DeSantis Renames Florida Airport After Trump

0:00It's March 31st. This is Dallas News today, local news powered by AI. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis just signed a bill renaming Palm Beach International Airport after President Donald J. Trump. The new name, President Donald J. Trump International Airport, kicks in on July 1st under House Bill 919. This spot sees about 8.6 million passengers a year. The law also blocks local governments from messing with names at big spots, like Orlando, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, Southwest Florida, and Jacksonville Airports. It needs okay from the Federal Aviation Administration plus a deal with the Trump Organization. Lawmakers set aside $2.75 million in the Senate budget for signs, consultants, gear, marketing, and uniforms. Half of what was asked for. This comes after DeSantis and Trump beefed over the 2024 Republican nomination, but now it looks like they're patching things up.

1:00Supporters say it's right to honor Trump as the first Florida resident elected president, the 45th and now 47th. Backers like Senator Debbie Mayfield called it an honor on the Senate floor, while Senator Jonathan Martin pointed out the perfect timing to celebrate his service. We don't know yet when the FAA will greenlight it or when rebranding starts and the full cost could hit higher. Still, it's a big nod to Trump amid other state honors like road names.