It's Ponce DeLeon's 500th anniversary: How Sanibel Might Celebrate

On Sanibel one can feel not only away from Florida but away from the world. But we do want to acknowledge our geo-placement within the state. 2013 marks the 500th anniversary of the European discovery of Florida by the Spanish explorer and conquistador Juan Ponce de Leon, and here's our idea of a perfect "birthday" cake to mark the occasion:

First, mix the flour with water, inspiration and love for island living.

Next, create a design that will truly reflect the joys of Florida and specifically the many facets of Sanibel.

We envision the icing in a shade of blue green to match the colors of the Gulf.

The decorations will capture the sands, the shore and the Gulf residents.

Sprinkles in earth tones will adorn the sides of the cake, sugar sweets shaped like sea shells will cling to every surface and dolphins will be crafted to top off the creation.

The design will be pure Sanibel, enticing, special and inviting as a work of bake art should be.

But what of the candles?

Well 500 candles would be a bit much to adorn the average size confection, so we will only use 5, each one representing 100 years of celebration.

And, of course, what is more fitting to serve as a candle than a palm tree?

But we would be remiss if we did not, in the creation of this birthday cake, complete the celebration with some additional nods to de Leon.  So we will have some music playing in the background as we served out the pieces. And our first choice would be the exquisite guitar playing of Andres Segovia, a Spanish composer.  Lastly, we will offer as beverage some sparkling water from a fountain and call it the fountain of youth.  Brilliant orange slices, right from our Sanibel trees will be available with each glass served.

That about does it.

Would you like to come to our party?