KISSIMMEE -- Governor Ron DeSantis heard cheers from the audience as he closed a conference of conservative activists in Kissimmee Saturday night.
DeSantis received applause with a group that had been a tough crowd for former Vice President Mike Pence, who was heckled and called "traitor" at the Faith and Freedom Coalition's "Road to Majority" event.
During his keynote speech, DeSantis celebrated a judge's ruling that took the teeth out of Centers for Disease Control cruise rules in Florida, issued Friday in Tampa. He touted his determination to reopen the state as quickly as possible.
"Ultimately, Florida chose freedom over Fauci-ism, and we are better for it," the governor said to cheers.
He also spoke about his victories in the legislature, including bans on trans athletes in women's sports and critical race theory in schools.
"I can tell you in the state of Florida, I'll be holding the line, I'll be standing my ground, I won't back down, and I have only begun to fight."
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