1. Andrew Jackson captured Pensacola in 1818
On April 19, 1818, General Andrew Jackson and his troops captured Pensacola, marking an important victory in the First Seminole War. Jackson had been given orders to pursue hostile Indian tribes into Florida, but he went beyond his orders and also took possession of Spanish forts in Florida, including Pensacola.

2. Florida seceded from the Union in 1861
On April 19, 1861, Florida seceded from the United States and joined the Confederate States of America. The state had been a slave state and its politicians supported the institution of slavery, which was a major factor in the state's decision to secede.

3. The Miami River flooded in 1926
On April 19, 1926, the Miami River flooded due to heavy rainfall, causing extensive damage to the city. The floodwaters reached up to six feet high in some areas and caused widespread destruction of property. The event spurred the construction of the Miami River Canal, which helped mitigate future flooding in the area.

4. Florida Marlins played their first game in 1993
On April 19, 1993, the Florida Marlins played their first game in Major League Baseball. The team, which was established as an expansion team, won their first game against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Marlins went on to win the World Series twice in their relatively short history.

5. Jeb Bush signed the "Stand Your Ground" law in 2005
On April 19, 2005, Florida Governor Jeb Bush signed the controversial "Stand Your Ground" law, which permits individuals to use deadly force in a public place if they feel threatened. The law gained national attention following the shooting of Trayvon Martin in 2012, which reignited the debate over the law's effectiveness and appropriateness.