NAACP Issues Florida Travel Advisory, Confirming What Many Already Knew

Over the weekend, the NAACP's board of directors issued a formal travel advisory against the entire state of Florida, which it called a "direct response to Governor Ron DeSantis' aggressive attempts to erase Black history and to restrict diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in Florida schools."

Florida's chapter of the NAACP voted back in March to ask the national board to issue the advisory. The advisory goes on to say, "Florida is openly hostile toward African Americans, people of color and LGBTQ+ individuals. Before traveling to Florida, please understand that the state of Florida devalues and marginalizes the contributions of, and the challenges faced by African Americans and other communities of color."

The warning is timed just as DeSantis is set to announce his run for president this week. The governor had already commented on the advisory, calling it a "joke" and saying in March, "it’s a pure stunt. And fine, if you want to waste your time on a stunt, that’s fine. But I’m not wasting my time on your stunts. I’m going to make sure that we’re getting things done here.”

Related: Florida Governor Trying to Erase Black History Endorses Asian-American Studies

One person who's not on board with the governor's take: Tampa's openly gay Mayor Jane Castor, who said her city is welcoming everyone with open arms.

Castor tweeted, "I can absolutely assure anyone and everyone considering a visit or move to Tampa that they will be welcomed with open arms. Diversity and inclusion are central to what makes Tampa one of America's greatest and friendliest cities. That will never change, regardless of what happens in Tallahassee."