ORLANDO, Fla. — Gov. Ron DeSantis has designated John Anderson’s “Seminole Wind” as “Florida’s Anthem,” issuing an executive order that also calls for historical markers in Apopka and the naming of a Lake Apopka wildlife drive and trail system in the singer’s honor.
Executive Order 26-222, issued Tuesday, Oct. 27, recognizes the Apopka native’s contributions to Florida’s cultural heritage.
“I have also directed the Department of State to erect historic markers in the City of Apopka depicting John Anderson’s contribution to Florida’s heritage,” DeSantis said in announcing the order.
Recognition at Lake Apopka
The governor directed the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to work with the St. Johns River Water Management District to designate the wildlife drive and trail system within Lake Apopka North Shore as the “John Anderson Wildlife Drive and Trail System.”
The directive links the local landscape with Anderson’s musical legacy. Released in 1992, “Seminole Wind” reflects on Florida’s natural environment and the changes brought by development, making the Lake Apopka recognition a fitting companion to the anthem designation.
The order directs agencies to carry out the tributes; it does not establish that the historical markers have already been installed or that the naming process is complete.
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Separate from existing state symbols
The executive order’s “Florida’s Anthem” designation does not replace Florida’s statutory state anthem, “Florida, Where the Sawgrass Meets the Sky,” or its state song, “Old Folks at Home.” The order also encourages the Legislature to place the “Seminole Wind” designation into state law.
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