Bradenton in Manatee County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)

A Stroke of Luck

— De Soto National Memorial —

Photographed by Pete Skillman, March 11, 2026

1. A Stroke of Luck Marker

Inscription. As the expedition prepared for departure, De Soto scoured the area near the Uzita base camp, seeking Indigenous people to bribe or threaten into providing assistance and information. In June of 1539 a scouting party chased down a group of Timucua warriors. As they approached, they were startled to hear a plea for mercy in Spanish.

The man was Juan Ortiz, a Spaniard from an expedition 10 years prior. The story he told was harrowing. Captured by the Tocobaga, he had been repeatedly tortured and forced into servitude. He eventually won the Indigenous peoples' admiration by recovering the body of a child taken by a panther. Later learning of his possible sacrifice, the Cacique's daughter helped Juan Ortiz escape to the nearby village of Mocozo.

For De Soto, finding Ortiz was a stroke of luck. Ortiz had local knowledge and cultural experience, and critically, he could serve as a translator. He remained with the expedition until his death two years later.

(Caption):
Ortiz asked the attacking Spaniards to spare the Indigenous friends who were with him.

Erected 2025 by National Park Service.

Topics. This historical

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marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration • Hispanic Americans • Indigenous Peoples and Communities. A significant historical month for this entry is June 1539.

Location. 27° 31.449′ N, 82° 38.602′ W. Marker is in Bradenton, Florida, in Manatee County. It can be reached from Desoto Memorial Highway. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 8300 Desoto Memorial Hwy, Bradenton FL 34209, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on Florida’s Gulf Coast

and on Tampa Bay.

It is also in the American South

and on the Gulf Coast.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Struggle and Resistance (a few steps from this marker); Landfall (within shouting distance of this marker); Memorial Trail (within shouting

A Stroke of Luck Marker - wide view image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Pete Skillman, March 11, 2026

2. A Stroke of Luck Marker - wide view

distance of this marker); De Soto's Expedition (within shouting distance of this marker); A Land Transformed (within shouting distance of this marker); Escape Down the Mississippi River (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Hernando de Soto (about 300 feet away); Arrival (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bradenton.

Credits. This page was last revised on March 13, 2026. It was originally submitted on March 12, 2026, by Pete Skillman of Townsend, Delaware. This page has been viewed 14 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 12, 2026, by Pete Skillman of Townsend, Delaware.