On Sunday, November 16 2025 our Conversation @ the Crocker at 2:00pm : Author James MacDougald will talk on Revisiting the Ponce de Leon and Narvaez Settlement Expeditions. He is working on an article that “provides evidence that the first European colony

in today’s U.S. was in Tampa Bay, most likely Old Tampa Bay in the vicinity of Safety Harbor. It has been assumed by many that the 1521 Ponce de León settlement from March to July 1521 probably occurred in the vicinity of Ft Myers, although there is no evidence to support that.

“The fact that the location of the first European colony in today’s United States is unknown has caused it to be unrecognized and unheralded. I think, using newfound information, that a very compelling case can be made for Old Tampa Bay, with a standard of clear and convincing evidence.” Mr. MacDougald will present maps and visuals explaining his findings. The Crocker Memorial Church, Members Free, Not-yet-members, $10. Tours of the Bidwell-Wood house available an hour before the program starts.