~Special events and cultural resources at state parks celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month~

TALLAHASSEE – This week marks the start of Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15 – October 15, and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Florida Park Service is celebrating by recognizing the many Hispanic historical and cultural resources preserved at Florida’s 160 state parks.

“Hispanic Heritage Month is a great opportunity to highlight the spirit of Hispanic heritage that exists in Florida’s state parks,” said DEP’s Florida Park Service Director, Mike Bullock. “Parks such as De Leon Springs and Fort Mosé showcase the significant contribution Hispanic heritage has on our state’s history and culture and we encourage residents and visitors alike to explore these outstanding resources.”

State Parks featuring Hispanic heritage and history include:

• San Pedro Underwater Archaeology Preserve, Islamorada.

The San Pedro was a 287-ton, Dutch-built ship which sailed as part of the fleet of New Spain in 1733. The discovery of the ship in the 1960s in Hawk Channel beneath 18 feet of water, led to the recovery of small silver coins dated between 1731 and 1733, as well as cannons trapped under the ballast pile.

• Mound Key Archaeological State Park, Estero.

This 125-acre island is located in the Estero Bay, and was created more than 2,000 years ago by the indigenous tribe known as the Calusa, or “fierce people.”

• DeLeon Springs State Park, DeLeon Springs.

Legend and folklore claim Juan Ponce de León sought and discovered the mythical Fountain of Youth at DeLeon Springs.

• Sebastian Inlet State Park’s McLarty Treasure Museum, Melbourne Beach.

In 1715, eleven Spanish treasure galleons sank along the east central Florida coast. One of the survivors’ campsites was located on the present day site of the McLarty Treasure Museum.

• Fort Mosé Historic State Park, St. Augustine.

In 1738, the Spanish governor of Florida chartered Fort Mose as a settlement for freed Africans who had fled slavery in the British Carolinas. When Spain ceded Florida to Britain in 1763, many of the inhabitants of Fort Mosé migrated to Cuba.

• San Marcos de Apalache Historic State Park, St. Marks.

The site’s history began in 1528 when Panfilo de Narvaez arrived with 300 men. Having traveled overland from Tampa, Narvaez, impressed by the area located at the confluence of the Wakulla and St. Marks rivers, built and launched the first ships made by white men in the New World.

• San Felasco Hammock State Preserve, Alachua.

San Felasco is the mispronunciation by settlers and Native Americans of the name of a 17th century Spanish mission, San Francisco de Potano, which was located in the southeastern section of the preserve.

• Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, Micanopy.

Rancho de La Chua, on the Prairie’s north rim, is believed to be the site of Hacienda de La Chua, the largest cattle ranch in Spanish Florida. Established before 1637, La Chua was managed by the politically powerful Menendez Marquez family. Its peak of prosperity was reached between 1672 and 1695, and operated until the early eighteenth century.

Special events commemorating Hispanic heritage include:

• Fort Clinch State Park

Spanish American War Event
Saturday, September 19, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, September 20, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon.
This event will feature a commemoration of the Spanish American War. Fees include regular park entrance plus $2.00 per person Fort admission. For more information, call 904-277-7274.

• Little Manatee River State Park

11th Annual Mystery Map Event
Saturday, October 10, 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
During this Latin Fiesta themed event, horse riders and hikers of all ages will be given a map of a trail to follow where there will be themed activities to complete. A mystery person will be timed on the trail and the person who completes the trail in the time closest to the mystery person wins. The day will also include food, prizes, an auction, games, music and heritage. Sponsored by the Friends of the Little Manatee River State Park and Saddle Up Tack of Lithia, donations are $20.00 per person participating in the timed map event, which includes a Latin theme lunch. Extra lunches will be available for $6.00. For more information, call 813-677-9291.

To learn more about Hispanic heritage in Florida, visit www.floridahispanicheritage.com. To follow Florida’s state parks on Twitter, visit www.twitter.com/FLStateParks. For more information about Florida’s state parks, visit www.floridastateparks.org.