MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — People living in Manatee County will soon be able to take a stroll through Ron DeSantis Park.
County commissioners voted six-to-one on Tuesday to name a brand new park near Kinnan Elementary School, located north of Tallevast Road and west of Prospect Road, after Florida's governor.
"The governor appreciates the kind recognition of the Manatee County Commission for his work on behalf of Floridians," Bryan Griffin, deputy press secretary for the governor's office, wrote in a statement. "We look forward to being back in Manatee soon."
The commissioners cited DeSantis' work to distribute the COVID-19 vaccine and his response to the Piney Point wastewater crisis as reasons for their decision.
Back in March, Manatee County began asking residents for suggestions on what to name the $2.6 million future park. At the time, the county said the park will feature amenities like:
- The first dog park in the district, complete with separate large and small dog play areas, shade structures and doggy water fountains
- Pickleball courts with slip-resistant surfaces
- A fitness trail
- Preserved natural wetlands
- ADA-accessible parking
- An open-activity lawn area
- Restrooms
DeSantis was recently named one of Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential People of 2022.
Former Florida governor and presidential candidate Jeb Bush wrote the magazine's entry on DeSantis in which he praised the governor for allowing "individuals to determine their own risk tolerance" in regard to COVID-19.
Bush also said Florida is a "national model of personal freedom," and has continued to see economic growth, education "excellence," and environmental protection during the pandemic.