December 2, 1985
Cypress Gardens introduced new shows to attract visitors to the theme park.
The park launched the new entertainment following a four year drop in attendance.
A new high dive show and freestyle ski jumping attraction thrilled guests.
In April 2003, the park closed due to money troubles and falling attendance. But with new owners, Cypress Gardens is once again open for business.
December 3, 1922
Orlando High School officially opened its doors to students. The new building, located on Lake Eola, was both a high school and junior high at first.
In 1923, the building was dedicated to the soldiers and sailors of World War I and then renamed Memorial High School.
Memorial High started the first Honor Society in Central Florida, as well as the first student council.
December 4, 1957
The Orlando division of the Glenn L. Martin Company opened its doors.
The company specialized in building defense missiles, and this Orlando plant was on the west side of Orange Blossom Trail. It was 10 square miles plus 900 acres.
The Martin Company later became Martin Marietta, and it's what is known as Lockheed Martin today, still specializing in defense production.
December 5, 1901
Walt Disney was born.
Disney spent much of his life touching the lives of others.
Born in Chicago, Walt's vision later lead to Central Florida's largest employer, Walt Disney World.
In fact, the Magic Kingdom's Main Street USA is based on the small Missouri town where Walt grew up.
December 6, 1985
The Orlando-Orange County Expressway Authority announced plans for an expansion on State Road 408.
The toll road would go west from Colonial Drive to Aloma, but the only problem was nearby wetlands.
Therefore, when the extension opened in 1989, 408 went around the wetlands and ended up running from Kirkman Road to the Florida Turnpike.
December 7, 1941
In a day that would live in infamy, Japanese planes attacked Pearl Harbor in Hawaii.
In the weeks following the attacks Central Floridians helped with the war efforts by recycling tin and other metals for use in building ships, planes and tanks.
Food was also rationed to families, forcing many to grow their own fruits and vegetables in Victory Gardens. More than 2,000 Americans died in the sneak attack. On the U.S.S. Arizona, 10 alone were from Florida.
The official declaration of war against Japan came one day later, Dec. 8.
December 8, 1943
Singer-songwriter Jim Morrison was born in Melbourne. Morrison later became the lead singer for the Doors.
His lyrics captivated audiences with songs about violence, sex and death. Morrison compared himself to a shooting star.
However, that star fell in 1971 when Morrison passed away.