September 14
1931 – Key West Fire Chief Ralph Pinder resigned because of difficulties caused by firemen not getting paid. He urged the men, though, to remain on the job until the city could work out its financial difficulties.
1945 – The 1945 Florida State Census showed the population of Monroe County was 18,718, of whom 17,774 lived in Key West.
1976 – Monroe County Commissioner Harry Harris, who had lost his bid for re-election, submitted his resignation to the Governor. Harris was first elected to the commission in 1942.
1986 – Noted Key West artist Van Eno died of AIDS. Eno was known for his colorful paintings, which had been the subject of numerous exhibitions, and he had also designed posters for the island’s Fantasy Fest celebration.
1988 – The Little Palm Island luxury resort on Munson Island off Ramrod Key opened for business.
2001 – In the wake of the 9/11 attacks, a bomb threat against the federal building on Simonton Street in Key West was received by telephone. The area was cordoned off by police, and after three hours of searching the building, Navy explosive specialists determined the threat was false.
Information compiled by Dr. Corey Malcom, Lead Historian, Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.
Image: The federal building on Simonton Street, Key West, ca. 1950. Jeff Brodhead Collection. Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.
