March 23, 1965
Astronaut John Young took Orlando's name into orbit. He became the first resident of the City Beautiful to go into space.
Young and one other astronaut orbited the Earth aboard the capsule Molly Brown.
His mission was deemed a success.
Today we honor John Young every time we use John Young Parkway.
March 24, 1883
The City of Kissimmee was incorporated.
The city was originally a small trading post on the northern bank of Lake Toho.
At the time, Kissimmee's economy relied mostly on cattle and sugar cane.
The area was also known for its wild reputation, with ranchers stopping by to fill up on alcohol.
March 25, 1910
The town of Mount Dora was incorporated.
The area in Lake County was originally settled in the late 1800s. It was called Royellou, which is a combination of names of the first postmaster's three children.
In 1883, it was renamed Mount Dora to correspond with the city's main waterway.
Today, Mount Dora is known for its huge annual art festival which draws in thousands.
March 26, 1992
More Central Florida parents started pulling their students out of local schools.
Four of the six Central Florida school districts reported more home schooling registrations.
Parents said they felt the schools couldn't give their children the time and attention they deserved. Most wanted to work one-on-one with their kids.
As the home schooling grew, so did community programs and classes geared towards the students.
March 27, 1924
Orlando's origins were commemorated by the Daughters of the American Revolution. They erected a stone marker at the site of Old Fort Gatlin.
Fort Gatlin was an Army post built in 1838. It served its purpose for 10 years. Eight years later, the area's name was permanently changed to Orlando.
Today that historical marker remains at the intersection of Summerlin and Gatlin avenues.
March 28, 1974
Ground was broken in Loch Haven Park for the expansion of the Orlando Science Center.
The project was made possible by funds from the Edyth Bush Charitable Foundation.
The $225,000 grant was spread out over three years.
Once the addition was complete, the Orlando Science Center would house more scientific models and exhibits.
March 29, 1987
Ocoee passes legislation to make it hard for adult entertainment clubs to set up shop in the city.
The ordinance restricted the businesses to designated commercial areas.
Showing certain parts of the body was strictly forbidden.
The measure was prompted by the growing number of complaints of adult clubs along South Orange Blossom Trail.
Leaders feared the club owners were trying to invade their city.