FLORIDA – Drivers had mixed reactions Wednesday to the new welcome signs at the Florida state line.
Calling the Sunshine State “The Free State of Florida” became popular with Gov. Ron DeSantis during the COVID-19 lockdowns.
News4JAX spoke with some drivers about the new state signs, which were updated from “Welcome to Florida” to “Welcome to the Free State of Florida.”
“I think the politics need to stay out of it,” a driver said. “Just say ‘Welcome to Florida.’”
A Georgia resident questioned the meaning of the sign.
“I think that’s very interesting,” De’Aira Brown said. “It’s a little concerning, because free from what?”
One driver didn’t want to comment on the sign.
“No comment, Free State of Florida, no comment,” the driver said.
Another driver said they felt they’d been in a free state for a long time.
Florida Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nunez made a post on X (formerly Twitter) with a bullseye emoji to imply the subtle politics at play.
This 🎯 pic.twitter.com/oaKXK7GB3a
— Jeanette Nuñez (@LtGovNunez) July 8, 2024
There is a divide that one might expect from drivers.
Lance Cooper was traveling from New Jersey and plans to move to Florida. He said the sign was excellent.
“I’m from the non-free state of New Jersey,” Cooper said. “I support that wholeheartedly.”
Florida resident Liz Dykes was listening to what Cooper said and she gave a different opinion.
“OK, but we do have a lot of restrictive measures in Florida,” Dykes said. “Teaching children actual history, for instance, allowing people to express their gender identity. They’re not free to do that.”
While it might only be a road sign, it’s also a sign of the times that can spur political discussion, even during a drive on the interstate.