DeSantis unveils James Monroe statue on Spanish Harbor Key as part of America250 commemoration
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Summary
Governor DeSantis and state officials unveiled a James Monroe statue on Spanish Harbor Key, describing it as part of Florida's America250 statue series and Spotswood Heritage Trail; Department of State and Visit Florida officials framed the work as civic education and tourist promotion.
Governor DeSantis presided over the unveiling of a statue of President James Monroe on Spanish Harbor Key in Monroe County, presenting the installation as part of Florida's America250 semi‑quincentennial program and a newly named Spotswood Heritage Trail.
DeSantis said the statue, loaned from Mount Vernon and placed near remnants of Henry Flagler's railroad bridge, honors Monroe's role in securing Florida for the United States and in shaping early American foreign policy. "We're proud to honor him today," DeSantis said, tying the dedication to the state's America250 events and a broader push to promote civic education.
Cord Byrd, Florida secretary of state, thanked Monroe County officials and the artist, Austin Weischel, who transported the statue from Colorado. Byrd said the Department of State is recording and touring veterans' stories and coordinating America250 events across the state. "We are the free state of Florida," Byrd said, urging residents to engage with the commemoration.
Brian Griffin, CEO of VISIT Florida, described the unveiling as both a tribute and a tourism opportunity, encouraging visitors to follow driving tours and the america250fl.com hub for events. Organizers said the statue will be part of the Spotswood Heritage Trail, named for the late sheriff and state senator John M. Spottswood.
The event included introductions of local officials — DeSantis named Cord Byrd, Brian Griffin and Monroe County Mayor Michelle Lincoln — and brief remarks about the statue series that has placed founders' figures in multiple counties. Officials portrayed the series as part of an effort to connect civic history, education programs, and tourism promotion.
The ceremony concluded with gratitude to the artist and local partners; officials encouraged residents and visitors to use state resources to locate America250 programming and historic sites.
The next procedural step for the installation is site signage and local interpretation work identified by state and county staff.
