August 30

Cuban refugee rafters crossing the Florida Straits for the U.S., 1994.

1861 – Horse-mounted and foot patrols of U.S. troops began to be sent out from Fort Taylor to keep watch over Key West.

1862 – During the month of August there were 150 cases of yellow fever reported by the Army in Key West. The deaths from fever totaled 50, compirising men from the Army, Navy, and Merchant Marine.

1930 – The Key West Citizen moved its office and press from Duval Street to a new building at 517 Greene Street.

1940 – Roosevelt Summer Camp at Harris School, sponsored by the WPA recreation department, closed after a successful summer season. The camp, under the direction of Eva Warner, provided activities and lunch to an average of 125 Key West youth each day.

1972 – The new Bahia Honda bridge opened with a ribbon-cutting by Monroe County Mayor Harry Harris. The first car to cross the span was a replica 1901 Oldsmobile driven by Josette Richards, who was on the last leg of a trip from Fort Kent, Maine, to Key West.

1975 – Key West and Monroe County were both designated “Bicentennial Communities.” Congressman Dante Fascell announced the honor in a ceremony at the Monroe County Courthouse in Jackson Square, where the official U.S. Bicentennial flag was then raised.

1994 – More than 17,000 Cuban refugees had crossed the Florida Straits during the month. It was the largest Cuban exodus since the 1980 Mariel boatlift.

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

Image: Cuban Refugee Rafters crossing the Florida Straits for the U.S., 1994. Photo by Nancy Klingener. Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.