1. In 1521, the Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon was fatally wounded by a Calusa arrow in what is now Southwest Florida. This injury ultimately led to his death shortly after returning to Havana, Cuba.

2. On May 18, 1845, Florida officially became the 27th state to join the United States. This event marked the end of nearly 300 years of Spanish rule and made Florida the first state to be admitted to the Union in over a decade.

3. In 1896, the disastrous Great Miami Hurricane made landfall on May 18, causing widespread damage and destruction throughout South Florida. The storm resulted in over 400 fatalities, making it one of the deadliest hurricanes in US history.

4. On May 18, 1929, the City of Miami dedicated its new city hall building, which had been designed by noted architect August Geiger. The building is still in use today and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

5. In 1980, the eruption of Mount Saint Helens in Washington state led to an unusual phenomenon in Florida. The ash plume from the volcano's eruption was carried by prevailing winds across the country and reached Florida on May 18, resulting in a hazy sky and spectacular sunsets.