TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - Governor Ron DeSantis and his cabinet took their oath of office Tuesday, making the November election victories official.
Floridians packed the Florida Historic Capital to watch the 46th Governor Ron DeSantis take the oath of of office along with his new cabinet: Lieutenant Governor Jeannette Nunez, Attorney General Ashley Moody, Chief Finance Officer Jimmy Patronis, and Commissioner of Agriculture Nikki Fried.
"It's crazy because I never dreamed I'd be sitting in Monroe Street at the busiest intersection in Tallahassee right in front of the capitol to watch the inauguration of Ron DeSantis. This is kinda cool," said spectator Bill Beck.
Beck arrived at 7:00 a.m. to camp out and wait to see Governor DeSantis during his big moment.
"This is the first one I wanted to go to. I feel like I've got to be here to support him," said Beck.
Members of the Floridians Against Fracking Coalition stood alongside Beck in that same intersection asking DeSantis to remember his campaign promises to implement a ban on fracking his first day on the job.
"We're here to let Governor DeSantis know that promises won't protect our clean water. Only action will," said Michelle Allen, member of Floridians Against Fracking Coalition.
A promise DeSantis made yet again in his address.
"If our environment is threatened, I will move to protect it," said DeSantis.
Also touching on his promises throughout the campaign for educational reform.
"One size does not fit all. No family should be denied the opportunity to succeed due to insufficient income or living in the wrong zip code," said DeSantis. "And this extends to every Floridian regardless of race, creed, or color."
While DeSantis drew applause after most statements and even a few standing ovations, there were those who voiced their opposition.
Protesters were vocal before the ceremony, chanting "fired up and we won't take it anymore."
"Now it falls upon me to build upon the foundation that has been laid," said DeSantis. "To navigate the challenges, economic, environmental, constitutional that lies ahead and to steer Florida towards to a stronger, cleaner, and safer future."
DeSantis also opted not to host the Inaugural Parade, instead choosing to use that time to have his son baptized at the Governor's Mansion.
