Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday unveiled a statue of Benjamin Franklin in Franklin County and announced that the state will include events in all 67 counties as part of its America250 observances leading up to the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence.

The unveiling took place in Apalachicola on Sept. 17 — Constitution Day — where DeSantis said Florida is “leaning in” on the America250 commemoration. “So we're here today, September 17, which just happens to be Constitution Day,” DeSantis said. “When Franklin walked out of that convention, he was asked, did you give us a republic or a monarchy? And he said, 'A republic if you can keep it.'”

The statue dedication brought together the governor, Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, Secretary of State Cord Byrd and Visit Florida President and CEO Brian Griffin. Secretary Byrd, who chairs the state’s America250 advisory commission, said the commission plans county-level events next year and will work to “educate our children about America250 and the events and the people that have made our country great.”

DeSantis used his remarks to reiterate education and civic goals the state has pursued. He described a 50-hour teacher course on civics — available beyond history and civics teachers — that the state has promoted and said about 21,000 teachers have completed the training. “We got some of the best scholars from the country to do [the course],” he said, noting the course carries a $3,000 bonus for participating teachers. DeSantis also said the state has distributed about $60 million to teachers who completed the program.

Byrd said the Franklin statue dedication is part of broader state work to honor founding figures and engage residents in civic education. “In dedicating the statue, we not only recognize Benjamin Franklin's greatness, but the greatness of the nation he helped to build,” Byrd said. He thanked county officials, the Florida Department of Transportation and the Museum of Florida History’s design and fabrication shop for help mounting the statue.

Brian Griffin of Visit Florida described the statue as a reminder for future generations and said the agency will promote America250 events and historic sites across Florida to boost tourism tied to the anniversary. “Florida is the number 1 tourist destination in America, and we're proud of that,” Griffin said, adding the state will provide driving-tour maps and materials via America250FL.com.

The ceremony was largely ceremonial and celebratory; officials did not propose new legislation or take a formal vote. DeSantis and other speakers tied the Franklin dedication to a broader push for civics education and public programming, and they previewed additional statues and namesakes planned for other counties as part of the America250 effort.

Officials said the Franklin statue was placed with logistical support from the Florida Department of Transportation and local county coordinators. Secretary Byrd said the state commission will run family-friendly, patriotic and educational events across the state in 2026. DeSantis and Byrd also urged local schools to use the statue and programs in civic instruction for students.