The Florida Department of State has designated the upcoming year, 2013, Viva Florida 500 the 500th anniversary of Juan Ponce de León's arrival on Florida's east coast, in which the entire state will be celebrating the different cultures that thrive together in Florida.
To celebrate, Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Libraries will be hosting a special event, "The Homegrown in Hillsborough Festival," at the John F. Germany Public Library, on Saturday, Oct 26, 2013 from 10:00 – 3:00 featuring local talent: Arts & Crafts (Artists, Artisans, & Architecture), Words & Music (Writers, Musicians, & Dance), and Gastronomy (Food, Farmers, & Chefs).