December 30, 1951
One of the biggest revivals of the year was held here in Orlando by evangelist Billy Graham.
More than 11,000 people packed the stands at Tinker Field to worship and hear his message.
The event was sponsored by the Orange County Ministerial Association.
December 31, 1986
The Orlando-Orange County Expressway Authority raised tolls to 50 cents on the East West Expressway and the Bee Line.
The tolls were doubled to help pay for $433 million worth of toll road construction to be completed by 1990.
The expressway authority raised the tolls to 75 cents four years later.
This was to connect the East-West to the Turnpike and to extend the beltway in West Orange County.
January 1, 1983
One of Orlando's most famous stadiums got a name change.
After 30 years as the Tangerine Bowl, the stadium was officially renamed the Citrus Bowl.
The stadium was originally built in the 1930s to hold high school football games.
Through the years there have been several expansions.
Today the Citrus Bowl is home two bowl games around the holidays.
January 2, 1936
Central Florida's first tourist attraction, Cypress Gardens opened to visitors.
The attraction was known for its nature displays. Over the years, they added thrilling ski shows for guests to enjoy.
The theme park closed in April 2003 due to lagging attendance and money trouble.
It reopened as Cypress Gardens Adventure Park in December 2004, and continues to thrill guests today.
January 3, 1986
Osceola County Schools were over-crowded.
So, nearly 1,000 Osceola students were designated to two new schools. Five hundred others were re-assigned to existing schools.
The move was the most massive redistricting project the school board had ever implemented since the late 70s.
January 4, 1889
Known as the Dinky Railroad Line, the Orlando-Winter Park Railroad formally opened at 6:30 a.m.
The scenic route went from Lakemont Park in Winter Park to Orlando.
The railroad line stretched only 10 miles but it took one hour to reach each destination.
The cost for riding the Orlando-Winter Park Railroad was 15 cents each way.
January 5, 1888
The DeLand Electric Light Company wanted to brighten the streets of downtown DeLand.
The company proposed a plan to install three electric streetlights in the downtown section.
By the middle of the year, DeLand developed the nation's earliest commercial street lighting system, replacing the old candle powered lamps that had been in place for years.