Florida leaders reacted to the death of former Cuban leader Fidel Castro early Saturday morning.
Raul Castro made the announcement his brother had died on Cuban television on Saturday. He was 90 years old. Few details other than his death were available at the time of the announcement, but the former Cuban ruler's health had declined in recent years.
Fidel Castro sat at the helm of the Cuban government for years, holding onto power longer than any other living national leader except Queen Elizabeth II.
Many Cubans fled to Florida and the U.S. during Castro’s reign. Now, they represent the third largest Hispanic group nationwide, with the majority living in Florida.
Florida has the highest population of Cuban-Americans in the country, with 1.5 million living in the state as of 2015.
Here’s how Florida politicians reacted to the news:
President-Elect Donald Trump:
"Today, the world marks the passing of a brutal dictator who oppressed his own people for nearly six decades. Fidel Castro’s legacy is one of firing squads, theft, unimaginable suffering, poverty and the denial of fundamental human rights.
"While Cuba remains a totalitarian island, it is my hope that today marks a move away from the horrors endured for too long, and toward a future in which the wonderful Cuban people finally live in the freedom they so richly deserve.
"Though the tragedies, deaths and pain caused by Fidel Castro cannot be erased, our administration will do all it can to ensure the Cuban people can finally begin their journey toward prosperity and liberty. I join the many Cuban Americans who supported me so greatly in the presidential campaign, including the Brigade 2506 Veterans Association that endorsed me, with the hope of one day soon seeing a free Cuba."
U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio:
"Fidel Castro seized power promising to bring freedom and prosperity to Cuba, but his communist regime turned it into an impoverished island prison. Over six decades, millions of Cubans were forced to flee their own country, and those accused of opposing the regime were routinely jailed and even killed.
Sadly, Fidel Castro's death does not mean freedom for the Cuban people or justice for the democratic activists, religious leaders, and political opponents he and his brother have jailed and persecuted. The dictator has died, but the dictatorship has not. And one thing is clear, history will not absolve Fidel Castro; it will remember him as an evil, murderous dictator who inflicted misery and suffering on his own people.
The future of Cuba ultimately remains in the hands of the Cuban people, and now more than ever Congress and the new administration must stand with them against their brutal rules and support their sturggle for freedom and basic human rights."
U.S. Sen Bill Nelson:
"Now that Fidel Castro is gone, the U.S. should continue to press hard against his brother Raul and continue to take steps to support the Cuban people until he provides basic rights and freedoms to all the people of Cuba. In the meantime, the new Trump administration should continue the policy of opening travel and communication with Cuba."
Gov. Rick Scott:
“I join Cuban-Americans and Floridians across the country who are incredibly hopeful for the future of Cuba. After decades of oppression, the Cuban people deserve freedom, peace and democracy. I have met so many Cubans who have come to Florida to flee the tyranny, brutality, and communism of the Castro brothers’ oppressive regime and now is the time to look at policy changes that will demand democracy in Cuba. Today’s news should usher in an era of freedom, peace and human dignity for everyone in Cuba and the State of Florida stands ready to assist in that mission. I spoke to President-elect Trump this morning to let him know that the State of Florida will help his administration in any way to support a pro-democracy movement in Cuba.”
Lieutenant Gov. Carlos Lopez-Cantera:
"Has it finally come? FIDEL IS DEAD! I pray this is beginning of a free and democratic Cuba. Wish my Abuelo & Abuela were alive to see this."
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam:
"Florida is richer for all the families who arrived after Fidel took all they had. More to be done. Cuba libre!"
U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen:
“The day that the people, both inside the island and out, have waited for has arrived: A tyrant is dead and a new beginning can dawn on the last remaining communist bastion of the Western hemisphere. The message is now very clear to those who think they will continue to misrule Cuba through oppression and fear. Enough is enough. The Cuban people have been shortchanged for too long to continue down this reviled path.
Those who still rule Cuba with an iron grip may attempt to delay the island’s liberation, but they cannot stop it. Castro’s successors cannot hide and must not be allowed to hide beneath cosmetic changes that will only lengthen the malaise of the Cuban nation. No regime, no matter who leads it, will have a shred of legitimacy if it has not been chosen by the people of Cuba in free and fair elections.
Fidel’s apologists around the world can help to restore freedom and human rights for Cuba by joining the call for the new regime to free the hundreds of freedom fighters and pro-democracy activists still locked in Castro’s prisons.
Not until the gulags are closed, elections are held, political prisoners are freed and liberty is restored can the United States lawfully end its embargo against the communist regime in Havana. The time to act is now.
We must seize the moment and help write a new chapter in the history of Cuba; that of a Cuba that is free, democratic, and prosperous. A Cuba where faith in God has prevailed over tyranny, a Cuba whose people rose up to meet the challenges placed before them and overcame them through sheer patriotism and love of country.”
U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor:
“Cuban families and small business owners are eager to accelerate economic and human rights reforms and America must continue to support them, especially Tampa Bay area community leaders who have been at the forefront of progress and change.
“With the election of Donald Trump, hardliners opposed to diplomatic relations and engagement with everyday Cubans have urged an end to new flights, travel, and cooperative efforts. Slamming the door shut at this point in time would be disastrous. Instead, Fidel Castro's death should encourage all of us to meet the challenge of better diplomatic relations, economic opportunities for Cubans and Americans, expanded travel, and support for the dignity of the Cuban people.”
U.S. Rep. Carlos Curbelo:
“The passing of the dictator marks the end of a long, horrifying chapter in Cuba's history. The Cuban people need our solidarity.”
U.S. Rep. Gwen Graham:
"Growing up in Miami, I saw firsthand how Fidel Castro's control of Cuba tore apart families and destroyed lives in both our countries. Castro will forever be remembered as a failed tyrant who neglected human rights and brought more than 50 years of poverty to Cuba. Fidel and his followers are relics of the previous century. I pray that with Fidel Castro's passing, we double our nation's resolve to see Cuba libre, a free nation and free people at last."
U.S. Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart:
"Today, a tyrant is dead. Although his totalitarian dictatorship deeply scarred a once prosperous nation, his death ushers in a renewed hope that the Cuban people finally will be free. Now we must work even harder toward achieving liberty, basic rights, and free, multi-party elections for the Cuban people.
The dictator has the blood of innocents on his hands, and his dictatorship is guilty of torture, murder and numerous other atrocities. As an evil dictator finally faces his Creator, the malevolent Castro dictatorship continues. Shamefully, President Obama has spent the past eight years attempting to cede important leverage to the ailing Castro regime. Despite President Obama's collaboration and betrayal of America's longstanding mission to promote freedom, the American people continue their strong solidarity with the Cuban people in their struggle for free elections, human rights, and liberty."
Republican Party of Florida Chair and State Rep. Blaise Ingoglia:
“The death of Cuban dictator Fidel Castro should be the beginning of the end to an era of relentless oppression on the lives of families inside and outside the island. Unfortunately, this does not close the door on tyranny; it just reminds us of the brutal dictatorship Castro had over his very own people. As Americans, we stand for a Cuba who will no longer struggle for human rights, free-elections or true liberty. We anxiously look ahead towards the future of a free Cuba that embraces democratic ideals!”
State Rep. Jose Felix Diaz:
"Tonight we close a dark chapter in the history of Cuba - a day after Thanksgiving - we give thanks and pray for a free Cuba."
State Rep. Manny Diaz, Jr.
"The death of the despot dictator and thug Fidel Castro marks the end of an era, you will see an emotional response 56 years in the making."
Miami Mayor Carlos Gimenez:
Early this morning, I learned of Fidel Castro's death. His passing closes a very painful chapter for Cubans on the island and Cuban-Americans throughout the world, including for thousands of Miami-Dade County residents who were personally affected by his cruel and brutal dictatorship. Despite this historic moment however, we know that Fidel's brother Raul continues to lead one of the world's most repressive governments. My hope is that a free and democratic Cuba with the same freedoms we treasure here in the United States will soon emerge. It is what the Cuban people deserve.
Miami-Dade County does not currently have plans to activate its Emergency Operations Center. I ask that all our residents who choose to demonstrate do so peacefully.
May God bless the people of Cuba, Miami-Dade County and the United States of America."
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
