Pensacola: DeSantis’ Waterloo

Governor Ron DeSantis may have finally met his political Waterloo in Northwest Florida. What began as routine appointments to the University of West Florida’s Board of Trustees has ignited unprecedented resistance from the Pensacola community and even members of his own party.

The controversy erupted when DeSantis appointed several out-of-state trustees to UWF’s board, including controversial Boise State professor Scott Yenor, who was subsequently installed as chair in an 8-5 vote. These appointments sparked fears that DeSantis intended to remake UWF in the same manner as New College of Florida, where similar appointments amounted to a hostile takeover of the state’s honor college.

Florida’s Napoleon: The Battle of Waterloo in 1815 marked Napoleon Bonaparte’s final defeat after years of military dominance in Europe. The battle ended his political career and sent him into permanent exile. “Waterloo” has since become synonymous with a decisive, final defeat for a previously successful figure who overreached their power.

For DeSantis, the UWF controversy represents a potential Waterloo moment—the governor’s overreach encounters organized resistance in territory where he should expect support. This political battle may mark a turning point in his governorship and political future.

Community Rises to Defend Their University

The Pensacola community refused to remain silent. The Save UWF movement quickly formed, rallying support for the university and its president, Dr. Martha Saunders. Their persistent advocacy has already shown results—Yenor and Tampa podcaster Gates Garcia have resigned from the board, while another out-of-state appointee, Adam Kissel, was rejected by the Senate Committee on Higher Education.

Legislative Pushback from DeSantis’s Own Party

Perhaps most stunning is the resistance from Pensacola’s Republican lawmakers. Sen. Don Gaetz, who chairs the Senate Committee on Ethics and Elections, has refused to rubber stamp DeSantis’s appointments to the UWF Board of Trustees.

Rep. Michelle Salzman’s bill repealing a 2022 law that shielded university presidential searches from public scrutiny passed the Florida House by an overwhelming 104-8 vote.

When DeSantis criticized Salzman during a media event, accusing her of “going native” in Tallahassee and betraying voters, she stood firm, explaining her bill aimed to restore public trust.

Rep. Alex Andrade has launched an investigation into potential financial irregularities in First Lady Casey DeSantis’s Hope Florida initiative, questioning a $10 million settlement directed to the program that might violate state law. Even within the Hope Florida Foundation, board member Stephanie White from Pensacola has demanded greater financial transparency.

Gubernatorial Overreach Challenged

The convergence of these challenges shows DeSantis misjudged Northwest Florida’s independent spirit. For a governor accustomed to deference from Republican lawmakers, this rebellion in friendly territory represents an unprecedented challenge.

The battle for UWF has evolved into something far more significant: a test case for the limits of gubernatorial power and the resilience of local communities determined to protect their institutions from becoming pawns in ideological struggles.

Just as Waterloo proved Napoleon’s final overreach, Pensacola may mark when DeSantis’s political ambitions encounter their most effective opposition yet.

2 thoughts on “Pensacola: DeSantis’ Waterloo”

What a great story for you to tell!!
Nancy

Indeed misjudged Pensacola’s independent spirit! Who would have thought something like this would have united both parties to some degree? Education should be a platform to unite whether it is elementary or higher education- this is where we all need to come together for the sake of our community and the growth we want to see.

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Pensacola: DeSantis’ Waterloo

Community Rises to Defend Their University

Legislative Pushback from DeSantis’s Own Party

Gubernatorial Overreach Challenged

2 thoughts on “Pensacola: DeSantis’ Waterloo”

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