FLLibraryDevelopment

Florida Department of State
Division of Library and Information Services
Bureau of Library Development

[State Library of FL @StateLibraryFL]

#DYK about the legend of Spook Hill? A famous gravity hill in Lake Wales, there are two legends associated with the area. One talks of the ghosts of retired pirates who push cars uphill as a prank. In the other, the spirits of a chief and a giant alligator are the cause.

[America250FL @America250FL]

The construction of the Castillo de San Marcos began #OTD in 1672.

The Castillo has served as a protector and landmark of St. Augustine for centuries, and played a role in the American Revolution, when Christopher Gadsden, Thomas Heyward Jr., Arthur Middleton, and Edward Rutledge were imprisoned there. All from South Carolina, Heyward, Middleton and Rutledge signed the Declaration of Independence while Gadsden was a politician and Colonel.

Learn more about the Castillo de San Marcos, @NatlParkService, as well as dozens of other historic and heritage sites, at https://t.co/WJCet0ALrX.
Image Credit- State Archives of Florida (Image Number – 161480) @FLMemory

[Florida Department of State @FLSecofState]

The University of South Florida in Hillsborough County officially welcomed its first class on September 26, 1960. Students began their studies on a former World War II airfield site called Henderson Field.

A grand opening ceremony marked the start of classes outside the John and Grace Allen Building. @USouthFlorida became the first major state university planned and built from the ground up in the 20th century.

Photo: @FLMemory, https://t.co/Z29s58qQqT

[FLLibraryDevelopment @FLLibDev]

Florida Library Staff: Please join us for our Adult Literacy and ESOL Discussion!
8/20/26
3 - 4 p.m. Eastern
To register, please visit our Online Webinars page: https://t.co/gafkgVOJRt

[America250FL @America250FL]

Suwannee County is home to Suwannee River State Park, where history and nature meet along one of Florida’s most iconic rivers. History and nature lovers can hike scenic trails, paddle through the iconic Suwannee River, or visit the Suwannee County Historical Museum for local stories.

Plan your scenic adventure and learn more about Florida’s America 250 Road Trip at https://t.co/lSiVvCBnJx

@MyFDOT

[FLLibraryDevelopment @FLLibDev]

The FLYP Side May 2026 is now available on our YouTube Channel!
https://t.co/fzkMTYZQdD

[Florida Department of State @FLSecofState]

Are you ready to Rock? Today is National Rock and Roll Day, and some of the biggest names in Rock and Roll hail from the sunshine state, including Lynyrd Skynyrd, Tom petty and the Heartbreakers, and the Eagles. Rock on with this link, detailing more of our state’s contributions to one of the most prolific music genres in history. https://t.co/EyRqFZSKMd
Photo credit: Gerber, Harmony. Photo-Grafitti. Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers. Fonda Theater, Los Angeles, CA, 2014. Licensed under Creative Commons.
@CultureBuildsFL

[FLLibraryDevelopment @FLLibDev]

The Florida History Day 2026: Tools for Supporting Student Research discussion is now available on our YouTube Channel! https://t.co/lpkksUxhMt

[America250FL @America250FL]

Florida’s story started long before 1776. How much do you know? Put your knowledge to the test with the @FLMemory Timeline Challenge from the State Archives of Florida. There is so much to uncover about the Sunshine State! Play free here: Florida Memory Timeline Challenge: https://t.co/bD8svrV55s

[Florida Department of State @FLSecofState]

How well do you know your Florida history? You can find out with The Florida Memory Timeline Challenge – a brand-new interactive feature from Florida Memory!
As we celebrate America250FL, @FLMemory and the State Archives of Florida invite you to test your knowledge of American Revolution History by sorting a series of cards featuring historical events, figures and documents in their correct chronological order.
Of course, Florida has been writing its own unique chapter in American History long before 1776, and the Florida Memory Timeline Challenge covers all of Florida’s history, from its earliest inhabitants all the way through the 21st century. The challenge features over 200 events across numerous categories.
Florida Memory Timeline Challenge: https://t.co/wKjaAnaOYt

[FLLibraryDevelopment @FLLibDev]

Our Libraries and Community Leadership DLIS Discussion is available on our YouTube Channel!
https://t.co/uSGXZ8Qzug

[America250FL @America250FL]

In 250 years, a lot has changed, but Florida’s abundant sunshine, sandy soil and subtropical climate haven’t, which is why our state is known for producing the juiciest citrus in the world! (Label courtesy of the @MuseumFLHistory.)
@OJfromFlorida
@FLGrapefruit

[America250FL @America250FL]

The next stop on Florida’s America 250 Road Trip is Mission San Luis, Leon County’s only National Historic Landmark. Mission San Luis served as the western capital of Florida’s Spanish mission system from 1656 to 1704. Today, the site shares the history of the Spanish and Apalachee people through exhibits and reconstructed structures uncovered by archaeological research.

Explore this important chapter of Florida history: https://t.co/lSiVvCBVz5
@MissionSanLuis
@MyFDOT

[FLLibraryDevelopment @FLLibDev]

The DLIS Discussion February 2026: MLIS in Action! Is now available on our YouTube Channel!
https://t.co/fpaw0hEKPH

[State Library of FL @StateLibraryFL]

#TourismTuesday we’re driving to St. Lucie to view and appreciate the masterpieces of the Florida Highwaymen, a group of 26 African‑American artists who painted vibrant, impressionistic landscapes—palm‑fringed beaches, marshes and sunsets. @FLMemory

[Florida Department of State @FLSecofState]

Built in 1841, Florida’s oldest surviving bank building, Union Bank originally opened as a “planter’s bank” during the antebellum period and then became home to the National Freedman’s Savings and Trust Company following Emancipation. Today, you can visit Union Bank Museum in Tallahassee. It’s open Friday and Saturday or check out the online Union Bank Exhibit here: https://t.co/5rgPun1ZR9

[FLLibraryDevelopment @FLLibDev]

The FLYP Side January 2026 Guest Presentation is now available on our YouTube Channel! Video Length: 14:46.
https://t.co/3LN8dW9kop

[America250FL @America250FL]

San Marcos de Apalache Historic State Park is one of the many @FLStateParks with a long, fascinating history, and every dig has helped uncover centuries of stories layered beneath its soil.
Archaeologists have been studying this site for decades, revealing evidence of Spanish and British occupations, as well as the deep Indigenous history that came before.
Excavations have uncovered fort foundations, trade goods, pottery, tools and everyday objects that paint a vivid picture of life at this strategic coastal outpost.
San Marcos de Apalache Historic State Park a place where history is still being uncovered, one artifact at a time.

[State Library of FL @StateLibraryFL]

For #EphemeraFriday, let’s learn about 'Farm Opportunities in Florida' with this 1951 booklet created by the Florida State Advertising Commission. Agriculture has always been vital to the state’s success. View the booklet on our Internet Archive page: https://t.co/4xfYn2hqnu

[Florida Department of State @FLSecofState]

Marjory Stoneman Douglas, known as “the Mother of the Everglades,” was born #OTD in 1890. Her 1947 book, Everglades: River of Grass, galvanized public support for Everglades preservation. An inductee of the Florida Artists Hall of Fame, she led a remarkable life of 108 years. Learn more about this pioneering Floridian here: https://t.co/A7Xey72t7d

@CultureBuildsFL
@FLMemory