Today, we unveiled the new statue of Juan Ponce de León in the Florida State Capitol; a conquistador whose arrival began the written history of Florida in 1513 and left the name “La Florida” as a legacy for our state. Florida’s story began long before it became a state—and even before the founding of the United States. It is a history that dates back more than five centuries and has played a role in shaping the country we know today.

As we celebrate the 253rd anniversary of America’s founding, Florida is leading the way by preserving and honoring its history. While some destroy monuments and diminish the significance of our legacy, we honor the men and women who helped shape our civilization, and we teach future generations to be proud of our state’s unique role in the history of America.

- Ran Descentis