VERO BEACH, Fla. – Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis held an America 250 news conference Friday morning in Vero Beach, announcing Washington’s Birthday would be recognized as a state holiday in 2026 on top of the federally-recognized Presidents’ Day.
“We are going to, this year for America 250, recognize Washington’s birthday not just federally, but as a state holiday. So, 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. “First, we’re partnering with NASCAR to sponsor the America 250 Florida Duel at Daytona (...) this will complement the Fresh from Florida 250."
It was one of several announcements that day from DeSantis, who went on to say that all fees will be waived from Feb. 12 to 16 for admission to state-owned public lands, the 14th hole at Florida Historic Golf Trail courses will be offered a “14th Colony” flag — a nod to levity, as DeSantis has joked that Florida should have been considered the 14th British Colony in 1776 given its historical significance even back then — and information was forthcoming for an America 250 student essay contest with 14 Florida Prepaid scholarships up for grabs.
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DeSantis was joined at The Heritage Center by Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd, Visit Florida president and CEO Bryan Griffin and others.
Watch the news conference again in the video player below or by clicking here:
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