Desantis Inauguration 2023
What is it like to attend an Inauguration….one word…Marvelous! Last week Tuesday January 3rd 2023 I drove from South Florida to our State Capitol as a witness to history. I was invited to attend the Inauguration Ceremony of Florida Governor Ron Desantis. Regardless of opinion or experience, this is mine. When I received the initial invitation excitement shot through me like a bolt of lightning. I have been working for this moment for the past 2 years from fundraisers, to speaking events and was lucky to be in the audience on that auspicious election night. Tallahassee naturally is different. I arrived the night before, the air was crisp and it was a bright sunny day. I don’t get to the Capitol very often so I set out on a walk to play tourist and get the lay of the land. It was well worth it. There was a palpable feeling of excitement in the air. The city was abuzz with celebratory preparation. The stage was set at the Capitol building and workers were changing the street names in recognition of the day. Ron DeSantis Way, Jeanette Nunez Way, Ashley Moody Street, Jimmy Patronis Street, Wilton Simpson Street & Paul Renner Way. When I arrived for the Swearing In Ceremony I was greeted by a sea of happy volunteers to assist guide me through the security process and was directed to my seat. The Army band beautifully played patriotic hymns. Then came the arrivals and the announcements as each dignitary including Jeb Bush arrived on the stage. When the Governor debuted he was accompanied by his family to a cheering crowd elated to be there in person to see him sworn in for a 2nd term. As a native Floridian we are blessed to have such a great team to lead our state. After the ceremony (watch the full replay below) there was a 21 gun salute. I can still smell the smoke in the air.
The Governor’s Inaugural Ball. Every young girl dreams of going to the Ball. We live in an age of athleisure with the biggest event of the season being a Gala. This my friends was not the event of the season or year but the event of the decade and it was indeed a ball. The logo was on souvenir pillows and napkins and cups oh my. Every floral arrangement included our state flower and most importantly our own Florida citrus. The fashion was better than fashion weeks and the revelers were dressed to the nines. But no one, and I mean no one was more glamorous that day than our own First Lady Casey Desanstis. An elegant vision in gold and perfect first mate to our Top Gov! The couple hit the stage to “Sweet Florida” by the Van Zant brothers. There was food and drink as far as the eye could see. Antipasto appetizers, lamb, chicken waffles. The desert table was an absolute smorgasbord of cannolis, tarts, fruit and sugary goodness. The band was fantastic playing all the greatest hits and including a full brass ensemble. The dance floor was rocking and at one point there was a conga line including the brass ensemble! At midnight my stagecoach turned into a pumpkin and I was returned to being a Penny Pinching Patriot. I am forever grateful for the experience and blessed to have America’s Governor Ron Desantis as my own. Thank you for fighting for us everyday and keeping this the “Free State of Florida”!