October 16

DePoo Hospital 918 Southard St., ca. 1965

1923 – A special bond election overwhelming approved the funds to build a highway to the mainland.

1960 – A five-hour benefit for the Monroe County Cerebral Palsy Association was broadcast throughout the Keys simultaneously on radio station WKWF and closed-circuit television on channel four. Proceeds were to go toward the organization’s new therapy center to be built on Stock Island.

1971 – The Florida Keys Memorial Hospital opened for service at 7 a.m., replacing the old Monroe General Hospital.

1975 – Florida Governor Ruben Askew reinstated Harry Harris as Monroe County Commissioner. Harris, who had been a commissioner for over 30 years, was suspended after an indictment accusing him of bribery. The charges were later dropped.

1983 – Zayre’s Department Store in Key Plaza held its grand opening.

1985 – The Old Island Restoration Commission approved plans for the conversion of Key West’s De Poo Hospital at 918 Southard Street to Southard Square Condominiums. The redevelopment would blend the existing structures and new construction.

2015 – The Key West Housing Authority announced it had secured funding for a new $21.5 million senior housing facility. The 108-unit, city-owned building to be built in New Town would feature 48 assisted living units, with a private management company overseeing daily operations.

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

Image: DePoo Hospital 918 Southard St., ca. 1965. Sqr 57, Pt Lot 2. Photo taken by the Monroe County Property Appraiser's office. Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.