Democrat states tore down statues of America's founders while virtue signaling about "progress."
One governor decided to fight back.
And Ron DeSantis just made one move that has woke states fuming over America's 250th birthday.
Florida Bought Statues Other States Threw Away Like Trash
Ron DeSantis announced a slate of celebrations for America's 250th anniversary on Friday at the Heritage Center in Vero Beach.
The governor revealed Florida partnered with NASCAR for the "America 250 Florida Duel at Daytona" on February 13.
State parks will offer free admission February 13-16 during Washington's Birthday weekend.
But DeSantis dropped a bombshell about Florida's founding father statues.
https://twitter.com/RonDeSantis/status/2017296148973715715?s=20
The governor said Florida scooped up statues that woke states tore down and removed.
DeSantis acquired founding father monuments "at discounts by purchasing statues removed in other states."
While progressive governors ripped down George Washington and Thomas Jefferson to appease Black Lives Matter mobs, Florida stepped in and gave those American heroes a proper home.
DeSantis already unveiled statues of George Washington at the Capitol, Thomas Jefferson in Jefferson County, and Benjamin Franklin in Franklin County.
Statues honoring Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and James Monroe are coming to counties bearing their names.
DeSantis Declares War on Woke Historical Revisionism
DeSantis explained Florida's approach in stark contrast to Democrat-run states.
"While others are tearing statues down, we are putting statues up to honor the heroes of our republic and our great history," DeSantis said.
The governor framed Florida as the symbolic "14th colony" that reflects the "spirit of 1776."
Left-wing states removed founding father statues because Washington and Jefferson owned slaves.
The woke mob decided 250 years of contributions to liberty meant nothing compared to modern standards of political correctness.
DeSantis addressed the criticism head-on when unveiling the Jefferson statue in July 2025.
"I think it's totally fair to criticize any of the founders for the decisions and actions they made," DeSantis said. "But I do think it's wrong to demonize them and act like somehow 250 years later, 'they did this.' Take them for all the pluses and minuses."
https://twitter.com/GovRonDeSantis/status/2017327562171498627?s=20
Florida recognizes historical figures as complex humans rather than cartoon villains in a social justice morality play.
Pennsylvania and New York Scramble to Save Face
DeSantis is running circles around other states with Florida's celebration.
Pennsylvania put up 22 fiberglass Liberty Bell replicas around Philadelphia.
New York's dropping the Times Square ball on July 3 for the first time ever outside New Year's Eve.
Virginia came up with a passport program that gives you 15% off at historical sites.
That's cute, but it's nothing compared to what Florida's doing.
The "14th Colony" exhibit at the Florida Capitol showcases historical artifacts and patriotic memorabilia.
Florida organized an America250FL Golf Trail putting commemorative flags on the 14th hole at participating courses.
The state created heritage site road trips to Revolutionary War locations like Fort Clinch, Paynes Prairie, and San Marcos de Apalache.
Period reenactors at state parks will give families hands-on history lessons.
The Florida Department of Education launched an essay contest awarding 14 Florida Prepaid scholarships to winning students.
DeSantis made George Washington's birthday a state holiday for 2026, closing government offices on February 16.
https://twitter.com/GovRonDeSantis/status/2017278890310541386?s=20
Florida Shows America How to Celebrate Its Founding
America250 chairwoman Rosie Rios said the milestone gives the nation a chance to ask "what is the spirit of America?"
DeSantis already answered that question for Florida.
The spirit of America honors the founding fathers who risked everything for liberty.
It celebrates the principles in the Declaration of Independence and Constitution.
https://twitter.com/GovRonDeSantis/status/2017312315024998449?s=20
And it rejects the coordinated effort to malign American history and demonize the founders.
Liberal states removed founding father statues to appease radical activists.
Florida bought those same statues at discount prices and gave them places of honor.
Those discarded statues are teaching Florida's children about American founding principles while generating national attention.
Every unveiling becomes a lesson in civics that reaches millions through media coverage.
States that removed the statues get reminded they threw away American heroes for nothing.
And Florida gets to celebrate America's 250th anniversary as the state that refused to abandon the founding fathers.
DeSantis positioned Florida as America's patriotic stronghold while leftist states cope with their own historical revisionism.
Sources:
- WCJB Staff, "Governor DeSantis announces Florida-based events before 250th Independence Day," WCJB, January 30, 2026.
- Luke Anderson, "DeSantis announces special Florida events, exhibits for U.S. semiquincentennial," WTXL, January 31, 2026.
- CBS12 Staff, "DeSantis speaks in Vero Beach, highlights cold snap, election integrity, and America 250," CBS12, January 30, 2026.
- Washington Examiner, "Which states are having the biggest America 250 celebrations?" Washington Examiner, January 27, 2026.
- Florida Politics, "Gov. DeSantis praises George Washington's restraint while unveiling statue," Florida Politics, February 20, 2025.
- WUSF Staff, "Statues of U.S. founders will be placed throughout Florida for America's 250th birthday," WUSF, July 9, 2025.
