DeSantis starts first day in office at FAMU prayer breakfast

FAMU President Larry Robinson addresses the Lawson Center audience Tuesday morning at a prayer breakfast for Gov.-elect Ron DeSantis.
Photo Submitted by Cyandra Younger.

FAMU President Larry Robinson was more than happy to play host to Governor-elect Ron DeSantis Tuesday morning before the Republican was sworn in on the steps of the historic Capitol.

“I am honored that we are still holding the tradition of having the inaugural prayer breakfast, here at Florida A&M University,” Robinson said. “Thank you friends, family, and colleagues for joining us today. This will be a special event.”

The inaugural prayer breakfast for Desantis, titled “Working Together in Faith: Inaugural Prayer Breakfast,” got underway at 8 a.m. at the Lawson Center.

Robinson and DeSantis were joined on stage by new Tallahassee Mayor John Dailey, state Rep. Randy Fine, U.S. Rep. Al Lawson, pastors, faith leaders and others.

“I pray we have great leadership in this term,”  said Mel Ponder, a Republican and former mayor of Destin, “such as Solomon asking God for an understanding mind to judge your people.”

The breakfast began with the FAMU Gospel Choir followed by Robinson. He spoke about all the recent accomplishments by FAMU and FAMU alumni, such as the Marching 100 in the Rose Parade and a FAMU alum, G. Scott Uzzell, named CEO at Converse.  

“I am a woman of strong faith,” says Jeanette Nunez, who will be the first Hispanic lieutenant governor. Nunez, the highest-ranking Hispanic woman in Florida history,  spoke about her kick-off for the inauguration festivities. Nunez joined incoming First Lady Casey Desantis, at the Capitol on Monday to speak about how woman will be a big part in the new administration.   Nunez has felt as though previous lieutenant governors have generally taken a back seat, but Nunez said she plans to be more hands on.

Desantis said he did not want to have the inauguration parade because he and his wife would like to baptize their 9-month-old son Mason, later that afternoon. He added that his son would be baptized from the Sea of Galilee, at the Governor's Mansion.

DeSantis also said he would like to start “getting down to business”.

DeSantis’ vision and plan for his term is “bold vision for a brighter future.”

The swearing-in ceremony began at 11 a.m. after the prayer breakfast. Those being sworn into office includes Desantis, Nunez, Attorney General- elect Ashley Moody, Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis and Agriculture Commissioner-elect Nikki Fried.

The days was scheduled to conclude with Florida’s 46th Governor’s Inaugural Ball, starting at 8 p.m. at the Tucker Civic Center.