NAPLES, Fla. ~ Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis unveiled a statue of Christopher Columbus in Naples as part of the state's America250 celebrations, according to a news release.

DeSantis said the monument recognizes Columbus's role in exploration and the history of Florida. "In the Free State of Florida, Christopher Columbus is a hero. End of story," he said.

Michele Mistò, Italy's consul general in Miami, said the unveiling also recognized Italian-American Heritage Month and the contributions of Italian nationals in Florida. VISIT FLORIDA President and CEO Bryan Griffin said the statue would serve as a reminder of the exploration associated with the state's history.

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Columbus's first transatlantic voyage began in 1492, sponsored by Spain's King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella. He reached the Caribbean aboard the Niña, Pinta and Santa María. His later voyages helped spur further European exploration of the Americas, including expeditions by Juan Ponce de León, Hernando de Soto and Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, who founded St. Augustine in 1565.

The release described the Naples monument as a landmark connecting Southwest Florida to the broader history of exploration. It also noted that Naples shares its name with the Italian city.

The unveiling is part of DeSantis' America250 initiative to commemorate figures in U.S. history. The governor announced a plan in February 2025 to install statues of the Founding Fathers, and the initiative has since expanded to include other historical figures, according to the release.

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