1870 – A report from Key West noted: “A hurricane from the north-east has been raging here during the past five days. All the lower streets are inundated, and communication between the upper and lower sections [of town] is only made in boats.”
1884 – The Jacksonville newspaper “The Florida Times Union” reported there were 22 liquor saloons in Key West.
1899 – Hook and Ladder Company number 1 held a business meeting to discuss uniforms. It was decided to keep the old-style uniform. New silver badges were given to each member for identification at fires.
1910 – A category 3 hurricane with winds to 125 mph at Sand Key hit Key West. The storm lasted 30 hours. Damage to shipping was heavy, but most of the town escaped serious damage, as most buildings had survived the hurricane the previous year.
1924 – Milton Parker of Upper Matecumbe Key was protesting condemnation proceedings by the City of Key West for lots he owned adjacent to the golf course on Stock Island. Parker had purchased the lots for between $100 and $400 apiece, but a jury valued them at $25 each.
1973 – The USS Amberjack (SS 522), the Navy’s last diesel submarine, was decommissioned and turned over to the Brazilian Navy in a ceremony at the Naval Station. The departure ended Key West’s submarine service that had begun in WW I.
2009 – U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood awarded the Florida Keys Overseas Highway the “All-American Road” designation. The honor is the highest recognition possible under the National Scenic Byways program.
Information compiled by Dr. Corey Malcom, Lead Historian, Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.
Image: Bow Channel Bridge from the south, March 8, 1997. From a study published by Old Keys Bridges Task Force in November 1997. Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.