The State Library of Florida provides access to information about the government, history and culture of Florida. Social Media Policy: https://xitter.cf/t.co/ooe5aATMmJ

Tallahassee, FL
Joined June 2013
October is the beginning of citrus season in Florida, as oranges, mandarins, and tangerines all ripen between October and June. Citrus, particularly the orange, is emblematic of Florida, serving as the state’s fruit, flower, and beverage, @OJfromFlorida. To learn more about the Sunshine State’s history with citrus, explore the @MuseumFLHistory’s ‘Florida Citrus Crate Label Collection', museumoffloridahistory.com/e….
5
27
585
On October 15, 1964, “Bullet Bob” Hayes, a Jacksonville native, won a Gold Medal at the Tokyo Olympics in the 100-yard dash, setting a world record in the process. Following his Olympic victory, Hayes was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys as a wide receiver, where his immense speed was responsible for creating zone-defense and ‘bump and run’ tactics to contain him. Hayes was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2009. I mage Credit- @FLMemory (26679), floridamemory.com/items/show…!
1
2
7
356
🚨 10/7: Tropical Storm #Isaias may bring significant impacts to portions of the Florida Panhandle & Big Bend. Multiple watches are in effect: ⚠️ Tropical Storm Watches: Coastal Franklin, Coastal Jefferson & Coastal Wakulla ⚠️ Hurricane Watches: Bay, Coastal Escambia, Coastal Okaloosa, Coastal Santa Rosa, Gulf & Walton ⚠️ Storm Surge Watches: Bay, Dixie, Escambia, Franklin, Gulf, Jefferson, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Taylor, Wakulla & Walton Residents in areas expecting impacts should prepare now & continue monitoring the latest forecast.
1
24
4
59
9,127
State Library of FL retweeted
Stay informed and weather-aware at FloridaDisaster.org/Updates.
❓ You’ve heard the terms, but do you know what they mean? Brush up on tropical weather terms & alerts so you can: ℹ️ Understand important information 📝 Know what actions to take ⌚ Know when it’s time to act Stay informed & weather-aware at FloridaDisaster.org/Updates.
2
12
468
State Library of FL retweeted
In 1885, the only United States Life Saving Station on the Florida East Coast was built in Jupiter, Florida, to rescue shipwrecked mariners and passengers. Staffed from September to April, uniformed Surfmen stood watch in the tower and patrolled the beach. At the beginning of World War I, the Life Saving Service merged with the Revenue Cutter Service creating the United States Coast Guard, @USCG. For more information about the Jupiter Life Saving Station, visit this Division of Historical Resources webpage here: Florida Historical Marker Details - Markers markers.flheritage.com/home/…
11
65
1,391
State Library of FL retweeted
Foundation of Florida: The Early Years of Freshwater Fish Research Since Florida’s freshwater fisheries research began in 1946, fisheries biologists have conducted field studies to collect data that fuels decision-making to protect and conserve freshwater ecosystems across the state. Today, the FWC Research Institute champions freshwater fisheries research efforts, running in-depth projects ranging from species assessments to long-term monitoring of freshwater communities. Follow @MyFWC and @FWCResearch to learn more about the FWRI’s impact.
1
4
13
851
State Library of FL retweeted
Lake Griffin State Park has a long history shaped by the people and landscapes of Central Florida. By the late 1800s, settlers arrived and the land was used for farming, citrus and even a turpentine still in the early 1900s. The state began purchasing the property in 1946 under the Murphy Lands Act, eventually adding more acreage and receiving a small donation from the City of Fruitland Park. Work on this @FLStateParks facility started in 1961, and Lake Griffin State Park officially opened to the public in 1963. Plan your adventure at FloridaStateParks.org. Before you visit, check the KNOW BEFORE YOU GO section on the park’s webpage for real-time updates and helpful information.
2
12
304
State Library of FL retweeted
The first Florida driver licensing law, enacted back in 1939, required everyone wishing to obtain a license to fill out an application and pay a fee. This is an early license issued from the then Department of Public Safety that is part of FLHSMV today. @America250FL #TBT
3
3
2
17
1,687
Be Election Ready! General Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. #DYK it is illegal to film or photograph the polling place? Florida laws allow voters to take pictures of their ballot – and only their ballot – in the voting booth. No ballot selfies allowed! To learn more about elections in Florida visit our Division of Elections FAQ page here: dos.fl.gov/elections/contact…
6
11
396
Floridians from all walks of life, both military personnel and civilians, provided tremendous aid during World War II. One unique way civilians gave back was by joining the Aircraft Warning Service, a series of nearly 900 elevated structures which alerted the US Army Air Corps to any adversarial aircraft. In December 1943, civilian spotters correctly identified a previously captured German JU-88 bomber over West Palm Beach. Learn more about this remarkable program here floridamemory.com/items/show…. Photo Credit: - State Archives of Florida, @FLMemory
1
5
2
19
709
Pensacola Junior College opened its doors #OTD in 1948. As the first public Junior College created by the Florida Legislature, the initial class had 136 students. Today, @PensacolaState College, whose name changed in 2010, serves nearly 10,000 students seeking an associate’s or a bachelor’s degree. Learn more by reading the historical marker here, markers.flheritage.com/home/…
1
2
11
405
Twenty-five years later, we remember the lives lost on 9/11. Today, we honor the courage of the first responders and emergency personnel, including those from Florida, who immediately deployed to Ground Zero risking their own lives to help when America needed them most. Photo: Members of the Florida Urban Search and Rescue Task Force, @MiamiDadeFire, prepare to enter Ground Zero, FEMA News Photo (FEMA Photo by Michael Rieger/Released)
8
23
472
In August 1961, NASA announced the purchase of 125 square miles of land in Brevard County, to be used as the launch site for the Apollo missions. Cape Canaveral was one of 8 locations @NASA considered, and several factors contributed to the site being chosen including being on the flight path for existing tracking stations. Today, Cape Canaveral serves as America’s gateway to the stars, hosting NASA missions, as well as private operator launches. To learn more about the origins of Cape Canaveral, check out this exhibit from @FLMemory here: floridamemory.com/learn/exhi…
1
14
3
76
2,222
To celebrate National Aviation Week, an annual celebration of the history and innovation of flight, we're highlighting this incredible promotional photo of Orlando Municipal Airport.
2
9
247
State Library of FL retweeted
Get ready for a new school year, Florida! As students head back to class this August, help them warm up their minds with the @America250FL edition Exploring Florida activity book—packed with fun facts, puzzles, and Florida history. From the @MuseumFLHistory, it’s a fun way to get your student reengaged with learning. Download it here: museumoffloridahistory.com/m…
1
5
1
16
473
State Library of FL retweeted
Celebrate National Coloring Book Day by downloading the Florida Symbols Coloring Book! Learn about Florida state animals like the Florida Panther and Florida Cracker Horse along with other icons that make The Sunshine State feel like home! Get your free download here: dos.fl.gov/florida-facts/kid…
3
1
17
427
If you're in Tallahassee Saturday, check out The Grove Museum! Secretary Byrd Announces Back-to-School Field Day at The Grove Museum “This year’s Back-to-School Field Day is an opportunity to celebrate America250FL before school starts,” said Secretary of State @CordByrd. “The event offers a fun way for families to create lasting memories together while discovering more about our nation’s rich heritage and Florida’s unique and vital role in shaping our shared history.” More information here: dos.fl.gov/communications/pr…
6
17
395
. @NASA was created #OTD in 1958. The Division of Library and Information Services, has compiled a list of STEM and space activities for space lovers from elementary to high school and beyond. Learn how to build your own rocket or make a bedroom planetarium. Read about solar flares and explore information about planets and stars. This free resource is great for parents, teachers, and homeschoolers: dos.fl.gov/library-archives/…
5
10
388
State Library of FL retweeted
Roaming deep within the cypress forests, the Florida Panther is one of our state’s most extraordinary mammals; a truly American cat and a living symbol of Florida’s unique ecological heritage. For over four decades, @MyFWC has been fiercely dedicated to protecting panthers – a mission that began in 1981 with captures, radio-collaring, and assessment of the genetic health of the population. In 1995, genetic rescue helped avert the extinction of our panthers and assisted with making headway towards recovery of this endangered population. Today, biologists continue to work hard to ensure the long-term future of the Florida Panther, with research focused on habitat connectivity, genetic monitoring, range expansion, and the impact of various diseases on the population. To learn more about current research or how to report a sighting, visit the Official FWC Florida Panther Program webpage: bit.ly/FWC_Panther
2
6
37
933
Advertised as “America’s Largest Flea Market,” Flea World opened in Sanford in 1981, the creation of Central Florida entrepreneur Syd Levy. Once described by the Orlando Sentinel as the “poor man’s mall,” it occupied 104 acres with 400,000 sq. ft. of covered shopping space.
2
3
1
13
1,027