March 16, 1989
A local woman receives a prestigious national honor.
Beverly Chapman was named the Disabled American of the Year. A presidential committee gave her the award because of her extensive service for the local disabled community.
Chapman did not let paralysis from muscular dystrophy keep her from many accomplishments. She was the 1977 Miss Wheelchair America.
In 1978, she founded the local Center for Independent Living.
March 17, 1946
The integration of baseball comes to Central Florida.
Jackie Robinson played his first exhibition game in Daytona Beach.
Robinson was the first African-American to play in the Major Leagues, suiting up for the Brooklyn Dodgers.
Robinson used his popularity to promote equality in America, breaking the boundaries of professional sports.
Today a stadium in Daytona Beach bears his name.
March 18, 1960
To commemorate the life and works of A.B. Herndon, the Orlando Municipal Airport was renamed in his honor.
Herndon served the city for many years as the Superintendent of Public Works.
The airport named for him was opened in 1928 and was Orlando's first airport.
Today, Herndon Airport is called the Orlando Executive Airport.
March 19, 1967
The groundbreaking was held for a new state university.
The site for the school was decided in 1966 and soon after the name Florida Technological University was approved.
Florida Tech was located 10 miles northeast of Orlando.
The university officially opened in 1968, but the school's name was later changed to the University of Central Florida, which still thrives today.
March 20, 1987
Members of the Sea Turtle Preservation Society began raising money to further their cause.
The group was patrolling South Brevard County beaches during the turtle nesting season, but needed top-notch equipment to catch poachers.
In the past they relied on flashlights and patrolled on foot, but the money raised would help purchase infrared goggles and three-wheeled motorcycles.
March 21, 1972
A disaster in Orlando after an Air Force B-52 crashed into a housing community.
The plane was approaching McCoy Air Force Base after multiple engine failures.
The crash killed eight, including a 10-year-old on the ground. Eight others on the ground were hurt.
But it could have been much worse. The crew decided not to eject, stay with the plane and steer it away from nearby homes.
Today, McCoy Air Force Base is the site of the Orlando International Airport.
March 22, 1993
Plans began moving forward to build a supermarket in the Washington Shores neighborhood.
The project was the largest commercial undertaking ever in the predominantly African-American community.
After four years, Premier Foods opened up shop in 1997. The store later changed its name to SuperValu, but within five years, the supermarket was shut down and remains closed today.