[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 5]
[Senate]
[Page 6517]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                      RECOGNIZING VIVA FLORIDA 500

 Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, I would like to take this 
opportunity to recognize the events taking place in my home State of 
Florida commemorating five centuries of historic and cultural 
significance.
  Five hundred years ago Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon led an 
expedition from the island of Puerto Rico in search of new territory 
for Spain to claim. Ponce de Leon laid claim to the new territory they 
found, calling the site La Florida because of the lush floral beauty 
that he saw. From our beautiful sandy beaches, to our rivers and lakes, 
to the Everglades in South Florida, our State remains true to Ponce de 
Leon's first description.
  Ponce de Leon's landing can be considered the first step in Florida's 
journey to become a part of our great country. Ponce de Leon was the 
first European to land on what is now the continental United States. 
His landing predates some of the most treasured historical sites and 
moments in the United States, including the English landing at 
Jamestown, VA, and the Pilgrims landing at Plymouth, MA.
  It is also important to recognize the State of Florida's Native 
American population during these events. Native Americans inhabited 
territories in and around Florida prior to Ponce de Leon's arrival and 
continue to make a positive contribution to our State and its culture.
  Since its founding over five centuries ago, Florida continues to 
display its rich history by contributing new ideas, culture, and events 
to the American experience. I am proud to come from a State with a 
deeply rooted history, and I celebrate the State of Florida's 
leadership both past and present.
  Mr. President, colleagues, please join me in recognizing the State of 
Florida and its 500th anniversary.

                          ____________________