Spanish explorer Ponce de León : Myths, mysteries surrounding voyage to Florida 500 years ago - by Jon Busdeker

St.Augustin, Florida. US's oldest City

Florida history is as murky as an alligator-filled swamp.

Five centuries after Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León stepped foot on the eastern shore of what is now called Florida, much about his voyage remains a mystery.

The 500th anniversary of Ponce de León's landing will be observed Tuesday, continuing a year long celebration called Viva Florida.

Note EU-Digest :  On Tuesday April 2,  the peripatetic Spanish conquistador Don Juan Ponce de Leon will stand tall — 15 feet tall, actually — in bronze form as his statue keeps watch over Melbourne Beach at the spot where the explorer supposedly first set eyes on Florida 500 years ago.

\It took three years and a lot of effort and money to create such a monument for Juan Ponce de Leon Landing Park. Rockledge artist Rafael Picon provided the artistry necessary to channel Ponce de Leon’s spirit into the massive metal sculpture. The work was commissioned by United Third Bridge and the Royal Order of Don Juan Ponce de Leon.

Actors, astronauts and political leaders will convene at 6 p.m. Saturday at the Hilton Melbourne Rialto for a cocktail reception at 6 p.m. and dinner and presentation of the Juan Ponce de Leon Awards from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Musical group La Noche Caliente, or Hot Night, promises just that after dinner until 1 a.m.

Among individuals being honored that night with Don Juan Ponce de Leon Awards for their efforts with the Historical V Centennial Celebration and the promotion of awareness of Hispanic heritage and culture are:

• Lt. Col. Douglas Peck, a retired Air Force officer and deep water navigator turned historian. Peck used Ponce de Leon’s logs to retrace the conquistador’s 1513 voyage.
• Sen. Darren Soto, who was instrumental in the creation of Florida’s Hispanic Achievement license plate.
• Rafael Picon, creator of the new Ponce de Leon statue.
• Actor and artist Federico Castelluccio, known for his portrayal of Furio in “The Sopranos.” Castelluccio has agreed to create a mural for the Don Juan Ponce de Leon Multicultural Research Center, slated to be built in Melbourne Beach.
• Actor and sculptor Paul Sorvino, of “Goodfellas,” “Law and Order” and “That Championship Season” fame.
• Actor Raymond Franza of “The Sopranos” and “Analyze This.”
“This will be an unforgettable evening,” said organizer Sam Lopez, president and CEO of United Third Bridge.

Also read more: Ponce de León Florida: Myths, mysteries surround Ponce de León's voyage to Florida 500 years ago - Orlando Sentinel