1824 – The Spanish schooner Ninfa Catalina was captured by the Colombian privateer General Soublette on suspicion of being a pirate, and the crew of the schooner were landed at Key West.
1887 – A St. Louis drilling company sent machines to Key West to bore artesian wells. They planned to go down to 1,500 feet, where it was expected there would be plenty of water to meet the city’s needs.
1923 – Wireless S.O.S. calls were received at Key West from the German steamer Holsatia, which was aground and in distress two miles southwest of Carysfort Reef. The tug Relief went to assist, and the passengers were safely removed; the Holsatia was pulled into deeper water.
1952 – Rent stabilization went into effect for all Monroe County residential units, whereby landlords could not charge more than they had been on September 1, 1950. Hotels and other seasonal rentals would be given consideration for variances.
1964 – The Florida cabinet authorized the construction of missile sites by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on Boca Chica and Fleming Keys. The permanent sites would be used as part of the line of defense against Cuba.
1967 – Florida Governor Claude Kirk arrived at Ocean Reef Yacht Club on North Key Largo after a two-day cruise on the yacht Security Risk. Kirk was accompanied by Erika Mattfeld, a Brazilian divorcee, which led to much speculation and gossip about their relationship.
1983 – In a 3-2 vote, Monroe County Commissioners approved the development of Port Bougainville, a 2,806-unit hotel and condominium complex to be built on North Key Largo.
1998 – The Key West City Commission held a workshop on the new definition of short-term rental issue and new rules how to enforce them.
Information compiled by Dr. Corey Malcom, Lead Historian, Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.
Image: HAWK Missile launcher. Photo by Don Pinder. Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center