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DeSantis Renames Tallahassee Airport After Bobby Bowden Honor

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Tallahassee, Florida — Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Tuesday that Tallahassee International Airport will be dedicated as Bobby Bowden-Tallahassee International Airport, honoring the longtime Florida State coach who led the Seminoles from 1976 through 2009. The announcement came during a bill-signing event that also included commemorative road namings enacted by the Legislature. The renaming formalizes a series of recognitions: Bowden coached more than 300 games and won two national championships; his Doak Campbell Stadium field was named in 2004 and he received the Governor's Medal of Freedom in 2021. DeSantis and family members offered statements Tuesday, and the signed bill also designates a Dickey Betts Memorial Highway and other roadway names.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.

Timeline of Events

1976–2009: Bobby Bowden serves as Florida State head coach, winning 300+ games and two national championships.
2004: The field at Doak Campbell Stadium was named for Bobby Bowden.
2021: Bowden was awarded the Governor's Medal of Freedom as the inaugural recipient.
April 18, 2024: Musician Dickey Betts died.
Earlier in 2024 and this week: Florida Legislature passed SB 628 and Gov. DeSantis signed the bill renaming the airport and multiple road sections.

News Intelligence

This renaming honors a local legend who shaped Florida State football. It's a reminder of the impact sports figures can have on a community. If you're a Seminoles fan, you might want to snap a photo next time you're at the airport.