1902 – A shark measuring 15 feet was caught from Curry’s Wharf near the harbor end of Simonton Street.
1915 – Alfred Atchinson, Denham Albury, and J.S. Gerard, representing nearly all Key Largo property holders, petitioned Monroe County Commissioner for 30 miles of roadway on the island. On discussion, it was agreed that six miles would meet immediate demands, and a survey was authorized to determine routes and costs.
1947 – The Strand Theater signed a $25,000 contract to install a 60-ton air-conditioning system.
1947 – A category 4 hurricane that hit the mainland caused winds of 56 mph in Key West with some minor flooding.
1955 – The state of Florida leased oil rights on 734,760 acres of Monroe County baybottom land to the California Company for $1,106,000. The county did not receive any money from the deal.
1974 – The Hospitality House at Mallory Square, the former Mallory Steamship ticket office which had been converted to a tourist welcome and information center, was undergoing renovations so it could once again safely welcome Key West visitors.
1993 – A defecting Cuban Air Force pilot landed his MIG-21 fighter plane at the Naval Air Station. The plane was detected on radar about four minutes before it landed.
1999 – A high-volume air sampler, designed to detect radioactive dust and other dangerous particles that might be emitted from a failing nuclear reactor in Cuba, was unveiled at Florida Keys Community College (now the College of the Florida Keys).
Information compiled by Dr. Corey Malcom, Lead Historian, Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.
Image: Hospitality House at Mallory Square, 1970s. Photo by Don Pinder. Monroe County Library Collection. Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.