Historically St. Pete

From Swamp to Suburbs: The Making of Broward County

On April 30, 1915, what we now know as Broward County was almost named Everglades County. Lawmakers were preparing to create…

McGriff’s First Big Swing of ’99 Still Echoes Today

On April 29, 1999, Fred McGriff finally broke through with his first home run of the season, part of a strong…

Meet Ed Lewis, One of St. Pete’s First Powerhouses

When the Orange Belt Railroad rolled into St. Petersburg on June 8, 1888, 16-year-old Ed Lewis was already there, greeting the…

HISTORICALLY ST. PETE Rui Farias: Rowdies Legend Clyde Best & New Documentary

A Merger on the Bay: St. Pete’s 1909 Turning Point

In spring of 1909, two of St. Petersburg’s competing steamship lines joined forces, ending years of rivalry on the waters of…

From Cattle Trails to Horseless Carriages

In November 1905, St. Petersburg got its first glimpse of the future when Edwin Tomlinson brought the city’s first automobile to…

The Birth of the Conch Republic

On April 23, 1982, the Florida Keys made headlines for something no one saw coming. Frustrated by a federal roadblock that…

Richard Nixon’s 1970 Visit and His Final Chapter

On April 22, 1994, former President Richard Nixon died at the age of 81 following a stroke. He passed away in…

How Citrus Juiced Florida’s Identity

In 1967, the Florida Legislature officially adopted orange juice as the state beverage, and Governor Claude Kirk (pictured) signed the measure…

A Tough Start & a Swift Change for Tampa Bay

On April 18, 2001, the Tampa Bay Devil Rays made an early-season change, firing manager Larry Rothschild after a 4–10 start.

George Jenkins and the Grocery Store That Changed Florida

George Jenkins opened his first Publix grocery store in Winter Haven on April 19, 1930, setting in motion a company built…

The Secret Operation That Began in Florida

Florida played a central role in the lead-up to the Bay of Pigs invasion, serving as the staging ground for one…