MEDIA ADVISORY: Secretary Detzner Invites Media to Viva Florida 500 Meeting at Pensacola’s Museum of Commerce

Showcasing 500 years of history and culture while promoting tourism in Florida’s Panhandle

Pensacola, Florida –

Secretary of State Ken Detzner and the Florida Department of State are hosting a regional planning meeting tomorrow in Pensacola for Viva Florida 500, a statewide initiative commemorating 500 years of history and culture since Juan Ponce de León’s arrival to La Florida in 1513. Viva Florida 500 is expected to increase tourism, enhance education and stimulate economic opportunities for northwest Florida and throughout the state by highlighting Florida’s storied history and unmatched cultural heritage.

Presentations at the meeting will include information on the new Florida Panhandle Shipwreck Trail, which showcases 12 underwater shipwrecks and promotes Panhandle tourism. Also featured at the meeting will be Expedition Florida 500, a year-long journey for paddlers and water sport enthusiasts on Florida’s coastlines and waterways beginning in Pensacola in January 2013. Other important historical information and partner projects recognizing Florida as a premiere cultural heritage destination will also be discussed.

For more information on Viva Florida 500, visit www.fla500.com. For more information on the Florida Panhandle Shipwreck Trail, go to www.FloridaPanhandleDiveTrail.com.

DATE:           Thursday, July, 19, 2012
TIME:            2:00 p.m.  CST
LOCATION:   Museum of Commerce, Historic Pensacola Village
                     205 East Zarragossa Street
                     Pensacola, FL 32502