Florida is gearing up to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States with a slate of events, exhibits, and public initiatives designed to highlight the state’s role in American history. Gov. Ron DeSantis recently announced the plans, marking the state’s official participation in the national semiquincentennial.
“Florida is proud to lead with celebrations that promote civic virtue, historical education, and patriotic pride,” DeSantis said.
Spotlight on Florida’s revolutionary history
Although Florida was not one of the original thirteen colonies, its strategic role during the Revolutionary War and subsequent incorporation into the United States through the Adams-Onís Treaty of 1821 earned it the nickname the “Fourteenth Colony.”
The state plans to use its celebrations to highlight this unique history, including a series of exhibits and public programs.
Secretary of State Cord Byrd described the initiative as a chance to teach younger generations about the Founding Fathers and the principles enshrined in the Declaration of Independence and Constitution.
Washington’s Birthday becomes state holiday
DeSantis proclaimed Washington’s Birthday a Florida state holiday, with state offices closed on Monday, Feb. 16.
The state will host “Washington’s Birthday Weekend” Feb. 12–16, honoring General George Washington, America’s first president and commander-in-chief of the Continental Army.
Planned activities include:
Racing at Daytona: The Florida Department of Transportation has partnered with NASCAR to host the America 250 Florida Duel at Daytona as part of Speedweeks, a qualifier for the Daytona 500. The Fresh From Florida 250 will take place Friday, Feb. 13.
Free admission to state lands: All Floridians will have free access to state parks, wildlife management areas, historic sites, and water management lands over the holiday weekend.
Exhibits and monuments across the state
Florida’s Capitol will feature a new “14th Colony” exhibit, showcasing historical artifacts, artwork, documents, and patriotic memorabilia curated by the Department of State.
The exhibit will remain on the 22nd Floor Capitol Gallery through the end of the legislative session in March, with select items displayed throughout the year on other floors.
Statues honoring the nation’s founders have been unveiled in counties named for them, with more dedications planned.
Since July, DeSantis has dedicated a series of statutes of the founding fathers in their namesake counties; including Thomas Jefferson, James Madison and Ben Franklin, with more to come.
Not only is DeSantis installing statutes of the founding fathers, he also wants to honor others who he said represented the founders’ ideals. His plans include statues of Ronald Reagan, Abraham Lincoln, Dwight Eisenhower and Calvin Coolidge.
“The thing is, like these blue states are taking these statues down, so I get them at a discount,” the governor quipped. “We’re going to do Coolidge in Polk County, because that was his last public appearance as president back in 1929. We need Fredrick Douglass at St. Augustine. He was down there, you know, campaigning for rights after the Civil War.”
Yearlong engagement opportunities
Beyond the Capitol, Floridians can participate in a variety of activities to celebrate the semiquincentennial:
America250FL Golf Trail: Historic and participating golf courses across the state will feature commemorative America 250 Florida flags on the 14th hole, highlighting Florida’s role as the “14th Colony.”
14th Colony Heritage Sites & road trip: A curated collection of historic sites and parks – from Mission San Luis in Tallahassee to Fort Mose Historic State Park in St. Augustine – will feature reenactments and educational events.
Student art, essay contest: The Florida Department of Education will award 14 Florida Prepaid Scholarships to students who participate in the America 250 Florida Student Art & Essay Contest, encouraging youth to explore the nation’s founding principles.
Additional events, exhibits, and activities will be announced throughout the year.
For more information
To learn more about participating sites, contests, and celebrations, go to America250FL.com, the state’s official hub for the semiquincentennial.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Florida marks nation’s 250th anniversary with programs, more