1853 – Charles Bowman, assistant light keeper at Sand Key, was nearly killed when he fell from the first tier of pilings to the ground. He struck multiple braces, suffered terrible cuts and contusions, and was sent to the Marine Hospital.
1926 – Five non-citizens attempting to illegally enter the U.S. were found hiding in a freight-car load of raw sugar brought into Key West from Cuba.
1938 – The sawmill in the rear of the Key West Box Factory at Caroline and William streets burned in the overnight hours and was a complete loss.
1940 – Congress passed an appropriation of $1.125 million for the rehabilitation and improvement of Naval Station Key West. The work would improve the submarine base facilities and bring the station into full compliance for small craft operations.
1945 – Following long-running objections by the Monroe County Commission and Key West Chamber of Commerce, the boundaries for the proposed Everglades National Park were scaled back to no longer extend to the Matecumbe Keys.
1954 – The Monroe County Medical Society voted to support the fluoridation of the local drinking water supply, noting that all evidence showed great improvement in dental health with no harmful effects.
1960 – Hurricane Donna, a major category three storm, passed over the Middle Keys causing extensive damage. On Conch Key, a barometric reading of 27.55 was recorded. Some locations on the Keys estimated sustained winds of 140 mph with tides on Upper Matecumbe 9 to 13.5 feet above normal.
1978 – Key West Mayor Charles “Sonny” McCoy water-skied from Key West to Havana. It took him six hours and 10 minutes to cover the 110 miles.
1983 – The new 16-ton monument at the Southernmost Point was dedicated.
Information compiled by Tom Hambright, Historian Emeritus, and Dr. Corey Malcom, Lead Historian, Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.
Image: The Southernmost Point Buoy with shells for sale and 90 miles to Cuba sign. Dale McDonald Collection. Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.