Florida cities vie for Ponce De Leon’s landing spot, 500 years later

Where did that most ambitious conquistador, Juan Ponce de Leon, wade ashore five centuries ago and name his prize “La Florida?” Inquiring minds all over our state would like to know, the sooner the better, for planning purposes.

With the big day approaching — the anniversary arrives on April 3, 2013 — what east-coast beach city gets to shoot off the fireworks? If King Juan Carlos I of Spain graces us with a visit, where will he and Gov. Rick Scott shake hands? This being Florida, where communities joust like 16th-century knights for tourist dollars, it’s important.