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\u2019s role in American history. Gov. Ron DeSantis recently announced the plans, marking the state\u2019s official participation in the national semiquincentennial.<\/p>\n
\u201cFlorida is proud to lead with celebrations that promote civic virtue, historical education, and patriotic pride,\u201d DeSantis said.<\/p>\n
Spotlight on Florida\u2019s revolutionary history<\/p>\n
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-On\u00eds Treaty of 1821 earned it the nickname the \u201cFourteenth Colony.\u201d<\/p>\n
The state plans to use its celebrations to highlight this unique history, including a series of exhibits and public programs.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Washington\u2019s Birthday becomes state holiday<\/p>\n
DeSantis proclaimed Washington\u2019s Birthday a Florida state holiday, with state offices closed on Monday, Feb. 16.<\/p>\n
The state will host \u201cWashington\u2019s Birthday Weekend\u201d Feb. 12\u201316, honoring General George Washington, America\u2019s first president and commander-in-chief of the Continental Army.<\/p>\n
Planned activities include:<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Exhibits and monuments across the state<\/p>\n
Florida\u2019s Capitol will feature a new \u201c14th Colony\u201d exhibit, showcasing historical artifacts, artwork, documents, and patriotic memorabilia curated by the Department of State.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Statues honoring the nation\u2019s founders have been unveiled in counties named for them, with more dedications planned.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Not only is DeSantis installing statutes of the founding fathers, he also wants to honor others who he said represented the founders\u2019 ideals. His plans include statues of Ronald Reagan, Abraham Lincoln, Dwight Eisenhower and Calvin Coolidge.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe thing is, like these blue states are taking these statues down, so I get them at a discount,\u201d the governor quipped. \u201cWe\u2019re 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Yearlong engagement opportunities<\/p>\n
Beyond the Capitol, Floridians can participate in a variety of activities to celebrate the semiquincentennial:<\/p>\n
America250FL Golf Trail: Historic and participating golf courses across the state will feature commemorative America 250 Florida flags on the 14th hole, highlighting Florida\u2019s role as the \u201c14th Colony.\u201d<\/p>\n
14th Colony Heritage Sites & road trip: A curated collection of historic sites and parks \u2013 from Mission San Luis in Tallahassee to Fort Mose Historic State Park in St. Augustine \u2013 will feature reenactments and educational events.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s founding principles.<\/p>\n
Additional events, exhibits, and activities will be announced throughout the year.<\/p>\n
For more information<\/p>\n
To learn more about participating sites, contests, and celebrations, go to America250FL.com<\/a>, the state\u2019s official hub for the semiquincentennial.<\/p>\n