DeSantis names late songwriter's 1992 track as Florida's second state anthem

Gov. Ron DeSantis signed an executive order on Tuesday naming a 1992 song as a new official anthem of Florida. The decree designates “Seminole Wind” as the selected track, adding it to the state’s official musical repertoire.

DeSantis announced the decision via his account on X. He confirmed the designation and outlined steps to honor the songwriter’s legacy within the state. The order identifies John Anderson, a native of Apopka, as the creator of the song.

Anderson grew up in Florida and graduated from Apopka High School in 1972, according to the executive order. He later moved to Nashville, Tennessee, where he built a career in the music industry. The order lists “Swingin,” “Wild and Blue,” and “Black Sheep” among his notable works.

The announcement followed Anderson’s death last week. He passed away days after attending the Country Music Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Nashville.

Beyond the anthem designation, the order directs the Florida Secretary of State to install historic markers in the City of Apopka. These markers will depict Anderson’s contribution to the state’s cultural heritage. DeSantis also tasked the Florida Department of Environmental Protection with collaborating with the St. Johns River Water Management District. Their goal is to designate the wildlife drive and trail system at Lake Apopka North Shore as the John Anderson Wildlife Drive and Trail System.

Florida already has an official state anthem, “Florida, Where Sawgrass Meets the Sky,” which lawmakers approved in 2008. That song was written by Jan Hinton, a music teacher from Pompano Beach. The new executive order serves as the legal basis for the additional anthem and the commemorative projects in Apopka.