A historic winter storm order issued by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis unexpectedly references the Gulf of Mexico's new name.
According to Fox News, DeSantis used the term "Gulf of America" in Executive Order 25-13, released shortly after President Donald Trump announced plans to formally rename the Gulf of Mexico.
The winter weather emergency declaration came in response to an unprecedented meteorological system spanning 1,500 miles, bringing rainy and blizzard conditions to the Gulf Coast region. This rare weather event is expected to affect multiple states along the Interstate 10 corridor, prompting swift action from state authorities.
The winter storm's projected impact has raised significant concerns among weather experts and government officials. While the expected snow accumulation ranges from one to five inches, these amounts could prove challenging for a region more accustomed to handling tropical storms than winter weather events.
FOX Weather forecasters emphasize that despite seemingly modest snow totals by northern standards, the impact could be paralyzing for affected areas. The storm system's reach extends across Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida, states typically unprepared for winter weather conditions.
DeSantis's executive order outlines comprehensive measures for state and local authorities to address the incoming winter weather threat. The timing of the order's release proved particularly noteworthy, as it coincided with Trump's broader initiative to rename prominent geographical features.
Trump's executive order, titled "Restoring Names That Honor American Greatness," specifically addresses the Gulf's renaming in Section 4. The president's order states:
Whereas, an area formerly known as the Gulf of Mexico... an integral asset to our once burgeoning nation ...and an indelible part of America.
The order directs the Interior Department to implement the name change within 30 days. The newly designated Gulf of America spans more than 1,000 miles, encompassing coastline from South Padre Island, Texas, to the Florida Keys.
This geographic renaming initiative follows a different pattern from the previous administration's changes. While Trump's predecessor focused on military base renamings that removed Confederate references, Trump's approach emphasizes what he describes as promoting American heritage and honoring patriotic contributions.
Florida's stake in this renaming carries particular significance due to its extensive Gulf shoreline. The state boasts 775 miles of Gulf coastline, stretching from the FloraBama Lounge on Perdido Key to the iconic Southernmost Point marker in Key West.
The federal order represents a significant departure from recent naming conventions. It notably contrasts with other recent geographic name changes, such as Trump's controversial decision to revert Alaska's Denali back to Mount McKinley, a move that received criticism from fellow Republicans.
This comprehensive renaming initiative affects various federal agencies and departments, requiring updates to maps, documents, and official communications. When approached for comment about the use of the new name in the winter storm order, representatives for DeSantis declined to provide additional information.
The coinciding events of DeSantis's winter storm order and Trump's geographic renaming initiative mark a significant shift in how American landmarks are designated. The winter weather emergency response incorporates the Gulf's new name while addressing immediate concerns about adverse weather conditions affecting the southeastern United States. As the Interior Department proceeds with implementing the name change over the next 30 days, the region faces both immediate weather-related challenges and the broader implications of this geographic rebranding effort.