Below are 5 interesting facts about March 17 in Florida history:

1. In 1568, Hernando De Soto, a Spanish explorer, reached Florida's west coast on March 17th. He named the area Espiritu Santo (Holy Spirit) Bay and it is now known as Tampa Bay.

2. The first St. Patrick's Day parade in the United States was held in St. Augustine, Florida in 1601. Spanish soldiers march to the local Catholic Church in honor of their patron saint, St. Patrick.

3. On March 17, 1823, Key West, Florida, was officially incorporated as a city. Today, the island city hosts a lively St. Patrick's Day celebration with a parade, party, and green beer.

4. A former professional football player, Emmitt Smith, was born in Pensacola, Florida on March 17, 1969. Smith played 15 seasons in the NFL, mostly for the Dallas Cowboys, and is a three-time Super Bowl champion.

5. On March 17, 2014, Florida State University won the NCAA men's basketball championship for the first time in school history. The Seminoles defeated the Auburn Tigers 79-61 in the championship game held in Atlanta, Georgia.