Floridians Captivated by the Inauguration of Florida’s 46th Governor

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA — On Tuesday, as the U.S. House fought over its new Speaker, Floridians were captivated by the Inauguration of Florida’s 46th Governor. Nearly 5,000 supporters had the chance to witness the governor’s swearing-in ceremony and celebrate his historic win on Tuesday.

“When the world lost its mind – when common sense suddenly became an uncommon virtue – Florida was a refuge of sanity, a citadel of freedom for our fellow Americans and even for people around the world,” said Ron DeSantis just minutes after being sworn in.

The two-day celebration began on Monday evening with dinner at Florida State University, catered by Carbone, a Greenwich Village, New York restaurant that expanded into Florida. Jeff Zalaznick, co-owner of the restaurant’s parent company, discussed the expansion of his business in Florida while other states were locked down during the pandemic.

PRAYED WITH RELIGIOUS LEADERS

The morning of the swearing-in ceremony, pastors and leaders from across Florida – including Father Tim Holeda, Rabbi Yaakov Fisch, and Pastor Darrick McGhee – prayed with the governor in the historic Capitol building. First Lady Casey DeSantis and their son, Mason, were there along with Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez and her husband, Adrian.

As the governor walked out of the old Capitol building with his family, comments immediately popped up on social media comparing Casey DeSantis to Jackie Kennedy as she walked gracefully alongside her husband in a mint green cape dress paired with white gloves.

After the inaugural ceremony, First Lady Casey DeSantis hosted a special toast to 1 Million Mamas at the Governor’s Mansion, along with a tour of the Mansion, to thank supporters who mobilized across the state to help re-elect the 46th Governor of Florida.

“THE FUTURE OF THIS COUNTRY”

Later on Tuesday night, guests – decked out in tuxedos and ball gowns – arrived at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center for the inaugural ball. The event featured a live brass band, party favors, and photo stations.

Florida Rep. Thad Altman called DeSantis a “national figure.” The Florida House Republican said he was looking forward to working on environmental policy and conservation with the governor to “keep Florida a beautiful place to live.”

Bill Diamond of Palm Beach told Insider the food was “very good and very inventive” and raved about the lamb. He called himself a “very big fan” of the governor. Asked what he would think of him running for president, Diamond predicted the governor would win and called him “the future of this country.”

Some social media reactions to the festivities: