The Charlotte Harbor area pays tribute to Ponce de Leon's visits to southwest Florida in 1513 and 1521 with a number of statues and markers. Ponce de Leon Park, a city park at 4000 West Marion Avenue in Punta Gorda, has a handful of statues and a marker honoring the explorer. Also in Punta Gorda is Gilchrist Park at 400 West Retta Esplanade.
The statue of Ponce de Leon, a focal point of this 11-acre park, was funded by the Royal Order of Ponce de Leon Conquistadors (www.conquistadors-florida.com), a group which re-enacts the landing of Ponce de Leon annually and makes appearances throughout the community through the year.
The statue of Ponce de Leon, a focal point of this 11-acre park, was funded by the Royal Order of Ponce de Leon Conquistadors (www.conquistadors-florida.com), a group which re-enacts the landing of Ponce de Leon annually and makes appearances throughout the community through the year.
Defined by his racial identity, Estevanico clearly stood apart from the rest of his group, and often spoke for them when encountering new tribes and kingdoms; however, this new role of diplomat eventually led to his demise.
On June 18, 1905 a diver was lowered overboard and walked for the first time on the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico, trailing oxygen bubbles and carrying a short rake to hook sponges.
