TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Florida, home of the oldest European-founded city in the United States, is celebrating the 500th anniversary of the arrival of Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon, who claimed the state for Spain. Ponce de Leon landed in northeast Florida 500 years ago, near St. Augustine, soon to be 450 years old.

Looking to its important history and its future this quincentenary year, VISIT FLORIDA invites today's travelers to explore Florida for themselves and share their stories at the redesigned VISITFLORIDA.com website.

The new website debuted this spring in conjunction with the launch of the new brand campaign “Must Be the Sunshine.”

The epic, quirky and unique vacation stories of Florida visitors are the inspiration for the new campaign, and the new VISITFLORIDA.com site is a dynamic journal, updated daily with blog posts, articles, videos, photography and informational graphics reported by more than 70 award-winning Florida journalists. It's an interactive, continuous convention of happy memories, where Florida's millions of visitors can share their own stories and pictures.

“The look may remind users of Pinterest's scrapbook feel, and that's intentional,” says Kevin McGeever, VISIT FLORIDA's senior editor. “At the heart of the new website is storytelling – ours and yours. Here's a little jolt of adrenalin called cafecito. Here's an itinerary for a day at the beach – swimming, sunning, shopping, eating. And speaking of food, who really makes the best Cuban sandwich – Tampa or Miami?”

McGeever and Deputy Editor Philip Ward, both longtime newsroom leaders at nationally recognized Florida newspapers, oversee the VISIT FLORIDA storytelling.

“See for yourself,” McGeever says. “The home page or gateway for VISITFLORIDA.com and its five microsites – Fishing Capital, Golf, Trails, Weddings and Viva Florida – compel visitors first with photography and a promise: 'See what the sunshine can do for you.'

“Need a vacation idea? Search on any of the gateway pages according to a location and/or your personal style. Create your personal list of favorite stories and experiences from the search results. Share your stories with us.”

Daily promotions and deals will connect readers to vacation opportunities through VISIT FLORIDA's world-class partners.

Also, U.S. residents age 21 and older can sign up for weekly chances to win free Florida vacations, in the 500 Years of Adventure Sweepstakes. VISIT FLORIDA and its tourism partners will give away Florida vacation package each week through Dec. 29.

MEDIA CONTACT: Laura Cassels, lcassels@VISITFLORIDA.org, (850) 363-5801. Pow Wow Media Marketplace, VISIT FLORIDA table.