Saturday, November 7, 2009

20 YEARS AGO

At the close of his last meeting, the Key West City Commission named outgoing Mayor Richard Heyman "Mayor Emeritus."

Capt. Tony Tarracino captured the Key West mayor's race by 32 votes over former Mayor Tom Sawyer. Sally Lewis was re-elected to the City Commission by 433 votes.

The captain of the Yugoslavian ship that ran aground at the Dry Tortugas reported that the officer on watch had been confused and turned the wrong way.

50 YEARS AGO

Andrew A. Rodriguez, assistant manager of City Electric System, was elected chairman of the Accounting and Finance Section of the American Public Power Association.

Key West native Col. Manuel Fernandez was presented with the Legion of Merit upon his retirement as director of Communication and Electronics, Headquarters of Tactical Air Command at Langley Air Force Base.

Upper Keys Kiwanis Club started a project to promote the planting of Key lime trees to prevent their eradication by developers.

100 YEARS AGO

Three fights took place in the downtown district, putting one man in the hospital and leaving two others suffering injuries.

A number of vessels were still trapped in Key West Bight between Sweeny's dock and the fish market wharfs. The government steamer McAdam was sunk across the opening.