September 10

Overseas Highway bridge and aqueduct pipeline damaged by Hurricane Donna, September 1960.

1905 – Dr. C.E. Banks of the Key West Marine Hospital reported that there had been no cases of yellow fever on the island during the season, but “a pretty good amount” of dengue prevailed there.

1926 – Five aliens attempting illegally enter the U.S. were found hiding in a freight-car load of raw sugar brought into Key West from Cuba.

1940 – Congress passed an appropriation of $1.125 million for the rehabilitation and improvement of Naval Station Key West. The work would improve the submarine base facilities and bring the station into full compliance for small craft operations.

1945 – Following long-running objections by the Monroe County Commission and Key West Chamber of Commerce, the boundaries for the proposed Everglades National Park were scaled back to no longer extend to the Matecumbe Keys.

1954 – The Monroe County Medical Society voted to support the fluoridation of the local drinking water supply, noting that all evidence showed great improvement in dental health with no harmful effects.

1960 – Hurricane Donna passed over the Middle and Upper Keys with 150-mph winds, causing extensive damage: Over half of the structures from Marathon to Islamorada were destroyed; tides were 9 to 13.5 feet above normal; six highway bridges were severely damaged, and the water pipeline was wrecked in five places.

1985 – The Key West Port and Transit Authority approved the lease of the Mallory Square Convention Center to Jan McCart’s American Festival Series, Inc. for use as a venue for theatrical productions.

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

Image: Overseas Highway bridge and aqueduct pipeline damaged by Hurricane Donna, September 1960. From the Wilhelmina Harvey Collection. Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.