- Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis unveiled a statue of Lady Columbia in Lake City on Thursday as Florida continues its commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary and efforts to preserve and honor the people, places and
- Florida’s America250FL program includes statues of Founding Fathers and notable Americans to celebrate the nation’s history and inspire civic understanding.
- During the event, DeSantis also announced nearly $15.6 million in awards to 23 small and rural communities across Florida for infrastructure and community development projects, according to the press
Gov. Ron DeSantis unveiled a statue of Lady Columbia in Lake City on Thursday as Florida continues its commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary and efforts to preserve and honor the people, places and events that shaped the nation.
During the event, DeSantis also announced nearly $15.6 million in awards to 23 small and rural communities across Florida for infrastructure and community development projects, according to the press release sent from the governor’s office.
“I was proud to unveil the latest in a series of statues commemorating America’s 250th anniversary,” said DeSantis in the release. “Today, we honored the history and legacy of Florida’s pioneer spirit by unveiling a statue of Lady Columbia in Lake City, the seat of Columbia County. The Lady Columbia statue stands on a pedestal depicting the Sunshine State’s iconic symbols, landscapes and historic moments. Be sure to stop by next time you are in Lake City.”
Lady Columbia emerged as a personification of America during the 19th century and became a symbol of the nation, liberty and the pioneering spirit. She is perhaps best known from John Gast’s 1872 painting “American Progress” and was a predecessor to Uncle Sam. Her name traces to Christopher Columbus and connects her to some of the earliest chapters of American and Florida history.
According to the release, the statue’s placement in Columbia County reflects the area’s history. American pioneers began settling the region in the 1820s, when it served as a waypoint between Spanish missions in St. Augustine and Tallahassee. In 1832, Florida’s territorial legislature established Columbia County from portions of Alachua and Duval counties.
The county seat was established at Alligator Town, which was renamed Lake City when the railroad arrived in 1859. The railroad helped transform Lake City into a regional hub for timber and agriculture. During World War II, the community became a site for military training, with Lake City Naval Air Station established as a support facility for Naval Air Station Jacksonville.
Today, Lake City remains a regional center in North Florida, surrounded by springs, rivers and forests and home to historic and cultural institutions.
“A timeless beacon of freedom, Lady Columbia represents America’s progress and inspires us with hope,” said Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd in the release. “The pedestal of this monument celebrates our state’s proud heritage, honoring Florida’s unique role in shaping the greater American story. I encourage all Floridians to visit this and the other statues we’ve unveiled as part of America250FL.”
The unveiling continues Florida’s efforts to recognize Americans and historical figures who have shaped the nation and state as part of the America250 commemoration. DeSantis previously announced plans to place statues of Founding Fathers, including Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, James Monroe, Alexander Hamilton, George Washington and James Madison, in counties bearing their names, according to the release.
The state also has unveiled statues honoring President Ronald Reagan, Frederick Douglass, President Calvin Coolidge, Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Jackson.
“Columbia takes her rightful place in Columbia County, the Gateway to Florida, as part of Florida’s statue series honoring America,” said Bryan Griffin, president and CEO of VISIT FLORIDA, in the release. “Florida’s America 250 commemorations continue all year long, and these monuments will remain for generations to come. Come to Florida, bring the family, experience history and join the celebration.”
Nearly $15.6 million awarded to small, rural communities
Alongside the statue unveiling, DeSantis announced nearly $15.6 million in funding through the Small Cities Community Development Block Grant and Community Planning Technical Assistance Grant programs.
The awards will support critical infrastructure, economic development, planning and community resiliency projects in small and rural communities across Florida.
“Florida’s success begins with strong communities,” said Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly in the release. “Under Gov. DeSantis’ leadership, Florida is investing in projects that improve critical infrastructure, strengthen local economies and create new opportunities for Florida families, job seekers and job creators to thrive — getting communities the resources they need to support long-term economic growth and build an even brighter future.”
In Columbia County, the city of Lake City received $211,000 through the Small Cities Community Development Block Grant Program to repave a portion of NW Georgia Avenue from Early Street to Wilson Street. The project is intended to provide a safer roadway and improve access to homes, schools and local services.
Columbia County also received $65,000 through the Community Planning Technical Assistance Grant Program to update its Economic Development Strategic Plan.
Other Small Cities Community Development Block Grant awards in the Mainstreet coverage area include:
- Town of Bronson — $1,383,204: Water distribution, wastewater collection and street paving improvements supporting a Habitat for Humanity subdivision.
- Town of Horseshoe Beach — $3 million: Drainage improvements along State Road 351, an emergency evacuation route.
Community Planning Technical Assistance Grant awards in the Mainstreet coverage area include:
- Bradford County — $75,000: Development of the Keystone Heights Airport Economic Strategic Plan in partnership with the City of Keystone Heights and the Keystone Heights Airport Authority.
- Dixie County — $75,000: Digitization and systematic organization of county records.
- Levy County — $75,000: Development of a Rural Drinking Water Systems Assessment and Resilience Planning Initiative.
- North Florida Economic Development Partnership — $75,000: Development of the organization’s Rural Technical Assistance Center Planning Framework.
- Town of Horseshoe Beach — $75,000: Implementation of Phase II of the town’s Recovery and Resilience Planning efforts.
The Small Cities Community Development Block Grant Program is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and administered by FloridaCommerce. The program provides eligible local governments with funding for infrastructure, housing and economic development activities that principally benefit low- and moderate-income residents.
The Community Planning Technical Assistance Grant Program provides funding to help communities develop strategic plans addressing local economic challenges, meet statutory planning requirements and support community resiliency efforts.
More information about FloridaCommerce grant programs is available at FloridaCommerce.
About America250FL
The Lady Columbia unveiling is one of numerous events taking place across Florida as part of the state’s America250FL celebration. Through educational initiatives, historical exhibits, commemorative events and public monuments, Florida is highlighting its role in the American story and promoting civic understanding among future generations.
More information about Florida’s America250FL commemoration and upcoming events is available at America250FL.com.