Cap’t Bligh’s ship

According to most accounts, Bligh’s crew became tired of the captain’s harsh treatment during the cruise, and had also become attracted to the idyllic life on Tahiti.

“Oh yeah, Captain Bligh has become synonymous with tyrannical treatment,” Simonin said. “But several researchers have taken issue with that image, and I think he’s been unfairly given a bad reputation.”

In the 2004 book, “The Bounty,” historian Caroline Alexander claimed that Bligh was inaccurately portrayed, and that he was in fact relatively lenient compared with other British naval officers.

Either way, led by Christian, 18 mutineers set Bligh and members of the crew who were loyal to him afloat in a small boat. The mutineers then sailed the ship to Pitcairn Island, where it was burned to avoid discovery by the British Navy, and to prevent desertion. Descendants of many of the mutineers and Tahitians still live on Pitcairn island.

After Bligh, who was renown for his navigation skills, and his men made an epic journey in the small boat to Timor in the Dutch East Indies, he returned to England and reported the mutiny.

The HMS Bounty docks at St. Augustine City Marina

The HMS Bounty, a replica of one of the most famous ships in the world, was built for the 1962 MGM movie, “Mutiny on the Bounty” starring Marlon Brando and Trevor Howard. The Bounty has also appeared in several other motion pictures over the years, including “Treasure Island,” and two of the “Pirates of the Caribbean” movies starring Johnny Depp.

The Bounty, which has just begun its 2012 East Coast tour, will come through the St. Augustine Inlet, possibly as early as Wednesday, and tie up at the St. Augustine Municipal Marina, where she will be available to the public for tours Friday through Sunday.

“We’re thrilled to come to St. Augustine,” said Tracie Simonin, director of the H.M.S. Bounty. “We had several important ports of call that we were obligated to make, but I also hand-picked a few, including St. Augustine, because we love coming to cities we haven’t visited. And with all of the history of St. Augustine, it’s a natural fit. It should be exciting.” 

The ship is widely known for the 1789 mutiny that took place aboard the ship, which had been tasked with obtaining breadfruit in Tahiti and delivering it to the West Indies to feed slaves. The mutiny has been the subject of several books, films, and popular songs during the more than 200 years since. The mutiny was led by master’s mate Fletcher Christian against the now infamous commander, Lt. William Bligh. He is generally referred to as “Captain Bligh,” since he served in that capacity on the ship.

Saturday marks the 223rd anniversary of the mutiny, which took place on April 28, 1789.

Florida Farm Days

Saturday and Sunday: April 14 & 15

Head over to the Florida Agricultural Center to learn all about Florida Farming. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. enjoy historic demonstrators, food activists, re-enactors, organic growers, heritage livestock & poultry, trendy vendors, historic culture and music.

Guest speakers will address various farming and gardening topics. See traditional Florida come to life with canning, weaving, cast iron cooking, hand plowing contests, whip cracking, tractor contests and so much more! Admission is $8 for adults and $6 for children under 12. 

It all takes place at the Florida Agricultural Museum, located at 7900 Old Kings Road in Palm Coast, off US 1 approximately 2 miles west of I-95 Exit 298.

More events here >>

New art gallery in Saint Augustine, Florida

New art gallery in Saint Augustine, Florida opens with nature and wildlife works by photographer Frank Berna

An art gallery located at 233 West King Street in Saint Augustine, Florida, 32084 will open its doors with a show titled "Bug Shots" featuring nature and wildlife photographs by Frank Berna. The exhibition presents a series of photos that capture visually beautiful flora and eye-popping insects and reptiles. Berna has spent many years perfecting is photographic talents and has developed an eye that clearly separates him from other nature-based photographers.

The gallery will kick off the month long show to coincide with the First Friday event that is held on Friday, April 6. Local guests will be invited to a reception to celebrate the grand opening and meet the artist. The exhibit will run from opening night through the end of April. A portion of the show's proceeds will be donated to the Epilepsy Foundation of Florida.