November 24

The steamer Olivette at the pier in Key West.

1901 – The population of South Florida (all the land south of Lake Okeechobee, comprised of Lee, Dade, and Monroe Counties) was 26,092. The population of Dade County was 4,955 and Lee 3,071, with the rest in Monroe County.

1905 – A large group of Key Westers returned on the steamship Olivette after visiting the fair at Tampa. It was estimated that about 1,000 islanders had gone to see the fair in recent days.

1955 – The National Park Service announced it was offering a “pilot operation” of thrice-daily boat tours from Everglades City so visitors could experience natural beauty of the western coast of mainland Monroe County.

1971 – Frank Romano and Joe Liszka opened Key West Fragrance and Cosmetics.

1975 – Joseph A. “Bum” Farto was suspended for 30 days as fire chief of the city of Key West, with the recommendation that he be permanently dismissed. Farto had been arrested in July as part of the infamous “Operation Conch” drug bust.

1992 – Vice President-elect Al Gore and his family arrived at Key West International Airport and drove to Little Palm Island for a vacation.

2015 – The second annual International Sand Art Competition began at Key West’s Casa Marina Resort, with six sculptors preparing their sand for shaping over the next four days.

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

Image: The steamer Olivette at the pier in Key West. From the Ida Woodward Barron Collection. Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.