1. On January 1, 1914, the Panama Canal officially opened, connecting the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean. This was a significant event for Florida, as the state’s ports became major hubs for shipping trade between the two oceans.

2. On January 1, 1945, Florida was hit by a devastating hurricane, known as the “San Juan Hurricane”. The storm caused extensive damage to the state’s infrastructure, buildings, and homes, and resulted in several deaths and injuries.

3. January 1, 1971 marked the first Orange Bowl game played in Miami, Florida. The University of Nebraska defeated Louisiana State University, 17-12, in front of a crowd of over 76,000 people.

4. On January 1, 1978, the Miami Herald published an investigative report exposing the shocking abuse and mistreatment of inmates at the Florida State Prison in Raiford, Florida. The report, titled “Behind Bars: Florida’s Shame”, sparked nationwide outrage and led to significant reforms within the state’s prison system.

5. January 1, 1998 marked the day that Florida’s “truth in sentencing” laws went into effect. These laws mandated that prisoners must serve at least 85% of their sentences before becoming eligible for parole or release, and were implemented as a response to rising crime rates and concerns over public safety.