Volusia, Flagler legislators react to Gov. Ron DeSantis' speech: 'Inspiring,' 'important'
For all the resplendent rhetorical flourishes in Gov. Ron DeSantis' latest State of the State speech before asking voters to be re-elected, there weren't many surprises.
The governor proclaimed Florida as the "freest state in these United States," and from there, he laid out an agenda very much like the policies he's pushed throughout his term — much of it falling during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Eschewing lockdowns and vaccine mandates, DeSantis emphasized how Florida's freedoms have attracted new residents and businesses, helping deliver the state a $15 billion surplus, putting lawmakers into a position where they can afford a gas-tax holiday, raises for public safety officers and teachers and additional environmental safeguards.
He didn't mention that more than 62,000 Floridians have died from COVID-19, or the billions sent to the state through federal initiatives pushed by Democrats.
In other words, no surprises.
"The governor has been foreshadowing what his State of the State would be as he's toured the state," Rep. Tom Leek, R-Ormond Beach, said in reaction. "I wasn't surprised, but it was inspiring to hear all of it woven together in a single speech."
Other members of the Volusia County delegation texting from Tallahassee seconded Leek's assessment.
- Sen. Tom Wright, R-New Smyrna Beach: "Gov. DeSantis hit on all of the important issues, with a positive response from the legislators. I am proud to serve this governor."
- Sen. Travis Hutson, R-St. Augustine: "The governor has a bold agenda and I look forward to working with him to try and accomplish his priorities."
- Rep. Elizabeth Fetterhoff, R-DeLand: "Gov. DeSantis addressed many issues that are important to all Floridians. I look forward to working with the governor and my fellow legislators to address the needs of Volusia County and the State of Florida. We have a lot of things to accomplish this session and working together we will ensure Florida continues to be the best place to live, work and play in the nation."
A highlight was DeSantis' introduction of his wife, first lady Casey DeSantis, who's been in treatment for breast cancer.
"What I thought was very moving and very compelling was his reference to the first lady and their struggles," Leek said. "On the floor, the emotion was palpable."
The introduction brought the day's longest applause break, which appeared to move the first lady. Leek said his vantage point, the front row, allowed him to see emotion in the governor's face, as well.
In the same vein as one of DeSantis' points of emphasis, embracing public safety workers, Leek said he filed a bill Tuesday aimed at "making Florida the most law-enforcement-friendly state." The bill adds a recruitment bonus payment program and additional benefits, such as scholarships, while also encouraging school districts to establish public safety telecommunications training programs.
'Appalling' or 'all the right notes?'
Back in Volusia County, leaders of both leading political parties reacted, as well.
Jewel Dickson, Volusia County Democratic Party chair, said she read the text of the speech.
"And it is appalling," she said in a text message. "To declare Florida a free state from regulations is nuts. People with sense are more trapped here than in other states. The projection of 80% of Floridians having had COVID is terrible. He seems to think it is a merit badge."
Opposing views:On first day of Florida session, Democrats say DeSantis, Republicans 'running train off the tracks'
Vic Baker, state committeeman for the Volusia County Republican Executive Committee, said DeSantis' speech was "elevated" to the level of a president.
"It's not an ordinary speech," Baker said. "No question in my mind, there is a reason why people call him America's governor. He's setting an example with a track record of success. He's very popular … and he's hitting all the right notes."
Baker said he and his wife both contracted COVID-19 when the delta variant surged last summer, and he was thankful DeSantis emphasized treatment methods, setting up monoclonal antibody clinics.
"It got me back on my feet and kept (my wife) out of the hospital," Baker said.









