In Boon for Florida, Obama Will Normalize Full Diplomatic Relations With Cuba After 53 Years of Cold WarDecember 17, 2014 | FlaglerLive | 11 CommentsThe two nations will open embassies in Havana and Washington, D.C., 53 years and 10 presidents after Dwight Eisenhower, citing “self-respect,” closed the American Embassy in the Cuban capital on Jan. 3, 1961.