Governor Ron DeSantis unveils new statue honoring President James Monroe as Florida marks the long road toward America’s 250th birthday celebration

Tallahassee, Florida – Florida’s long shoreline has witnessed centuries of change, from colonial rivalries to modern tourism booms. This week, along a stretch of the Lower Keys where turquoise waters meet mangrove edges, state leaders added another symbol meant to tie the present to the distant past.

Governor Ron DeSantis traveled to Monroe County to unveil a new statue honoring James Monroe, the fifth president of the United States and the namesake of the county itself. The ceremony formed part of Florida’s ongoing commemoration of America’s upcoming 250th birthday, a sweeping statewide initiative designed to spotlight history, patriotism, and civic education.

Standing near Bahia Honda State Park, with ocean breezes cutting through the humid air, DeSantis framed the unveiling as both symbolic and forward-looking. “In recognition of his contributions to our country, I was proud to unveil the statue of President James Monroe near Bahia Honda State Park in Monroe County today,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “In Florida, we honor our nation’s history, celebrate those who made our country great, and strive to pass down their legacy of civic virtue to the next generation.”

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The event comes amid broader preparations for what officials call America 250 Florida, the state’s official program marking the nation’s semiquincentennial. Over the coming year, organizers say the effort will feature exhibits, community gatherings, educational initiatives, and public ceremonies stretching from the Panhandle to the Keys. Leaders describe the statue installations as one visible centerpiece of that effort.

Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd emphasized the historic link between Monroe and the state itself. “Every mile of coastline and acre of our beautiful landscape serves as a monument to President James Monroe who saw the potential of Florida,” said Secretary of State Cord Byrd. “And today, just as in President Monroe’s era, our state continues to play an important role leading the rest of the nation. We are the free state of Florida.”

The statue is part of a larger initiative announced last year to place monuments of Founding-era figures in counties that bear their names. State officials say the goal is not simply decorative. Instead, they describe the program as an attempt to strengthen public understanding of early American history while fostering local pride and civic awareness.

Monroe’s own connection to Florida is deeply rooted in diplomacy and geopolitics. During his presidency, the Adams-Onís Treaty of 1819 transferred Florida from Spanish control to the United States, marking a turning point in the region’s history. His broader foreign-policy stance, known as the Monroe Doctrine, also helped establish the young nation’s influence across the Western Hemisphere.

Tourism leaders see the statue project as serving another purpose: drawing visitors to heritage sites across the state. Bryan Griffin, President and CEO of VISIT FLORIDA, highlighted the link between history and travel. “Through this statue series and our ‘all-in’ commitment to America’s 250th, Florida is setting a national precedent for reigniting patriotism and civic life,” said Bryan Griffin, President and CEO of VISIT FLORIDA. “By bringing these founders back into the public square, we are highlighting their contributions and inviting everyone to come celebrate America in Florida.”

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The monument also anchors a newly designated heritage corridor known as the Spottswood Heritage Trail. Named for late Monroe County Sheriff and State Senator John M. Spottswood, the trail reflects his legacy of public service and conservation. The surrounding area includes protected lands, waterways, and historic infrastructure such as the old Flagler Railroad Bridge, adding multiple layers of historical significance to the location.

The unveiling coincided with the final day of a holiday weekend honoring George Washington’s birthday, which Florida recognized as a state holiday in 2026. To encourage participation, officials offered free entry to state lands, including parks and preserves, drawing families and visitors into the celebrations.

State leaders say the Monroe statue is only one step in a long calendar of events planned in the months ahead. Additional programs, educational displays, and community activities will continue to roll out as the 250th anniversary approaches.

For now, the newly installed monument stands quietly against the coastal backdrop, its bronze surface catching the sun. Whether viewed as a history lesson, a civic symbol, or simply another landmark along Florida’s scenic highway, it reflects the state’s effort to connect past and present in a year defined by national remembrance.