Week in History: July 15 - 21
Events that occurred during the week of July 15th through the 21st in South Florida's history.
OTD: July 15, 1997 - Gianni Versace Murdered on Miami Beach
On July 15, 1997, Gianni Versace was shot to death outside his Miami Beach home by serial killer Andrew Cunanan. The killer was discovered on a houseboat that was docked on Indian Creek in Miami Beach on July 23, 1997, and as authorities got close, he committed suicide by shooting himself with a pistol he stole from one of his victims.
OTD: July 15, 1939- Remembering Miami Beach Founder Carl G. Fisher
On July 15, 1939, Carl G. Fisher, one of the prominent founders of Miami Beach, was rushed to Saint Francis Hospital on Allison Island with a gastric hemorrhage. He passed away in the hospital at 4:52pm. Fisher is remembered for being one of the key founders and promoters of the City of Miami Beach.
Learn more about Carl Fisher and his impact on Miami Beach by clicking on the button below.
OTD: July 17, 1821 - Spain Officially Transfers Florida to the United States
On July 17,1821, Spain officially transfers Florida to the United States in a ceremony in Pensacola. This was the second of two ceremonies with the first taking place in Saint Augustine on July 10, 1821.
OTD: July 17, 1968 - The Roney Plaza Hotel was Demolished
Designed by Schultze & Weaver and financed by N.B.T. Roney, the Roney Plaza Hotel, which opened on February 6, 1926, was razed on this day, July 17, in 1968. Above is a photograph of the Roney Plaza Hotel in 1948 (left), and the demolition of the hotel in 1968. Today, the Roney Palace Condos sit on the former footprint of the old grand hotel built by N.B.T. Roney.
OTD: July 18, 1961 - Four Slot Machines were Discovered in the Brickell Mausoleum
On July 18, 1961, four slot machines were found in the empty mausoleum that once served as the final resting place for members of the Brickell family. Investigators at the time did not know who had placed them there, but the slot machines were quickly taken into police custody.
OTD: July 20, 1911 - Parade Down Flagler Street to Celebrate City Milestone
On July 20, 1911, the City of Miami begins a multi-day celebration to celebrate its milestone 15th year since incorporation. On this day, in addition to a variety of events, there was a parade of decorated cars traveling down Twelfth Street, today's Flagler Street, that concluded at Royal Palm Park.
OTD: July 20, 1912 - Construction began on John Sewell’s Halissee Hall
On July 20, 1912, construction began for John Sewell's Halissee Hall. It still stands today as part of the Jackson Medical Complex in Miami.
OTD: July 20, 1974 - Wynwood Park renamed Roberto Clemente Park
On July 20, 1974, Wynwood Park was renamed Roberto Clemente Park in honor of the all-star Puerto Rican baseball player for the Pittsburgh Pirates who died in a plane crash bringing aid to victims of an earthquake in Managua, Nicaraqua.
For more information about the history of the Wynwood neighborhood, click the button below.
OTD: July 21, 1911 - Miami Celebrates 15th Birthday with Air Show
On July 21, 1911, as part of the celebration of Miami's 15th birthday, the first aeroplane flight in Miami was flown over the golf grounds associated with the Royal Palm Hotel. The flight was piloted by aviation pioneer, Howard Gill.