. The 60 Marines housed in the barracks lost all their belongings.
1988 – Filming began in Key West for a new James Bond adventure movie tentatively titled “License Revoked.”
Information compiled by Dr. Corey Malcom, Lead Historian, Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.
Image: A man prepares baskets of spiny lobster for market, Key West, ca. 1965. Photo by Don Pinder. Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.
