1. In 1542, Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto reached Tampa Bay, becoming the first European to explore the area that would later become the state of Florida.

2. On December 8, 1835, the Seminole Wars began in Florida. The wars were fought between the United States government and Seminole Native Americans who refused to relocate to Indian Territory in Oklahoma.

3. In 1941, the United States entered World War II after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Florida became an important location for military training and defense due to its strategic location and warm climate.

4. On December 8, 1974, the city of Tampa held its first Gasparilla Pirate Festival. The festival is held annually and features a pirate invasion, parades, and other events.

5. In 2004, the deadliest hurricane season in Florida's history came to an end. The state was hit by four major hurricanes that year, including Hurricane Charley, Hurricane Frances, Hurricane Ivan, and Hurricane Jeanne. The storms caused billions of dollars in damage and resulted in the evacuation of millions of residents.