1) In 1968, the Republican National Convention was held at the Miami Beach Convention Center from August 5th to the 8th. Richard Nixon was nominated as the party's presidential candidate.

2) On May 3, 1901, the Jacksonville fire began and ultimately killed seven people and left 9,000 people homeless. It was one of the worst disasters in the city's history.

3) In 1987, the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, which spans across Tampa Bay, was dedicated. The bridge replaced the old structure that collapsed in 1980 after being hit by a freighter.

4) May 3, 1974, marked the opening of Walt Disney World's first water park, River Country. The park eventually closed in 2001 but its opening was a significant milestone for the theme park industry.

5) In 1922, the first Miami International University of Art & Design opened as an independent college. This institution has since provided thousands of students with training in various creative disciplines.