June 3

Students at a Douglass High School dance, ca. 1965.

1891 – Monroe County Sheriff Charles Dupont was ordered by Circuit Court Judge Mitchell to bring Emilio Garcia and Jose Rodriguez to Tampa for trial. Garcia and Rodriguez were charged with the murder of Jamie Mira of Key West. The murder had caused a sensation in Key West and the people feared that if the trial was held in Tampa, Garcia’s home, the men would get off. When the ship for Tampa was due to leave, a large crowd gathered at the jail to protest and the sheriff, fearing for the safety of his prisoners, kept them in Key West. The two men would eventually be tried four times before they were found not guilty.

1951 – The new Scottish Rite Temple at the corner of Simonton and Eaton streets was dedicated by Clyde Johnson, Deputy of the Supreme Council of Florida.

1955 – Circuit Court Judge Fritz Gordon validated a $450,000 bond issue for paved and extended runways, lights, and a new terminal building at Key West’s Meacham Airfield. The validation would allow for an additional $130,000 in funding from the Civil Aeronautics Authority.

1983 – The sale of the three-year-old Sands Beach Club to New York developer Austin Laber for $3.9 million was completed. Laber revealed his plans to demolish the restaurant and build the Reach Hotel.

1990 – Monroe County Sheriff Allison DeFoor was chosen by Florida Governor Bob Martinez to be his running mate in his bid for reelection.

2015 – Members of the Douglass High School Class of 1965, the last to graduate from the segregated Key West school, gathered at the Marriott Beachside Resort for a 50th reunion.  “It’s always a pleasure to be among people you’ve known for years and some you haven’t seen in years,” said an attendee.  

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

Image: Students at a Douglass High School dance, ca. 1965. Photo by Don Pinder. Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.