Florida Department of State

We’re kicking off the first day of spring with a look back at this depression-era citrus label from the Bell Fruit Company, Inc. of Brooksville, Florida. Citrus labels were used in Florida from the late 1800s until the early 1960s, but their “golden era” dates from 1900 to 1939. Learn more about the citrus industry in Florida here: dos.fl.gov/historical/mus… @FLMemory @America250FL @OJfromFlorida

On March 19, 1894, as western Alachua County continued to grow, a post office was established under the name, “Newton.” A few months later, the name was changed to “Newberry.” Learn more about the history of Newberry, Florida here: markers.flheritage.com/home/details/48 Photo: Franklin Phosphate Company's No. 2 washer plant - Newberry, Florida. 1910. State Archives of Florida, @FLMemory.

President Grover Cleveland visited Jacksonville during his first term in 1888. The visit was captured in an article for Harper’s Weekly, a popular magazine at the time. President Cleveland was born #OTD in 1837, and was the 22nd and 24th President of the United States. Photo: President Grover Cleveland's visit : Jacksonville, Florida. 1888. State Archives of Florida, @FLMemory More here: floridamemory.com/items/show/7401.

Secretary of State @CordByrd announced that the Florida Division of Historical Resources received a donation of fifty-one silver objects from the 1715 Fleet Society. “On behalf of the Florida Department of State, I extend my sincere thanks to Mr. Richard Beleson and the 1715 Fleet Society for their generous donation,” said Secretary of State Cord Byrd. “These historic items have been added to the state’s public collections where they will be made available for exhibit, loan, and research for the benefit of all Floridians.” Learn more here: dos.fl.gov/communications…

#DYK the nation’s first St. Patrick’s Day Parade was held in St. Augustine on March 17, 1601? A Spanish colony at the time, records show the parade was held to honor the Catholic feast day of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. Today, cities across Florida host parades and events in celebration of the holiday. Photo: Rosenberg, Jan, Collector. People on float in St. Patrick's Day parade - Lake Worth, Florida. 1988-03-15. State Archives of Florida, @FLMemory floridamemory.com/items/show/109… @America250FL

When Florida became a popular tourist destination in the late 19th century, visitors bought souvenirs to remember their vacations. Featuring Florida’s state flower (the orange blossom), this porcelain souvenir was made in Germany to be sold in Florida. Learn more about Florida’s most popular souvenirs here: museumoffloridahistory.com/explore/collec…

Happy Pi Day! There’s nothing irrational about whipping up a Florida Orange Chiffon Pie. Learn how to create this citrusy confection by visiting @FLMemory: floridamemory.com/items/show/332…. Recipe is at the bottom of the page. Photo: Florida Orange Chiffon Pie by Florida Cypress Gardens, Inc. Preserved in the State Archives of Florida postcard collection. @America250FL

State Underwater Archaeologist Ryan Duggins talks about Florida’s underwater archaeology sites. The Manasota Key Offshore site dates back at least 7,000 years. This indigenous burial site, once on dry land, is now submerged under Gulf waters. Learn about the site here: dos.fl.gov/historical/arc…

Secretary Byrd Announces the Designation of the Pan American Airways Historic District in the National Register of Historic Places “I am pleased to announce that the Pan American Airways Historic District has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places,” said Secretary of State @CordByrd. “This district represents Florida’s leadership role in the history of aviation and innovation in the industry.” More here: dos.fl.gov/communications… @NatlParkService

In the early 1900’s, with the popularity of Coca-Cola skyrocketing, bottling plants began opening across Florida. Tampa was home to one of the first bottling plants that opened in 1902. Photo: Burgert Brothers. Coca-Cola Bottling Company - Tampa, Florida. 1921-02-05. State Archives of Florida, @FLMemory. More here: floridamemory.com/items/show/340… @CokeFlorida

Governor DeSantis Unveils Alexander Hamilton Statue in Hamilton County x.com/i/broadcasts/1…

Attention Florida Business Owners! There are 51 days left to file your Annual Report before the May 1 deadline. #DYK? Filing your Annual Report is necessary to renew the active status of your business; it does NOT require financial reporting. File early! The most convenient way to file is online: dos.fl.gov/sunbiz/manage-… In this clip from the Unsealed Podcast, Director Sean Toner of the Division of Corporations offers more benefits to filing your Annual Report early.

#OTD in 1783, the last naval battle of the American Revolution was fought off the coast of Cape Canaveral, Florida. Read the historical marker to find out which power won the day: markers.flheritage.com/home/details/1…

#DYK there are more than 11,000 vintage Florida postcards available at Florida Memory? Regardless of where you travel in the Sunshine State, there is bound to be one that inspires you! Download for free or order a print here: floridamemory.com. Just type “postcard” in the search bar to get started. @FLMemory is a service of the State Archives of Florida.

Don’t Forget! Spring Forward! Daylight Savings Time starts tomorrow. Set your manual clocks ahead one hour before you hit the pillow tonight. Photo: Weeki Wachee mermaid Peggy, underwater in her tail costume, with clock for a “Time Change” shoot. State Archives of Florida, @FLMemory. floridamemory.com/items/show/350…

Hello? #OTD in 1876, Alexander Graham Bell was granted a patent for the telephone. The first telephone exchange in Florida opened a few years later in Jacksonville. In 1994, Florida had only four area codes: 305, 407, 813 and 904. From 1994 to 2024, another 19 area codes were added. Photo: Southern Bell Telephone and Telegraph operators working switchboard - Jacksonville, Florida. 1915 (circa). State Archives of Florida, @FLMemory. More here: floridamemory.com/items/show/420…

#OTD in 1865 the Battle of Natural Bridge took place in Leon County. Confederate forces held their ground near present-day Woodville and prevented Union forces from capturing Tallahassee, the only Confederate capital east of the Mississippi River that was never occupied by Federal troops during the Civil War. Read the historical marker: markers.flheritage.com/home/details/4…

If you are in Tallahassee this Saturday, don’t forget about Grove Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Grove Day features activities, special tours, demonstrations, live music, food and more! For more information about The Grove Museum, visit the website: thegrovemuseum.com/programs/grove….

#OTD in 1954, The Creature from the Black Lagoon was released in the United States. The successful sci-fi horror film grossed over $3 million that year and was shot at Wakulla Springs and Silver Springs State Parks in Florida. More here: museumoffloridahistory.com/explore/collec… @FLMemory @America250FL @FLStateParks

#OTD in1824, Tallahassee was named Florida’s Capital city! The location was primarily chosen because the settlement was a midway point between St. Augustine and Pensacola, and three separate log cabins served as Florida’s first Capitol. Florida’s current Capitol, a twenty-two-story building, was completed in 1977. As we celebrate the 250th Anniversary of our nation, the building is decked out in red, white, and blue with exhibits honoring our founding and exploring our state’s history. More about the history of Florida’s State Capitol: dos.fl.gov/florida-facts/… @America250FL