#OTD in 1915, Okaloosa County was founded by the Florida Legislature. The name comes from a steamboat that brought passengers up and down the Blackwater River from Milton to Pensacola. The word Okaloosa is a Choctaw word meaning ‘black water’. Photo Credit: (River) Overton, Robert M. View of people canoeing at the Blackwater River State Park - Okaloosa County, Florida. 20th century. State Archives of Florida, @FLMemory. <https: floridamemory.com="" items="" show="" 90927=""> @OkaloosaCounty @FLStateParks </https:>

Update: The second qualifying period for 2026 has closed for the following offices: Governor, Attorney General, Chief Financial Officer, Agriculture Commissioner, United States Representative, State Senator (even districts) and State Representative. Please visit our candidate and races database for candidate qualifying status dos.elections.myflorida.com/….

The Four Freedoms Monument honors Madison County native Captain Colin Kelly, Jr., an Army Air Corps hero killed in World War II and awarded the Distinguished Service Medal. The monument, dedicated in June 1944, is named for President Franklin Roosevelt’s 1941 call for freedom of speech, worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear. It remains part of Florida’s WWII Memorial Historical Sites Program. Learn more at: museumoffloridahistory.com/e… Photo caption: Men viewing the Four Freedoms Monument - Madison, Florida. 1947-10. State Archives of Florida, @FLMemory. @MuseumFLHistory

As the Florida Secretary of State I’d like to welcome @FreddyLA7 and all @FIFAWorldCup fans from home or abroad to the Sunshine State! ⚽️🥅🏟️☀️

On June 11, 1953, the Florida State Legislature designated the Sabal Palm as the State Tree. Sabal Palms have provided Floridians with building materials, ingredients for food, and goods to create furniture, clothing, pocketbooks, and other everyday items. In 1970, the Legislature amended the state seal to include the Sabal Palm. To learn more about our State Tree, check out this link: dos.fl.gov/florida-facts/flo… @America250FL

After opening the meeting with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, Secretary of State @CordByrd, Chair of @America250FL, introduced a resolution before the Florida Cabinet today to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. “America250FL honors Florida’s role as America’s 14th Colony, tracing our state’s rich history from its inception to its current position as a global and national leader.” Celebrate with us at america250fl.com/.

The founding of Tallahassee In June 1823, Florida’s territorial council authorized Governor William P. Duval to select the site for the fledging territory’s capital. Two commissioners, one traveling from St. Augustine and one from Pensacola, met at the confluence of the St. Marks and Wakulla rivers. They trekked 20 miles north, arriving at a Native American settlement they deemed a suitable location. The territorial government approved the site and adopted the Muscogee name of “Tallahassee” for the new capital city. More information: markers.flheritage.com/home/…

Considered one of America’s most acclaimed architects, Frank Lloyd Wright was born on June 8, 1867. Florida is home to the world’s largest single‑site collection of his work—the “Child of the Sun” campus at Florida Southern College in Lakeland. Wright is seen here inspecting construction on its oldest and most iconic structure, the Annie Pfeiffer Chapel. Explore the photo on @FLMemory: floridamemory.com/items/show…

The Florida Department of State joined @VISITFLORIDA at the U.S. Travel Association’s IPW travel trade show in Fort Lauderdale last month to share why our state is remarkable! Museum of Florida History staff built and curated an exhibit showing our unique history and what Florida is doing to celebrate the state’s role in America’s Revolution! Learn more about Florida history and @America250FL here: america250fl.com/

On D‑Day, we honor the bravery of the Allied forces who stormed the beaches of Normandy, France, on June 6, 1944. This @FLMemory photograph shows soldiers training at Camp Gordon Johnston, in Franklin County, where thousands prepared for amphibious assaults like those carried out on D‑Day. Explore more about Florida’s role in World War II: floridamemory.com/learn/clas… @America250FL

In June 1823, Florida’s Territorial Legislative Council established Gadsden County, honoring James Gadsden—a trusted military aide under General Andrew Jackson, and at that time, a prominent Florida planter. Originally, Gadsden County encompassed the territory now known as Taylor, Dixie, Lafayette, Madison, Jefferson, Leon, Wakulla, Liberty, Gadsden, and part of Franklin counties. For more information: floridamemory.com/items/show… Photo Credit: Scott, R. H. Map of Gadsden County, 1914. 1914. State Archives of Florida, @FLMemory

Are you ready? With just one month until the commemoration of America’s 250th Anniversary, Secretary of State @CordByrd is reminding Floridians there is still time to participate. “America250FL is a once in a lifetime opportunity for every Floridian to engage in our shared history and learn about the leaders who have shaped our state and country,” said Secretary of State Cord Byrd. “Whether exploring our historic destinations, visiting our new Founding Father statues, or attending a local celebration, you can make this historic year even more memorable by visiting America250FL.com.”

Acclaimed electric blues guitarist Joey Gilmore was born #OTD in Ocala. He performed with stars like James Brown and released numerous albums during his lifetime. He appeared in jazz and blues festivals across Florida, the United States, Europe, and Asia. Gilmore’s musical legacy is featured on Florida Music Tours along with other musicians with connections to Florida. Learn more about Joey Gilmore and listen to his music here: floridamusictours.com/musici…. @FLMusicTours

In June 2016, an unprecedented 7,000-year-old-Native American ancestral burial site was discovered in the Gulf, just off the coast of Florida. The Manasota Key Offshore site is the first preserved, offshore prehistoric burial site discovered in the Americas. From prehistoric sites to shipwrecks, Florida’s underwater heritage is amazing. Learn more about underwater archaeology in Florida here: dos.fl.gov/historical/archae… @America250FL

Martha Washington, born #OTD in 1731, became the nation’s first First Lady and a steady partner in America’s founding. Educated and capable, she managed large estates, and supported George Washington through the Revolutionary War. Her portrait is featured in the Florida State Capitol as part of the Road to Liberty Exhibit curated by the White House Museum. Learn more about the women who shaped the Revolution: whitehouse.gov/freedom250/fo… @prageru

The Atlantic Hurricane Season begins today. Despite a total of five hurricanes making landfall in the 2022 and 2024 election cycles, Florida proved elections can still proceed. Florida does not move or delay elections. Instead, we focus on ensuring voters affected by emergencies can exercise their right to vote. We are ready for 2026. Are you? For more information about the 2026 primary election and general election visit: dos.fl.gov/elections/.

In May 1539, Hernando de Soto landed on the west coast of Florida around present day Tampa expecting to find gold. Finding no treasure, he traveled northwest to Tallahassee where his expedition wintered. Learn more about his journey here: dos.fl.gov/historical/archae…

#OTD in 2001 the City of Hawkinsville shipwreck in Dixie County was added to the National Register of Historic Places. The steamboat was the last one stationed on the Suwannee River. The boat was in service until 1922 when railroads made steamboats obsolete and the vessel’s captain abandoned the ship. Learn more here: markers.flheritage.com/home/…

National Alligator Day! #DYK the American alligator has been the State Reptile since 1987? The alligator symbolizes Florida's extensive untamed wilderness and swamps. Alligators are found throughout Florida and prefer lakes, swamps, canals, and other wetland habitats. Learn more here: dos.fl.gov/florida-facts/flo…. Photo Credit: Alligator at Parrot Jungle in Miami. 1900 (circa). State Archives of Florida, @FLMemory @America250FL

Celebrate the start of summer with this Florida Fun Wordsearch featuring the names of all 67 Florida counties! You’ll find lots of kid friendly activities on our website including the wordsearch here: dos.fl.gov/florida-facts/kid…. Scroll down for the word search.