SARASOTA, FL — In a move that underscores the enduring impact of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, the New College of Florida has announced it will commission a statue in his honor, with plans to unveil the monument by the end of 2025. The tribute comes just days after Kirk was tragically assassinated during a campus event at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025—a moment that has galvanized supporters and reignited national conversations about free speech, political violence, and the role of universities in civic life.
The statue, which will be privately funded by community leaders and donors, is designed to reflect Kirk’s signature style of engagement. A rendering released by the college shows Kirk seated at a table with a microphone, evoking the format of his Turning Point USA campus events, where he invited students of all political backgrounds to engage in open dialogue. “Charlie Kirk knew that universities are ground zero for free speech and the marketplace of ideas,” said New College President Richard Corcoran. “His life and tragic death remind us all that a nation cannot survive if it abandons these rights.”
The announcement has sparked both praise and debate, with many students and faculty expressing pride in the college’s decision to honor Kirk’s legacy, while others have raised concerns about the political implications of such a memorial. Nonetheless, the college has stood firm, positioning the statue as a symbol of its commitment to civil discourse and First Amendment protections.
Beyond the campus, tributes to Kirk are gaining momentum across Florida. In Melbourne, Mayor Paul Alfrey has proposed renaming a stretch of Cypress Avenue to “Charlie Kirk Lane,” citing Kirk’s influence and the symbolic importance of preserving his legacy in public spaces. The proposal was sparked in part by a local controversy, after a nearby business owner posted a disparaging remark about Kirk online. “Kirk will not be forgotten in Melbourne,” Alfrey declared.
In Lake County, Commissioner Anthony Sabatini has announced plans to introduce a motion to name a major road in his district after Kirk. The proposed location lies in the Four Corners area, a suburban region outside Orlando known for its proximity to Florida’s theme parks. “We’re hoping other communities around the country also stand up to honor this great national leader of my generation,” Sabatini said.
These efforts reflect a broader wave of memorialization following Kirk’s death. Vigils have been held across the country, from Kissimmee to Ormond Beach, drawing thousands of mourners and sparking renewed calls to protect free speech on college campuses. Conservative leaders have praised Kirk as a fearless advocate for open debate, while critics have questioned the politicization of his legacy.
Still, the momentum behind these tributes suggests that Kirk’s influence will continue to shape public discourse long after his passing. As plans for the statue and road naming move forward, supporters say they are not just honoring a man—they are defending a principle.
The statue’s location on campus is expected to be announced in the coming months, and both road proposals will be reviewed by local commissions later this fall. Whether in bronze or on street signs, Charlie Kirk’s name is poised to become a lasting fixture in Florida’s civic landscape.
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