Viva Florida 500 summit to include 450th ideas

Department of Public Affairs Director Paul Williamson invited Historic City News readers to attend on October 1 at Flagler College’s Lewis Auditorium when Viva Florida 500 holds its statewide summit in preparation for the 500th anniversary of the founding of Florida by Juan Ponce de Leon in 1513; jointly with the St Augustine 450th Commemoration.

The more than 20 speakers lined up for the morning and afternoon sessions will include representatives of the governments of Spain, Great Britain and France, the Seminole Tribe of Florida, Florida’s Department of State, and the Florida Humanities Council.

The program will feature a morning session focused on leadership with presentations from various officials and dignitaries, including Lt. Governor Jennifer Carroll, Secretary of State Ken Detzner, former UN Ambassador Andrew Young and State Senator John Thrasher.

The afternoon session will focus on resources with speakers from Visit Florida, Florida universities, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection Division of Recreation and Parks, and other organizations, all designed to assist organizations in the development and marketing of 500th and 450th events.

The event is open to the public and will run from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. with a break for lunch.

“The community is encouraged to attend this unique opportunity to be on the front seat for the planning and idea sharing of these two significant commemorations,” Williams told reporters.