1. Valentine's Day Massacre: On February 14, 1929, seven members of Chicago's North Side Gang were murdered in Chicago by members of Al Capone's gang. Among those killed was John May, who owned a winter home in Sarasota, Florida. It is said that May's murder prompted concern among wealthy residents of the area about the reach of organized crime.

2. Space Shuttle Columbia Disaster: On February 1, 2003, the Space Shuttle Columbia disintegrated upon re-entry into Earth's atmosphere, killing all seven crew members. The tragedy had a strong impact on the state of Florida, as the shuttle launch and landing facilities are located at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral.

3. Founding of St. Augustine: On February 14, 1565, Spanish explorer Pedro Menéndez de Avilés founded the city of St. Augustine, which is now the oldest continuously inhabited city in the United States. The city played a significant role in shaping the history of Florida and the country at large.

4. Great Miami Hurricane: On September 18, 1926, a powerful hurricane made landfall in Miami, Florida, causing significant damage and loss of life. The storm is estimated to have caused over $100 million in damage (equivalent to over $1 billion today) and is considered one of the most destructive in Florida's history.

5. Florida Statehood: On March 3, 1845, Florida officially became the 27th state in the United States. The road to statehood was a long and controversial one, with various territorial governments vying for power and influence. Today, Florida is one of the most populous and diverse states in the country, with a rich history and culture all its own.