Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis unveiled a new statue of Thomas Jefferson as part of Florida’s America250FL campaign to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States.

“As part of the celebration, the Governor unveiled a new statue of Thomas Jefferson in Jefferson County—honoring the principal author of the Declaration of Independence and one of America’s most influential founding fathers,” a press release read.

“While others are tearing statues of our founding fathers down, Florida is putting them up,” DeSantis said.

“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,” he added.

“@GovRonDeSantis kicked off Florida’s celebration of America’s 250th anniversary with the unveiling of a Thomas Jefferson statue at the Jefferson County Courthouse. The governor plans to honor the Founding Fathers in various ways throughout the year,” Fox News wrote.

Check it out:

.@GovRonDeSantis kicked off Florida’s celebration of America’s 250th anniversary with the unveiling of a Thomas Jefferson statue at the Jefferson County Courthouse. The governor plans to honor the Founding Fathers in various ways throughout the year. pic.twitter.com/jNWyYgxsCL

— Fox News (@FoxNews) July 2, 2025

Cont. from the press release:

The event marked the second in a series of statue unveilings planned across Florida counties named for America’s founders. Statues will also be installed in Washington, Franklin, Hamilton, Madison, and Monroe Counties over the next year. Many other events and celebrations are planned and will ramp up across Florida all year in celebration of next year’s semiquincentennial.

Governor DeSantis underscored 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. The Governor also emphasized Jefferson’s commitment to religious freedom, civic virtue, and education—principles that continue to shape Florida’s approach to civic instruction.

Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, Florida has made historic investments in civic education to ensure students understand and appreciate the nation’s founding principles.

Here’s a closer look at the statue:

🚨 BREAKING: Thomas Jefferson is officially UP in Jefferson County, Florida.

This is part of Florida's 250th America celebration!

Located in front of the Jefferson County Courthouse in Monticello.

This statue will be PROTECTED in Florida. Liberals won't dare vandalize.

🔥🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/ZU7HR9Naxc

— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) July 2, 2025

Florida Politics noted:

Earlier this year, DeSantis showed off a George Washington statue on loan from Mount Vernon that was put in the state Capitol. DeSantis said Wednesday that the state got permission from Mount Vernon to make a replica so that Washington could have a permanent home in Tallahassee.

As usual, the conservative Governor known for being confrontational took digs at California and New York during his remarks.

“I can only imagine what New York City will do if this guy gets elected Mayor, I can tell you that,” DeSantis said of mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani while discussing how other states are celebrating the country’s 250th anniversary.

“I don’t know what they’re going to do, but I know we are going to do. … We’re proud of the heritage of this country. We’re proud of the ideas we’re founded upon. We are still trying to fully live up to those in what we do all across the country, but it’s a great, great standard to strive for.”

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