1888 – A “Cuban bob white,” or quail, was seen at Key West, the first known occurrence of the bird on the island.
1929 – Florida Motor Lines was planning an intensive advertising campaign throughout Florida to make Key West the tourist mecca of the state.
1946 – Key West sponge fishermen reported much of their catch simply fell to pieces when recovered. The unhealthy sponges were affected by a blight that was running into its sixth year.
1967 – The Florida Keys Aqueduct commissioners were present as the first fresh water flowed from the new desalination plant. The $3.3 million desalting plant produced 2.62 million gallons of fresh water a day and ended a critical water shortage.
1980 – A one-day record 5,117 Cuban migrants arrived at Key West from the port of Mariel.
1994 – Construction began on the new Big Coppitt Fire Rescue station. It was the first project in a plan to refurbish, rebuild, or relocate all 12 of Monroe County’s fire and rescue facilities and bring them into compliance with national standards.
Information compiled by Dr. Corey Malcom, Lead Historian, Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.
Image: Sponge auction ca. 1940. Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.