FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 22, 2003
CONTACT: Kathalyn Gaither, (850) 245-2112
Wayne Stevens, (850) 245-2100
State
Parks Celebrate Florida's
Hispanic Heritage
--Hispanic contributions come alive at Florida’s
cultural, historic sites --
TALLAHASSEE- The State’s strong Hispanic heritage is
evident throughout present-day Florida. Tributes to these
influential contributions are featured at many of Florida's
award-winning state parks. To mark Hispanic Heritage Month, the
Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) hosted statewide
park celebrations in October.
“Spanish, Hispanic and Latin-American influences reflect
Florida’s past and inspire future generations," said DEP
Secretary David B. Struhs. “Florida’s state parks unlock the
mysteries to our rich, cultural history. Links to our heritage
are preserved, treasured and come to life through living-history
demonstrations.”
Ybor City Museum State Park, housed in the Ferlita Bakery
Building, is in the heart of downtown Tampa. In the late 1800s,
Vicente Martinez Ybor founded Ybor City and its cigar factories
-Tampa’s first industry. The museum features a Casita, a small
cottage built for cigar workers’ families, that represents
Florida’s early urban housing efforts.
“Florida’s strong Hispanic roots are reflected in our
state park system, which preserves important cultural and
historical sites,” said DEP Deputy Secretary for Land and
Recreation Bob Ballard. “State Parks celebrate the early
Hispanic contributions that shape today’s Florida - its art,
industry and agriculture. ”
In 1513, Ponce de Leon visited Key Biscayne and named it “Cape
of Florida.” Today, the location is home to Cape Florida State
Park, bearing the name it received by the Spanish explorer. At
DeLeon Springs State Park, local folklore claims that Ponce de
Leon discovered the Fountain of Youth. The Spanish settlers
built a sugar mill, now part of the park, which serves as a
popular restaurant where patrons make their own pancakes.
San Marcos de Apalachee Historic State Park, at St. Marks
near Tallahassee, was first occupied by Panfilo de Narvaez’s
army in 1528. In 1679, the Spanish Governor of Florida began
construction of the first fort on the strategic location, which
was eventually replaced by the stone fort that now houses the
park’s museum.
For a free park guide listing state park Hispanic Heritage
sites, call (850) 245-2157 or visit www.FloridaStateParks.org.
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