Governor Ron DeSantis Unveils Thomas Jefferson Statue in Jefferson County as Part of Florida’s America250 Celebration
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MONTICELLO, Fla. ~ MONTICELLO, Fla. - Governor Ron DeSantis has officially launched Florida's America250FL campaign today, commemorating the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. The Governor unveiled a new statue of Thomas Jefferson in Jefferson County as part of the celebration, honoring the principal author of the Declaration of Independence and one of America's most influential founding fathers.

During the unveiling ceremony, Governor DeSantis stated, "While others are tearing statues of our founding fathers down, Florida is putting them up. 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."

This event marks the second in a series of statue unveilings planned across Florida counties named after America's founders. Statues will also be installed in Washington, Franklin, Hamilton, Madison, and Monroe Counties over the next year. Additionally, many other events and celebrations are planned throughout Florida to ramp up excitement for next year's semiquincentennial.

Governor DeSantis highlighted Thomas Jefferson's legacy as the "Father of the Declaration of Independence," whose words provided moral clarity and philosophical weight to America's pursuit of liberty. He also emphasized Jefferson's commitment to religious freedom, civic virtue, and education - principles that continue to shape Florida's approach to civic instruction.

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Under Governor DeSantis' leadership, Florida has made historic investments in civic education to ensure students understand and appreciate the nation's founding principles. In 2021, he signed legislation establishing the Civics Literacy Excellence Initiative - a $129 million program that supports expanding civics curriculum at all grade levels and created the Civics Seal of Excellence Endorsement for Florida teachers.

To date, over 21,000 teachers have participated in this program with an additional 3,700 on a waitlist. The state has awarded over $59 million in teacher stipends to recognize their commitment to fostering civic literacy. In a recent budget signing, Governor DeSantis also allocated an additional $7.4 million to further expand civic literacy and debate programs across the state in Florida's Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget.

The Governor also announced the launch of America250FL.com, Florida's official hub for the yearlong commemoration. The website offers Floridians opportunities to learn about Florida's role in American history, plan visits to historic sites across the state, and share their own family's contributions to Florida's and America's history.

For more information about Florida's America250 celebration, visit America250FL.com.

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