Backup Documents 01/08-09/2013 Item # 4DPROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, 2013 marks a significant historical milestone for the state of Florida as 4,chbra tes the
500 Anniversary of Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon's landing on the coast of
Florida in April 1513; and,
WHEREAS, Ponce de Leon was the first European explorer to document his voyage and bestowed the
name La Florida on the new land in honor of the Spanish Feast of the Flowers, and,
WHEREAS, Florida's history dates back more than 12,000 years to the Native American tribes who
preceded the Spanish explorers; and,
WHEREAS, Ponce de Leon's voyage of discovery began a new era in which native people, Europeans
and other nationalities under many different flags formed the foundation that created
the state of Florida; and,
WHEREAS, a countless number of different cultures have contributed to Florida's heritage and
continue to live, work and thrive together today, and,
WHEREAS, the Florida Department of State designated 2013 as Vivo Florida 500 to celebrate the
legacy of Spanish Florida as well as the achievements of all who have contributed to
Florida's dynamic growth, rich diversity and economic prosperity, and,
WHEREAS, the commemorate this milestone, the Collier County Museum, Friends of the Museum,
Friends of the Museum of the Everglades, Marco Island Historical Society and Daughters
of the American Revolution invite Collier County citizens and visitors to participate in the
many enriching programs and events planned in honor of Viva Florida 500 throughout
2013.
NOW THEREFORE, be it proclaimed by the Board of County Commissioners of Collier County, Florida,
that 2013 be designated as
THE 500T" ANNIVERSARY OF THE EUROPEAN DISCOVERY OF FLORIDA
DONE AND ORDERED THIS 8'h Day of January, 2013.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
COLLIER COUNTY, FLORIDA
CHAIRMAN
ATTEST•
DWI6HT E. BROCK, CLERK