During World War II, the cash-strapped U.S. government almost cut off Key West, according to "Land of Sunshine, State of Dreams: A Social History of Modern Florida" author Gary Mormino. "The federal government seriously considered eliminating Key West and turning it over as a preserve. The city was bankrupt in the 1930s and by 1943 you couldn't rent a room there." [Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
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