1. Florida became a state on October 1, 1845
On this day, Florida became the 27th state to join the United States of America. Prior to this, Florida had been a territory since 1822.

2. The deadliest train accident in Florida happened on October 1, 1956
A passenger train collided with a freight train near the city of Bithlo, killing 19 people and injuring over 100. The wreckage and carnage were so devastating that it took rescuers over 14 hours to pull out all the surviving passengers.

3. The first mosquito control district in Florida was established on October 1, 1929
In response to a yellow fever outbreak during the early 20th century, Florida created the first-ever mosquito control district to combat the disease. The district was established in Indian River County and paved the way for similar agencies to be created throughout the state.

4. Hurricane Opal made landfall in Florida on October 1, 1995
Opal was a Category 3 storm that struck the Florida Panhandle, causing widespread damage and flooding. The hurricane resulted in 27 deaths and over $3 billion in damages.

5. The Florida Marlins won their first playoff game in team history on October 1, 1997
In the team's first postseason game ever, the Marlins defeated the San Francisco Giants 2-1. The Marlins would go on to win the World Series that year, cementing their place in Florida sports history.