October 7
- Florida Keys History Center
- Oct 6
- 2 min read
1862 – The yellow fever epidemic that began in August was running its course but still five members of the 90th New York Regiment at Key West, six men at the Marine Hospital Key West and four men at Fort Jefferson would die of the disease during the month.
1901 – Frank Adams, an African American Deputy Sheriff, was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a man who was interfering with him in the discharge of his duties. Adams was survived by a wife and five children.
1950 – Southern Bell’s submarine cable linking Key West and Havana was cut, and the FBI was investigating the circumstances.
1960 – A two-day “autorama,” presented by Bevis Lewis Chevrolet, Estenoz Motors, K.T. Motors, Duncan Auto Sales, and Navarro, Inc., began at the Food Fair Shopping Center in Key West. The gala event gave the public a first look at the new 1961 automobile models.
1985 – Florida Marine Patrol officers patrolling five miles north of Pigeon Key noticed a nearby yacht riding suspiciously low in the water. On investigation they found the 55-foot vessel loaded with 305 bales of marijuana weighing 25,000 pounds. The four Miami men on board were charged with drug trafficking.
1986 – The Key West City Commission changed the name of the Old Island Restoration Commission (ORIC) to the Historic Architectural Review Commission (HARC). The change was requested by the Old Island Restoration Foundation because of confusion over the similar names and some controversial decision made by ORIC.
Information compiled by Dr. Corey Malcom, Lead Historian, Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.
Image: Bevis-Lewis Chevrolet 3500 North Roosevelt Blvd., Key West, ca 1960s. Photo by Don Pinder. Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.
