State to waive park fees for a week, give employees Presidents Day off, Gov. DeSantis says

State employees are getting an extra paid day off and state parks will waive admission fees for several days next month, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced in honor of America’s 250th birthday.

“I’m proud Florida is leading the effort at the state level to celebrate America 250,” DeSantis said at a Vero Beach press conference.

Presidents Day, which honors Washington’s birthday, is a federal holiday. But this year, Feb. 16 will be an official state holiday, prompting state offices to close, DeSantis said.

“Our state employees will be able to have the day off, which I know they’re not going to complain about,” DeSantis said.

As part of the bigger festivities, the state of Florida is partnering with NASCAR to sponsor the America 250 Florida Duel at the Daytona International Speedway.

The Feb. 12, 150-mile qualifying race will establish the starting positions for this year’s Daytona 500.

“It’s going to be an exciting race,” DeSantis said.

In addition, people can visit state-owned public lands — including state parks, wildlife management areas and Department of State historical properties — for free from Feb. 12 to 16.

“We want people to be out there,” DeSantis said.

The state is also holding an essay content on America’s 250th for Florida students.

The 14 winners get a Florida prepaid college scholarship to help with their future schooling, DeSantis said, adding that contest details will be forthcoming.

Secretary of State Cord Byrd said the festivities this year are meant to reflect on the principles enshrined in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.

“This isn’t just a history lesson,” Byrd said. “This is why these principles are relevant to each and every one of us today and why in the free state of Florida we’re fighting for these things.”

Byrd added gas stations, airports and Florida welcome centers are playing promotional videos on America 250 and putting up displays.

The state has been unraveling statutes of the Founding Fathers in state counties named after them.