August 8
- Florida Keys History Center
- Aug 7
- 2 min read
1884 – William A. Whitehead died in New Jersey at the age of 74. He had first come to Key West with his brother John, who owned a quarter interest in the Island. In 1829, he completed the first survey of the island of Key West. He also served as collector of customs and mayor of Key West.
1950 – Three cases of polio were reported among Key West Navy dependents, and all three were hospitalized in Miami.
1956 – The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers was picketing the construction site of the new Key West High School and slowing progress on the building. The Monroe County School Board asked a judge to issue an injunction against the picketers.
1960 – Key West Policeman Sam Cagnina was arrested for armed robbery after he robbed Ringside Billiard Parlor at 922 Truman Avenue.
1966 – Using a new, manned submersible digging machine, contractor Rip Ballard began excavating a 2,000-foot-long trench from Pier B to the new fuel storage island in Key West Harbor. When finished, the 12-inch-wide by 4-foot-deep cut in the sea floor would house electrical and diesel fuel lines.
1976 – The Monroe County Commission sued the Florida Department of Transportation over the condition of Loop Road on the mainland part of the county. The suit contended that when FDOT transferred the road to the county in December 1974, it was in such poor shape that $162,000 in repairs were required to make it passable.
1987 – Superintendent of Schools A.J. Henriquez named Tommy Roberts principal of Key West High School.
1998 – The USCGC Keeper-class cutter Joshua Appleby (WLM 556) was launched. It was named for the keeper of the Sand Key Lighthouse who was killed by the hurricane of October 11, 1846.
Information compiled by Dr. Corey Malcom, Lead Historian, Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.
Image: Launching of the Coast Guard Cutter Joshua Appleby, 1998. The vessel was named for the Sand Key lighthouse keeper killed in the 1846 Hurricane. Photo USCG. Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.
