Florida Democrat Refuses to Lower Flag to Half Mast on Gov.’s Order

The American political world lost an icon last week, and the tributes are pouring in from around the nation.

Rush Limbaugh was a pioneer in the genre of talk radio, having presented a conservative viewpoint on a national platform for decades running.  He was, at times, a shocking participant in the political process, but for every controversy he endured, Limbaugh conjured several other, more earnest moments of clarity.

Florida Governor Rick DeSantis was so moved by Rush that he declared his intent to lower the state’s American flags to half-mast in order to honor the late radio host, who died last week after a year-long battle with lung cancer.

Not everyone in the Sunshine State was on board, however.

Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried (D) announced Monday that she will request state offices under her direction to ignore Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ (R) order to lower flags to half-staff in honor of the late radio talk host icon, Rush Limbaugh.

“Lowering to half-staff the flag of the United States of America is a sacred honor that pays respect to fallen heroes and patriots. It is not a partisan political tool,” Fried said in a statement obtained by WFLA. “Therefore, I will notify all state offices under my direction to disregard the Governor’s forthcoming order to lower flags for Mr. Limbaugh – because we will not celebrate hate speech, bigotry, and division. Lowering the flag should always reflect unity, not division, and raising our standards, not lowering them. Our flags will remain flying high to celebrate the American values of diversity, inclusion, and respect for all.”

As of this writing, no end-of-life memorials or ceremonies have been announced for Limbaugh.