1. On January 16, 1942, the U.S. government authorized the establishment of a new military base in Tampa, Florida. The base, named MacDill Air Force Base, was built to provide training and support for military personnel during World War II. Today, it is home to the U.S. Central Command and U.S. Special Operations Command.

2. On January 16, 1968, the first launch of a Saturn V rocket took place from Cape Canaveral. The rocket, carrying the Apollo 5 spacecraft, was a major milestone in the U.S. space program and paved the way for the later Apollo missions to the moon.

3. In 2006, on January 16, Walt Disney World celebrated its 100 millionth guest since opening in 1971. The guest, who received a lifetime pass to the park, was a lucky family from Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

4. On January 16, 1931, the first commercial airline service in Florida began operating between Miami and the Bahamas. The airline, named Pan American Airways, later became one of the world's largest international airlines.

5. On January 16, 1991, the Persian Gulf War began with the launch of Operation Desert Storm. Many military personnel from Florida were sent to serve in the conflict, which lasted until February 28 of that year. The war marked a significant moment in U.S. military history and remains a topic of debate and discussion today.