June 28

The walls of the oil storehouse on the Naval Station Key West being built on November 1, 1905.

1905 – An appropriation of nearly $500,000 was authorized for improvements at the Key West Naval Station, including new buildings, an extension of the coal sheds, and the construction of a quay wall from the sheds to Fort Taylor.

1956 – It was estimated that 1,092 Monroe County residents were receiving Social Security benefits with an annual payout totaling $617,256.

1957 – A group of six Cuban men fleeing the wrath of President Fulgencio Batista landed at Boca Chica Naval Air Station in a 30-foot boat. The men claimed they fled “one step ahead of the police who were trying to catch us so Batista could kill us.” It was not known if the men were linked to Cuban rebel leader Fidel Castro.

1980 – The new Long Key Bridge was dedicated by Congressman Dante B. Fascell.

1985 – Key West Mayor Richard Heyman announced the Navy had approved the use of Fleming Key for the city’s proposed sewage treatment plant.

2010 – A rebounding American crocodile population meant that more of the creatures were being seen throughout the Florida Keys. Crocodile numbers, which were around 200 in the 1970s, had increased to about 2,000.

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

Image: The walls of the oil storehouse on the Naval Station Key West being built on November 1, 1905. Gift of Cullen Chambers. Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.