1836 – A turtling vessel was attacked at the west end of Key Largo by approximately 30 Seminole warriors. The master and crew of the turtling boat fled, while the Seminoles shot at them. Two of the turtlers were wounded, and their vessel was burned.
1839 – Key West Collector of Customs Adam Gordon wrote to Washington about the Sand Key Lighthouse: “Although a generally fine light, it is at this time much out of order. The glass in the lantern is opaque and bad, the reflectors, lamps, &c., much worn. The same may be said of the Key West light.”
1934 – Maria Gutsens, Matron of Mercedes hospital for 23 years, was notified that she had been awarded the Cross of the Order of Carlos Manuel de Cespedes, an honor given by the Cuban Government for “outstanding services rendered to Cuba and humanity.”
1939 – The White House announced that Navy patrols had observed a “non-American” U-Boat 20 miles west of Key West. It might have been the same foreign submarine seen 15 miles off Miami a few days earlier.
1942 – One hundred and two Key West automobiles were given to the local scrap metal drive to aid the war effort.
1950 – Rear Admiral F.G. Fahrion, Commander, Destroyer Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, inspected the Fleet Sonar School and the Underwater Training unit to begin a four-day review of Naval operations at Key West.
1968 – Harry Huizenga, owner of Florida Disposal Company, was criticized by Monroe County commissioners for failing to maintain appropriate health standards and sanitary conditions at his landfill dump on Cudjoe Key. Though Huizenga denied any wrongdoing, his permit was nearly revoked.
Information compiled by Tom Hambright, Historian Emeritus, and Dr. Corey Malcom, Lead Historian, Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.
Image: The Mercedes Hospital at 1209 Virginia Street C 1920s. Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.