1836 – After having been on station for two months to protect Indian Key from Seminole attack, the Revenue Cutter Dexter left the island for Tampa. The residents felt vulnerable with the absence: “The prospect before us looks gloomy, but we must trust in Providence,” wrote one.
1916 – In what would rival the island’s existing Kress store, a representative of the Woolworth chain was in Key West to find a location for a new 5-and-10-cent store. Two sites on Duval Street were under consideration.
1945 – A category 3 hurricane passed over the Upper Keys causing light damage.
1954 – The Cuban ferry City of Key West was christened in Miami by Wilhelmina Harvey, wife of the Key West mayor. The ship would begin service to Cardenas, Cuba, in October.
1995 – Key West Mayor Dennis Wardlow was found not guilty of all charges in federal court.
2004 – Representatives of 21 Key Largo homeowner groups protested the Florida Department of Transportation’s plan to move a truck weigh station from Plantation Key to Key Largo. The move was part of FDOT’s scheme to replace the Snake Creek drawbridge with a 65-foot-tall, elevated span.
Information compiled by Dr. Corey Malcom, Lead Historian, Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.
Image: Postcard view of Duval Street at the intersection of Fleming, ca. 1910, Key West. The De Wolfe and Wood Collection. Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.