Press RecordCelebrating the Spanish Legacy in the U.S.

April 29 to June 1, 2013

Summary:South Florida Sun-Sentinel.comStatewide events for 500th anniversary

The ExaminerFlorida celebrates 500th anniversary of its discovery Apr. 2 by Ponce de Leon

The ExaminerSpanish Embassy fetes 500th anniversary of Ponce de Leon discovering Florida (Photos)

Sun SentinelPonce de Leon still a big deal in Florida, 500 years later

Global Post (EFE)Foreign minister emphasizes importance of Spanish legacy in U.S.

San Francisco Chronicle Ponce de Leon's arrival in Florida remembered- photos

The WLRN RADIO -Miami HeraldFive Centuries Later, Florida Remembers Ponce de León's Tumultuous Arrival

Latin American Herald TribuneSpanish Foreign Minister Witnesses Flag Ceremony in Florida

Univision (EFE)García-Margallo meets with members of the Spain-Florida Foundation 500 Years

EFESpanish foreign min. emphasizes "common values" in speech to OAS

MAECThe Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation meets John Kerry in Washington

Global Post (EFE)Kerry expresses support for Spain's economic measures

MiamiDiarioThe Crew of “Elcano” visits the Coast Guard

ReutersFlorida celebrates 500th anniversary but history blurred by myth

Miami DiarioSpanish Minister of Foreign Affairs Concludes His Visit To Miami

St. Augustine RecordEl Galeón arrives in St. Augustine

El Nuevo Herald (EFE)The importance of revealing the Spanish legacy in Florida is stressed in Miami

VOXXI‘Imagining La Florida’ celebrating 500 years of history

Fox News Latino (EFE)Exhibit presents myths and reality of Spanish Florida

Articles:South Florida Sun-Sentinel.comStatewide events for 500th anniversaryBy Dina Weinstein12 April 2013

This year, Florida celebrates a significant historical milestone, the 500th anniversary of Juan Ponce de León’s arrival on Florida’s east coast. The explorers were the first group of Europeans to document such a landing and give a name to Florida.

On Easter Sunday, March 27, 1513, a small fleet of three Spanish ships first sighted land off the Atlantic coast of the peninsula they would name Florida, in honor of the feast day (Pasqua Florida) on which it was discovered, and de León was in command; he had sailed with Christopher Columbus.

In addition to making several landfalls during which the Spanish skirmished with the native inhabitants of this new land, de León is also credited with discovering the currents of the Gulf Stream, which would ultimately shape Spanish maritime fortunes through the Florida Straits for centuries to come.

Natives attacked the Spanish not long after their arrival, wounding de León and forcing a retreat to the nearby Spanish town of Havana, where the expedition’s leader soon perished from his wound. His remains were later transferred to San Juan, Puerto Rico, where they lie today.

There are many family-friendly events to learn about and observe this significant marker. The age of discovery was a time of mystery, violence, war and oppression. The state’s tourism department and Humanities Council have united to encourage, celebrate and present events that explain this complex time under the umbrella of the Viva Florida 500 project.

To fully take this in, travel along Florida’s Spanish Colonial Heritage Trail that goes from St. Augustine to Pensacola to Key West. The Heritage Trail links history and heritage with exciting destinations focusing on Spain’s influence on Florida. Geographic focus is on St. Augustine for its concrete historical sites from this era and Melbourne Beach for its assertion that it is the exact location of de Leon’s landing. Visit www.flheritage.com/preservation/trails/spanishcolonial/index.cfm.

The clothing from this era of the Spanish Conquistador includes Morion metal helmets, red fabric hose, pointy shoes and a cream-colored linen shirt, close fitting caps, plumed hats and brown calf-high boots held up with rope.

Images of de Leon show a serious bearded man wearing a brimmed had with a feather plume gazing west. He wears the typical yellow top with red arm pleats covered with a blue vest that looks like armor. Books on the man and his journey made in the shadow of the Spanish Inquisition abound at public libraries.

Cultural institutions are organizing historical events that will make these stories come alive complete with cannons, muskets, re-enactments and exhibits of rare archeological finds. This spring, a Spanish tall ship with white billowing sails will moor in the port of Miami. The discovery of Florida by Europeans is also a chance to shine the spotlight on the natives here who suffered under colonial rule. Museums focusing on native Floridians bring that culture to life.

Local AttractionsHere are some of the upcoming events planned in the tri-county area. Visit vivaflorida.org for events happening throughout the year.

PALM BEACH COUNTY

“Native Floridians: Seminole & Miccosukee Art and Culture in 2013” exhibitOngoing. In conjunction with Viva Florida 500, the Boca Raton Historical Society & Museum will present this exhibit, which features the collections of Patsy West, director of the Seminole Miccosukee Archives. Established in 1972, the archive contains more than 11,000 images as well as artifacts relating to the history of South Florida’s Native American people. Boca Raton Historical Society & Museum, 71 N. Federal Highway, Boca Raton. Go to www.bocahistory.org.

Village of Wellington’s 18-month celebration Wellington asking residents to share their Florida stories, experiences and photos to be displayed on a special section of WellingtonFL.gov. Throughout the campaign, essay contests will be offered for middle and high school students, along with an art competition for elementary-age children depicting Wellington’s past, present and future. The first essay contest for high school students will begin this month; the Wellington Rotary Club will be providing a $250 scholarship to the winner. Email items to khenghold@wellingtonfl.gov, or mail items to Viva Florida Campaign, Attn: Kim Henghold, 12300 Forest Hill Blvd, Wellington, FL 33414.

Sweet Corn Fiesta11 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 28. Sweet Corn Fiesta presented by the Western Palm Beach County Farm Bureau is a celebration of the growing season and the importance agriculture to Florida. Fun for all ages. Corn has played an important

role in the history of America from Native Americans to the pilgrims. We will be featuring Florida’s own Sunshine Sweet Corn. 9067 Southern Blvd., West Palm Beach. Go to Sweetcornfiesta.com.

BROWARD COUNTY

Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse ToursTour the historic Hillsboro Lighthouse, which celebrated its 106th birthday last month. A current Hillsboro Lighthouse Preservation Society membership or a $25 transportation fee is required. Children must be accompanied by an adult and be a minimum of 48 inches. 954-942-2102, info@hillsborolighthouse.org, hillsborolighthouse.org.

Fort Lauderdale Air Show April 20 and 21. The nation’s premier military and civilian acts will return the thrill, inspiration and patriotism of a waterfront air show to South Florida once again. Fort Lauderdale Beach. For schedule of events, go to lauderdaleairshow.com.

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY

“Mission Artifacts of Spanish Florida” exhibit10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday through Jan. 5, 2014; noon to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through Jan. 5, 2014. In 1896, while excavating the Dorion Site, a 17th century Spanish Franciscan mission on Amelia Island, archaeologists recovered a bronze seal stamp engraved with the likeness of Santa Catalina/St. Catherine of Alexandria. It is the only known artifact of this type in North America. The seal, along with other rare Spanish artifacts, including a 16th century bronze Spanish host press recovered on Florida's southwest coast, will be displayed together for the first time at History. Miami, 101 W. Flagler St., Miami. Go to dottiedorion.com/2013/02/05/mission-artifacts-of-spanish-florida-the-dorion-seal or www.historymiami.org.

View the Spanish Navy Training vessel Juan Sebastian de Elcano April 30 to May 6. The Juan Sebastian de Elcano will be docked at the Port of Miami after sailing from Puerto Rico. Go to www.spain-florida.org/news/index/agendaview/id/87.

13th Annual International Art of Storytelling Family Festival Day 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 27. See captivating storytellers, storybook characters, giant puppet theater, dancers, musicians and more at Miami-Dade Public Library System's free event. In commemoration of Viva 500, there will be Flamenco dancers and lots of bilingual stories. Throughout the day, guests will enjoy magicians, stilt-walkers, face-painting, arts and crafts, ethnic foods, and a traditional West Indian carnival

parade. Main Library, 101 W. Flagler St., Miami. Free parking is available (while spaces last) at the Miami-Dade Cultural Center Garage, 50 NW Second Ave., and the Hickman Garage, 270 NW Second St. For a full schedule of events and more information, visit www.mdpls.org or call 305-375-2665.

Sites to Explore Around the State

Ponce de Leon Inlet Light Station4931 S. Peninsula Drive, Ponce Inlet386-761-1821, lighthouse@ponceinlet.org, www.ponceinlet.org

St. Augustine Lighthouse & Museum81 Lighthouse Ave., St. Augustine904-829-0745, rcain@staugustinelighthouse.org, www.staugustinelighthouse.org

Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archeological Park11 Magnolia Ave., St. Augustine 904-829-3168Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily.¿ A 600-foot-long observation platform over the marsh. Explore over 15 waterfront acres as you learn about intrepid Spanish explorers who risked everything to journey to the New World. Spanish cannon firings every day through Dec. 1.

Castillo de San Marcos and Ft. Matanzas National Monuments1 S. Castillo Drive, Saint Augustine904-829-6506, www.nps.gov/casa/index.htm

Colonial Quarter 33 St. George St., St. Augustine904-342-2857, www.colonialquarter.com

St. Augustine Lighthouse & Museum100 Red Cox Road, St. Augustine904-829-0745, www.staugustinelighthouse.org

The Museum of Florida History R. A. Gray Building, 500 S. Bronough St., Tallahassee850-245-6400, www.museumoffloridahistory.com

The Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum Big Cypress Indian Reservation 34725 W. Boundary Road, Clewistonwww.ahtahthiki.com

Micanopy Historical Society Museum607 NE 1st St., Micanopy

www.afn.org/~micanopy

The Museum of the Everglades101 W Broadway Ave., Everglades City239-695-0008, www.colliermuseums.com

The ExaminerFlorida celebrates 500th anniversary of its discovery Apr. 2 by Ponce de Leon31 March 2013By Marsha Dubrow

Five hundred years ago on Easter, Apr. 2, Spain's Ponce de León landed along Florida's east coast, and Florida is having many fiestas to celebrate, including two re-enactments of the landing.

Why two? There's a bit of a brou ha-ha in La Florida about where the conquistador landed. The Florida Historical Society in Cocoa even staged and videotaped a courtroom drama, "Ponce de Leon Landed HERE!".

Tradition says he arrived first in what is now St. Augustine, America's oldest city, est. 1565, about a century before Jamestown, Vir. and Plymouth Rock, Mass.

But many historians think that de León landed about 140 miles south, around Cape Canaveral ("Cape of Currents" or "Cabo de los Corrientes"), which he named, say NASA and the National Park Service; or near what's now Melbourne Beach; or ...

No problemo. Numerous sites up and down the Sunshine State are celebrating Viva Florida 500:

Apr. 2 in Melbourne Beach, "The First Landing"

Activities at Melbourne Beach's Ponce de Leon Landing Park include:

-- Landing re-enactment

-- Unveiling of 10-foot bronze Don Juan Ponce de Leon Statue

-- Flyover by U.S. Marine Corps

-- 21-gun salute by U.S. Navy.

Apr. 3, 6, and 7 in St. Augustine re-enactment and ceremonies

-- Landing re-enactment of Juan Ponce de León and his crew coming ashore at the St. Augustine bayfront

-- Firing of cannon from the Castillo de San Marcos

-- Speeches by St. Augustine Mayor Joseph Boles and Santiago Baeza Benavides, Mayor of Santervás, Spain, de León’s birthplace. Juan Ponce de León's birthplace, year of birth (1474?), and father are another point of controversy. He's thought to be one of 21 illegitimate children of a nobleman by the name of Juan Ponce de León.

-- On Apr. 3, U.S. Postal Service unveils four new La Florida stamps. The 46-cent Forever® stamps are by designed by the Postal Service's art director Ethel Kessler, with floral art by Steve Buchanan.

-- On Apr. 6 and 7, performances by Hispanic and historical dancers, a salsa guitar jam, and Latin food.

These events commemorate also the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act in 2013, and the 450th anniversary in 2015 of St. Augustine's founding by the Spanish.

Now through May 1, St. Augustine, "Picasso: Art & Arena"

-- The exhibit "Picasso: Art & Arena", with many Picasso works never seen before in the United States, continues through May 11 at the St. Augustine Visitor Center.

May, Tall Ship Events in Cape Canaveral, and in Miami

-- On May 1, Spanish Navy tall ship and training vessel Juan Sebastian de Elcano will sail from Puerto Rico to Miami for a regatta and exhibition. One of the world's largest tall ships, the four-masted schooner is named for the captain who completed one of the first sails around the globe, in 1526. From May 8-10, the vessel is expected to join the tall ship event in Port Canaveral at Cape Canaveral.

-- From May 7-12, the Nao Victoria Galleon, a full replica of the 16th century ships that de Leon and other Spanish explorers sailed to Florida, will dock at Port Canaveral on Cape Canaveral, and can be toured.

Now through June 22, Gainesville "The Quest for the Fountain of Youth in Florida History, Mythology and Art"

-- Two exhibits showcase some 100 original works by contemporary Florida artists. They document the fountain of youth story in Florida, and explore interpretations in their own lives and in the community. One exhibit is at Gainesville's Thomas Center Main Gallery, and a companion exhibit is at The Doris.

Amid all these celebrations, it must be noted that when de Leon arrived in 1513, Florida was inhabited by Native Americans including Apalachees, Tianos, Timucuas, Tequestas, Calusas, and Ais, to name a few, dating back to about 10,000 B.C. Calusas shot poison-tipped arrows into de León when he returned to Florida in 1521 to colonize it for Spain. Mortally wounded, he sailed to Cuba, the closest Spanish settlement, where he died from the infected wound in his thigh.

His remains were reburied in Puerto Rico, where de León had been the first governor. His epitath, in the Cathedral of San Juan reads, "Here rest the bones

of a Lion mightier in deeds than in name", written by 16th century poet, priest, and soldier Juan de Castellanos.

Amid Spanish rumors of La Florida's riches, ranging from an elusive mythical fountain of youth to gold, 16th-century Englishmen scoffed and termed it "Stolida, the Land of Fools" and "Sordida, the Land of Muckworms", according to the authoritative 1939 "WPA Guide to Florida", the Federal Writers' Project of FDR's Works Projects Administration.

The conqueror himself reported that the Indian name for the land was "Cautio" -- the loin cloth of palm leaves "to cover their secret parts", according to Spain's 16th century official historian of the Indies, Antonio de Herrera, quoted in a Florida Historical Society publication by Douglas T. Peck.

What's in a name? Some say Cautio, others say Stolida or Sordida, but Oliver Wendell Holmes in his 1873 poem "The Fountain of Youth" says this of "the land of flowers". "Here youth, unchanging blooms and smiles, Here dwells eternal spring..."

The Spanish Embassy is sponsoring the 500th anniversary events in Florida -- and also in Washington, D.C. (Apr. 3 at Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery) and many other U.S. cities, plus six cities in Canada. For a full list of events, click here.

Ponce de Leon never discovered the fountain of youth or gold. Qué lástima! But more important, he discovered "La Florida", land of flowers.

The ExaminerSpanish Embassy fetes 500th anniversary of Ponce de Leon discovering Florida (Photos)26 February 2013By Marsha Dubrow

The Spanish Embassy has announced celebrations across North America for the 500th anniversary of Ponce de Leon discovering Florida on Easter 1513.

The events are not only in St. Augustine, FL, America's oldest city which celebrates its 450th anniversary in 2015, but also in Miami, Washington, and 20 other U.S. cities, plus six cities in Canada.

View slideshow: Spanish Embassy fetes 500th anniversary of Ponce de Leon discovering FloridaSpanish Embassy Cultural Officer Guillermo Corral told guests at the Ambassador's residence Feb. 25, "Many think the Spaniards just came and left, but there is an intensity and depth of Spanish experience and heritage in America." Corral noted that more than 50 million people of Hispanic descent live in the U.S.

Events celebrating and illuminating this rich heritage include:

Latin Grammy-winner David Bisbal at D.C.'s Warner Theatre March 1.

Stereotype-smashing "Latino US: Cotidiano" (daily life) book and photography exhibit at the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery on April 3, continuing to Miami, New York, and Los Angeles. At a preview last December, National Portrait Gallery associate curator of photographs Frank Goodyear said the images provide a "refreshingly original take on the Latino experience, and counter many of the short-sighted or misguided assumptions that often circulate about this multi-faceted community."

"Picasso: Art & Arena" with many Picasso works never seen before in the United States, now through May 11 at St. Augustine Visitor Center.

Spanish Navy tall ship Juan Sebastián Elcano visits the port of Miami on May 1. One of the world's largest tall ships, the four-masted schooner is named for the captain who completed one of the first sails around the globe in 1526.

Launch of "Crafts & Talent From Spain", products from avant-garde Spanish design firms coming to North American shops this spring.

Other celebrations focus on Spanish films, architecture, and literature. For a full list, click here for the catalogue.

Ponce de Leon, who landed at either St. Augustine or near Cape Canaveral (which he named), discovered neither the fountain of youth nor gold. Que lastima!

But more important, he discovered "La Florida", land of flowers. It's in youthful, golden, full bloom 500 years later.

Sun SentinelPonce de Leon still a big deal in Florida, 500 years later10 May 2013By Johnny Diaz

JPo is trending in South Florida. We're talking about Juan Ponce de Leon, the conquistador-explorer-governor who is still relevant 500 years after he claimed Florida for Spain.

His legacy sails on as people discover and rediscover him through various local events that celebrate his journey from Puerto Rico to Florida and his supposed search for the fabled fountain of youth

From art exhibits bearing his name to a tour of a 16th century Spanish galleon replica, Ponce de Leon is as hot as paella on Calle Ocho.

There he was (OK, an impersonator) with Boca Raton Mayor Susan Whelchel during a City Council workshop in March to celebrate the 500th year of his landing. He even whipped out his iPhone for a self-portrait. He also was the topic of a recent NBC "Saturday Night Live'' news segment. And, being the now-

modern man that he is, Facebook pages pay homage to his Florida ties. (Just type in his name and see the results.)"He intrigues the imagination of young people and those who are older," said Debi Murray, chief curator at the Historical Society of Palm Beach County, which is hosting one of several events related to Ponce de Leon and the arrival of Spaniard conquistadors to Florida.Many are part of Viva Florida 500, a yearlong celebration by the Florida Department of State highlighting the five centuries since Ponce's boots landed on the eastern shore of the peninsula."As the first documented European to arrive in the current United States of America, Ponce began a new era where the world's culture began to unite into the great nation that we know today as the United States,'' said Katie Kole, director of marketing for the Florida Department of State. "The Viva Florida 500 initiative is not only celebrating Ponce de Leon, it is celebrating 500 years of historic and significant people and events that have shaped our great state into what it is today."

Ponce de Leon is credited with naming the land "La Florida" after the Spanish term for "feast of flowers" because of the area's native lush coastal vegetation.

But he has also been a contentious figure. "All the conquistadors have been revisited by later historians who said, 'Oh they shouldn't have done this to Native Americans'… the subjugation of people,'' said Murray.Although he may have been the first European to claim Florida, some historians have suggested other traders may have journeyed to the peninsula before 1513.

"He is controversial because there are no good records left,'' Murray said. "We don't have his logs. We don't know exactly where he landed and that frustrates people."

Tour the shipWith its white billowing sails and Spanish flag, El Galeon is an actual-size replica of a wooden ship that was part of Spain's West Indies fleet.

The 170-foot, 495-ton vessel is visiting four ports of call in Florida, sailing from Puerto Rico and charting a similar route taken by explorers of Ponce de Leon's time. It has already visited Miami and stops in Port Canaveral on Sunday then Fort Lauderdale on Tuesday.

Once docked at the Bahia Mar Resort, the ship becomes a floating museum, open for free daily tours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through May 19. Broward County has the only free stop on the trip.For the tours, Viva Florida 500 is working with Spain's Fundacion Nao Victoria, which manages replicas of historical ships.

To visit the ship, visitors must have a ticket, available at sunny.org/vivaflorida.All aboard at the museum

For landlubbers, the Historical Society of Palm Beach County is hosting "Claiming La Florida: On Board with Juan Ponce de Leon" through June 29 in downtown West Palm Beach.

Step inside the exhibit and go back in time as if aboard an old wooden Spanish ship. The sounds of birds cawing and waves crashing play overhead. A Spanish voice channels Ponce, declaring "Land ho! Prepare the anchor!"

One corner of this faux deck, with sails and a mast in the center, displays herbs and oils that medical crews may have used to treat sick passengers. In another corner, a mannequin of a mapmaker is seen using a compass, hourglass and the stars for navigation.

Crews ate one meal — including dried salted meat, fish and bread made from yucca plant — at the same time every day.

"Basically, leftovers,'' said Murray, jokingly. "They would have had cows, sheep and chickens, and goats for milk."

The show has interactive QR codes at each panel, looking at the explorer's life on his ship, the impetus for his voyage, and how it took more than 50 years for the Spanish to create a permanent colony in Florida.

Open since November, the exhibit has become a popular draw for the museum, Murray said.

"Those first Spanish explorers had to be intrepid," Murray said. "They had no idea what they were going to find … What was that like? That's what we try to recreate."

The exhibit is free to public at the Richard and Pat Johnson Palm Beach County History Museum, 300 N. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach.

Global Post (EFE)Foreign minister emphasizes importance of Spanish legacy in U.S.1 May 2013

Miami, May 1 (EFE).- Spain's foreign minister emphasized here Wednesday the continuing importance of the Spanish legacy in the United States, although he acknowledged that much remains to be done to "recover" the value of the Hispanic presence in this country.

"The Spanish legacy in the United States is extremely important" and it should serve to "tighten" Spain's relations with this nation, "which are very good," said Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo at a press conference within the framework of

celebrating the 500th anniversary of the discovery of Florida by Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon.

The minister is in Miami to participate in a series of official activities related to the anniversary.

The first event was a tribute - and the placing of a floral offering at the monument - to Ponce de Leon, which Garcia-Margallo attended along with Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado and Alfonso Gomez Fernandez de Cordoba, the commander of the Spanish navy training ship Juan Sebastian Elcano, which sailed to the Florida coast for the occasion.

Later, the foreign minister went to the dock where the Elcano is moored and offered a brief press conference at which he spoke about the enormous lack of knowledge in the United States about the Spanish presence in this country.

Garcia-Margallo said that "there remains an enormous amount of room to get to know us better and to have even better relations," adding that the efforts that began this year with the commemoration of Florida's discovery by the European world are on the right track.

On Thursday, the foreign minister will inaugurate the 5th Convention of U.S. Hispanic Leaders, sponsored by Spain's Carolina Foundation along with other entities.

The Carolina Foundation was founded in 2000 to promote cultural relations and educational and scientific cooperation between Spain and the countries of Latin America, as well as with other countries having special ties to the Iberian nation.

San Francisco Chronicle Ponce de Leon's arrival in Florida remembered- photos18 April 2013

PHOTOS BY JOE RAEDLE/GETTY IMAGES

MIAMI, FL - Crew member Juanj Martin works aboard El Galeón, a replica of a 16th century galleon, during Florida's commemoration of the 500th anniversary of Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon's arrival on the shores of Florida on April 17, 2013 in Miami, Florida. The boat will remain in Miami until April 28, after which it continues North along Florida's east coast and stops along the way in Fort Lauderdale, Cape Canaveral, and St. Augustine. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

The WLRN RADIO -Miami HeraldFive Centuries Later, Florida Remembers Ponce de León's Tumultuous ArrivalBy Mari de Armas27 April 2013

Juan Ponce de León served as governor of Puerto Rico for a tumultuous five years. During that time, the native Taínos tried unsuccessfully to overpower him, but, in the end, it was the son of Christopher Columbus who unseated him during a political struggle for power in the New World. Ponce de León’s new “asiento,” or assignment, from Spain’s King Ferdinand II was to set sail and find – not the fountain of youth, as is widely thought – but the island of “Benimy.” After being at sea for nearly a month, he finally sighted land, but it wasn’t Bimini.

On a warm and humid April day in 1513, Juan Ponce de León saw the vibrant colors of a blooming landscape and dense greenery from his ship. He had found a new land to conquer. A land he supposed had riches and resources to no end. A land that he would claim for Spain, “la madre patria.” And, most importantly, a land that he would give a Spanish name, to commemorate “la Pascua Florida,” in honor of the Easter season.

“La Florida,” as he named the land, was home to nearly 350,000 natives that belonged to more than two dozen tribes, including the Seminoles, the Ais, the Tequesta and the Mayaimi. It is suggested that Ponce de León landed somewhere between Cape Canaveral and Jacksonville and was most likely met by the Timucua, who were a peaceful and agricultural society.

This year, Florida commemorates the 500th anniversary of Juan Ponce de León’s arrival with cultural and artistic events across the state. At Florida International University, award-winning historian and Professor Sherry Johnson has released a book on the subject. The Frost Art Museum will host a yearlong series of exhibitions on the theme of the 500th anniversary. And the Office of Engaged Creativity in the College of Architecture + the Arts is hosting a large-scale participatory art project called FLOR500 (view slideshow).

While Ponce de Leon’s time in Florida was short, his impact was significant. In 1521, on his second attempt to sail through the modern-day Caloosahatchee River to establish a colony, the Calusa denied entrance to the conquistadors.

This battle proved deadly for Ponce de León, who was wounded by a poisoned arrow and retreated to Cuba, where he later died.

The Spanish explorer and soldier is credited with establishing the oldest European settlement in Puerto Rico, being the first to arrive in the continental U.S., discovering the Gulf Stream, and, most importantly, introducing the great influence of Spanish culture and language that is still prevalent in the state of Florida. Yet, Ponce de León’s name has become synonymous with the fountain of youth.

Historians note that written history of Ponce de León’s unfulfilled search for a legendary spring that gave people eternal life and health didn’t appear until many years after his death. The origin of the legend is traced back to the docks, where Spanish sailors exchanged tales of battles and riches. Perhaps it was a rumor created by ship captains to encourage would-be sailors to enlist in the sometimes treacherous and deadly journey to the New World. What is known for sure is that the legend has endured almost as long as Ponce de Leon’s arrival.

Latin American Herald TribuneSpanish Foreign Minister Witnesses Flag Ceremony in Florida5 May 2013

MIAMI – Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo attended a flag ceremony on board the Spanish navy training vessel Juan Sebastian Elcano in Miami on Sunday.

Prior to the ceremony, Mass was celebrated on board the Elcano, which has been moored in Miami waters this week to participate in the events organized for the 500th anniversary of the discovery of Florida by Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon in 1513.

Also attending the shipboard ceremony were Spanish Ambassador to the United States Ramon Gil-Casares Satrustegui and Spain’s consul in Miami, Cristina Barrios.

The flag ceremony itself was presided over by the Elcano’s captain, Alfonso Gomez Fernandez de Cordoba, and attended by about 60 people, as well as by the ship’s crew.

The Elcano was built in shipyards in the southern city of Cadiz in 1927-8 and entered service with the Spanish navy in August 1928, logging since then more than 1.6 million nautical miles through the world’s oceans.

Its main task at present is to help train future Spanish naval officers and it makes a six-month voyage for that purpose each year.

The vessel also serves as a “floating embassy,” supporting Spain’s foreign policy with assorted activities, holding receptions for local authorities at the ports where it puts in and maintaining links with the local Spanish communities there.

On Monday, the Elcano will set sail for Cape Canaveral, and it will later call at Newport, Rhode Island, and then depart for European waters once again to participate in the 525th anniversary ceremony of the creation of the Dutch navy before returning to Spain.

Garcia-Margallo is scheduled to return to Spain on Sunday after spending a week in the United States during which time he has visited Washington – where he met with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and participated in a session to honor him at the Organization of American States – and Miami.Foreign Minister Emphasizes Importance Of Spanish Legacy In U.S.

Univision (EFE)García-Margallo meets with members of the Spain-Florida Foundation 500 Years1 May 2013(translated by Samuel Mason)

The Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, José Manuel García-Margallo, met today with members of the Spain-Florida Foundation 500 Years, an entity that seeks to recognize the Spanish contribution to the history of this U.S. state.

The meeting, which was held behind closed doors at the headquarters of Banco Santander in Miami, was attended by members of said foundation’s counsel.

They were mostly the businessmen and managers of Spanish companies with a presence in Florida.

Thus, in this event, which lasted about an hour, Juan Santamaría (ACS), Fernando Perez-Hickman (Banco Sabadell), Ignasi Puig (SCBF), and Jorge Rosell (Total Bank, Banco Popular) were present.

Among the score of attendees, Mario Buisán, from the Chamber of Commerce of Spain in Miami, was also featured. He is one of the honorary members of the foundation, along with former Spanish Prime Minister, José María Aznar, and Miami Mayor, Tomas Regalado. However, neither of the latter two attended the meeting.

The Spanish Ambassador, Ramon Gil-Casares Satrústegui, and the Spanish Consul in Miami, Maria Cristina Barrios (also honorary member of the foundation), also attended the meeting.

Following this meeting, García-Margallo is scheduled to complete his work today in Miami with a dinner, also closed to the press, in a ship of the Spanish Armada, the "Juan Sebastian Elcano," which docked here today in this Floridian city.

All these activities are part of the agenda of celebrations for the 500 th anniversary of the discovery of present-day Florida by the Spanish explorer, Juan Ponce de León. León’s landing and expedition began the Hispanic presence in North America and put this land on the map.

The Spanish Foreign Minister today participated in an act of homage, and offered a wreath at the Ponce de Leon monument in Miami, along with Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado and Alfonso Gómez Fernández de Córdoba, commander of the ship "Elcano."

He then proceeded to the pier where the "Elcano" docked and gave a brief press conference in which he spoke about the ignorance that exists in the U.S. over the Spanish colonial period and the Hispanic presence in this country.

He acknowledged that "there remains an enormous amount of room to get to know each other (The U.S. and Spain) better and to have even better relations.” Margallo also said the "efforts" that began this year with the commemoration of the 500th anniversary will lead to this end.

Tomorrow, García-Margallo will inaugurate the fifth Hispanic Leaders Convention of the US, fueled by the Spanish Carolina Foundation, along with other entities. This year the convention will take place in Miami, rather than another location, in order to mark the 500th anniversary of the discovery of Florida.

The Carolina Foundation was established in 2000 to promote cultural relations and cooperation in scientific and educative material between Spain and other countries with special historical, cultural or geographical ties.

The Florida Secretary of State, Ken Detzner, Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado, Jose Fourquet (former executive director of the Inter-American Development Bank), Jaime García Legaz (Spanish State Secretary of Commerce), Joe García (Congressman from Florida), and Luis Fortuño (the former governor of Puerto Rico) are expected to attend.

Roberto Rodriguez (assistant to Barack Obama on education), Eduardo Padrón (Provost of Miami Dade College), Esther Aguilera (Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute), Patria Julnes (Professor of Public Administration at the University of Baltimore), and Octavio Hinojosa (CEO at Plus Ultra Strategies), among others will also attend.

EFESpanish foreign min. emphasizes "common values" in speech to OAS29 April 2013

Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo emphasized "political stability" in Latin America and the importance of taking advantage of close ties

and "common values" on both sides of the Atlantic in a speech here Monday at the headquarters of the Organization of American States."If for the past 20 years there has been a certain instability in Latin America and great stability in Europe, today luckily stability is the rule in Latin America while in Europe, and I refer to the latest elections, we're witnessing the birth of populisms as a consequence of the (economic) crisis," he said.At the OAS, of which Spain is an observer nation, Garcia-Margallo said that Madrid will continue being by "vocation and duty" the "ambassador" for Latin America in Europe."We share values, principles, a language ... We have evident initial advantages," he said, noting that despite the difficult economic situation, Spain is the second-largest investor in Latin America, behind only the United States.Therefore, he added, "we would do badly in not taking advantage of those values and presenting ourselves as a bloc that wants to have its own voice in a world ever more dominated by powers outside our regions."Spain's top diplomat will meet Tuesday with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry.Later this week, the minister will travel to Miami to participate in the commemorative events for the 500th anniversary of the discovery of Florida by Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon.

MAECThe Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation meets John Kerry in Washington30 April 2013

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, José Manuel García-Margallo, met the Secretary of State, John Kerry, this morning. This is the first bilateral meeting between the ministers since Kerry was appointed Secretary of State. 

The meeting served as an opportunity to review relations between the two countries and to analyse the most important current international issues.

The Minister and the Secretary of State exchanged impressions on global issues such as the withdrawal of allied forces from Afghanistan; the situation in the Middle East after the recent trips made by both men to the region;  North Africa and the Sahel; and Ibero-America. 

With regard to the Middle East, the Minister assured the Secretary of State that in the search for peace in the region he would have the support and backing of Spain, and was reminded of the close friendships that Spain has with the major players in the region.

Both delegations highlighted the positive aspects of bilateral cooperation in terms of defence and the growing frequency of economic, trade and business

exchanges. Also in the economic sphere, the two parties agreed on the importance of the future free trade agreement between the US and the EU in contributing to growth and job creation.

Mr García-Margallo and Mr Kerry drew attention to the importance for the relationship between the two countries of the series of commemorations started in 2009 and which this year is dedicated to the 5th centenary of the discovery of Florida by Ponce de León. They also welcomed the anticipated participation in this programme of the increasingly active and influential Hispanic communities of the United States.      

Mr García-Margallo spoke of the priorities of Spain's candidacy for the Security Council and highlighted the contribution to international stability and development that Spain has been making over the years through its contribution to peace missions and both bilateral and multilateral cooperation projects.

Global Post (EFE)Kerry expresses support for Spain's economic measures30 April 2013

Washington, Apr 30 (EFE).- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry expressed support for the economic decisions taken by the Spanish government, while visiting Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo offered his backing to Washington in its upcoming negotiations for a trade treaty with the EuropeanUnion.

"I know what a challenge and what difficult choices they have had to make in order to get back on the economic track," Kerry said at a joint press conference with Garcia-Margallo at the State Department.

The United States supports Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy's "efforts to advance the fiscal and the financial reform," the secretary said.Garcia-Margallo emphasized on Tuesday Spain's intention to help Washington achieve its objectives in the negotiations that will begin in June to create a free trade zone and reach an agreement on investments in the EU, which once completed will be the biggest bilateral trade deal ever achieved.

"And I was also saying to Secretary Kerry that our purpose is to be the best ambassador of the United States within the TTIP, the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership," said Garcia-Margallo after the meeting.

Kerry thanked his Spanish counterpart for the authorization to deploy for one year at the Moron military base in southern Spain 500 U.S. Marines and eight aircraft with the aim of protecting installations and personnel stationed in countries that experienced the "Arab Spring" and those in the Sahel.

"When an emergency arises, we obviously need to be able to respond at a moment's notice, and these Marines are helping to make the United States, Spain, our allies and our partners more secure. And we're grateful for that help," Kerry said.

MiamiDiarioThe Crew of “Elcano” visits the Coast Guard3 May 2013(translated by Patricio Barnuevo)

The midshipmen of the Marín Naval School of the 414 General Body and 144 Marines have gathered in Miami to participate in the celebrations of the 500th anniversary of the discovery of what is today the state of Florida by Spanish explorers.

Captain Chris Scraba, sector commander of Coast Guard Miami, was host to the Spanish cadets and explained what their daily work for the week was going to be.

Lieutenant Commander Luis Rodriguez also instructed them on Coast Guard activities in the area and showed them a 46 meter long boat used for rapid response missions.

The Spanish Armada ship arrived in Miami on Wednesday and that same day was visited by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Spain, José Manuel García-Margallo, Secretary of State of Florida, Ken Detzner, the mayor of Miami Tomas Regalado, and numerous local authorities and personalities.

Since then, it has kept its doors open to the public and hosted various social events fir the celebrations that are taking place to mark the 500 th anniversary of the arrival in Florida of Spanish explorer Juan Sebastián Elcano in 1513.

The ship is arriving from the port of Balboa (Panama) and is captained by Commander Alfonso Gómez Fernández de Córdoba. The vessel, which is named after the Spanish navy that partition in the first round the world, is docked at the waterfront Bicentennial Park in Miami.

It will remain in Miami until next Monday, when the ship will sail north towards Cape Canaveral, which also on the west coast of Florida. This is the eleventh time the ship is in port in Miami. The first time was in 2008.

Among other activities planned for the vessel, next Sunday there will be a ceremony of pledge of allegiance from Spain to U.S. by residents who have requested to participate in advance from the Spanish Embassy.

Built in the Echevarrieta and Larrinaga shipyards in Cadiz (Spain), this vessel was launched on March 5, 1927 and delivered to the Navy on August 17, 1928. This ship has been at sea for 85 years and has sailed for more than 1.6 million nautical miles.

The ships main task is to help in the in sea formation of future Spanish naval officers. The vessel takes annual six-month training cruises.

At the same time, it acts as a "floating embassy" as it tends to support the foreign policy of Spain with various activities and hosts receptions with local authorities where it docks as well with corresponding Spanish communities.

ReutersFlorida celebrates 500th anniversary but history blurred by myth6 April 2013By Amy Wimmer Schwarb

(Reuters) - Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon was only 4-foot, 11-inches tall, a trolley tour operator told his passengers as they rolled down a picturesque street in St. Augustine lined with moss-draped live oak trees.

But the Timucuan Indians he encountered when he set foot in Florida towered over him, standing 7 feet tall, the tour guide said.

Turning into the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, he noted: No wonder the explorer thought these tall, robust natives were drinking enchanted water.

This week Florida celebrated the 500th anniversary of the day when Ponce de Leon stepped onto the shores of what he thought was a large island and called the land "La Florida."

But the modern-day state of Florida built on the lure of sunshine and myth of eternal youth is still grappling with how to tell its first city's story — a rich history of centuries-old multiculturalism, yet distorted by useful falsehoods aimed at entertaining tourists who are important to its economy.

Take that trolley tour, for instance. Ponce de Leon wasn't especially short, the natives weren't especially tall, and the water at St. Augustine's Fountain of Youth didn't offer eternal youth. In fact, not only did Ponce de Leon never discover a Fountain of Youth, he wasn't even looking for one, historians said.

"Ponce de Leon has been said to be anywhere from 2 1/2 feet tall to 6 1/2 feet tall. The Timucuan Indians were 7 or 8 feet tall, like they were out of a space-age film or something," said J. Michael Francis, a history professor at the University of South Florida St. Petersburg who specializes in Spanish colonial Florida history.

Even that first moment, when Ponce de Leon stepped onto American soil, is mired in uncertainty, thanks to a missing voyage log that hasn't been seen in centuries. But where the historical record is unclear, promoters of the state over the last century have stepped in to fill in the gaps.

WHERE DID PONCE LAND?

The state's official Viva Florida calendar recognized a landing re-enactment in downtown St. Augustine and ceremonies for unveiling two statues: one in Ponte Vedra, just north of St. Augustine, and a second 185 miles farther south in Melbourne Beach. Both communities claim to be the explorer's landing site.

Certainly both statues can't be in the correct spot, but to the chagrin of historical purists, they also rely on historically inaccurate representations of the explorer himself.

"Wrong helmet, wrong pants, wrong sword," Chad Light, who portrays the explorer as a professional re-enactor, said of the new statues. "They cry history, history, history. But they just don't care."

The cautious line between entertaining and educating visitors is most apparent in St. Augustine, the former capital of Spanish Florida and the oldest continuously

occupied European settlement in what would become the United States. The small city of 13,000 brings in more than $650 million per year in tourism dollars.

When British settlers were founding Jamestown, Virginia, at the launch of the 17th century, St. Augustine was a 50-year-old cultural hub.

Its 500 residents included Portuguese, French, Germans, Flemish, Native Americans and Africans, both free and enslaved. There were even two influential Irishmen, one a parish priest, the other a high-ranking merchant.

History teachers looking for more examples of strong women in early America can look to early St. Augustine, where a chieftainess, Dona Maria Melendez, ruled the Timucuan tribes along the Atlantic Coast in parts of Georgia and Florida.

St. Augustine became a destination for historically minded tourists beginning in the late 19th century, when railroad magnate Henry Flagler built a magnificent hotel that attracted wealthy tourists from the U.S. Northeast. He called it the Ponce de Leon.

A mile north of the hotel, an enterprising businesswoman began calling her property the Fountain of Youth and charged visitors to drink from the natural spring on the lush site.

"I think the real history is far more fascinating, far more engaging, far more interesting than some of the narratives you hear," Francis said.

Kathleen Deagan, a University of Florida archaeologist who has led annual excavations in St. Augustine for 30 years, said the city's history has been blurred for decades. In documents from the 1930s, historians railed against St. Augustine carriage drivers' distortions of the truth.

SETTING HISTORY STRAIGHT

One new attraction in St. Augustine, the Colonial Quarter, attempts to set straight that historical record. Deagan was among the University of Florida experts who helped vet information presented at the new downtown attraction, which offers visitors a look at four centuries' worth of history in one downtown venue.

Take the Fountain of Youth property, for instance. Though it was set aside a century ago as an imagined piece of the Ponce de Leon story, researchers in the last half-century have learned that the area was a Timucuan Indian village before the Spanish arrived and is likely the spot where Spanish sailor Pedro Menendez de Aviles founded St. Augustine in 1565.

"In a sense, it's a great paradox," Francis said. "By creating this site as a Fountain of Youth Park, they've basically preserved one of the most important archaeological sites in the state."

(Editing by David Adams and Philip Barbara)

Miami DiarioSpanish Minister of Foreign Affairs Concludes His Visit To Miami3 May 2013By Juan Camilo Gomez(translated by Patricio Barnuevo)

José Manuel García-Margallo, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Spain, will conclude his visit today to Miami, with two meetings with the Spanish business community in Sun City

García-Margallo, who is passing through Miami as part of the celebration of 500 year anniversary of the arrival of Juan Ponce de Leon to Florida, had a busy schedule that included meetings with the mayor of Miami, Tomas Regalado, and the mayor of Miami-Dade County, Carlos Gimenez, as well as the attendance of formal events in the emblematic ship Juan Sebastian de Elcano, of the Spanish navy.

On Friday, the minister will have lunch with a group of businessmen, organized by the Chamber of Commerce of Spain and the United States, at the Marriot Hotel, attended by renowned industrialists and bankers.

The Garcia-Margallo agenda will end with a ceremony at the Spanish Brands Forum, which will be held several appointments of friends of the Brand Spain.

 St. Augustine RecordEl Galeón arrives in St. Augustine21 May 2013

From staff

 The El Galeón, a 175-foot replica of a Spanish galleon, arrived in St. Augustine around 5 p.m. Tuesday.

St. Augustine is the final stop on the four-city tour as part of the Viva Florida 500 Voyage in commemoration of the 500th anniversary of Ponce de Leon’s naming of La Florida. The ship will be in the St. Augustine Municipal Marina until June 9.

Those wishing to board the El Galeón may do so, starting Thursday. Visitors are accepted from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults, $8 for children 6 to 12 and free for children 5 and younger. Tickets can be purchased at Ripley’s Red Train Tours and the St. Augustine Visitors Information Center or online at www.vivaflorida.org. According to a release from the St. Johns County Visitors Conventions Bureau, El Galeón’s port visit in St. Augustine is particularly significant as the first galleon to arrive in the oldest city was the flagship of founder Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles. Named the San Pelayo, the 650-ton ship was considered to be one of the most powerful ships of its day. It was one of several ships that carried 800 colonists and supplies to St. Augustine, establishing the first permanent European settlement in the United States in 1565. The San Pelayo carried 77 crewmen and 18 gunners. It transported 317 soldiers and 26 families, as well as provisions and cargo (including cattle). Her armament was iron cannons and artillery. She was built in 1564 just outside the gated city of Aviles, Spain (Menendez’s birthplace). According to the Fort Lauderdale Sun Sentinel, the El Galeón was built in Spain

in 2009 by the Nao Victoria Foundation, a nonprofit maritime history organization. It recently traveled 4,000 miles under sail, across the Atlantic, to Florida ports. The ship has already visited Fort Lauderdale, Miami and Port Canaveral. 

El Nuevo Herald (EFE)The importance of revealing the Spanish legacy in Florida is stressed in Miami1 June 2013

Miami-- Personalities of the Hispanic community in Miami on Thursday stressed the importance of spreading knowledge about the Spanish legacy in Florida, which dates back to 500 years when this territory was first discovered by Spanish explorers. 

So some of the most prominent guests at the official opening of the "Imagining la Florida" exhibition in Miami, produced by Acción Cultural Española (AC/E), or Spanish Cultural Action, recognized this legacy. 

The show, which will be showcased at the iconic Freedom Tower in Miami until August 17th, follows the history of Florida in the two centuries after the first Spanish settlers came to the Florida coast 500 years ago. 

The Miami-based Cuban journalist, Gustavo Godoy, stressed to EFE that Hispanic heritage is important to the history of Florida and argued that "everything that has to do with history gives one a much wider vision." 

Godoy said that in a few years, "America should speak Spanish and not only be bilingual but trilingual, as in some countries in Europe and Asia."

"I think [Americans] have recognized that the economic, social, and cultural globalization factor requires a multiplicity of languages and historical knowledge," he said. 

The Consul of Spain in Miami, Cristina Barrios, emphasized to EFE the idea of being able to disclose the history of this state throughout the United States, especially among the white population. 

"There is a large part of the population (in the U.S.) that does not know this continent or that the U.S. made itself from the South up, because of the Spanish 500 years ago," said the Spanish diplomat. 

Coinciding with the 500th anniversary of the discovery of what is now Florida by the Spanish explorer, Juan Ponce de León, Barrios said, "this year 2013 will

have to serve people of all ages, from children onwards, to let them know that the Spanish flag has been waving for longer than the American one." 

Similarly, the consul regretted that in Spain itself, its own legacy in the Americas also unknown at depth, and clarified that Spanish schools teach many of the Spanish colonizers' historical landmarks in "all of the journeys of the 15th century." 

The exhibition, "Imagining La Florida," is presented with interactive elements so that the public can easily understand the history of the early explorers, led by Ponce de León and Pedro Menéndez de Avilés. 

The president of AC/E, Teresa Lizaranzu, insisted on the "teaching approach" that she wanted to give this historic exhibition in order to commemorate "the arrival of the first Europeans to Florida." 

This exhibition is divided into three parts. The first explains how the early explorers departed from Seville to the Americas. The second part, "using personal stories, attempts to teach about the life of these people and how Europeans, Africans, and Indians interacted," she said. 

In the third part the myth of the fountain of youth is dismantled, which is "one of the founding myths of the United States," according to an official AC/E. 

With the objective of reaching the white audience, an American curator, university professor Michael Francis, is in charge of the sample. 

The goal is to "explain the unknown part of our common history and spread it" across the whole country, said Lizaranzu. 

"Imagining La Florida" is premiering now for the first time ever in the world, but the AC/E organizers are already talking with other museums to bring this show to other cities in Florida. 

"We want to have a wider reach so the exhibit and its ideas can have more range and be seen by all types of audiences, from school children to adults, with a very informative focus and using all types of multimedia elements," said the president of AC/E.

VOXXI‘Imagining La Florida’ celebrating 500 years of historyBy Eduardo Sanchez-Ubanell31 May 2013

When Juan Ponce de Leon reached the coast of Florida 500 years ago, he landed on a beach near modern-day Cape Canaveral, a tropical paradise he believed to be another Caribbean island.

It happened to be the year’s Palm

Sunday—day of  “La Pascua Florida”—and upon seeing a coast covered in flowers, he chose to name the unknown territory, “Florida.”

That day marked the beginning of a great era of exploration and colonization throughout all of North America.

To commemorate the 500th anniversary of the voyage, the explorer’s journey is being faithfully retold in the exhibit, “Imagining La Florida: Juan Ponce de Leon and the Quest for the Fountain of Youth.”It will be open until August 17, 2013 at the Freedom Tower in downtown Miami.

The exhibit, organized by Acción Cultural Española (AC/E) and the Spain-Florida Foundation 500 yrs, features a careful selection of exhibition panels with illustrations, artifacts, documents and maps, designed to take visitors on a remarkable journey across the Atlantic.

It offers a new perspective on Florida’s history, from the time of Ponce de Leon’s 1513 expedition, to the 1739 establishment of Fort Mose, the first free black settlement in the United States.

Professor and historian J. Michael Francis leads a group of visitors through a section of the Imagining La Florida exhibit.(VOXXI)Professor and historian J. Michael Francis stated that Imagining La Florida aims to go beyond the myths of Florida’s early colonial history and reveal some of its many forgotten characters and stories.

“It’s amazing to consider how Canaveral has grown to represent mankind’s exploration of worlds beyond our planet since Ponce de Leon landed there 500 years ago,” remarked Emilio C. Sanchez, president of the Spain-Florida Foundation and Editor in Chief of VOXXI.

“Clearly, the spirit of exploration and discovery that first brought the Spanish explorers to North America five centuries ago continues to thrive in new forms and challenges,” he added.

Imagining La Florida is divided into four distinct sections. The first part of the voyage, Path into the Unknown, begins in Seville, Spain, where visitors will have the opportunity to enter a Spanish galleon replica as it prepares to depart to the New World and learn about the ship’s navigational instruments, technology and crew-members.

Other sections explore the rich history of Florida’s Indian populations, the origin and evolution of Juan Ponce de Leon’s mythical quest for the Fountain of Youth and the founding of St. Augustine, the oldest permanent European settlement in the United States.Imagining La Florida also features several AV and interactive elements including a recreation of the sixteenth-century neighborhood of Arenal, in Seville, Spain, and a projected animation of The Fountain of Youth that will offer departing visitors the chance of a virtual rejuvenating bath.

Juan Ponce de Leon and the Fountain of Youth. (VOXXI)“It is extraordinary to see how the Spanish’s explorers’ 500-year-old vision has shaped Florida into the vibrant trade and culture hub it is today,” Emilio C. Sanchez said.

Imagining La Florida hopes to honor and celebrate their legacy, through rediscovering one of the most intriguing and dramatic, yet often forgotten, periods in U.S. history.

‘Imagining La Florida’ is divided into four distinct sections.The first part of the voyage, Path into the Unknown, begins in Seville, Spain, on the eve of a trans-Atlantic voyage. Visitors enter a Spanish galleon replica as it prepares to depart to the New World. We learn about the navigational instruments, technology, and the range of occupations of those who joined such expeditions.

Section two, The Age of Exploration and Encounter, focuses on the age of exploration, from Ponce de León’s first voyage to Florida to Pedro Menéndez de Avilés and the foundation of St. Augustine, the oldest permanent European settlement in the United States. Visitors will also discover the rich diversity of Florida’s Indian populations on the eve of Ponce’s 1513 voyage.

Europeans, Africans and Indians in La Florida is the third section, which highlights the evolution of Florida’s early history, as Europeans, Africans (both free and enslaved), and Indians struggled to create a colonial society.

Violent clashes certainly occurred, but so did long periods of peace and coexistence. Lasting alliances were forged; in the sixteenth century, Jesuit and Franciscan missions spread from south Florida north to Chesapeake Bay. And in the eighteenth century, Florida became the home of the first free black community in the United States, Fort Mose.

The fourth and final section, Seeking the Fountain of Youth, explores the origin and evolution of one of the most enduring foundation myths in the United States, Juan Ponce de León’s Quest for the Fountain of Youth.

Imagining La Florida also includes several recordings of short stories, narrated in Spanish and English, which complement the biographies of some of the most fascinating characters and episodes that helped shape Spanish colonization of Florida.

As visitors depart the exhibit, a remarkable animation of The Fountain of Youth, inspired by the famous painting by Cranach de Elder, projected on the floor, will offer the chance of a virtual rejuvenating bath, whose effects will be visible on a “magic mirror.”

Fox News Latino (EFE)Exhibit presents myths and reality of Spanish Florida30 May 2013

The miniature versions of the San Marcos fort and an Apalachee Indian village as well as the recreation of the myth of the Fountain of Youth are available to the public in the "Imagining La Florida" exhibit, which offers an "exciting tour" of the Spanish colonial period, curator J. Michael Francis said.

The exhibit interactively and pleasantly illustrates the first two centuries in the history of Florida starting with its discovery by Juan Ponce de Leon in 1513, Francis, a professor at the University of South Florida St. Petersburg, told Efe on Thursday.

The main challenge of the exposition, which opens Thursday at Miami's Freedom Tower, is "to go beyond the myths" and combine historical rigor and entertainment to review a colonization effort that was a melting pot for a "tremendous diversity" of cultures, he said.

"In the United States, there's still the impression that history begins with the English and their arrival in 1607 at what is today Jamestown," forgetting that the

Spanish Jesuits had founded a mission in that area and interacted with the Indians there almost four decades earlier, Francis said.

The celebration of the 500th anniversary of the Spaniards' arrival is a unique occasion for "politicians, professors and students to delve into and understand" the history of Spanish Florida during the first phase of colonization between 1513 and 1763.

Already at that time "people from all over the world, from English, Irish, Africans and Indians, with different languages and cultures, established themselves in Spanish Florida and integrated themselves," Francis emphasized.

Via illustrated panels, videos, artifacts, documents, maps and itineraries of the Spanish explorers, Imagining La Florida invites people to take an extraordinary trip told from both sides of the Atlantic Ocean.

The exhibit was organized and produced by Acción Cultural Española, a public entity devoted to promoting Spanish culture and heritage all over the world. EFE