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January 17, 2023Governor Ron DeSantis was inaugurated to his second term as Florida's 46th governor on January 3. FCCB staff joined with faith leaders from around the state to pray for Governor DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis, Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez and Mr. Adrian Nuñez, their families, staff and other elected officials before the inauguration event. Fr. Tim Holeda, rector at the Co-Cathedral of St Thomas More, was invited to offer a prayer.
DeSantis' inaugural address highlighted the value of freedom and liberty in the Sunshine State. The governor went on to enumerate some of his administration's priorities over the past four years, from economic growth in business formation and tourism, disaster response following hurricane Michael and Ian, to empowering greater parental involvement in education. "Florida must always be a great place to raise a family – we will enact more family-friendly policies to make it easier to raise children and we will defend our children against those who seek to rob them of their innocence," said DeSantis.
The governor also expressed his support for law enforcement, conserving Florida's natural resources, and the need for tax breaks in the face of inflation.
In closing, DeSantis encouraged all Floridians to continue defending their rights and liberties. "We embrace our founding creed that our rights are not granted by the courtesy of the State, but are endowed by the hand of the Almighty."
Sworn into office along with Governor DeSantis and Lieutenant Governor Nuñez were Secretary of Agriculture Wilton Simpson, Attorney General Ashley Moody, and Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis.
Read the full text of the governor's speech.
