1. On May 12, 1822, the United States officially assumed control over all of Florida, which had previously been under Spanish control. This transition marked the beginning of a new era for the state, with American settlers and a new government taking over.

2. May 12, 1909, saw the signing of the Buckman Act, which reorganized the state's system of higher education. The act established six new state universities and reorganized the existing ones, laying the foundation for the modern university system that exists today in Florida.

3. In 1949, on May 12, the Everglades National Park was dedicated. This vast wilderness area covers over 1.5 million acres and is home to an incredible variety of plant and animal species. It is one of the largest national parks in the United States.

4. On May 12, 1984, Florida became the first state to pass a law allowing the use of DNA evidence in criminal trials. The law paved the way for more accurate and reliable criminal investigations, and helped to revolutionize the way that law enforcement agencies operate.

5. Finally, May 12, 2008, was a significant date for space enthusiasts in Florida, as it marked the launch of NASA's Phoenix Mars Lander. The spacecraft traveled over 422 million miles to reach the Red Planet, where it carried out valuable scientific research and helped to further our understanding of the universe.