This article is the first part of a history of notable hurricanes that have struck Florida from 1523 to the present.

Hurricane Irma devastated parts of the Florida peninsula during the weekend of September 9-10, 2017. Here are some tips to prepare for and stay safe during a hurricane.

Since 1513 the flags of 5 nations have flown over Florida. This article gives a brief history of when these flags flew over the state and a description of these flags.

This article gives a brief history of weather services in the U.S. and a description of the National Weather Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) branches located in Florida.

The Volusia County Marine Science Center is an educational and fun place to visit for the whole family. Their mission is to rehabilitate sea turtles and birds and to educate the public about them and other sea animals. Touch pools provide hands-on interaction with some sea animals.

If you're staying in Ormond or Daytona Beach, a short drive south to the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse is a worthwhile addition to your beach visit. At 175', it is the tallest lighthouse in Florida. Take a self-guided tour up to the gallery deck to enjoy an ocean breeze and panoramic view.

On Monday, 21 August 2017, the first solar eclipse since 1918 will be visible across the continental U.S. from Oregon to South Carolina. If you view it in Florida, you will see a 70-90% partial eclipse. You must watch it entirely through certified solar lenses.

The Sun 'n Fun International Fly-In and Expo is an annual aviation event held in Lakeland. It is the second-largest fly-in in the country. In addition to the fly-in, Sun 'n Fun has its own campus adjacent to Linder Regional Airport that is open year-round for aerospace education.

Egmont Key, a small island at the mouth of Tampa Bay, is both a state park and a national wildlife refuge. This key is home to a lighthouse and the ruins of historic Fort Dade. Activities include walking on the beach, swimming, fishing, and snorkeling. Access is by private boat or ferry.

If you enjoy observing birds, butterflies, and other wildlife, you may enjoy a visit to one of the 510 Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail sites in Florida. This article suggests ways to plan your visit. It also goes over the benefits of ecotourism and spending time in nature.