In the Sunshine State on this day in 1777 John Bartram, who published his Journal about his exploration of the St. John’s River, died today in Philadelphia.

In 1898 U.S. Navy ships began the task of bringing military personnel, evacuated in August, back to navy installations in Key West. The city had been evacuated because of a yellow fever scare. The feared epidemic did not materialize.

In 1958 The Florida Institute of Technology (known as Brevard Engineering College and as "Countdown College") --- held its first classes on this day. 154 "missilemen" enrolled for courses.

In 1959 petitions to end segregation at Jacksonville’s golf and recreation facilities were presented to the city commission by a delegation of African-American citizens.