Liberty County welcomes replica Liberty Bell as part of Florida's America 250 celebration

Officials unveiled a replica of the Philadelphia Liberty Bell at Liberty High School and used the event to promote Florida’s America 250 program, scholarships and civic-education initiatives.

The governor removed a tarp to reveal the bell and framed it as a teaching tool tied to both the Declaration of Independence and the 1787 constitutional debates. He described America 250 activity statewide: statues commissioned in several counties, a Washington statue on loan from Mount Vernon placed at the state capital, and ceremonial events leading into July 4.

Cord Bird, Florida’s secretary of state, described the bell’s history in Florida since 1950 and urged residents to use the America 250 resources. "Proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof," he quoted from Leviticus, noting the inscription on the bell and encouraging reflection during the holiday.

Brian Griffin, president and CEO of Visit Florida, pledged to include each of Florida’s 31 rural counties in state marketing every year, described a docu-series and the America250FL road trip with two 18-wheelers of exhibits, and encouraged visitors to see the Florida pavilion on the National Mall.

Officials highlighted education and civic programs tied to America 250: the speech-and-debate scholarship awards (first place $50,000; second $25,000; third and fourth $15,000 and $10,000 respectively), a "civic seal of excellence" teacher bonus of $3,000 tied to a 50-hour course, and free admission at state parks from July 3–5 as part of the celebration. The event organizers gave the state workforce the Friday and Monday around the holiday as paid days off for the celebration.

Ending: The bell will remain part of local America 250 events and organizers said additional statue unveilings and related programming will continue after July 4; attendees were directed to america250fl.com for schedules and exhibits.