On September 2, 2013, Diana Nyad came ashore at this point on Smathers Beach after swimming 110.86 miles nonstop from Havana to Key West, the first person to achieve this crossing without a shark cage. She succeeded on her fifth attempt in 52 hours and 54 minutes, after first attempting the feat in 1978. Thousands gathered here and millions worldwide took inspiration from the 64-year-old's first words upon realizing her lifelong dream: "Never, Ever, Give Up."