As Florida Approaches 500th Birthday - Local Conquistadors Commemorate Ponce Discovery of Florida and Charlotte Harbor

It was almost 500 years ago that Ponce de Leon and crew stepped on the shores of our state and christened it Florida. The year was 1513 and it changed forever the continent of North America. The exact landing spot where Ponce and his men came ashore remains unknown, but it is thought to have been somewhere between the Cape Canaveral area and the mouth of the St. Johns River. It is believed that Ponce continued around the tip of Florida and entered Charlotte Harbor during that first voyage.   

Years later, it is said that he sailed again to the west coast of Florida entering Charlotte Harbor in 1521 with the idea of establishing a colony somewhere in the area. Some legends have it that he died from a poisoned arrow wound received at the site of Ponce de Leon Historical Park in Punta Gorda.

The Royal Order of Ponce de Leon Conquistadors will commemorate the 499th anniversary of the discovery of Florida and Charlotte Harbor by Ponce de Leon this Saturday. A free re-enactment will take place at noon Saturday at the Laishley Park pavilion in downtown Punta Gorda The ceremony will also include a welcoming, a proclamation and presentations by local dignitaries. Musical entertainment by Gary & Kerri, and a barbecue will top off the celebration.