December 16, 1986
Seminole County was one step closer to solving their litter problem.
The price of recycled glass took a $15 jump, up from $55 a ton to $70 a ton. The cost worked out to be about a penny per 12 ounces.
Recycling advocates said that the increase led to a bigger interest in recycling.
December 17, 1977
A newly restored Fort Christmas was dedicated.
The rebuilt 1837 military structure at Fort Christmas Park was placed on the exact site of its historic predecessor.
It's located about a mile and a half north of the town of Christmas.
A 15-foot long gate marks the fort's boundary and a buried bicentennial time capsule will be opened in 2076.
December 18, 1889
The town of Sanford vies for the county seat.
At this time, the boundaries of Orange County included Sanford and Orlando, with Orlando being the seat of government for the county.
However, Sanford advocates argued that they had a great deal to offer for becoming a center of county and business affairs. They viewed Orlando as a no-so-promising backwoods settlement.
The debate went to vote and Orlando won with over 1900 votes, thus continuing the reign as the seat of government for Orange County.
December 19, 1972
The last Apollo moon mission came to an end as Apollo 17 returned to Earth.
Moon landing took place on Dec. 11, with two astronauts spending a little more than three days on the surface.
Those astronauts -- Harrison Schmitt and Commander Eugene A. Cernan -- were the last two humans to set foot on the moon, at least for now.
December 20, 1879
The telephone comes to Central Florida.
Southern Bell Telephone and Telegraph Company developed a service for about 1,200 subscribers in seven states, including Florida.
The technology was primitive compared to today's standards and financial backing for Southern Bell was limited because potential customers were struggling to recover from the Civil War.
December 21, 1968
Apollo 8 lifted off from Earth.
This was the first manned space flight ever to travel from earth to circle another planet.
A crew of three spent six days in space, traveling a half a million miles.
The mission included 10 lunar orbits, lunar and earth photography, and live TV broadcasts.
The pictures and information brought back from the mission contributed greatly to the scientific study of the moon and its surface.
December 22, 1963
Historic Hillcrest Elementary School burned down in a three hour fire.
The school had been part of the Central Florida community since 1924.
No one was hurt in the fire. Yet, it took over a year to get the school rebuilt and start classes.