1. In 1944, the last organized Japanese resistance on Saipan was crushed by American forces led by soldiers of the American 27th Infantry Division, which included the National Guard from Florida. Saipan was a strategic island in the Pacific and played a critical role in the battle against Japan in World War II.

2. In 1947, the Bahama Islands gained more autonomy from British rule when a new constitution came into effect. This allowed for a greater degree of self-government and paved the way for eventual independence in 1973. The Bahamas have long been a popular destination for Floridians seeking sun, sand, and relaxation.

3. In 1982, the Florida Board of Regents approved the establishment of the Florida Women's Hall of Fame, which honors women who have made significant contributions to the state. The first group of inductees included such notable figures as Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, Zora Neale Hurston, and Julia Tuttle.

4. In 1999, Governor Jeb Bush ordered a statewide recount of all ballots in the presidential election, which had been decided by a narrow margin in Florida. The recount was a controversial and closely-watched event, ultimately leading to the Supreme Court's decision in Bush v. Gore, which effectively decided the election in favor of George W. Bush.

5. In 2000, the Florida Marlins won their second World Series championship in a thrilling seven-game series against the New York Yankees. The Marlins had only been in existence for eight years, making them one of the youngest teams ever to win the championship.