Columbus statue unveiled at Knights hall in Naples

A statue of Christopher Columbus was unveiled at the Knights of Columbus Council 4357 hall in Naples on Oct. 12, 2026. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis led the ceremony.

The State of Florida provided the statue to the Knights as part of an America 250 outreach program celebrating figures who contributed to Western civilization. Private donors funded the statue. During the event, Governor DeSantis stated that Columbus possessed an adventurous spirit that helped form the foundation of the United States.

The ceremony included Father Casey Jones, pastor of St. Elizabeth Seton Parish, who offered the opening prayer. Knights of Columbus representatives Scott O’Connor, Supreme Director, and Mike Gizewski, State Deputy, presented a letter of thanks to the governor. Other attendees included Grand Knight Selem Lake and members of the Knights Color Corps and Knights of Bikes.