Governor Ron DeSantis unveils statue of Thomas Jefferson in Jefferson County to kickstart Florida’s America250 celebration
Monticello, Florida – In a ceremony held today in Monticello, Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis officially launched Florida’s America250FL campaign to mark the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. As part of this historic initiative, the Governor unveiled a new statue of Thomas Jefferson in Jefferson County, honoring the third U.S. president and principal author of the Declaration of Independence. This statue stands as a testament to Jefferson’s monumental contributions to the nation and as a key symbol in Florida’s ongoing celebration of America’s founding.
“While others are tearing statues of our founding fathers down, Florida is putting them up,” Governor DeSantis proclaimed during the event. The Governor emphasized Jefferson’s critical role in shaping the American identity, particularly through his authorship of the Declaration of Independence, which laid the philosophical groundwork for the nation’s independence and future governance. “Thomas Jefferson was a critical figure in the formation of our country, especially in drafting the Declaration of Independence. In Florida, we celebrate the Founding Fathers,” DeSantis added.
This event in Jefferson County is only the beginning of a broader effort to honor America’s founders across the state. Over the next year, additional statues will be unveiled in counties named after notable figures of American history, including Washington, Franklin, Hamilton, Madison, and Monroe counties. These unveilings are part of a larger initiative, the America250FL campaign, which aims to engage Floridians in reflecting on the nation’s founding and the principles that continue to shape America’s identity.
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Governor DeSantis took the opportunity to underscore Jefferson’s enduring legacy as the “Father of the Declaration of Independence.” He highlighted Jefferson’s commitment to the ideals of liberty, religious freedom, civic virtue, and education. These values, the Governor pointed out, remain foundational to Florida’s educational framework and state identity. Jefferson’s belief in the importance of an informed, educated citizenry has resonated in the state’s ongoing investments in civic education.
Under DeSantis’ leadership, Florida has made significant strides in enhancing civic education, particularly through the establishment of the Civics Literacy Excellence Initiative in 2021. This initiative, a $129 million program, has expanded civics curriculum statewide and created the Civics Seal of Excellence Endorsement for teachers. With over 21,000 educators having participated in the program and over 3,700 more on the waiting list, Florida continues to prioritize the teaching of civic literacy to ensure that students understand the nation’s founding principles. Additionally, the state has allocated over $59 million in teacher stipends to recognize educators who are fostering a deep understanding of American history and civic engagement.
Further expanding on the importance of civic education, Governor DeSantis announced that Florida’s Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget includes an additional $7.4 million dedicated to expanding civic literacy and debate programs across the state. This financial commitment reflects Florida’s dedication to ensuring that its students are well-versed in the history, values, and responsibilities of American citizenship.
The America250FL campaign is not only focused on educational initiatives but also aims to bring Floridians closer to their state’s historical roots. Governor DeSantis announced the launch of America250FL.com, a digital hub where residents can explore Florida’s role in American history, plan visits to historic sites, and share their own family’s contributions to the state and nation’s legacy. This platform serves as a resource for Floridians to learn more about the historic sites within their state and connect with the broader celebrations happening throughout the year.
For those interested in learning more or engaging in the ongoing commemoration, the website offers a wealth of information and opportunities to get involved. “This is just the beginning,” DeSantis said, reinforcing the idea that Florida’s observance of the 250th anniversary will extend beyond this event into a yearlong celebration of American ideals.
As part of the nation’s semiquincentennial celebrations, Florida’s America250FL initiative reflects both a deep respect for the past and a forward-looking commitment to preserving the core values that the Founding Fathers laid down. With continued support for civic education and the public celebration of American heroes like Thomas Jefferson, Florida is ensuring that future generations have the knowledge and tools to appreciate the sacrifices and visions that built the nation.
