The heat of this summer month doesn’t encourage too many outdoor events in Florida. So, interspersed with some fun times for you, here are some historic events – and holidays – well worth mentioning:
August 4, 1790: The Revenue Cutter Service was created by the U.S. Congress. Congress authorized the construction of 10 cutters. These ships were built to enforce U.S. tariff laws. The Revenue Cutter Service was the predecessor the U.S. Coast Guard. The name Coast Guard was first used in 1915. So, August 4, we celebrate U.S. Coast Guard Day.
August 7: International Beer Day is a day to celebrate and savor the world’s most popular alcoholic beverage. Raise a glass of beer today to toast breweries and bartenders, and, of course, beer. It is truly a global celebration, enjoyed by people in over 50 countries around the world. This day is celebrated the first Friday in August.
The morning of Friday, August 13, 2004, many in Southwest Florida expected to watch Hurricane Charley pass by in the Gulf of Mexico on its way to landfall somewhere around Tampa. But the infamous wobble in the path changed all that, and drove the storm right through Captiva, Punta Gorda, Arcadia and Burnt Store Marina, leaving devastation in its wake.
August 13: International Left Handers Day is an international day observed annually to celebrate the uniqueness and differences of left-handed individuals. The day was first observed in 1976 by Dean R. Campbell, founder of the Left-handers Club. This day was established to raise awareness about the challenges and experiences faced by left-handed individuals in a predominantly right-handed world.
August 15, 1969: Woodstock began in a field near Yasgur’s Farm at Bethel, New York. The three-day concert featured 24 rock bands and drew a crowd of more than 300,000 young people. The event came to symbolize the counterculture movement of the 1960s.
August 15: Tarpon Springs Hippie Fest, Tarpon Springs
Wear your tie-dye shirts and join the festivities at the Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks. Featuring a VW Bug Show, Hippie Costume Contest, Hula Hoop Contest, food and beer, live music, vendors, and more! Where: 600 Hill St & Dodecanese Blvd., Tarpon Springs Time: 2 p.m. – 9 p.m. Website: https://spongedocks.net/
August 18, 1920: The 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, granting women the right to vote.
August 18: Florida Primary Election
Burnt Store Marina poll location is Platinum Point Yacht Club. Polls open 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. Mail-in ballots must be received by 7 p.m. on this day.
August 21, 1959: President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a proclamation admitting Hawaii to the Union as the 50th state.
August 22: 2026 Texas Hold Em Tournament, Orlando
The Umansky Law Firm Criminal Defense & Injury Attorneys are excited to announce our 2026 Texas Hold Em Poker Tournament in support of the Second Chance Foundation. Time: 5 p.m. – 11 p.m. Location(s): 1945 E. Michigan St. Orlando, FL 32806 For more and to register for the event, go to http://www.thelawman.net/2026-texas-hold-em-poker-tournament
