1. In 1861, Florida became the third state to secede from the United States in the lead up to the Civil War. This decision was made on January 9th at a convention held in Tallahassee, and Florida would go on to join the Confederacy.

2. In 1913, the city of Miami was incorporated. Located in the southeastern part of the state, Miami would go on to become a major hub of tourism, international trade, and cultural diversity.

3. In 1957, the first meeting of the Florida Legislative Investigation Committee, also known as the Johns Committee, took place in Tallahassee. This committee was known for its investigations into communism, homosexuality, and other perceived threats to the state's political and social order, and its activities were highly controversial.

4. In 1963, the Kennedy Space Center, located on Florida's east coast, was officially opened by President John F. Kennedy. The center would go on to become a key site for NASA's space exploration efforts, including the Apollo moon landing missions and the Space Shuttle program.

5. In 2007, Florida quarterback Tim Tebow became the first sophomore to win the Heisman Trophy, which is given annually to the most outstanding college football player in the United States. Tebow went on to have a successful career in the NFL and is also known for his commitment to philanthropy and social causes.