Reasons why flags in Florida will be flown at half-mast this week under Gov. Ron DeSantis’ directive

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis ordered flags to be flown at half-staff later this week in the wake of a state lawmaker’s death, according to DeSantis’ office.

In a release, state officials said that flags will be flown at half-staff on Thursday, March 13, in honor of the late Sen. Geraldine Thompson.

Thompson, a Democratic lawmaker who represented Orange County in the Florida Legislature for nearly two decades, passed away last month at the age of 76 after winning her seat back in the latest general election.

“Senator Geraldine Thompson was so much more than a dedicated public servant and visionary leader,” a statement from her family reads. “She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose love, wisdom, and compassion shaped their lives and the lives of so many in their community and across the state.”

As a lawmaker, she pushed for subjects like public education and public health. And after a tourist died on an International Drive attraction in 2022, she worked to pass a law that increased safety standards for amusement rides.

Despite coming from different sides of the political aisle, though, DeSantis voiced his intentions on Tuesday to show respect for her legacy.

“To honor Senator Geraldine Thompson, I hereby direct the flags of the United States and the State of Florida to be flown at half-staff at the State Capitol in Tallahassee, Florida and all local and state buildings, installations, and grounds throughout Orange County from sunrise to sunset on Thursday,” DeSantis’ order reads.