Governor-elect Ron DeSantis has a busy Tuesday as he officially becomes installed as Florida’s 46th governor. While some traditional events are slated to take place, one item has been scratched from the inaugural agenda -- the parade.
DeSantis will take part in some other activities. He began his first official day with a prayer breakfast at Florida A & M University. His decision to forgo the traditional parade was made with an eye to getting things under way as governor immediately, to begin his leadership. He told the Associated Press “the pomp and circumstance is fine, but ultimately this is about putting the pedal to the metal."
In lieu of the parade, DeSantis is choosing to address the legislative leadership, intending to highlight what he believes is the need to get to work as soon as possible. But he is not dispatching all ceremony. Following the DeSantis will be ceremonially sworn in on the steps of the Capitol at noon, followed by a speech during which he will address his plans for his first term leading the state.
According to Susie Wiles, head of the DeSantis' transition team, the speech will outline his agenda focus, something that was easily eclipsed in his contentious campaign against Democrat Andrew Gillum. “Floridians can expect from Gov.-elect DeSantis’ speech the same sort of policy emphasis we saw in the campaign,” stated Wiles. “That is an emphasis on continuing prosperity in Florida, an enhanced choice for parents in their children’s education, and a relentless attention to improving Florida’s environment.”
DeSantis will already have been declared governor at midnight. He actually submitted his oath of office weeks before Christmas.
Monday saw a series of events that featured another breakfast held at the Goodwood Museum in Tallahassee paying tribute to the increasing force of women in Tallahassee. Featured at the breakfast was incoming first lady Casey DeSantis and Lt. Gov.-elect Jeanette Nuñez, who holds the highest office ever in the state by a Cuban-American female. Both Nuñez and DeSantis attended a speaking event on Saturday in Little Havana, as part of a “thank-you” tour recognizing enclaves that helped them win the election.
Following the speeches, DeSantis will see the day culminate at 7 p.m. with an inaugural ball at the Donald Tucker Civic Center.
Brad Slager, a Fort Lauderdale freelance writer, wrote this story exclusively for Sunshine State News. He writes on politics and the entertainment industry and his stories appear in such publications as RedState and The Federalist.
