Gov. DeSantis Unveils James Monroe Statue at Bahia Honda on President's Day

Gov. Ron DeSantis unveiled a statue of President James Monroe at the west end of the Bahia Honda Bridge on Scout Key, adjacent to Bahia Honda State Park, on President’s Day, Feb. 16, 2026, placing the monument along the newly designated Spottswood Heritage Trail as part of Florida’s America 250 observance. The governor’s office said the installation honors Monroe, the county’s namesake, and advances the state’s civic education and historical preservation priorities.

DeSantis delivered remarks at the ceremony and the governor’s office quoted him: “In recognition of his contributions to our country, I was proud to unveil the statue of President James Monroe near Bahia Honda State Park in Monroe County today.” Monroe County Mayor Michelle Lincoln stood beside DeSantis and, in remarks carried by the Key West Chamber, said, “Monroe County is proud to receive a little part of 1776 history in the Florida Keys.” A photo published with local coverage credits KEVIN SMITH/KEYS CITIZEN and lists, left to right, Commissioner Craig Cates, Mayor Michelle Lincoln, DeSantis, Commissioner Holly Raschein and County Administrator Christine Hurley.

Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd attended and was quoted by the governor’s office noting the state’s historical emphasis: “Every mile of coastline and acre of our beautiful landscape serves as a monument to President James Monroe who saw the potential of Florida. And today, just as in President Monroe’s era, our state continues to play an important role leading the rest of the nation. We are the free state of Florida.” Visit Florida president and CEO Bryan Griffin was also reported among attendees by local coverage.

The statue is one element of a statewide initiative tied to America 250 Florida that, the governor’s office said, places statues of founders and early leaders in counties named after them to promote civic education and historical awareness. Flgov materials framed the project as part of broader state priorities, saying the Monroe statue “also reflects Florida’s broader commitment to civic education, historical preservation, and American heritage, as the state continues to lead nationally in civics instruction, education freedom, and higher education excellence.”

Local and historical context was emphasized at the unveiling. Coverage noted Monroe County is named for James Monroe, who served from 1817 to 1825 as the fifth U.S. president and is best known for the Monroe Doctrine, which DeSantis described in local reporting as establishing the U.S. as the “guardian of the hemisphere.” Local outlets and the Key West Chamber linked Monroe’s administration to the 1819 Adams-Onís Treaty, saying that transfer of Florida from Spain to the United States was a defining moment that ultimately led to the creation of Monroe County.

Video coverage of the ceremony appeared on Forbes Breaking News’ YouTube channel on Feb. 17, 2026; a partial transcript carried by that video quoted DeSantis as saying, “Over the last few years, we've seen a trend of bad faith, politically motivated demonstrators attempting to tear history down. But in Florida, we lead by putting statues up. We don't equivocate America, we…” Local weekly coverage reported that following the unveiling DeSantis traveled to Marathon and stopped at Grassy Key’s S.S. Wreck and Galley Grill to film an episode of his web series “Diners, Drive-Ins & DeSantis.”

The statue’s precise placement was described variously as adjacent to the historic Flagler Railroad Bridge and the Coupon Bight Aquatic Preserve, on the side of the Overseas Highway by the old Bahia Honda Bridge, and on the west end of the Bahia Honda Bridge on Scout Key; the governor’s office and local organizations identified the site as part of the Spottswood Heritage Trail named for the late Sheriff and State Senator John M. Spottswood. Flgov noted the unveiling was “part of the ongoing statewide commemoration of America’s 250th birthday and the state celebration of George Washington’s Birthday, which the governor recognized as a state holiday in 2026.”