1864 – The U.S. District Court at Key West commenced its sessions. One case noted, “Extensive frauds have been discovered which implicate citizens of Key West in buying Government property of persons not authorized to sell.”
1922 – Actress Helen Holmes arrived in Key West from Havana for the filming of “A Million in Diamonds” and was staying at the Over Sea Hotel.
1932 – Seven men arrested on vagrancy charges were arraigned in criminal court at Key West. All pleaded guilty and were each sentenced to 30 days in jail with hard labor unless they could find a way out of Monroe County.
1977 – The Florida Keys Community College Board of Trustees voted to name the College’s Fine Art Center for renowned playwright and Key West resident Tennessee Williams.
1987 – Jimmy Buffett held a benefit concert for Save the Salt Ponds and Reef Relief at Wickers Field before a sell-out crowd.
2011 – A report issued by the Florida Department of Transportation ranked Key West as the one of the most dangerous places in the state for bicyclists and pedestrians. The island city led the list in bicycle fatalities and serious injuries, and it ranked fourth for pedestrian accidents.
Information compiled by the late Tom Hambright, Historian Emeritus, and Dr. Corey Malcom, Lead Historian, Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.
Image: The Tennessee Williams Fine Arts Center at the Florida Keys Community College taken April 29, 2006. From the Dale McDonald Collection. Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center