TALLAHASSEE, FL — Governor Ron DeSantis announced the dedication of Bobby Bowden-Tallahassee International Airport on Tuesday.
DeSantis also announced the first phase of the Florida Department of Transportation widening and improvement project for State Road 263, known as Capital Circle, from Springhill Road to Orange Avenue will open to drivers a full year ahead of schedule. Construction on the second phase of widening Capital Circle Southwest is accelerated and now underway.
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DeSantis signed Senate Bill 628, officially designating Bobby Bowden-Tallahassee International Airport in Leon County, along with several honorary designations for roads across the state.
"Bobby Bowden-Tallahassee International Airport is now official. Coach Bowden was a college football legend, and it is fitting that we honor his legacy in a way that will be seen by all who travel to and from our capital city," DeSantis said.
State Attorney Ginger Bowden Madden spoke on behalf of her mother and the Bowden family.
"I spoke with my mother this past weekend, and while she is unable to attend the ceremony this afternoon, she asked me to relay her deepest appreciation for this great honor. Daddy spent so many hours in the terminals of the Tallahassee airport over his 46 years in this great city, so it feels appropriate that it now bears his name. On behalf of my mother and the entire Bowden family, I want to thank Governor DeSantis for his leadership and service to the Free State of Florida, and for leading the initiative to honor our father, your Coach Bobby Bowden, in this way," Madden said.
Bobby Bowden rose from humble beginnings in Birmingham, Alabama, to become one of the most iconic figures in college football. He transformed Florida State University into a national powerhouse after being named head coach in 1976.
Over 34 seasons, Bowden led the Florida State Seminoles to two national championships, 12 ACC titles, and an extraordinary era of dominance in the 1990s. This included 14 consecutive top-five finishes and five national championship appearances.
Bowden retired with a 316-97-4 record at FSU and a 377-129-4 record overall. He coached countless All-Americans and future NFL players, leaving a lasting impact through his success on the field, leadership, faith, and mentorship of generations of young men.
Bowden was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2006 and awarded the inaugural Governor’s Medal of Freedom in 2021.
The $63.5 million Capital Circle Southwest Phase One project expanded the road to six lanes for nearly four miles. The project is wrapping up and completing a year ahead of schedule.
Phase Two of the project was previously unfunded for construction. Through the Moving Florida Forward Infrastructure Initiative, the project advanced and is now beginning construction.
The second phase will widen 2.2 miles of the roadway to six lanes with an anticipated completion in mid-2030.
The progress allows residents, businesses, and commuters to benefit from improved connectivity and enhanced safety while reducing the duration of construction impacts along the critical corridor.
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