Governor Ron DeSantis is proposing a $25 million investment to repair Miami’s Freedom Tower, a historic building where Cuban refugees would be taken for assistance after fleeing the communist regime.
DeSantis announced the proposal on Monday on the day of a planned opposition protest march in Cuba. The Governor noted that the proposal to refurbish the 96-year-old tower will be considered during the upcoming 2022 Legislative Session, and will be included in his legislative budget recommendation.
“I am proud to announce that in my upcoming legislative budget recommendations, we will be proposing a $25 million investment in the Freedom Tower to preserve this monument for future generations,” said DeSantis. “After the Communist Regime took over in Cuba, hundreds of thousands of people fled and came to Florida to have a chance at freedom – now it is our responsibility to carry on that legacy. We will continue to make sure the Freedom Tower remains one of the premier symbols of freedom and liberty in our nation. This investment is even more important today, when as a nation we have the opportunity to join the cause of the people who are fighting for freedom on the island of Cuba. While Florida continues to stand for democracy on the island, so far, we have seen almost no support whatsoever from the Biden Administration. As we propose more funding for the Freedom Tower today, I once again call on President Biden to step up to the plate and help the people of Cuba who are risking their lives to fight the dictatorship.”
DeSantis noted that the funding will go towards urgent structural repairs, as well as conserving and restoring architectural components. The investment will also make the historic building more accessible for people with disabilities, as well as install museum-quality climate control and security systems to safeguard the Cuban American history stored there
The Freedom Tower has nearly 3,000 pieces of art and artifacts on display across 30,000 square feet of museum-quality space and a total of 87,000 square feet. While the building has been restored and maintained by the previous owners and Miami Dade College, this infusion of capital through the Deferred Building Maintenance Program will allow the College to quicken its time horizon for repairs.
“It truly is an honor to join Governor DeSantis as we propose $25 million to restore the Freedom Tower – an iconic building that is the embodiment of the American Dream,” said Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez, who joined DeSantis for today’s announcement “Many Americans who call Florida home are united in preserving history. Let us join the rallying cries of the freedom seeking people of Cuba demanding their God-given rights. Governor DeSantis and I will always stand on the side of libertad.
It was an honor to join @GovRonDeSantis as we proposed $25M to restore the Freedom Tower, an iconic building that is the epitome of the American Dream. Many who call Florida home are united in preserving history. Our administration will always stand on the side of libertad. #15N pic.twitter.com/WJZB58YoIJ
— Jeanette Nuñez (@LtGovNunez) November 15, 2021