Expedition Florida 500 (XF500) is a modern-day exploration of Florida’s coastline, waterways and aquatic ecosystem, as seen through the eyes of the waterman. 2013 is Florida's 500th anniversary since Ponce de Leon landed on Florida’s coastline back in 1513; in celebration of this momentous occasion, Mother Ocean has partnered with Viva Florida 500, the Florida Department of State, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Quiksilver Waterman Collection, Tahoe SUP, and various others to embark on a yearlong journey combining the best of exploration, adventure, stewardship, science, and sport into a package that will include the full gamut of the waterman’s lifestyle.
Mother Ocean’s Justin Riney will be leading the movement for the entire 365 days; he will be joined by an all-star cast from partnering organizations, spending the first half of the year exploring the coastline and the second half traversing the inland waterways, lakes, springs, and Everglades. They’ll encourage others to paddle with them, including fellow team riders from Quiksilver and various celebrity paddlers.
The expedition’s primary goal is to highlight the importance of stewardship efforts as they relate to Florida’s coastlines and waterways. Mother Ocean has partnered with the Florida Department of State, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, and Viva Florida 500, the statewide initiative to celebrate the 500th anniversary, to raise awareness for Florida’s diverse and natural resources, as well as the history and culture that surrounds them. “We are honored to be partnering with Mother Ocean, Inc. and Expedition Florida 500 for this statewide, yearlong adventure highlighting Florida’s cultural, historic and natural resources,” said Secretary of State Ken Detzner. “With Florida’s remarkable natural beauty and so many navigable waterways, it is understandable that Ponce de León named it La Florida, “the flowery land,” 500 years ago.
Expedition Florida 500 raises awareness of the unique resources we have in our state and how we can all help to preserve and protect them for the next 500 years.” In 2013, Florida will mark 500 years of history and diverse cultural heritage – a claim no other state in America can make – and promote the place where the world’s cultures began to unite and transform into the great nation we know today as the United States of America. Viva Florida 500 will take place year-round in 2013, and its many partners are planning more than 150 events statewide. The goal is to promote 500 years of Florida’s history– its people, places and cultural achievements – and this important milestone in American and Florida history. Learn more by visiting www.fla500.com and www.vivaflorida.org.
For more information about the event in Destin, email Cynthia Trone at gopaddle@jupiterpointe.com.