In the Sun Shine State on this day in 1565 From the Diary of Father Francisco Lopez de Mendoza Grajales, Chaplain to Pedro Menendez’s expedition to Florida... “

At dawn on Saturday morning, the 18th, we were reassured. As we proceeded, we found banks in the middle of the sea, where waves broke. The pilots made their soundings, studying the depths required for navigation. In places we found 4 fathoms and in other places less. About two hours before sunset we saw the landmarks of a low uninhabitable island, Aguana. God was pleased to allow us to take the banks and the island by day, so we could guard against danger. It was certainly daylight by permission of our Master and His Blessed Mother. If it had been night we could not have failed being dashed to pieces on them. The danger seen, since none of the pilots knew this area, they agreed to lower sails and heave to by the island so that we would not be lost traveling at night.”

Francisco Lopez de Mendoza Grajales, Laudonniere and Fort Caroline.

In 1821 The Floridian, Pensacola’s first newspaper, was established.