ICYMI: Governor Ron DeSantis Unveils Lady Columbia Statue in Columbia County, Announces Nearly $15.6 Million for Florida’s Small and Rural Counties

ICYMI: Governor Ron DeSantis Unveils Lady Columbia Statue in Columbia County, Announces Nearly $15.6 Million for Florida's Small and Rural Counties

LAKE CITY, FLA. -

Today, Governor Ron DeSantis unveiled a statue of Lady Columbia in Lake City as Florida continues its commemoration of America's 250th anniversary and builds on its efforts to preserve and honor the people and events that shaped the nation. The governor also announced nearly $15.6 million in awards to 23 small and rural communities across the state to support critical infrastructure and community development projects.

"I was proud to unveil the latest in a series of statues commemorating America's 250th anniversary," said Governor Ron DeSantis. "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."

"A timeless beacon of freedom, Lady Columbia represents America's progress and inspires us with hope," said Secretary of State Cord Byrd. "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."

"Florida's success begins with strong communities," said Secretary of Commerce, J. Alex Kelly. "Under Governor DeSantis' leadership, Florida's 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."

"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. "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."

Lady Columbia emerged as a personification of America in 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 back to Christopher Columbus and connects her to the earliest chapters of American and Florida history.

The statue's placement in Columbia County is fitting. American pioneers began settling the area in the 1820s, when it served as a waypoint between the 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 Lake City grow 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 at the heart of North Florida, surrounded by the region's springs, rivers and forests and home to important historic and cultural institutions.

The unveiling continues Florida's efforts to recognize Americans and historical figures who have shaped the nation and state during the America250 commemoration. Last year, Governor DeSantis 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. The state has also unveiled statues honoring figures including President Ronald Reagan, Frederick Douglass, President Calvin Coolidge, Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Jackson.

Alongside the statue unveiling, Governor DeSantis announced nearly $15.6 million in funding for 23 small and rural communities through the Small Cities Community Development Block Grant and Community Planning Technical Assistance Grant programs. The awards will support critical infrastructure investments and community development projects across rural Florida.

In Columbia County, the City of Lake City was awarded $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 will provide a safer roadway and improve access to homes, schools and local services. Columbia County was also awarded $65,000 through the Community Planning Technical Assistance Grant Program to update the county's Economic Development Strategic Plan.

The following communities will also receive an award through the Small Cities Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program:

• City of Avon Park ($2,150,159) - To improve the sanitary sewer lift station and for sewer line replacement.
• City of Coleman ($3,000,000) - To improve the existing water supply and treatment facility.
• Hamilton County ($2,770,555) - To provide roadway access improvements supporting a manufacturing site.
• Hardee County ($1,864,000) - To install a sanitary sewer lift station and gravity sewer lines connecting to the Wauchula Hills Wastewater Treatment Facility.
• Town of Bronson ($1,383,204) - To construct water distribution, wastewater collection and street paving improvements supporting a Habitat for Humanity subdivision.
• Town of Horseshoe Beach ($3,000,000) - To complete drainage improvements along State Road 351, an emergency evacuation route.

The following communities will also receive an award through Community Planning Technical Assistance (CPTA) Grant Program:

• Bradford County ($75,000) - to develop the Keystone Heights Airport Economic Strategic Plan in partnership with the City of Keystone Heights and the Keystone Heights Airport Authority.
• Central Florida Regional Planning Council ($75,000) - to develop the Heartland 2070 Regional Vision.
• City of Everglades ($66,035) - to update the City's Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Code.
• City of Green Cove Springs ($75,000) - to create a citywide Parks and Recreation Master Plan.
• City of LaBelle ($60,000) - to update the City's Land Development Code by modernizing zoning districts, updating allowable uses and streamlining development procedures.
• City of Perry ($86,825) - to complete Gram's Legacy Industrial Site Pre-Development Survey and Environmental Documentation Project.
• Dixie County ($75,000) - to support the digitization and systematic organization of the County's records.
• Hardee County ($48,000) - to update the County's Transportation Concurrency Management System.
• Hendry County ($40,000) - to prepare a Land Use Study and Community Plan.
• Highlands County ($50,000) - to update the County's Strategic Plan and conduct market research for the Tourist Development Council.
• Jefferson County ($65,000) - to develop the Jefferson County Community and Economic Resilience Implementation Plan.
• Levy County ($75,000) - to develop a Rural Drinking Water Systems Assessment and Resilience Planning Initiative.
• North Florida Economic Development Partnership ($75,000) - to support the development of the North Florida Economic Development Partnership's Rural Technical Assistance Center Planning Framework.
• Putnam County ($65,000) - to support the County's Economic Development Implementation Plan.
• Town of Havana ($75,000) - to develop a digital planning infrastructure and modernize the Town's future Land Use Map and Land Development Regulations.
• Town of Horseshoe Beach ($75,000) - to implement Phase II of the Town's Recovery and Resilience Planning efforts.

The Lady Columbia statue and the community investments announced today reflect Florida's commitment to preserving the state's history while ensuring that communities across Florida have the infrastructure and resources needed to succeed.

About FloridaCommerce Grant Funding

The Small Cities Community Development Block Grant Program, funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and administered by FloridaCommerce, provides funding to eligible local governments 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 support communities in creating strategic plans to address local economic challenges, meet statutory planning requirements and assist in community resiliency efforts.

For more information about the Community Planning Technical Assistance (CPTA) Grant Program and the Florida Small Cities Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program, visit www.FloridaJobs.org.

About America 250 Florida

The unveiling is one of many events taking place across Florida as part of the state's America250FL celebration. Through educational initiatives, historical exhibits, commemorative events, and public monuments, Florida continues to highlight its role in the American story and promote civic understanding among future generations.

For more information about Florida's America250FL commemoration and upcoming events, visit America250FL.com.

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