October 14, 1961
Herndon Airport employees got an unexpected day off when a military operation during World War II banned civilian planes from flying for the day.
The operation was called "Operation Sky Shield" and the flight ban was to protect civilian aircraft during active military operations.
In all, some 32 major airline flights were cancelled.
Today, Herndon Airport is the Orlando Executive Airport and only private planes use the runways.
October 15, 1940
The first Orlando-built commercial airplane, called a Monocoupe Model 90-A, took flight at the municipal airport.
It was the first government approved commercial aircraft made in Florida.
After that first flight, the plane quickly sold to a Michigan man for just under $4,000.
Because of the plane's success, 50 more just like it were made within the next year.
October 16, 1940
Central Florida began draft registration for World War II.
Some 6,000 men registered, ranging in age from 21 to 36 years old.
Men were asked to familiarize themselves with personal questions that would be asked during the process.
In support of the patriotic occasion, public schools were granted a holiday and flags were flown at homes and business throughout Florida.
October 17, 1940
J.C. Penney opened its first store in Orlando. The store was located on Orange Ave.
The opening wasn't a big event and J.C. Penney's remained in business there for years.
After years of sporting an empty storefront, the building was renovated in 2005.
Today, the building is home to office condos, with the Orlando Utilities Commission using the ground floor as a customer service center.
October 18, 1979
The Florida Audubon Society Center for Birds of Prey opened in Maitland.
It was the state's first wildlife rehabilitation center. At first, the wildlife preserve treated about 60 birds a year.
Today, the center treats about 600 carnivorous birds on its 3.5-acre site. The center releases about 43 percent back into the wild.
October 19, 1944
One of the worst hurricanes in Central Florida's history hit the Orlando/Winter Park area.
The storm swept through Rollins College, leaving it covered with fallen trees and broken branches.
Around Winter Park old oak trees were snapped like toothpicks. Downtown Orlando suffered similar damage.
Cleanup costs totaled more than $150,000.
October 20, 1974
Former congressman Joseph Hendricks died in Lakeland at age 71.
Known as "Little Joe," Hendricks served as Florida's fifth district Congressman for 12 years. His six consecutive terms ran from 1936-48.
During his tenure, Hendricks played a key role in the U.S. Army Air Corps being established in Orlando.
He was also a strong supporter of local development and benefits for elderly citizens.