Today in Keys History – April 14, 2024
1865 – To celebrate of the recent fall of the Confederate capital of Richmond, the ships of the Eastern Gulf Blockading Squadron at Key West were decorated with flags; at noon a cannon salute was fired, and at night the town was illuminated.
1924 – Sponge fleet boats were arriving in Key West after their third trip of the season. The vessels had done well, with virtually all carrying hauls of between 100-150 bunches of sponge.
1930 – A letter was read at the Key West City Commission meeting advising any Greek sponge fishermen from Tarpon Springs that it would be unwise move of their operations to Key West. Keys spongers thought the diving equipment used by the Greeks destroyed sponge beds.
1930 – A Key West Garden Club, with a goal of the beautification of the entire island, was organized at the Key West Woman’s Club. Mrs. E.A. Strunk, Jr. was elected president.
1984 – The pilot and passenger were killed when a single engine plane crashed into a Seminary Street home shortly after taking off from Key West International Airport. The house was damaged by the impact and resulting fire, but no one inside was injured.
1994 – A proposed Key West sound ordinance would allow businesses to have amplified music if they were downtown, kept noise to 85db or below, had enclosed 2nd floors or rooftops for performers, and opened no more than 50% of windows and doors from 9 p.m. to 8 a.m.
2009 – President Barack Obama eased travel restrictions to Cuba and allowed Americans to make unlimited transfers of money to relatives on the island. The new policies created much anticipation amongst Keys residents, businesses, and social organizations for a new era with the neighboring nation.
Information compiled by Dr. Corey Malcom, Lead Historian, Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.
Image: A sponge catch made in the 1920s. Photo by Ewing Galloway from the Scott DeWolfe Collection. Monroe County Library Collection. Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.