Today in Keys History – October 29, 2024
1823 – The brig Phoebe Ann, sailing to New Orleans, wrecked on the Western Dry Rocks near Sand Key. The crew got the vessel off by heaving over 50 tons of dry goods worth $15,000. The mate was badly injured when the anchor was let go, and he was dragged overboard with it.
1923 – Florida Publishing Company, publisher of “Florida,” a Cuban weekly newspaper, was at 727 Whitehead Street. Feliciano Castro was the editor and Juan P. Rolo the manager.
1930 – The Coast Guard, while chasing a rum running boat near Key West, opened fire to stop it, and three men were arrested. The men claimed that Willie “Twisteye” Demerritt had been shot and fell overboard. A search failed to find his body. Local authorities tried to charge the Coast Guard crew with murder, but they left town and charges were dropped. Demerritt was never seen again.
1924 – Motion picture films of festivities for the opening of the San Carlos two weeks earlier were shown at the Monroe Theater in Key West. The movies featured highlights of the large, celebratory parade.
1934 – Stray dogs and cats in Key West were being dealt with harshly by the Health Department, with 22 animals killed via carbon monoxide poisoning. Citizens were urged to catch other “pariah” strays and hold them until the arrival of the trash or garbage trucks, when they could be turned over to the drivers for removal.
1960 – An Aerovias Q. flight was hijacked over Cuba and forced to fly to Key West. In the melee, a Cuban guard was killed and three people were wounded.
2004 – The State of Florida agreed to buy the Harris School on Southard Street in Key West under its “Forever Florida” program. The historic property would then be leased to the Rodel Foundation and The Studios of Key West as an art colony, with Rodel agreeing to restore the building. The Monroe County School District had not decided whether to accept the offer.
Information compiled by Dr. Corey Malcom, Lead Historian, Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.
Image: Postcard of Dr. J. V. Harris School Building 812 Southard Street, ca. 1910. The DeWolfe and Wood Collection. Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.