December 9, 1938
Football star Deacon Jones was born. Jones grew up in the historically African-American town of Eatonville.
He later became one of the most decorated players in NFL history. Jones played for the Los Angeles Rams, San Diego Chargers and Washington Redskins.
The highlight of his career came in 1980 when Jones was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
December 10, 1941
A local man makes history at the start of World War II.
Capt. Colin Kelly, Jr., of Orlando, died after being sent on a bomb mission to attack Japanese ships.
At first it was thought he hit the battleship Haruna, but it ended up being a launch transporter.
The war with Japan had just started two days earlier following the bombing of Pearl Harbor.
While Kelly died in the explosion, he was later awarded the Distinguished Service Cross.
December 11, 1911
The steam engine was silenced in Orlando.
The Orlando Town Council voted all railroad steam engines must refrain from sounding their whistles while inside the city limits. Residents said the whistles were a disturbance.
Today train whistles are common day and night as they roll through the City Beautiful.
December 12, 1934
This was the first day of a severe two-day freeze which threatened Central Florida's citrus industry.
As a result, the Federal-State Frost Warning Service was established. The Federal-State Frost Warning Service was developed by the U.S. Weather Service and has had extraordinary success in predicting weather changes.
That information has since enabled growers to take the necessary measures to protect their crops, saving thousands of dollars.
December 13, 1954
Country western singer John Anderson was born in Apopka.
His 1983 song "Swinging" was the Country Music Song of the Year and Single of the Year.
He achieved the Country Music Association's Album of the Year in 1994, and Comeback Artist of the Year in 1995.
December 14, 1952
The Pine Hills development opened to the public.
The new area counted more than 300 homes, with more on the way. Developers hoped to encourage merchants to join the Pine Hills community to further its residential and commercial growth.
Pine Hills is now a well-known Central Florida community.
December 15, 1940
Crews began construction on a 156-mile extension that would make the Florida Turnpike accessible to Orlando residents.
The plant was to build an extension that would run from Ft. Pierce to Wildwood. Groundbreaking took place in Orlando because of the considerable interest in the project.