1. In 1824, the first permanent bridge in Florida was completed on May 4 over the Escambia River in Pensacola. The bridge was constructed by John Guion, a prominent Pensacola resident.

2. On May 4, 1865, the last Confederate-held city in Florida, Tallahassee, surrendered to Union forces, effectively ending the American Civil War in the state.

3. The first commercial flight from the United States to Cuba occurred on May 4, 1927, when a Pan American Airways flight departed from Key West and landed in Havana. This flight marked a significant milestone in aviation history and paved the way for future international travel.

4. In 1971, the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando officially opened its doors to the public on May 4. The resort has since become one of Florida's most popular tourist destinations and symbolizes the state's deep ties to the entertainment industry.

5. On May 4, 1980, a major fire broke out at the Sunshine Skyway Bridge in Tampa Bay, causing a section of the bridge to collapse and resulting in 35 fatalities. The disaster sparked significant safety improvements in bridge design and construction across the country.