Events surrounding DeSantis/Nuñez inauguration get underway in Tallahassee

by | Jan 7, 2019


Nearly two months after a machine recount of votes determined Ron DeSantis the winner in Florida’s gubernatorial contest, DeSantis is set to be sworn-in as Florida’s 46th governor at approximately noon on Tuesday in Florida’s Capital City. The swearing-in of DeSantis and Lt. Gov.-elect Jeanette Nuñez will cap two days of festivities commemorating the inauguration of Florida’s next governor.

The activities are set to get underway early Monday morning with a breakfast honoring female leaders and will specifically focus on Nuñez who will be the highest-ranking Hispanic woman elected in the history.of Florida.

Later in the morning, DeSantis will attend a luncheon with top lawmakers, which will be followed by an event honoring  the military and law enforcement. He’ll attend a private dinner in Tallahassee on Monday night with his inaugural committee and big donors.

Tuesday begins with a prayer breakfast at Florida A&M University before the swearing-in ceremonies begin at 11 a.m. on the steps of the state’s historic capitol building. After his inauguration, the new governor will make a speech that is expected to to focus on his priorities as governor and efforts to unify the state after a divisive general election that resulted in some bitter exchanges between DeSantis and his Democratic opponent Andrew Gillum over issues such as race and ethics.

“I know there are political divides in our state, but the election is over, and it is time for our state to come together,” DeSantis wrote in an op-ed published in newspapers statewide. “Already I have selected a diverse, bipartisan group of qualified individuals to serve in my administration.”

DeSantis’ former campaign manager, Susie Wiles, told the Tampa Bay Times that his speech will contain much of the same messages that he communicated during the campaign.

“Floridians can expect from Gov.-elect DeSantis’ speech the same sort of policy emphasis we saw in the campaign — that is an emphasis on continuing prosperity in Florida, an enhanced choice for parents in their children’s education, and a relentless attention to improving Florida’s environment,” Wiles said.

DeSantis, a strong conservative  has been busy building his administration since being elected and some of his appointments have raised some eyebrows. He chose Broward County state Rep. Jared Moskowitz, a Democrat, as director of the Florida Department of Emergency Management. He’s also selected some former advisers to former governors Jeb Bush and Charlie Crist, a Republican who later became a Democrat.

The incoming governor doesn’t want to waste any time getting to work in his new job. DeSantis cancelled the traditional inaugural parade and will address legislative leaders on the fourth floor of the state capitol.

The Inaugural Ball will take place Tuesday evening.

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