DeSantis rallies supporters and riles foes with ‘Don’t Tread on Florida’ gator

Gov. Ron DeSantis is using a new slogan to fire up his supporters — a “Don’t Tread on Florida” sign featuring the state’s signature reptile.

DeSantis’ supporters waved yellow signs modeled after the Gadsden flag, a Revolutionary War-era banner that has become popular with conservative groups. Instead of a coiled rattlesnake, DeSantis’ version has an alligator.

The governor unveiled the sign during an event Thursday calling for a special legislative session to address COVID-19 vaccine mandates in the workplace.

A graphic designer on the governor’s communications team made the sign, said Christina Pushaw, a DeSantis spokesperson.

DeSantis has been aggressively branding himself as a counterpoint to President Joe Biden. In June, DeSantis sparked controversy when his campaign website offered drink koozies for sale ridiculing mask wearing and Dr. Anthony Fauci, the White House’s COVID-19 adviser.

One koozie read, “Don’t Fauci My Florida,” while another asked, “How the hell am I going to be able to drink a beer with a mask on?”

Other gear for sale on DeSantis’ campaign website features the slogan, “Keep Florida Free.”

Painting himself as a defender of freedom against an overreaching federal government is a safe bet politically, said Aubrey Jewett, a political scientist at the University of Central Florida.

“Who can be against freedom?” Jewett asked. “Campaign 101 strategy is come up with a catchy slogan or short phrase that generically most people like. It’s probably as good as the next one.”

Florida Senate Democrats fired back that a special session on vaccine mandates could lead to measures “denying businesses the freedom to decide the best protocols” for combating COVID-19.

DeSantis wants to ban

COVID-19 vaccine mandates for government employees and strip liability protections from private businesses that impose them.

DeSantis’ stance puts him at odds with one of Florida’s most iconic brands — Walt Disney Co., which mandated the shot for its employees.

Joshua Scacco, a University of South Florida political scientist who studies

campaign messaging, said DeSantis is undermining the

COVID-19 vaccine by providing a platform to skeptics.

“He is prioritizing politics over public health,” Scacco said. DeSantis let a city of Gainesville employee falsely claim that the COVID-19 vaccine “alters your RNA” at one of his events. At Thursday’s event, DeSantis’ new surgeon general. Dr. Joseph Ladapo, questioned the safety and effectiveness of vaccines, rather than encouraged the public to get inoculated.