Gov. Ron DeSantis announced that Florida will recognize President George Washington's birthday (Presidents' Day) as a state holiday as part of "America 250" during a news conference in Vero Beach this week. America 250 culminates with the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.
"Our state offices will be closed, our state employees will be able to have the day off, which I know they're not going to complain about, and we're going to have a series of events that weekend that is going to help celebrate the birthday of George Washington," DeSantis said.
Presidents' Day, officially "Washington's Birthday," is a federal holiday on the third Monday in February. This year, Presidents' Day is Feb. 16.
Washington's Birthday was first established in 1879.
George Washington was a Founding Father and the first president of the United States from 1789 to 1797. He was also the commander of the Continental Army against the British Empire during the Revolutionary War, which led to America's founding on July 4, 1776.
Gov. Ron DeSantis also announced several other events to celebrate "America 250," including a partnership with NASCAR to sponsor the America 250 Florida Duel at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona on Feb. 12. The race will serve as a qualifying race for the 2026 Daytona 500, one of NASCAR's premier events.
Fresh from "Florida 250," a race for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, will also take place on Feb. 13 at Daytona International Speedway as part of the celebration. Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson is sponsoring the event.
In addition, Gov. DeSantis announced all fees will be waived for admission to state-owned public lands, including public parks, wildlife management areas, water management lands, and Department of State Historic properties, as part of America 250.
The governor also announced that the state will offer a special 14th Colony flag on the 14th hole at Florida's historic golf courses. DeSantis quipped Florida was the "14th colony" of the United States.
DeSantis also announced an essay contest on "America 250" for Florida students. Applicants will have a chance to receive one of 14 Florida Prepaid scholarships to help with their education at any state college or university.
DeSantis has participated in several events in anticipation of "America 250," including unveiling a statue of Benjamin Franklin on the 238th anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Constitution last September.
"It matters. It's just the right thing to do," DeSantis said on the importance of "America 250." But it matters even more because when they [Founding Fathers] went out on this journey to launch this experiment 250 years ago, that they did so knowing that they were bucking the tide of history."
