1924 – The price of Key Largo land was on the rise, with oceanfront lots sometimes exceeding $200 an acre. Many landowners, though, were holding on to their property, expecting values to increase even further.
1942 – The Norwegian freighter Benwood, loaded with phosphate, collided with the tanker Robert C. Tuttle, killing one man. The Benwood lost power and drifted until she grounded in her final resting place on the reef in what is now John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Both ships had been operating at night without lights because of the fear of German U-boats operating in the area.
1974 – Packs of roaming dogs, a mix of strays and those allowed to run free by their owners, were plaguing Key West. The Humane Society had issued leash law warnings in hopes of alleviating the problem but now began to have animal wardens catch the dogs for impound.
1975 – Law enforcement authorities were searching for three men who had escaped from the Big Pine Key Road Prison. It was though the men had most likely made their way to Key West to blend in with the larger population.
1984 – The Monroe County Tourist Development Council held its first meeting at the Holiday Inn Key West. This was formerly the Key West Tourist Development Council until a referendum included the rest of the county.
1984 – The Florida Department of Natural Resources recommended the “designation of all state-owned submerged land in Monroe County as an aquatic preserve.” Before any such designation could take effect, the Florida Legislature would have to approve it.
Information compiled by Dr. Corey Malcom, Lead Historian, Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.
Image: Humane Society of Key West on Stock Island 1960s. Photo by Don Pinder. Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.